Saliba: The Moment Arsenal's Title Dream Became Destiny

William Saliba has identified the precise moment when Arsenal's championship destiny crystallised in his mind – and it came courtesy of a hard-fought victory at Goodison Park and a slip-up from Manchester City across town.

After three consecutive seasons of bridesmaid heartbreak, the Gunners have at last claimed the Premier League crown, their first in 22 years. A canny transfer window last summer laid the groundwork, and Arsenal have duly delivered, usurping City to claim their rightful place atop the table.

The campaign hasn't run entirely smoothly, but Saliba's conviction took hold in March, following the crucial clash with Everton.

"I started to feel we could do it in March," the defender explained. "After the game against Everton, it was clear to me that we would win the league. It was a hard game, and we knew that we would not play in the Premier League until after the international break, so that win was so important."

Timing proved everything that afternoon. "It was a tough game, and afterwards, City dropped points against West Ham, so it was a good day for us," Saliba recalled. "When we came back from the national team, it was a bit hard. But we kept going, we believed in ourselves, even after the loss against City. And now we are champions."

With the league secured, Saliba's attention has shifted to next Saturday's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain – and he's convinced Arsenal's defensive steel will prove decisive.

"We have the best defence this season," he declared. "When you are the best, you want to play the best, so we are so happy to have attackers like this to play against us next Saturday, and I hope we will win that battle."

PSG may arrive as favourites, having won the competition last season and reached another final, but Saliba sees no reason to bow to the narrative. "It is normal that they are the favourites, because they won the Champions League last season, and now they are in the final again. We have to fight, and if we want to change that, we need to win."

Even Liverpool's Arne Slot has tipped his hat to Arsenal's achievement, whilst also acknowledging the tactical evolution that has defined their success.

"Let me congratulate Arsenal, the club, Mikel and his staff for a great accomplishment," Slot told reporters. "Winning the league here in England is never easy and they've done a tremendous job this season."

Yet the Liverpool boss identified what sets this Arsenal vintage apart. "They've been a different champion than the last time," he observed. "For the first time in 30 years, a team has had 40 per cent of their goals from set-pieces. I think Luis Enrique said – and I completely agree with him – they are maybe by far the best team off the ball in our league but I also think in Europe. Football has evolved, and we have to make sure we are able next season to compete with Arsenal and City again with our own brand of football."