Scenes as Arsenal players greet fans before Crystal Palace clash
The Arsenal players went over to the away fans at Selhurst Park and soaked in the rapturous reception they received before kick-off against Crystal Palace. Moments to savour.
(Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood24 May 2026 15:42
Will Arsenal’s title lead to release – and more freedom?
Arsenal played almost every game on the edge. There has rarely been a run-in like it. In many ways, it is testament to their resolve.
Figures at the club argue this is also why Declan Rice should have won player of the year. He kept producing despite all the pressure and “never shied away”.
Now, having come through all of that, there is considerable hope it could lead to even more.
The weight lifted is enormous. A huge psychological burden from this long pursuit of the title has finally been removed. The players will not have to hear it any more.
Will it allow them to play with more freedom?
Miguel Delaney, at Selhurst Park 24 May 2026 15:30
Mikel Arteta on his team selection, including handing Max Dowman his first PL start
Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports that each player in his Arsenal squad has played their part this season, with that reflected in his much-changed line-up this afternoon. It includes a first Premier League start for the 16-year-old Max Dowman, who was sitting his GCSEs this week.
“We had a big talk at the start of the season about each individual roles and how this is going to change and how we’re going to have to adapt and and be humble and be ready to to help and impact the team and I think we’ve been incredible at doing that,” Arteta said.
“In games as well, and Max, he needs to be there because he created a moment during this season that something changed as well and the people has contributed, I think deserves to be on that pitch.”
He adds: “We had a little battle trying to get that team right in formation shape.”
Jamie Braidwood24 May 2026 15:22
Tears of joy as Arsenal crowned Premier League champions
In those long minutes before the final whistle at Bournemouth on Tuesday, some of Mikel Arteta’s players had to leave the room for a few moments to themselves. It was that tense. They were feeling every second of it.
When Manchester City’s 1-1 draw was finally confirmed, there was euphoria – but some in the room noticed something else in the reaction. It was pure release. There were guttural roars as players simply let everything out.
Staff members immediately burst into tears.
The feeling, when some reflected on it the next day, was that this meant far more than just the title or ending a 22-year wait – despite how significant those achievements obviously are.
It was also a release from scrutiny and criticism. An instinctive awareness that all the barracking they had faced was suddenly irrelevant. They were champions, not bottlers.
(Reuters)
Miguel Delaney, at Selhurst Park 24 May 2026 15:15
The Premier League trophy is in place
Arsenal’s players will walk past the Premier League trophy when they receive their guard of honour at Selhurst Park. After several long years and a few near-misses, they will be 90 minutes away from touching it.
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood24 May 2026 15:00
Crystal Palace team news: Eagles also make changes
Crystal Palace have the Conference League final to come on Wednesday and have rested the likes of Adam Wharton, Maxence Lacroix and Yeremy Pino, although Dean Henderson, Daniel Munoz and Ismaila Sarr remain in the starting line-up. Oliver Glasner hands a Premier League debut to 19-year-old Rio Cardines.
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Clyne, Lerma, Riad, Cardines, Kamada, Hughes, Devenny, Sarr, Strand Larsen.
Subs: Benitez, Mitchell, Lacroix, Canvot, Wharton, Pino, Johnson, Mateta, Guessand
Jamie Braidwood24 May 2026 14:55
Arsenal team news: WHOLSESALE CHANGES from champions
Where to begin with this Arsenal team! Mikel Arteta has rung the changes ahead of the Champions League final next week. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhaes and Martin Odegaard are on the bench, there’s no David Raya or William Saliba in the squad. Kepa, Christian Norgaard and Max Dowman are among the changes to start, while Mikel Merino is on the bench. Crystal Palace have made changes too…
Arsenal XI: Kepa, Mosquera, Norgaard, Hincapie, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Dowman, Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.
Subs: Setford, Gabriel, Saka, Odegaard, Eze, Gyokeres, Merino, Havertz, Rice.
Jamie Braidwood24 May 2026 14:51
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal confirmed team news and line-ups
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Munoz, Clyne, Lerma, Riad, Cardines; Kamada, Hughes, Devenny; Sarr, Strand Larsen
Arsenal XI: Kepa, Zubimendi, Mosquera, Hincapie, Calafiori, Norgaard, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Jamie Braidwood24 May 2026 14:47
The streets of north London are swarming with Arsenal shirts on Premier League title party day. The celebrations are well underway already. We’ll bring you the all-important team news from Selhurst Park in the next few minutes.
(Getty)
(Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood24 May 2026 14:32
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal predicted line-ups
Team news
Palace suffered heavy defensive casualties during their previous outing at Brentford with Maxence Lacroix, Chadi Riad and Chris Richards all suffering injuries, but only Richards appears to be ruled out for the visit of Arsenal out of the three. Borna Sosa is back in contention, while Cheikh Doucoure and former Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah remain absent.
Arteta is set to rest numerous big names in preparation for the trip to Budapest but Mikel Merino could be involved for the first time in months after returning to team training.
Predicted line-ups
Crystal Palace XI: Benitez; Canvot, Riad, Lacroix; Munoz, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa; Sarr, Johnson; Strand Larsen.
Arsenal XI: Kepa; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli.
Jack Rathborn24 May 2026 14:20