The France international scored a superb treble as
Arsene Wenger’s men signed off in style at the Emirates Stadium, with
Mark Bunn’s own goal a late boost to their goal difference.
Arsenal ended their Premier League season on a high as Olivier Giroud’s hat-trick ensured they beat rivals Tottenham to second place after cruising to a 4-0 victory over relegated Aston Villa.
Spurs failed to get the point they required to make sure of second
place in their game at Newcastle United, astonishingly losing 5-1.
That opened the door to Arsenal and Giroud made it six consecutive
goalscoring appearances against Villa with a first-half header and two
late finishes.
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Substitute Mikel Arteta then forced a late own goal by cannoning a
shot against the bar and in off goalkeeper Mark Bunn to ensure the
Gunners kept their side of the bargain at a delighted Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal fans relished the surprise final-day turnaround as Tottenham
missed out on the chance to finish above them for the first time since
1995, prior to the beginning of Arsene Wenger’s reign.
While there is frustration at their failure to win the league in a
season when underdogs Leicester City secured the title, it is the first
time Arsenal have finished in the top two since 2005 – an achievement
made all the sweeter by Spurs’ late-season collapse.
Villa end the season with only three victories and 17 points to their name as they prepare for Championship football in 2016-17.
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