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Why wasn’t Arteta in Arsenal’s title celebration photos?

Mikel Arteta joined in with the Arsenal Premier League title celebrations late on Tuesday night, but he wasn’t present with the squad when the trophy was confirmed.

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, celebrates after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Those following all of the videos and images shared of Arsenal’s Premier League title win on Tuesday night may have noticed that Mikel Arteta is conspicuously absent from all of them.

Whilst the first-team squad at London Colney celebrated Manchester City’s pivotal failure to beat AFC Bournemouth, Arteta wasn’t visible among them, which was because he’d apparently opted to watch the game at home instead.

The manager had revealed that plan to the media the previous day, saying: “No, I haven’t planned to do that (watch with the players). I’m planning to watch it with my family.”

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, celebrates progressing to the final of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 with Noni Madueke and Declan Rice of Arsenal after the team's victory in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Ryan Taylor reports for the Mirror that Arteta did eventually link up with the squad later in the night, when they travelled to London nightclub Tape to continue the celebrations.

The Arsenal manager reportedly danced with his players and some fans, and Noni Madueke took the microphone and started rapping. The majority of those in attendance were Arsenal players and staff, though a few lucky members of the public were also there.

Presumably, Arteta will eventually make an appearance and share a message or reaction with the supporters, but at this point it’s looking like we might have to wait for his pre-Crystal Palace press conference.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Arsenal fans celebrate winning the Premier League after Manchester City failed to win away to Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on May 19, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

It’s not often in football, as a player or a manager, that you get to celebrate trophy success at home with your family. In general, you do so in public, in front of the TV cameras, with your family sitting up in the stands – if you’re lucky.

Arteta will still get the chance to celebrate in public this weekend, when Arsenal lift the trophy at Selhurst Park. But it seems he took advantage of a rare opportunity to share the winning moment with his family on Tuesday.

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