Football Review | Crystal Palace 1 - 2 Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s side enjoy start to life as champions

This match was always going to be a celebration for Arsenal after ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title.

Author | DJ

Stadium| Selhurst Park

Both sides named experimental line-ups, with Palace preparing for Wednesday's Conference League final and Arsenal looking ahead to Saturday's Champions League showpiece.

With little riding on the contest for either side, following Arsenal's title triumph earlier in the week, the match often carried the feel of a pre-season friendly, especially with the heat and scheduled drinks breaks.

Gabriel Jesus gave Arsenal the lead in the 42nd minute with a cool and calm finish, before Noni Madueke doubled the score shortly after half-time.

Palace substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta added a consolation for Palace when he flicked in Yeremy Pino's cross with one minute of normal time left.

It was then time for Arsenal players to celebrate whilst Palace also acknowledged the last home of their manager before he departs.

Both sides now have one more big game to come as they look to make history. 

A closer look at a memorable day for Arsenal and their fans 

With ome piece of silverware secured, Arteta heavily rotated his side, with his attention firmly on next week's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Supporters had queued outside the stadium more than three hours before kick-off to watch their heroes arrive on the team bus and chant about being "champions of England".

Watch | Arsenal fans before the game | Video from Tristan's CPFC vlogs

Arsenal, while occasionally more efficient than spectacular this season, have taken the decisive step from challengers to champions and, after three successive runners-up finishes, now have a genuine chance to establish a period of dominance in the league.

For their consistency across the campaign, the Gunners deservedly finished seven points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who lost at home to Europa League winners Aston Villa in Pep Guardiola's final match in charge.

Arteta said before the game that his side must now "wear the shirt in a different way" after becoming champions and the Arsenal manager, whose standards rarely drop, will hope this triumph marks the beginning of a sustained era of success.