Arsenal have finished above Tottenham for the 21st consecutive season after leapfrogging their north London rivals on the final day of the Premier League season.
Spurs looked like they would finally finish above their neighbours a few weeks ago, holding a comfortable advantage while chasing Leicester for the title, but capitulated horribly on Tyneside.
However, a draw at Chelsea followed by defeats against Southampton and Newcastle have allowed the Gunners to claim second spot behind runaway champions Leicester.
Arsenal sealed the three points they needed thanks to a hat-trick from Olivier Giroud and a strike by Mikel Arteta at home to Aston Villa.
A brace from Georginio Wijnaldum and goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was later sent off, Rolando Aarons and Daryl Janmaat led the Toon to a 5-1 win in what could be Rafael Benitez’s last game in charge, unless he decides to stay on with the club in the Championship.
Erik Lamela struck for Spurs, but it wasn’t enough to keep hold of second spot after a season in which they were the main challengers to Leicester for the Premier League title.
It means Tottenham are still to finish above their fiercest rivals since last doing so in 1995.
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