Through his official Instagram account, Rice posted a photo alongside some of his teammates with the message: “I told you all.. it’s done,” accompanied by a trophy emoji and a heart.

With one matchday remaining in the season, the Gunners sit four points ahead of Manchester City, a lead that is mathematically unassailable for Pep Guardiola’s side. The last time Arsenal were crowned champions was in the 2003–04 season.

Declan Rice was one of the key players in this team’s strong campaign. Although one match still remains, he managed to score 4 goals and provide 5 assists for his teammates throughout the season.

Arsenal now turn focus to the Champions League

With the domestic title now behind them, Mikel Arteta’s squad has fully shifted its focus to the biggest prize in European soccer. The Gunners are set to clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary. Arsenal will be looking to join the list of unbeaten Champions League winners.

Only a select few English teams have achieved ‘the double’ of winning the domestic league and the European Cup in the same season, and Arsenal are determined to etch their names into that elite history by lifting their first-ever Champions League trophy.

Arsenal initially entered the week needing a result in their season finale at Selhurst Park against Crystal Palace on Sunday, May 24. However, City’s failure to secure three points in their game in hand against Bournemouth on Tuesday means Mikel Arteta’s squad can play without pressure on Sunday before finally hoisting the Premier League trophy.

Following that catastrophic midweek slip-up, City’s final match at the Etihad Stadium against Aston Villa on Sunday, May 24, is now a mere formality. With the Bournemouth draw officially freezing out Man City of the top spot, here is how the updated Premier League standings look heading into the final day of the season:

City don’t finish empty-handed

Despite conceding the Premier League title to Arsenal, Manchester City still boast an illustrious modern dynasty on the all-time champions list. Furthermore, their domestic campaign was far from a disappointment, having already secured two major trophies this season: the Carabao Cup over the Gunners and a dramatic FA Cup victory against Chelsea last weekend.

Now, with reports swirling around Pep Guardiola’s impending departure at the end of the season, City face a crucial offseason overhaul to prepare for next season, especially after an uncharacteristically early exit from the Champions League.

Arsenal could lift two trophies by season’s end

Securing the Premier League title not only guarantees Arsenal a massive financial windfall, but it also keep their dreams of a historic “double” alive as they prepare to face PSG in the Champions League final on May 30.

While anticipation builds for that monumental clash against the Parisians in Budapest, the Gunners’ faithful can finally celebrate a domestic crown that was 22 years in the making, marking their first league title since Arsene Wenger’s legendary “Invincibles” went unbeaten during the 2003-04 campaign, spearheaded by Thierry Henry.

From Arsenal’s unforgettable “Invincibles” season in 2003-04 to Leicester City’s stunning underdog triumph in 2015-16, every Premier League-winning campaign has helped shape the identity of English soccer.

The list of champions also tells the story of how power has shifted across generations. The Red Devils dominated the Sir Alex Ferguson era and Liverpool recently tied United’s all-time English top-flight record.

Which team has won the most Premier League titles?

Manchester United have won the most Premier League titles with 13 championships. Since the Premier League was created in 1992, they have been the competition’s most successful club by a significant margin.

Under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, they dominated English soccer throughout the 1990s and 2000s, winning 13 league titles between the 1992-93 and 2012-13 seasons. Their dominance included multiple dynasties.

They won three consecutive titles twice — first from 1998-99 through 2000-01, and again from 2006-07 through 2008-09. Ferguson built several elite squads during that period, led by stars such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

Manchester City are now the closest challengers in the Premier League era. Pep Guardiola’s side has won eight Premier League titles, including a historic run of four straight championships from 2020-21 through 2023-24.

If all English top-flight titles are included, including the old First Division before 1992, Manchester United and Liverpool are tied with 20 league championships each. Here are the clubs with the most Premier League titles:

• Manchester United — 13
• Manchester City — 8
• Chelsea — 5
• Arsenal — 4
• Liverpool — 2
• Blackburn Rovers — 1
• Leicester City — 1

Which team won the most recent Premier League title?

Arsenal won the 2025–26 Premier League, becoming the most recent English champions after a tightly contested season in which they edged Manchester City at the top of the standings and ended their long wait for a league title.

The victory adds another chapter to the Premier League’s modern era, where dominance has been shared between clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in recent years.

In total, Mikel Arteta‘s team now move further up the historical standings of English champions, in a league that has been won by only a handful of clubs since its creation in 1992. The victory came 22 years after Arsenal’s last league title.

All Premier League champions by year

Only seven different clubs have won the Premier League since the competition began in 1992. Here is the complete list of Premier League champions by season:

• 1992-93 — Manchester United
• 1993-94 — Manchester United
• 1994-95 — Blackburn Rovers
• 1995-96 — Manchester United
• 1996-97 — Manchester United
• 1997-98 — Arsenal
• 1998-99 — Manchester United
• 1999-00 — Manchester United
• 2000-01 — Manchester United
• 2001-02 — Arsenal
• 2002-03 — Manchester United
• 2003-04 — Arsenal
• 2004-05 — Chelsea
• 2005-06 — Chelsea
• 2006-07 — Manchester United
• 2007-08 — Manchester United
• 2008-09 — Manchester United
• 2009-10 — Chelsea
• 2010-11 — Manchester United
• 2011-12 — Manchester City
• 2012-13 — Manchester United
• 2013-14 — Manchester City
• 2014-15 — Chelsea
• 2015-16 — Leicester City
• 2016-17 — Chelsea
• 2017-18 — Manchester City
• 2018-19 — Manchester City
• 2019-20 — Liverpool
• 2020-21 — Manchester City
• 2021-22 — Manchester City
• 2022-23 — Manchester City
• 2023-24 — Manchester City
• 2024-25 — Liverpool
• 2025-26 — Arsenal

Which clubs have won the most English First Division titles?

Liverpool won the most Football League First Division titles with 18 championships before the Premier League era began in 1992. They dominated that era more than any other club, especially during the 1970s and 1980s.

Their dominance era came largely under legendary managers Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish. The Reds won 18 league titles before later adding Premier League crowns in 2019-20 and 2024-25.

The First Division was England’s top professional soccer division from 1888 until the Premier League replaced it ahead of the 1992-93 season. All the championships won during that period are recognized as English top-flight titles.

• Liverpool — 18
• Arsenal — 10
• Everton — 9
• Manchester United — 7
• Aston Villa — 7
• Sunderland — 6
• Newcastle United — 4
• Sheffield Wednesday — 4
• Blackburn Rovers — 2
• Burnley — 2
• Derby County — 2
• Manchester City — 2
• Portsmouth — 2
• Preston North End — 2
• Tottenham Hotspur — 2
• Chelsea — 1
• Huddersfield Town — 3
• Ipswich Town — 1
• Leeds United — 3
• Nottingham Forest — 1
• Sheffield United — 1
• West Bromwich Albion — 1
• Wolverhampton Wanderers — 3

The Premier League’s financial structure means every position in the standings carries enormous value, but finishing first delivers the biggest payout. Last season, Liverpool reportedly earned around £174.9 million for winning the title.

Arsenal ended their long wait for a league title since 2004, overcoming Pep Guardiola’s Man City in a dramatic race that went down to the final stretch. Beyond the trophy itself, winning the title delivers a significant financial boost.

What is the prize money for the 2025-26 Premier League?

Arsenal are projected to earn close to £180-195 million in total revenue distributions and prize-related income. Unlike American leagues that award a single championship payout, the Premier League distributes money through several categories, including:

• Merit payments based on final position
• Domestic and international TV rights
• Facility fees for televised matches
• Commercial revenue sharing

Financial projections for the current season estimated that Arsenal could approach nearly £190 million in total earnings. The largest direct league reward comes from merit payments, which increase with every position in the table.

Reports projecting the 2025-26 distributions estimate that first place is worth more than £50 million in merit-based prize money alone, while each lower position receives several million pounds less.

Combined with broadcast and commercial distributions, even clubs near the bottom of the table are expected to surpass £100 million in revenue.

For clubs such as Arsenal and Man City, winning also unlocks additional commercial benefits beyond the official league distributions. Sponsorship value, merchandise sales, global exposure and UEFA Champions League qualification all contribute to major revenue increases after a title-winning season.

How does the Premier League prize money compare to other competitions?

The Premier League generates more domestic league revenue than any other soccer competition in the world, giving English clubs a major financial advantage over rivals across Europe.

The UEFA Champions League remains the closest comparison financially. UEFA confirmed that the 2025-26 Champions League prize pool exceeds €2.4 billion, with clubs receiving €18.6 million simply for qualifying for the league phase.

According to Sports Illustrated and UEFA financial breakdowns, the Champions League winner can potentially surpass €100-150 million in total UEFA earnings depending on market value distributions and performance bonuses.

However, Premier League clubs still maintain a financial edge because domestic league revenue is added on top of European earnings. The economic difference is especially noticeable in transfer spending.

Mid-table Premier League clubs often operate with larger budgets than title contenders from other European leagues because England’s TV deals distribute massive revenue throughout the table.

With the campaign entering its final stretch, every point now carries maximum weight—and this encounter could directly shape the outcome at both ends of the table. For Pep Guardiola‘s team, the scenario is simple but unforgiving.

Bournemouth, however, are not just playing the role of spoilers. They are firmly in the hunt for a strong finish themselves, pushing for a potential European qualification spot after a standout season.

What happens if Man City beat Bournemouth today?

Manchester City would move to 80 points and keep the Premier League title race alive if they beat Bournemouth today. Entering Matchday 37, Arsenal lead the Premier League standings with 82 points from 37 matches, while City sit second with 77 points and one game in hand. This means Arsenal depend on themselves, but any slip up from City would also help them in the Premier League title race.

If City defeat Bournemouth, they would reduce Arsenal’s lead to just two points heading into the final matchday of the season. That would officially send the title race to Matchday 38, keeping City mathematically alive in the battle for another Premier League crown.

However, even with a win, they would still not control the race completely. Arsenal would remain top of the table with 82 points, meaning City would need to beat Aston Villa in their final match and hope Arsenal fail to win against Crystal Palace. Goal difference could also become decisive because both clubs currently sit on a +43 differential.

What happens if Man City and Bournemouth tie today?

Manchester City would move to 78 points and Arsenal would officially win the Premier League title if City draw with Bournemouth today. A draw would leave the Citizens four points behind Arsenal with only one match remaining in the season.

Since the maximum total City could then reach would be 81 points, Arsenal’s current 82-point tally would already be unreachable mathematically. That means Mikel Arteta’s men would officially be crowned Premier League champions before the final day. It would be a painful ending for City as Pep Guadiola is reportedly leaving at the end of the season, a leak that reportedly made the coach furious.

For Bournemouth, a draw would move them up to 56 points and strengthen their push for European qualification. Considering the Cherries are already ahead of Brighton and Brentford entering the round, even a single point against Manchester City could prove crucial in the battle for a top-seven finish.

What happens if Man City lose to Bournemouth today?

Manchester City would stay on 77 points and Arsenal would officially clinch the Premier League title if City lose to Bournemouth today. A defeat would mathematically eliminate Guardiola’s side from the title race.

That scenario would confirm Arsenal as Premier League champions for the first time since the 2003-04 season and end Manchester City’s streak of dominance in English soccer.

The top of the Premier League table ahead of Man City vs. Bournemouth

According to The Sun, Guardiola “is furious at the timing just before a game. He summoned the players to join a late-night group call and confirmed he was leaving.” With the sudden announcement rocketing through the clubhouse, major uncertainty now looms over how the squad will respond on the pitch during the final week of the season.

The report further detailed that Guardiola gathered the players together, prior to title definition with Arsenal, to confirm his departure at the end of the current campaign. “He apologized for the way the news emerged. It took him by surprise. The players were told as recently as Saturday he wasn’t going so everyone is in a state of shock,“ The Sun reported.

Following Arsenal’s crucial victory over Burnley, the Premier League standings have shifted, leaving City acutely aware that their title destiny relies entirely on winning their remaining fixtures. Now, the ultimate question is whether they can execute down the stretch, or if this massive locker room distraction will completely fracture the roster’s morale. Arsenal depend on themselves as City need to win both games and hope the Gunners drop points in order to finish first.

Who could succeed Guardiola at the Etihad?

The Guardian reported that Manchester City are already heavily considering Enzo Maresca to fill the monumental void Guardiola will leave behind. Despite the Spaniard initially having one year left on his contract, his decision to step down early means the former Chelsea boss is reportedly locked in to take the reins for the Citizens.

Maresca was the main architect behind Chelsea’s 2025 Club World Cup triumph in the United States and catalyzed the Blues’ Conference League title run. That historic continental victory uniquely established Chelsea as the only club in the world to capture three major UEFA club competitions.

Guardiola leaves behind an unmatched legacy

Wherever Guardiola has coached, he has completely redefined the game. During his legendary stint with Barcelona, he became the first manager to achieve a historic six-trophy sextuple in a single season, and he will depart City as the most decorated and successful manager in the history of the club.

His tenure was highlighted by capturing City’s first-ever Champions League trophy, securing four consecutive Premier League titles, and engineering the tournament’s first-ever 100-point campaign. In total, he has hoisted 17 trophies during his time in Manchester, surpassing the entire silverware tally the club had accumulated prior to his historic arrival.

How to watch Bournemouth vs Manchester City in the USA

Soccer fans throughout the United States will have several ways to catch this marquee showdown live, with both streaming services and television broadcasts carrying the action. Viewers who prefer online access can tune in using DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, or Hulu + Live TV to follow every moment of the matchup.

Meanwhile, fans watching through cable providers can find the broadcast on USA Network and Telemundo. With excitement growing around this pivotal battle and plenty at stake for both sides, this is one match supporters won’t want to miss.

Can I watch Bournemouth vs Manchester City for free?

Viewers throughout the United States will be able to stream the entire showdown live through DirecTV Stream, which is currently offering a free five-day trial to eligible new subscribers.

This special offer allows fans to watch all the live action without paying anything upfront, making it a convenient option for anyone wanting to follow the game before signing up for a regular subscription plan.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Premier League title chase could hinge on this high-stakes showdown as Manchester City enter desperate for three points to keep pace in the championship race. Standing in their way is a surging Bournemouth squad with plenty on the line themselves. A win, tie or loss will have different implications for Man City today.

The Cherries are closing in on a historic breakthrough season. A win would lift Bournemouth to 58 points and within striking distance of Liverpool in the battle for a coveted UEFA Champions League spot, setting the stage for a tense, high-pressure clash with major implications at both ends of the table.

Bournemouth vs Manchester City: Predicted Lineups

Bournemouth (4-3-2-1): Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Silva, Rodri; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland.

What time is the Arsenal vs Burnley match?

The match kicks off today, May 19, at 2:30 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 2:30 PM
Central Time: 1:30 PM
Mountain Time: 12:30 PM
Pacific Time: 11:30 AM

Manchester City sit second with 77 points and have two games left. Arsenal can secure the Premier League title on Tuesday if Man City drop points against Bournemouth. But even if the Citizens win, the Gunners will still control their own destiny as they can secure the championship by beating Crystal Palace on Sunday.

If City beat Bournemouth but drop points against Aston Villa on Sunday, Arsenal will also be crowned champions regardless of their result against Crystal Palace.

Now, the pressure is on Manchester City. With Pep Guardiola reportedly leaving regardless of how the title race finishes, the Citizens now have to win both of their final games to have a chance at surpassing Arsenal. City’s only chance to win the Premier League now is to win both games and hope Arsenal drop points against Crystal Palace.

Arsenal’s remaining fixture

Arsenal only have matchday 38 remaining, which is a favorable situation because they are scheduled to face Crystal Palace, who sit 15th and will play in the UEFA Conference League final three days later.

All things considered, they should be able to secure the positive result, but we know that anything is possible in soccer. If City beat Bournemouth on Tuesday, Arsenal will have to wait until May 24 to secure the Premier League title.

Man City’s remaining fixtures

City have it in their hands to play the role of the villain and spoil the party for Arsenal, who have been searching for this achievement since the 2003-04 season during that memorable Premier League campaign where they secured it while going undefeated.

However, City face a slightly more complicated run of fixtures to close out the year, playing first against sixth-place Bournemouth and next against fourth-place Aston Villa. They need two wins and Arsenal to tie or lose on Sunday.

• Bournemouth (away), May 19
• Aston Villa (home), May 24

Arsenal have only one game left, as they are set to travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, May 24. Meanwhile, City—fresh off hoisting the FA Cup trophy against Chelsea on Saturday—will first play their game in hand against Bournemouth on Tuesday. It will be a pivotal midweek clash because if City tie or lose, the Gunners will be the Premier League champions automatically.

Following that midweek fixture, City will close out their domestic campaign at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, May 24, against Aston Villa. Check out the updated Premier League standings here:

Arsenal and City face formidable final-day tests

If City push the wait with a win on Tuesday, both title contenders face incredibly grueling finales. City must navigate a dangerous Villa squad that could arrive in Manchester fresh off a Europa League final against Freiburg, while Crystal Palace could not pose an equally distinct threat to Arsenal as they are thinking on UEFA Conference League.

With a dramatic photo finish firmly on the horizon, fans across the globe are bracing for a chaotic final day, as the ultimate destination of the Premier League trophy hangs perfectly in the balance between London and Manchester.

A historic battle for English silverware

As England prepares to crown its champion, both powerhouses are acutely aware of the historical weight behind this race, with both clubs looking to add to their respective trophy cabinets.

Arsenal boast 13 top-flight English titles overall but have only captured three in the modern Premier League era. Conversely, Manchester City have claimed 10 top-flight titles, with eight coming during its recent era of Premier League dominance.

For the Gunners, hoisting the trophy would finally break the Citizens‘ stranglehold on the league and capture a coveted title that has eluded North London since the iconic “Invincibles” campaign of 2003-04.

The information provided by Holt also indicates that another name emerging as a potential successor is Vincent Kompany, a former City player. However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the only candidate strongly in contention is Maresca.

Guardiola arrived in the Premier League in 2016, spending a decade of success at the helm of the Manchester City. The manager has gone on to win 20 trophies, prior to the end of this season, establishing the club at the summit of one of the most important leagues in the world.

The achievements of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

In just ten years at the helm of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola achieved a historic milestone by capturing 20 major trophies to cement one of soccer’s greatest eras. Domestically, he absolute dominated English football, claiming 6 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, 5 League Cups, and 3 Community Shields.

On the continental and global stage, Guardiola finally conquered Europe with City by securing 1 UEFA Champions League title, alongside 1 UEFA Super Cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup, completing a spectacular, decade-long legacy of sustained excellence.

Can Manchester City take the title away from Arsenal?

Arsenal did their job at home, defeating Burnley 1–0 and moving one step closer to being crowned Premier League champions. The Gunners opened up a five-point lead over Manchester City, and if Pep Guardiola’s side fails to beat Bournemouth tomorrow, Mikel Arteta’s team will be crowned champions.

However, the title race could go down to the final matchday if the Citizens win on matchday 37. In that case, the points gap would be reduced to two again, and it would be in the final round where the new champion is decided.

Pep Guardiola‘s team arrive with the aim of adding another trophy to a season already filled with silverware ambitions, while Calum McFarlane‘s side look to end a rare campaign with one of the most prestigious domestic titles in the game.

Everything is on the line in a match where fine margins will define the outcome. City’s depth and experience in knockout soccer meet a Chelsea side determined to overturn expectations on the biggest stage.

What happens if Man City beat Chelsea today?

If Manchester City beat Chelsea today, they will win the 2026 FA Cup title. A victory in regulation time would give Pep Guardiola’s side another major domestic trophy and continue the club’s recent dominance in English soccer.

They are appearing in their fourth consecutive FA Cup final, becoming the first club in history to reach that stage four years in a row. They are seeking their eighth FA Cup trophy overall after previously lifting the title in 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969, 2011, 2019 and 2023.

Winning the FA Cup would further strengthen City’s era under Guardiola, adding another major honor to a period that has already included multiple Premier League titles, Champions League success and domestic cup victories.

What happens if Man City and Chelsea tie today?

If Manchester City and Chelsea are tied after 90 minutes today, the 2026 FA Cup final will go to extra time. Under official rules, the teams would play two 15-minute extra periods at Wembley to try to determine a winner.

If the score remains level after extra time, the match would then be decided by a penalty shootout. There are no replays in the FA Cup final, meaning a champion must be crowned tonight regardless of how long it takes.

FA Cup finals have frequently produced dramatic finishes in recent decades. Chelsea themselves lost to Liverpool on penalties in the 2022 final, while Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace after extra time in 2016.

What happens if Man City lose to Chelsea today?

If Manchester City lose to Chelsea today, Chelsea will win the 2026 FA Cup title at Wembley. The Blues would secure their ninth FA Cup trophy and their first since 2018 with a victory over Guardiola’s side.

Calum McFarlane’s team is playing in their 17th FA Cup final and entered the match looking to end a frustrating run in the competition after losing three consecutive finals between 2020 and 2022.

The matchup also carries added history because Chelsea defeated Manchester City in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, one of the most important meetings between the clubs in modern times.

Although they had never previously met in an FA Cup final, their rivalry has consistently produced high-pressure matches with trophies at stake. For Man City, a defeat would mark another painful setback in the FA Cup.