Why Manchester City players were pictured with the Premier League trophy on Monday

Arsenal fans were left bemused as images emerged of Manchester City players celebrating with the Premier League trophy on Monday, so what was going on?

John Stones of Manchester City brings out the 2018/2019 Premier League trophy during the After Party Celebration to mark the achievements of Manchester City men’s, women’s and academy teams during the 25/26 season at The Co-op Live Arena on May 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) — Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Manchester City held a trophy parade on Monday, having won the FA Cup and the League Cup this season. The club were also paying tribute to their manager Pep Guardiola, who confirmed last week that he’s leaving.

But some Arsenal fans on social media were left confused as images started to emerge of the Manchester City players holding the Premier League trophy.

After all, Arsenal just won the Premier League ahead of City, celebrating with the trophy over the weekend. And City aren’t even the most recent holders, with Liverpool having won the trophy last season.

Phil Foden of Manchester City brings out the 2023/2024 Premier League trophy during the After Party Celebration to mark the achievements of Manchester City men’s, women’s and academy teams during the 25/26 season at The Co-op Live Arena on May 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) — Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images

The explanation is that City were celebrating Guardiola’s spell at the club by bringing out all of their replica trophies for past successes, including his Premier League titles in previous seasons.

The real Premier League trophies (there are two) remain outside of Manchester, with Arsenal holding onto one, and the Premier League themselves keeping an exact copy of the trophy – for events and so on.

Arsenal will keep their trophy until three weeks before the end of the 2026/27 season, at which point they’ll need to return it to the Premier League. Of course, the Gunners would then have the chance to get it back if they can win it again.

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, celebrates with the Premier League trophy, as Arsenal are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2025/26 Season, after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League) — Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League

So Arsenal fans need not fear. The club will have plenty of time with the trophy over at least the next 11 months, they haven’t shipped it off to Manchester already!

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