What Pep Guardiola said to Man City players immediately after Arsenal won the Premier League title
Arsenal officially became Premier League champions after Manchester City drew against Bournemouth late last season.
The Gunners fell just short in the title race in each of the previous three seasons, and the pressure was on Mikel Arteta to deliver in the 2025/26 campaign.
There were a lot of twists and turns in the business end of the season, and City even became the favourites to win it at one point.
However, their draw with the Cherries ended their title hopes, and Arsenal were then crowned the champions.
Pep Guardiola’s dressing room message to Manchester City players after Arsenal won the Premier League
Arsenal had to work really hard to win the Premier League title last season.
The Gunners seemed the favourites at one point, but a run of poor results, which included a defeat to Manchester City, made many people believe they had blown their chances.
However, Arteta’s men kept their calm, and Bournemouth did them a huge favour by holding the Sky Blues to a draw.
That made Arsenal Premier League champions, and everyone at City was visibly disappointed.
Even Pep Guardiola, after returning to the dressing room, took a long pause, rubbed his eyes and took it all in before speaking to his players and staff.
He said: “Guys, since early, you didn’t give up in the bad season we’ve had. I cannot have any words to say. I’m so proud and happy to work with all of you.
“Now, you can rest a little bit and prepare for the last game to make proper farewells for John (Stones) and Bernie (Bernardo Silva).
“Next season we will be stronger, better and sharper. I don’t have the feeling that we didn’t try. We did everything, but sometimes you admit and congratulate Arsenal for the Premier League, and keep going.”
Winning the Premier League before Pep Guardiola’s departure was massive for Mikel Arteta
Guardiola is the reason why Arteta is not a multiple-time Premier League champion.
The Gunners fell short three years in a row, two of which were to Manchester City despite leading the table for much longer than them.
If Arsenal failed again last season, everyone would’ve hammered Arteta and claimed that he was incapable of getting the better of his mentor.
However, the Gunners boss finished above Guardiola two seasons in a row and won the Premier League title in dramatic fashion in the end.
That should earn Arteta a lot more praise and respect.
