WHAT HAPPENED
After 22 years and 606 matches at Highbury and Emirates Stadium, Arsene Wenger has taken charge of his last home game for us.
And he was given the send-off he so richly deserved.
After a pre-match guard of honour and a rapturous reception, the boss was treated to a classy display with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (twice), Alex Lacazette, Sead Kolasinac and Alex Iwobi all on target.
Aubameyang rounded off a move comprising 16 passes when he tapped in Lacazette’s low drive after good work from Alex Iwobi.
Iwobi was involved in the second goal too, releasing Hector Bellerin for a right-wing delivery that was neatly tucked away by Lacazette at the near post.
Jack Wilshere set up the third with a marauding run through the centre of a rather listless Burnley defence, Kolasinac doing the rest with a rasping drive.
Iwobi got the fourth with a fierce finish into the top corner. And Aubameyang converted Bellerin’s cross for No 5.
Per Mertesacker came off the bench for his final home game and had every touch cheered. Vic Akers completed 30 years of sterling service in north London. And women’s captain Alex Scott also said goodbye.
But today was almost all about the manager.
“One Arsene Wenger…” was sung with gusto - even by the Burnley fans - and an entertaining game gave way to a second guard of honour from Arsenal players and legends, and emotional scenes as the boss addressed the home fans one last time.
Then it was time to thank the man who elevated this club and gave millions of Arsenal fans some of the finest moments of their lives.
Those lucky enough to be at the Emirates for Wenger’s final lap of honour were given commemorative red T-shirts.
And the message on the front said it all: Merci, Arsene.
HOW IT HAPPENED
WHAT IT MEANS
We will definitely finish in sixth place in the Premier League after beating Burnley.
The Clarets are six points adrift of us with one game to play.
WHAT’S NEXT
We’ve got two Premier League games left this season.
We head to Leicester on Wednesday and then complete our 2017/18 campaign - and say a final farewell to the boss - at Huddersfield on Sunday.
MERCI ARSÈNE
Tributes poured in for Arsene Wenger before and during his last home game as our manager - with fans using the #MerciArsene hashtag on Twitter.
Here’s a selection:
@DimiMAFC
Love. Love for the man, love for the club. Love for the legacy and everything he's done for @Arsenal
@goodasyou1980
#MerciArsene for your service to Arsenal and football; for some of the most amazing highs; for the Invincibles; for showing me football at its best. We will be talking about you for decades to come
@BossAndPecks
22 years is a long time. Quite a remarkable career span. Getting to do what you love at this level for so long is an inspiring goal for anyone
@callumbruce
A big day for @Arsenal today. What a man, let’s please give him the send off this LEGEND deserves
@KallyBean
Last home game, it’s going to be an emotional day
@oysterman55
So #MerciArsène from me. Thanks for multiple Premier league titles & FA Cups, The Invincibles (best club side I've seen in 55 years), thanks for The Emirates Stadium. Thanks for your loyalty. I've always supported you. Always grateful.
@supanova_7
I’ve been privileged enough to see him manage our great club all these years and even more grateful to be here today to say goodbye to our greatest ever manager. I’ll miss you
@mikiejboy69
Seems almost surreal this will be the last time Wenger takes charge at the emirates. Times are changing but thanks for the memories Wenger
@rithompson
Merci Arsene. I remember the kind letter of condolence you sent my family after my mum died in 2002 (received the day before the FA Cup semi final). My dad still has it framed in his living room
@WizardOfOzill
This man was a real role model for me and I'm forever grateful for what he's done for my club. On the day you're about to walk out to the Emirates pitch for the last time love and respect, nothing else
@demi_AFC
Today is going to be so emotional, can’t believe this is our last home game with Wenger as manager. It still doesn’t feel real
@NikoPKor
Words can't describe the amount of respect I have for this man. Truly a great human, always lived by his values and dedicated over two decades of his life to Arsenal FC. A philosopher, a father figure to many, Le professeur, One Arsene Wenger!
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