Arsenal claimed their first Premier League title since 2004 with a composed win at Crystal Palace, celebrating in front of owner Stan Kroenke on a rare matchday visit.
Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke secured the victory, with Mikel Arteta’s side collecting the trophy at a sun-drenched Selhurst Park after the final whistle.
Max Dowman made history by becoming the youngest player ever to start a Premier League match, taking to the field at just 16 years and 144 days old.
The teenager completed his final GCSE exams on Friday and could not attend training before lining up in what proved to be a landmark occasion for the club.
Jesus opened the scoring after Dowman played a clever flick to release Gabriel Martinelli, who then found the Brazilian striker to finish and break the deadlock.
Kai Havertz, introduced at half-time, made an immediate contribution by laying off a cushioned header for Madueke to convert Arsenal’s 19th Premier League goal from a corner kick.
Crystal Palace offered some late resistance, with Jean-Philippe Mateta pulling one back and Yéremy Pino seeing a late effort ruled out for offside by the officials.
Palace’s attention now turns to Wednesday’s Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, though manager Oliver Glasner completed a lap of honour in his final home match in charge.
Concerns mounted for Palace when midfielder Adam Wharton limped off during the second half, casting doubt over his availability for the European showpiece in Germany midweek.
Arsenal welcomed back Mikel Merino for the first time since January after a foot injury that left him reliant on a mobility scooter for two months during his recovery.
Arteta also handed Christian Nørgaard his first league start of the season and deployed Martín Zubimendi at right back, a selection that raised eyebrows given next weekend’s Champions League final.
Jurriën Timber’s fitness remains a concern ahead of that Budapest showpiece against Paris Saint-Germain, who also carry doubts over right back Achraf Hakimi’s availability.
Eberechi Eze received a warm reception from both sets of supporters when introduced as a substitute against his former club, though Dean Henderson denied him a goal late on.
Palace had flagged concerns during the week, revealing more than 35,000 bots attempted to purchase tickets in home sections, asking supporters to report any Arsenal fans in the wrong areas.
A small number of Arsenal supporters wearing hi-vis jackets entered the home sections before being removed by security, though the occasion passed off without any significant incident.
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