Arsenal's title triumph deserves an "asterisk" beside it, Alan Pardew claimed earlier this season. The Gunners are revelling in their first Premier League crown in 22 years following closest challengers Manchester City's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Arsenal's campaign has attracted scrutiny over the approach adopted by Mikel Arteta, whose effectiveness from set-pieces has divided observers. While they have earned plaudits in certain circles, others have condemned their allegedly physical approach at corners. Critics, including former West Ham and Newcastle manager Pardew, have branded the Gunners guilty of "gamesmanship" and insisted "there is nothing beautiful about them."

Speaking on talkSPORT during the Gunners' 1-0 victory 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."

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He 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.

"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 supporters who partied wildly into the small hours are unlikely to be concerned about the opinions of critics like Pardew. Following three consecutive second-place finishes, Arsenal have cast off their painful 'bottle jobs' tag to reclaim their position as English football's premier force after more than two decades.

Arteta's squad will officially receive the trophy on Sunday following their final fixture of the campaign at Crystal Palace. They could still secure an historic double for the club as they pursue their first Champions League title in the final against Paris St Germain later this month.

The league triumph concluded a six-year spell without silverware and represents Arteta's second major honour as manager following the 2020 FA Cup success. Midfielder Declan Rice shared an image on Instagram with his teammates alongside the caption "I told you all.. it's done."

Former Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, who guided the side to their previous title in 2004, appeared in a congratulatory post from the club. 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 over 400 appearances for Arsenal between 1990 and 2003, wrote on X: "Premier League champions!!! What a moment!!! What a season!!!!!!!! EPIC!!!!!!!!!! Longest (22 years and ) three minutes of MY LIFE..."

Pep Guardiola, who had Arteta as his assistant for two of City's Premier League titles, paid tribute to his Gunners counterpart. He told Sky Sports: "We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League. They deserve it, for so much hard work and effort."