3 Arsenal Stars Could Still Miss Out on Premier League Winner’s Medal
- Arsenal have secured the Premier League title after Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth, sealing the championship ahead of the final weekend
- Several squad members could miss out on winners’ medals due to Premier League rules requiring a minimum number of league appearances for automatic eligibility
- While some young players are set to be rewarded for their contributions, others who featured mainly in cup competitions may face disappointment over medal allocation
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Arsenal secured the Premier League title on Tuesday, May 19, after Manchester City failed to beat AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The result left the Gunners in an unassailable position heading into the final weekend of the 2025/2026 season.
Source: Getty Images
Although they will not lift the trophy in front of their home supporters, that disappointment will matter little after ending a 22-year wait for Premier League glory.
As noted on Arsenal's official website, Mikel Arteta has become only the second person to both play in and win the EPL as a manager, with key contributions this season coming from players such as Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães, and David Raya.
Arsenal players not guaranteed Premier League medal
Two young players who have featured in domestic cup competitions may not receive a Premier League winners’ medal after Arsenal are officially crowned champions.
Defender Marli Salmon and goalkeeper Tommy Setford have both played in the FA Cup this season but are yet to make a league appearance.
Under current Premier League rules, clubs are required to award medals only to players who make at least five league appearances. That means both youngsters could miss out.
One player who has attracted attention this season is 16-year-old Max Dowman.
The youngster scored his first Premier League goal against Everton, although that came in only his third league appearance.
However, he has now reached five appearances overall, meaning he will qualify for a medal when Arsenal receive theirs.
According to GiveMeSport, the most senior player at risk of missing out is Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has not played in the league since joining Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
He has featured mainly in cup competitions, with David Raya preferred in Premier League matches.
Source: Getty Images
Premier League rule means Arsenal have flexibility
Even if players do not meet the five-game requirement, the champions are allocated 40 medals to distribute among players, staff, and management as they see fit.
However, only players who meet the minimum appearance threshold are automatically entitled to a medal.
Any additional medals beyond the 40 can only be approved by the Premier League Board, and this would only be considered if an unusually large number of players (39 or more) made five or more appearances.
As a result, players like Kepa may still be waiting to see whether they are rewarded despite falling short of the required league appearances.
How much Arsenal gets for winning EPL
YEN.com.gh previously reported that winning the Premier League title also comes with a massive financial boost.
Arsenal are expected to earn a guaranteed £96.9 million, a sum shared equally among all 20 Premier League clubs.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
