Off the heels of the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Gunners fans took over Islington for the bus parade, celebrating an incredible season with the club having won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
It didn’t stop the players, staff, and the fans from hailing a massive achievement for the club, and it was a crowning moment in Mikel Arteta’s reign.
Though the game against PSG resulted in a narrow loss on penalties, it showed how far the club has come since the Spaniard took charge, competing with Europe’s elite just as Arsenal fans were promised when the Emirates move happened all those years ago.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring with a superb solo effort and gave Arsenal a lead to hang on to, and other than Ousmane Dembélé’s penalty, PSG, who have been the best team in Europe this season, had very little in clear-cut chances.
It showed that Arsenal can fight against the best, but it also showed the steps they still have to take.
Better build up from the back, more control in midfield and greater firepower up top would all have made a difference, and leaves the transfer team with lots to think about heading into the summer, and a clear example of a team that has gotten it very right with back-to-back Champions Leagues.
It was cruel on Gabriel missing the final penalty. It was unusual to see a centre half step up to take the crucial spot kick, and perhaps a testament to his character that he did, but that’s a situation to avoid next time around.
And there will be a next time if this side keeps building.
The blueprint is there, the league title significant, and now clear ambitions to win the biggest trophies next season.