SportFootballArsenal FCArsenal have defied the critics to win their first league title in more than two decades09:29, 20 May 2026Arsenal's Premier League title victory should have an "asterisk" against it, according to Alan Pardew. The Gunners are celebrating their first Premier League title in 22 years after closest rivals Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.‌Arsenal's season has been accompanied by criticism of the tactics employed by Mikel Arteta, whose success from set-pieces has polarised opinion. While they have been praised in some quarters, others have slammed their supposed rough-house tactics at corners.‌Others, including former West Ham and Newcastle boss Pardew, have accused the Gunners of "gamesmanship" and said "there is nothing beautiful about them."‌Speaking on talkSPORT during the Gunners' 1-0 win at Brighton in March, Pardew said: "When I'm looking at them with my football manager's head on, they're so professional. They do every bit of gamesmanship to get it over the line."FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageHe added: "There'll be an asterisk next to their name because you've only got to look at them really in these types of performances and say it's just a functional display.‌READ MORE: Arsene Wenger's comments about Mikel Arteta speak volumes as Arsenal finally win titleREAD MORE: Arsenal secure Champions League final boost as PSG advantage disappears"It's a professional, functional display. They're good, they're strong, they're powerful. But there is nothing beautiful about them. That's the truth."The Gunners fans who celebrated wildly into the early hours of the morning are unlikely to care about the views of detractors like Pardew. After three successive runner-up finishes, Arsenal have shed their cruel 'bottle jobs' tag to regain their status as English football's top dogs after more than two decades.‌Arteta's side will formally be presented with the trophy on Sunday after their final match of the season at Crystal Palace. They could still make it an historic double for the club as they chase their first Champions League title in the final against Paris St Germain later this month.The league title ended a six-year period without a trophy and is Arteta's second major honour in charge after the 2020 FA Cup victory. Midfielder Declan Rice posted a picture on Instagram with his team-mates with the caption "I told you all.. it's done."Article continues belowFormer Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who led the team to their last title, in 2004, featured in a celebratory post from the Gunners. He said: "You did it. Champions go on when others stop. This is your time. Now, go on and enjoy every moment."Former England goalkeeper David Seaman, who made more than 400 appearances for Arsenal between 1990 and 2003, said on X: "Premier League champions!!! What a moment!!! What a season!!!!!!!! EPIC!!!!!!!!!! Longest (22 years and ) three minutes of MY LIFE…"Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Arsene WengerMikel ArtetaAlan PardewPremier LeagueArsenal FC