I WOKE up this morning feeling really good.
Not because the Mayor of Johannesburg- Dada Morero is presenting one of the complex State of the City Address today, neither is my son doing good at school.
But the team that has been touted as ‘chokers’ are the 2025/26 English Premier League champs- Arsenal, the Gunners of London! That’s why I’m having this good feeling, this morning. This today.
After 22 long, tearful and at times invincible years’ the Premier League silverware is back in the cabinet at the Emirates Stadium. And to sweeten the deal, they won without kicking a ball.
On May 18, Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 to go five points clear of City. Of course, at that time, City had a game in hand and if they had beaten Bournemouth, the difference would be just two points going into the final match of the season.
But City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth, on Tuesday, meaning Gunners were crowned EPL champs.
For the past three- seasons Arsenal came second on the log, and were labelled ‘chokers’ who lost the moving target were it mattered most. I concur and I was one of those who believed coach Mikel Arteta was not fit enough to lead the team, was experiencing change-room difficulties and overshadowed by egos from senior/influential players- typical arm-coach critic.
Such is football- “it has no therefore”, as the late commentary legend ntate Clement Cebo Manyaapelo would utter, behind the mic.
Yet the management at the club invested heavily by purchasing players’ he wanted, took control of the situation and today, we’re celebrating the pain, frustrations and risks the team had to endure. Look at the results- no pain, no gain.
Gunners’ last game is this weekend, they visit Crystal Palace. Win or lose- they will be presented with the trophy that has eluded them for more than 22 years’.
Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ did it in 2004. Now, it’s Arteta’s turn!
Celebrations will have to be put aside and champopo on ice for now though, as they have another historical moment ahead of them.
They face the defending champions of UEFA Champions League- PSG in the finals on May 30, in Budapest-Hungary.
Arsenal have only played one Champions League final and lost to Barcelona in 2006.
Twenty years later, it’s game on. It will be the perfect icing on the cake if they can win their 1st Champions League crown in the same season that they won an EPL title after 22 years.
As I relish in this glorious moment(s), no need to ask how do I feel, today?
Image ( You beauty. Arsenal players recorded in celebratory mood after clinching the EPL 2025/26 season.)
