Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly have delivered a pointed response to critics who dismissed Arsenal as perennial underachievers, following the Gunners' confirmation as Premier League champions on Tuesday evening. The north London club ended a 22-year wait for the title when Manchester City failed to defeat Bournemouth, triggering celebrations throughout the squad and fanbase after three consecutive seasons of finishing as runners-up.
In a social media video, Lewis-Skelly held a bottle of champagne and directly addressed the "bottlers" narrative that has dogged Mikel Arteta's side throughout their recent title bids. "They called us bottlers, and now we're holding the bottles!" the midfielder declared, turning the mockery back on those who questioned the squad's ability to deliver under pressure. The comment carried extra weight given that vendors outside the Etihad Stadium had previously sold Arsenal-branded water bottles as a taunting reference to the club's perceived inability to finish the job.
Breaking Two Decades of Drought
Saka reinforced the message with his own Instagram post, reflecting on the magnitude of ending the drought that stretched back to the Invincibles season of 2003-04. "Let me tell you something, 22 years, they were laughing and joking, they're not laughing anymore, look, it's going to be shining," the England winger said. His words captured the relief felt across the entire organization after Arsenal had endured relentless scrutiny for domestic cup exits and late-season stumbles in recent campaigns.
The celebrations at London Colney training ground reflected Arsenal's transformation from serial runners-up to champions. Legendary figure Ian Wright led chants outside the Emirates Stadium as thousands of supporters gathered to mark the historic achievement. Arsenal will officially receive their winners' medals on Sunday, when they conclude their league campaign at Crystal Palace and lift the iconic Premier League trophy in front of their travelling support.
With the domestic title secured, Arsenal now shift focus toward a potential historic double. Arteta's side will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30, offering the opportunity to cap an exceptional season with European silverware. The narrative of Arsenal as underachievers has finally been rewritten on English football's biggest stage.
