Arsenal secured its first Premier League title in 22 years on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, after Manchester City drew 1-1 against Bournemouth.
The result left manager Mikel Arteta's squad four points clear at the top of the table with only one match remaining in the English top-flight season.
The championship follows three consecutive runner-up finishes for the North London club.
Midfielder Eberechi Eze, who joined the team for £67.5 million from Crystal Palace last summer, played a pivotal role in the title campaign alongside teammates David Raya, Gabriel, and Declan Rice.
Eze's Influence Behind the Scenes
Eze directly influenced the team's training schedule following a grueling 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth in April.
Recognizing that the roster felt exhausted from a dense match calendar and intense practices, the midfielder asked Arteta to reduce their workload to preserve their energy for the final stretch.
"We can do this, but we need a bit of space," said Eze.
Arteta accommodated the request by increasing days off, lowering training intensity, and hosting a team barbecue.
The tactical adjustment preceded a crucial winning streak against Newcastle United, Fulham, West Ham United, and Burnley, alongside securing a spot in the Champions League final.
Eze expressed total indifference regarding external opinions about the club's success during a media briefing in April.
"If I'm honest I'm not too interested in what people think or how they feel about us winning," he said.
He maintained absolute confidence in the squad's capability to perform consistently at the highest tier of European football.
"I just know that we've got a team that is more than capable and has proven that we are of the highest level.
And when we do win, it will down to everyone else to deal with it," said Eze.
The newly crowned champions will next travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on the final day of the domestic season, where Eze is anticipated to receive a guard of honor from his former employers.
"Yeah, that would be special. That would be special.
I'm sure they root for us as well. So, it would be nice for sure," said Eze.
Arteta's Impact on Eze's Game
The player also credited his manager with significantly expanding his tactical awareness and efficiency on the pitch during his debut year at the Emirates Stadium.
"He's taught me to consider a lot more than what I was considering before really joining," said Eze.
He noted that breaking down the sport's underlying complexities has allowed him to execute decisions much better.
"Like football is so much more complex.
It's simple, but it's complex, and once you understand it, it allows you to operate and be so much more efficient with whatever it is you decide to do," said Eze.
He emphasized that gaining this profound perspective on tactical play stands out as his most valuable development under the coaching staff.
"So he's got me understanding football a lot deeper, which is for me the best thing," said Eze.
The midfielder described the manager as an exceptionally driven professional who maintains a lighthearted side behind closed doors.
"He's an intense guy and very demanding, and he wants the best, but yeah, of course, you see the funny side to him as well sometimes, which is nice to see," said Eze.
Following the definitive draw at Bournemouth, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola addressed his professional future. "I have one more year of my contract...
The first person I have to talk to is my chairman because we both decided that when we finish the season, we will talk.
And after that we will make the decision," said Guardiola. He expressed immense satisfaction with his tenure at the organization despite missing out on the league trophy.
"I'm the happiest man on the planet to be at this club. This club is just extraordinary," said Guardiola.
Arsenal is scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
