Arsenal go into their final Premier League match against Crystal Palace already champions, yet Mikel Arteta is targeting more. Arteta wants the club to finish the season with both the league title and a first Champions League crown, with a trophy parade in London already scheduled for 31 May.
The Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest follows the Palace game, and Arteta believes the domestic success changes the mood. Asked if the title eases pressure before facing PSG, Arteta said: "I think so. It's a lot of emotionjoy, happiness, being proudand it is also a relief. "
Arsenal secure the Premier League after Manchester City draw at Bournemouth, ending a 22-year wait. It is the first title under Arteta, whose earlier push
in 2022-23 began a sequence of three straight runners-up finishes behind City and Liverpool. Since that campaign started, Arsenal and City have collected 329 league points each.
The Gunners also spend more days on top of the Premier League table than any rival across that period. The club confirm the title parade will be held in the capital on 31 May, one day after the Champions League final. Arteta stresses that the team intend to carry domestic momentum into Europe.
Reflecting on the emotions around ending the long league drought, Arteta continues: "When you see so many people waiting for something to happen for so long, and youachieve it, everything we have done is worth it, and now we need to sustain that energy. " Arsenal still chase a historic double under the Spaniard.
Arteta points out that Arsenal's campaign includes lengthy spells without several key players. The squad manage to adapt, find different solutions and still win regularly. Arteta explains that the group show resilience over six-and-a-half years of work together and now sit one match from a potential first Champions League triumph.
Looking ahead, Arteta sets a clear challenge for the group: "Now we have to show we have the ambition, the quality and the consistency to do that," Arteta added. "That isthe next step. We want to have the parade with twotrophies!" The manager expects the squad to maintain intensity against Palace.
The match at Selhurst Park also affects Arsenal's statistical milestones. Arteta's side have already recorded 29 wins without conceding in all competitions this season. Another victory with a clean sheet would equal the club best of 30 such wins, first achieved in the 1970-71 campaign, underlining their defensive strength.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace European targets and Glasner selection plans
Crystal Palace also approach this fixture thinking about a European final. Oliver Glasner's team meet Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final in Leipzig next Wednesday. The Austrian coach prepares for the end of a successful two-year stay at Selhurst Park and wants strong performances in both remaining fixtures.
Under Glasner, Palace win the FA Cup, the club's first major honour, and also lift the Community Shield against Liverpool at the start of this campaign. The schedule now brings game number 60 in a demanding season. Glasner balances the need for rhythm with the risk of fatigue before the Vallecano clash.
Glasner confirms defender Chris Richards, injured during the draw with Brentford, is working intensely to be ready for the Conference League final. However, the Arsenal fixture remains important for selection decisions. The coach says the performance at Selhurst Park can still influence which players start in Leipzig.
Glasner outlines his thinking in detail: "It's always possible. It was [this week] in training, and players can show up," Glasner told reporters. "Of course, we won't make 10 changes for the final. Because now it will be the 60th game and, let's say, Maxence Lacroix will play if he's fit. "
Glasner continues: "He's in for almost every single game. But we will start with 11, but we will definitely end the game with a different 11 players. That means probably five subs. If it goes to extra time, probably six subs. That means 16 outfield players can be directly involved on the pitch, and I can promise you we don't win the game with just 16 players. We need every single one with support. Of course, we need every single one on the pitch, but we need everyone who is not playing as well, because Vallecano are such a good team. We need to perform on a top level. "
Mark your calendar We are delighted to announce that we will come together with our supporters and community for a special parade, starting from 2pm on Sunday 31 MayArsenal (@Arsenal) May 20, 2026
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace key players and goal records
Ismaila Sarr is a major attacking threat for Palace before both games. Sarr scores eight goals across his last eight starts in all competitions. The winger finds the net in four consecutive starts, closing on a club top-flight mark last set by current Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze during April and May 2025.
For Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus could return to the starting line-up at Selhurst Park. Jesus has scored only twice in 13 league appearances this season, yet the forward has a strong record on the final matchday. Jesus contributes seven goal involvements on MD38, with five goals and two assists for Arsenal.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace head-to-head trend and Opta prediction
History offers encouragement to both sides. Palace face champions for the second straight season after their title confirmation, having drawn 1-1 at Liverpool last year. As a top-flight club, Palace are unbeaten when ending the league season at home, recording eight wins and four draws, including a 5-0 success over Aston Villa in 2023-24.
Arsenal, however, hold a strong record against Palace overall. The Gunners lose only two of 16 Premier League away games at Selhurst Park, winning 10 and drawing four. Arsenal take victory in the last three such trips by an 8-1 aggregate margin, underlining their comfort in this specific away fixture.
Arsenal are also consistent on the final day. The club win their last league match more often than any other Premier League side, with 24 MD38 successes. Arsenal have closed each of the last 14 seasons with a league win, last losing the final game in 2004-05 at Birmingham City.
Recent meetings edge towards Arsenal as well. Palace lose six of their previous seven league games against the Gunners, the exception a 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium in April last season. Glasner's group will still aim to leave a positive impression before travelling to Germany for their European final.
The Opta model rates Arsenal as favourites despite Palace's strong home finish history. Palace hold a 25.5% chance of victory, with the draw at 23.1%. Arsenal's win probability stands at 51.4%, reflecting their form, title status and record at Selhurst Park as both teams balance domestic and European priorities.
