Arsenal Clinches Title, Tottenham Faces Relegation... Contrasting Fortunes for North London Rivals

by Park Pyunghee

Published 21 May.2026 09:33(KST)

While Son Heung-min's former team, Tottenham Hotspur, has yet to secure its place in the Premier League (PL) for next season, their North London rivals Arsenal have clinched the PL title for the first time in 22 years, highlighting the stark contrast in fortunes between the two clubs.

Arsenal secured the championship after second-place Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth in the 37th round on May 20 (Korean time).

As of the 37th round, Manchester City had recorded 23 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, earning 78 points. Arsenal, with 25 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses, had already secured 82 points. Even if Manchester City wins their final match in the 38th round, they will only reach 81 points and cannot catch up to Arsenal.

On the 19th, when Arsenal's victory in the English Premier League was confirmed (local time), Arsenal fans cheered outside the Emirates Stadium in London, UK. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

This marks the first time in 22 years that Arsenal has lifted the PL trophy, the last occasion being the 2003-2004 season when Thierry Henry was a key player. Since the launch of the PL in 1992, this is Arsenal's fourth league title, and including the First Division era prior to the PL, it is their 14th top-flight title overall.

Arsenal will now aim for a double as they face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) of France’s Ligue 1 in the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League final on May 30.

In contrast, Arsenal’s rival Tottenham is facing the threat of relegation. Tottenham currently sits in 17th place with 9 wins, 11 draws, and 17 losses (38 points) through the 37th round. They are only two points ahead of 18th-placed West Ham, which occupies the first relegation spot. If Tottenham loses their final match and West Ham wins, Tottenham will be relegated to the EFL Championship for next season.