Arsenal sealed the Premier League title on Tuesday after Manchester City's draw with Bournemouth
Arsenal's end-of-season clash against Crystal Palace won't carry quite the same burden of expectation now that the Gunners wrapped up the Premier League title on Tuesday. And that could hand them a timely boost ahead of the Champions League final.
Manchester City's late draw with Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal's first league crown since 2004. Had City left the Vitality Stadium with all three points, the title race would have gone all the way to the final day of the season.
That would have heaped enormous pressure on Mikel Arteta's side to claim victory away at Crystal Palace. However, that's no longer the case, meaning the north Londoners could use the occasion to rest key players ahead of the Champions League final.
At the very least, Arteta may now choose to bring on his substitutes slightly earlier at Selhurst Park, even if he does decide to name a full-strength starting XI in south London.
Paris Saint-Germain's domestic campaign concluded last weekend, with Luis Enrique's side clinching their 14th title despite a 2-1 defeat to Paris FC. This means they will be granted an additional week's rest to gear up for yet another European showdown.
However, this seemingly considerable advantage has now been reduced, with the pressure firmly lifted from Arsenal's shoulders heading into the final day.
Arteta etched his name into the history books with their title triumph, becoming the first former Arsenal captain to guide the club to a Premier League crown. The Spaniard has come agonisingly close in recent years, finishing as runners-up three consecutive seasons before finally tasting victory.
Speaking after the Gunners' 1-0 victory over Burnley, which ultimately sealed the trophy, Arteta acknowledged that something truly extraordinary was unfolding at the Emirates Stadium.
He said: "It's incredible to witness what we have created in this stadium. Obviously I have memories from the past, and the comparison is unbelievable to watch. I'm so proud of that.
"Today they have created something so special outside the stadium, in the stadium. Now we have set the standards that we are responsible for maintaining because we can provide that, and we know the outcome."
Reflecting on the significance of the upcoming European final compared to last year, Arteta added: "At that point, we knew that we were going to finish second and we didn't have another final to play.
"So, what I said to them - see you at Selhurst Park and then see you in Budapest, another two to play."
Arsenal will take on PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday, May 30 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary. Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm and the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.