London: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger signed off in style as they thrashed Burnley 5-0 in his last Premier League home game Sunday with the kind of dominant performance he would have wanted after 22 years in charge.
Wenger was given a guard of honour from both teams and the match officials before kick-off, and received roars of support throughout the match from the home fans, most of whom had donned their complimentary red “Merci Arsene” T-shirts.
Arsenal’s January record signing, Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, opened the scoring in the 14th minute at The Emirates. Alexander Lacazette then doubled the lead for the Gunners just before half time.
Later, second half strikes from Sead Kolasinac, Aubameyang again and Alex Iwobi put the game well beyond Burnley’s reach. Burnley, who narrowly avoided relegation last season but are now preparing for their first season of European football since 1967, with qualification for the Europa League, had been hoping before the game to pull level on 57 points with Arsenal.
Instead, the result means the Gunners will finish the season in sixth place, with Burnley one place behind them in seventh.
After the game the Arsenal team and staff formed another guard of honour to say farewell to Wenger and captain Per Mertesacker, who will manage the club’s academy next season.
Former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson then led the tributes to Wenger on the pitch, backed by huge letter-boards spelling out “Merci Arsene”.
“He has built the Arsenal that we know and love today. He has changed the face of football in this country. Hundreds of players owe their careers to him,” Wilson told the crowd, all standing for the occasion.
Later, an Olivier Giroud header helped Chelsea raise some hope of a top four finish in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Stamford Bridge.
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Thank you all for having me for such a long time. I know that’s not easy. Above all I am, like you, an Arsenal fan
Arsene Wenger
