Sam Tompkins ran through the streets of Paris screaming on Tuesday evening, a moment of pure celebration that would have been unthinkable just hours before. Arsenal had finally done it—after a 22-year wait, they were Premier League champions, sealed when Manchester City drew with Bournemouth. Tompkins wasn't at the Emirates to witness it; he was on holiday with his partner, trying to enjoy a nice dinner when a text from a mate changed everything. "At first I was like 'what does that mean?'" he recalled to BBC Sport, before realizing that Bournemouth were winning and City's hopes were slipping away. By full-time, he and his partner were watching together, and then came that burst of joy through the Parisian streets.
For Arsenal fans, the timing of this title win feels almost theatrical. Next weekend, the club will chase something even greater—a Champions League final against Paris St-Germain, the competition's ultimate prize. It's a moment that seemed impossible just a season or two ago, yet here it is: a genuine shot at a historic double. Tompkins allows himself to dream. "The title is in the bag and we have Budapest to look forward to," he said, referencing the Champions League final location. "Now we can sit back and see what happens to Spurs on Sunday. What a month it would be if everything comes off."
The path to this title revealed something crucial about Arsenal's character. Tompkins pinpointed the turning moment early in the season: a trip to Newcastle where Gabriel scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner to bring Arsenal back from 1-0 down. "That was when our mentality changed, because I think in previous seasons we would have lost there or, at the very most, got a draw," he reflected. When Manchester City beat Arsenal in April, doubt crept in for the first time. But the response was telling. After beating West Ham, Tompkins felt his team had sent a message: no matter what City did, Arsenal would grind out wins. That resilience, more than any single performance, won them the title.
The foundation for Arsenal's success has been built on both star power and unsung contribution. Declan Rice and goalkeeper David Raya stood out as the team's top performers, while midfielder Martin Zubimendi impressed in his first season. But Tompkins credits defenders like Ben White as essential to the title charge. "I honestly don't think we pick up as many points at the end of the season as we did without him playing," he said.
Now comes the delicate business of wrapping up the season while preparing for Europe's biggest stage. When Arsenal visit Crystal Palace on Sunday, both sides will navigate the temptation to rest players. Tompkins expects Arsenal to field a squad capable of competing for points, though with Champions League glory within reach, Mikel Arteta faces an impossible balancing act. The beauty of this moment, though, is that such dilemmas are luxuries. Two weeks ago, Arsenal fans dared to dream of the title. Now they've got it—and there's still a final to play.