"Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happened again". In a season when pride was the only thing left for Arsenal to fight for, the Gunners have managed to finish above their north London rivals for the 22nd season in a row. It wasn’t meant to happen, it shouldn’t have happened and many can’t believe it has happened - but yes, it has happened again.
Spurs have triumphed in almost every department this season, from having the strongest defence and most prolific attack to impressing with their free-flowing counter attacking football week in, week out. Arsenal on the other hand have looked lethargic at times, somewhat passive and always unpredictable.
You could almost guarantee that something spectacular was set to happen on Sunday afternoon and a Tottenham collapse was just what the doctor ordered for Arsenal supporters and especially manager Arsene Wenger, who has received the brunt of the criticism for the club’s trophyless season.
Olivier Giroud may have scored a hat-trick against an already-relegated Villa side but it won’t prevent Wenger from dipping into the market for the world-class striker that Arsenal need. Danny Welbeck is out for nine months, Joel Campbell is unlikely to get gametime in the middle and Theo Walcott looks more likely to leave with every passing day.
He was one of the last players out on the pitch as the players took part in a lap of appreciation after the match, perhaps a hint that it could be the last time Arsenal fans see him in the red and white shirt at the stadium.
There were goodbyes for Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini, all of whom have provided Arsenal fans with individual moments of glory. Arteta's wonder strike against Manchester City, Rosicky's run from the halfway line and strike in the north London derby and Flamini's two-goal showing at White Hart Lane earlier in the season will live long in the memory of most at the Emirates.
The trio have given years of service to Arsenal and received a rapturous reception from the thousands of supporters who waited to see them off at the end. An emotional Arteta has been a terrific captain, leading from midfield. Despite not being involved as much as he would have liked to recently, the Spaniard is a much respected figure at the club and will go on to make a successful coach wherever he decides to go next.
Now begins a crucial summer for Wenger and his transfer fixer Dick Law who have to make sure Arsenal secure their targets in the transfer window. Granit Xhaka is expected to be the first of several high-profile arrivals at the Emirates, while Alvaro Morata and Kostas Manolas could add the attacking and defensive bite that has been lacking in recent years.
Arteta played the last few minutes at the Emirates after coming on off the bench to replace Mesut Ozil. It was a party occasion for a celebration which would have meant more if Arsenal had taken their chances when it really counted.
Regardless, some pride has been restored in the red side of north London for at least another year and when Gooners down the Holloway Road can be seen repainting the streets red once again and heard singing "Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happened again", there can be no doubt that the tide is not ready to turn just yet....
- Goal