Arsenal's hopes of winning their first Premier League title in 20 years were dashed when their 2-1 win over Everton was overshadowed by Manchester City's title-winning victory over West Ham.
Mikel Arteta's team went into the season's final day needing to beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium, and hope City drew or lost in Manchester if they were to win the title miraculously.
However, the Gunners were forced to settle for second place after champions City defeated West Ham 3-1.
Idrissa Gueye put Everton ahead late in the first half, but Takehiro Tomiyasu quickly equalized.
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By the time Kai Havertz scored Arsenal's winner in the 89th minute, City were already on track to retain the title.
Arsenal had been nearly flawless in 2024, with 16 wins and one draw away from City in 18 league games.
However, a costly error in a 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa last month proved decisive in denying them their first title since Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' in 2004.
They finished two points behind City, which has won four consecutive championships and six in the last seven years.
Arsenal staff were spotted rehearsing a mock title presentation at the Emirates on Saturday. The presentation was complete with replicas of the trophy and medals and signs bearing the slogan 'Premier League champions.'
But there would be no true title celebration in north London, as Arteta's heartbroken players were forced to accept their fate.
Arsenal fans had strolled down the sun-baked Holloway Road towards the Emirates, hoping rather than expecting to see a title-winning team.
Some even wore West Ham shirts instead of their own, nodding to their London rivals 200 miles north.
A raucous rendition of the club's 'North London forever' anthem before kickoff heightened the atmosphere.
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