Arsenal pip Spurs to second

Arsenal snatched second place from north London rivals Tottenham after they thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 thanks to Olivier Giroud’s hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who started the day two points behind Spurs, needed a favour from Newcastle and Rafael Benitez’s side duly obliged, beating Mauricio Pochettino’s side 5-1 at St James’ Park.

Arsenal, who welcomed back Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla to the starting line-up, had a job of their own to do and they were sent on their way thanks to Giroud’s powerful header in the fifth minute.

As the game wore on and the score from Newcastle echoed around the stadium, nerves began to set in for the hosts but they were well and truly put to bed as Giroud completed his hat-trick with two goals in two minutes (78,80).

Mikel Arteta was brought on for his final appearance for the Gunners and he nearly ended his career at the club in style, but his injury-time shot hit the crossbar before rolling in off Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bunn.

Arsenal finish second in the Premier League for the first time since 2005 and Tottenham’s demise means the Gunners finish above their north London rivals for the 21st consecutive season. 

The Gunners made four changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Man City last weekend and the notable inclusion was Wilshere for his first Premier League start since the final day of last season.

In front of the watching Roy Hodgson, who names his England squad for Euro 2016 tomorrow, Wilshere was …

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