There were grey skies over north London on Monday, but the sea of red and white as fans packed out Armoury Square in their thousands was a sight to behold.
The celebrations were limited to a 10,000 capacity for safety reasons but fans turned out in their droves, some of which arrived as early at 06:00 BST to ensure they secured their spot.
Arsenal’s club dog Win – brought to the club by men’s boss Mikel Arteta to develop the family atmosphere – was front and centre as Beth Mead held him during the event.
Left-back Katie McCabe was living her best life as she took to the microphone to lead the karaoke, with Sweet Caroline, Freed From Desire and Simply the Best among the songs belted out by players and fans alike.
“I’ve been with these girls for nearly 10 years,” McCabe said when addressing the crowd. “Red is in my blood.
“These group of girls is everything you need in a team and that is why we did it on Saturday night in Lisbon.”
Arsenal remain the only English club to win the Women’s Champions League and now avoid going through the qualification rounds for next season’s competition, going straight into the group phase as holders.
The Gunners’ triumph in Lisbon is even more remarkable given their turbulent start to the season. They won only on of their opening four league games and lost the first leg of their first round Champions League qualifying match.
Boss Jonas Eidevall resigned in October, with Slegers appointed as interim to steady the ship, before being given the job on a permanent basis in January.
Slegers had never managed beyond the group stages of the Champions League this season, and her achievements are still sinking in.
“There were so many emotions after the game,” the Dutchwoman told the crowd. “I thought when I came home I would be taking it in, but I ordered food and fell asleep.
“If you are together and you stay together whatever happens and you want to become better every day, with the foundation of being really good players you can reach high levels and that’s what we have done.”
Before Arsenal players lifted the trophy and were showered in red and white confetti, the last word went to the matchwinner and history-maker Blackstenius.
“It’s just amazing standing here with this team and all of you,” she said. “We won the Champions League and it feels unbelievable in every way.”
