Arsenal were confirmed as Premier League champions on Tuesday, ending a 22-year title drought after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Bournemouth.
City needed a victory to keep the title race alive until the final day, but Bournemouth extended their unbeaten league run to 17 matches, securing European football for the first time in the club’s history.
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After finishing runners-up in the previous three seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side finally secured the league title, also ending a six-year wait for major silverware.
The Gunners moved to the brink of the title with a narrow 1-0 victory over already relegated Burnley on Monday, opening a five-point gap over City.
Arsenal, who have led the title race for most of the campaign, recovered strongly from last month’s defeat to City by winning four consecutive league games without conceding.
Meanwhile, Manchester City entered the clash just two days after beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final to complete a domestic cup double.
However, the mood around the club was overshadowed by widespread reports suggesting manager Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of the season after 10 years in charge.
Saturday’s Wembley triumph delivered the 20th trophy of Guardiola’s era, but the Spaniard will not add another Premier League title to his six league crowns.
Guardiola had warned before the game that fatigue could affect his side against an ambitious Bournemouth team still chasing Champions League qualification.
As things stand, Bournemouth are guaranteed at least a Europa League place after confirming a top-seven finish.
City supporters repeatedly chanted “One more year, Guardiola” at the Vitality Stadium in an emotional appeal for the manager to remain at the club.
But City produced a disappointing display and struggled to create clear opportunities.
Antoine Semenyo briefly thought he had scored for Bournemouth in the first half, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The hosts eventually took the lead in the 39th minute when Eli Junior Kroupi curled a superb strike into the top corner, setting a new record for goals scored by a teenager in a debut Premier League season.
Nico O’Reilly missed City’s best chance early in the second half after being denied by goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
Guardiola watched as City’s title hopes faded, having earlier surrendered control of the race following a 3-3 draw at Everton after beating Arsenal in what had been billed as a decisive clash last month.
Rayan and David Brooks both struck the post as Bournemouth pushed for a second goal in Andoni Iraola’s final home game in charge.
Erling Haaland eventually scored a stoppage-time equaliser, but it came too late to revive City’s fading title hopes.
The result also boosted Liverpool’s chances of securing Champions League qualification, leaving them three points ahead of Bournemouth with a superior goal difference heading into the final round of matches.
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