The 2025/26 Premier League season reaches its conclusion this afternoon, and for Arsenal, the final day carries a significance that has been 22 years in the making. Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, not only to wrap up their league campaign but to prepare for a moment that will live long in the memory: the official lifting of the Premier League trophy.
While the result of today’s fixture remains a matter of professional pride, the atmosphere in south London is set to be one of celebration for the Gunners. For the hosts, meanwhile, the match marks the end of an era, as Oliver Glasner prepares to bid farewell to the Palace faithful before turning his attention to their historic UEFA Conference League final.
A Historic Finale at Selhurst Park
Arsenal head into this clash having already secured the title, and while the tension of a title race is absent, the incentive to finish on a high note remains. Martin Ødegaard will follow in the footsteps of legends, becoming the latest captain to hoist the silverware for the North London side.
For Crystal Palace, the season concludes amidst a backdrop of European anticipation. With a Conference League final against Real Vallecano on the horizon, Oliver Glasner has admitted that his team selection is being balanced against the “bigger fish to fry.” The Austrian manager has hinted at potential rotation, acknowledging that while they want to honour their final home game, the priority must be ensuring his squad is prepared for their historic European night.
“You don’t win the league on the last day, you have to play 38 games at a consistent high level,” Glasner said in his pre-match press conference. “There’s just one club that’s responsible for this, and that’s Arsenal. They’ve done an incredible job, and that’s why they deserve it.”
Team News and Tactical Outlook
Expect significant changes to both starting XIs as managers look to protect their key assets. For Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi could set a new record for appearances by a player in a debut season, having already equalled Pat Jennings’ 1977/78 tally of 55 games. Gabriel Martinelli will be looking to extend his impressive record against the Eagles, having netted six Premier League goals against them—more than any other side in the top flight.
Palace, meanwhile, will look to the in-form Ismaila Sarr, who has been lethal in front of goal recently, scoring in each of his last four starts. However, the Eagles will have to be wary of their own set-piece fragility; the Gunners have been prolific in exploiting such weaknesses throughout the campaign.
Why It Matters to UK Fans
Today represents the perfect microcosm of the Premier League’s final-day drama. Whether it is a team celebrating a hard-fought championship or a club like Crystal Palace balancing domestic duty with the excitement of an upcoming continental final, the fixture highlights the varying stakes that define the English game. For Arsenal fans, the trophy presentation—expected around 6:30 PM BST—is the culmination of a decade of rebuilding under Arteta.
FAQ
What time is the Crystal Palace vs Arsenal match?
Kick-off at Selhurst Park is scheduled for 16:00 BST today, Sunday, 24 May.
When will Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy?
The trophy presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place at Selhurst Park after the final whistle, with celebrations expected to commence around 6:30 PM BST.
Where can I watch the match in the UK?
The game is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Ultra HD. Fans can also stream the action via SkyGo or NOW TV.
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As the curtain closes on the 2025/26 season, the focus shifts from the tactical battles on the pitch to the celebrations awaiting in the stands. For Arsenal, it is a day to cherish the return of the title to N5, while for Crystal Palace, it is a final home send-off before they jet off to chase European glory. Regardless of the scoreline, it promises to be a day of high emotion for both sets of supporters.
