Saka calls out critics as players celebrate title at Emirates at 5am

Saka calls out critics as players – Arsenal’s historic Premier League triumph has ignited a wave of jubilation across north London, with players and fans reveling in the moment that ended a 22-year drought. The celebration began at the Emirates Stadium in the early hours of Wednesday, as the team gathered outside to mark their first league title since 2002. Among those capturing the scene were Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Jurrien Timber, whose social media posts highlighted the emotional significance of the victory.

Relief and pride in the aftermath

As the final whistle blew on Tuesday night, the air in Islington buzzed with anticipation. Manchester City’s draw against Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal’s dominance, sealing the title with a dramatic twist. Fans, who had spent months on edge, erupted into cheers at pubs and street corners, their elation echoing the players’ own. For many, the wait had felt endless, spanning decades of near misses and lingering doubts.

The Arsenal squad’s excitement was palpable, with scenes of dancing, hugging, and chanting “Campeones, Campeones, Ole Ole Ole!” at their training ground. This was not just a win for the club but a milestone for a generation of players who had labored through years of criticism and narrow misses. “It’s done,” declared captain Declan Rice in a social media caption, a stark contrast to his earlier insistence that the title was “not done” following a loss to City.

Symbolic moments and social media highlights

Among the standout images from the night was Saka’s video of the Premier League trophy, which had been deliberately kept in darkness at the club’s training ground. The moment it was lit up, Saka’s voiceover carried a mix of pride and defiance: “Light that up. Let me tell you something. Twenty-two years, 22 years. There was laughing, there was joking, they’re not laughing any more. Look, it is going to be shining, it is going to be shining bright.” His words underscored the frustration of years of mediocrity and the joy of finally breaking through.

“Special thanks to this generation – finally now my kids saw us winning the league,” said Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s all-time record goalscorer, in a heartfelt Instagram message. Henry’s reflection highlighted the generational impact of the victory, as younger fans now share in the glory that had once seemed out of reach.

Eze’s Instagram post, which included a photograph of an Arsenal-branded bottle, subtly referenced the team’s previous struggles. For three consecutive seasons, Arsenal had finished second, and the image of the bottle became a symbol of both past setbacks and present triumph. “They called us bottlers,” quipped 19-year-old defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, holding a champagne bottle in another video shared by Saka. “And now we’re holding the bottle.” The phrase, a nod to the team’s reputation as near misses, resonated with fans and players alike.

Legacy of the Invincibles and a new chapter

When Arsenal went unbeaten to claim the Premier League title in 2003-04, they were hailed as “The Invincibles,” a squad that redefined what was possible in English football. Yet, nearly a quarter of a century later, the wait for another league win had felt agonizing. “I’ve got married, had a child, who’s now a teenager, and got divorced, all since Arsenal last won the league,” joked Matt, a devoted Gunners fan, during BBC Sport’s live text commentary.

For others, the victory brought a sense of closure. Barry, an Arsenal supporter, shared a lighthearted post: “I’ve got a can of lager from 2021.” The humor masked a deeper emotional release, as fans who had endured years of disappointment now celebrated the fulfillment of a long-held dream. The club’s next steps, including a planned trophy parade around Islington on Sunday, 31 May, promised to be a spectacle of unity and pride.

Manager’s patience pays off

Mikel Arteta’s seventh season in charge proved pivotal in unlocking Arsenal’s potential. The manager’s consistent approach and belief in the team’s progress were lauded by former players, including Paul Robinson, who praised the importance of time in nurturing success. “Mikel Arteta’s been there a long period of time. The best gift you can give a good manager is time,” Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Yes you can give them hundreds of millions of pounds but you have to mould that money into a team, into a dressing room, a winning side. You give a good manager time? There’s the proof.”

The 2003-04 Invincibles’ legacy also loomed large. Back then, the team’s invincibility was celebrated for its defensive brilliance and attacking flair, yet Arsenal’s current triumph was equally hard-fought. The journey from near misses to a title-winning campaign demonstrated resilience, tactical adaptability, and a collective will to succeed. Timber’s video of the trophy, designed to illuminate only after victory, became a fitting metaphor for the team’s perseverance.

Reactions from the stands and the streets

While the players celebrated in the early hours, the city itself became a stage for festivity. On Tuesday night, fans gathered outside the Emirates Stadium and nearby pubs, their cheers mingling with the sounds of the match. The atmosphere was electric, with many believing the title was finally within reach. When City’s draw with Bournemouth confirmed the result, the streets of London erupted in spontaneous celebration, a testament to the emotional weight of the moment.

Iconic figures like Ian Wright, who won the league in 1998 and scored 185 goals for the club, were also swept up in the frenzy. Wright, seen outside the Emirates Stadium, was mobbed by fans who had waited for years to see the club return to glory. His presence added a layer of historical context, bridging the gap between past triumphs and the current era of achievement.

The triumph has not only redefined Arsenal’s place in the Premier League but also sparked conversations about the team’s future. With the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain set for the following day in Budapest, the focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum. For now, though, the Gunners are basking in the glow of their first title in over two decades, a victory that has transformed doubt into disbelief and fueled hope for the years ahead.

As the sun rose over north London, the celebration continued. Players, coaches, and fans alike reflected on the journey that brought them to this point. The title win, a culmination of strategic patience and relentless effort, marked a turning page in the club’s storied history. For Arsenal, the road to victory was long, but the destination—5 a.m. at the Emirates Stadium—was worth every step.