Arsenal have secured their first Premier League title in 22 years following a dramatic season-long battle with Manchester City. The Gunners were confirmed as champions after Manchester City could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, allowing Mikel Arteta's men to clinch the league with a match remaining.
The North London side have led the table for the majority of the campaign and will hoist the prestigious trophy after Sunday's fixture against Crystal Palace. Regarding medals, these will be allocated amongst the coaching staff, players and club personnel – however the Gunners deem appropriate.
According to rule C.13 in the Premier League Handbook, Arsenal will be awarded 40 commemorative medals. Any player who has registered at least five Premier League outings during the current season will automatically qualify for one.
Further medals can be requested. These necessitate approval from the Premier League Board, though, and will only be authorised if more than 39 players have met the five Premier League appearance threshold.
The Gunners have 24 squad members who have clocked up five or more Premier League appearances so far this term. That includes 16-year-old Max Dowman, who has five under his belt.
However, two members of the senior squad aren't guaranteed medals. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is one, as he hasn't made a Premier League appearance for Arsenal despite playing in 11 cup games. It is a similar story for third-choice goalkeeper Tommy Setford, who has only represented the club in the FA Cup this season.
Arsenal's players celebrated into the night. Declan Rice shared a photograph on Instagram with his team-mates accompanied by the caption "I told you all.. it's done."
Social media activity showed the players arriving at the Emirates Stadium in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Former manager Arsene Wenger, who steered the side to their most recent championship triumph in 2004, appeared in a congratulatory message from the Gunners on their X platform.
He said: "You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment."
Arsenal legend David Seaman, who turned out more than 400 times for the club between 1990 and 2003, posted on X: "Premier League champions!!! What a moment!!! What a season!!!!!!!! EPIC!!!!!!!!!! Longest (22 years and) three minutes of MY LIFE..."
Meanwhile, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who had Arteta working under him as his number two during two of City's Premier League title wins, offered his respects to his Gunners opposite number.
He said: "We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League.
"They deserve it, for so much hard work and effort."
