GOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL FOR ARSENAL! An unfortunate moment for Mark Bunn! Arteta thinks he has ensured a dream farewell as he blasts a strike off the bar which subsequently hits the goalkeeper in the back before going over the line! That will likely go down as an own goal! Four-nil!
88'
Mikel Arteta enters the game and replaces M. Özil.
J. Campbell enters the game and replaces Santi Cazorla.
The second sees Mikel Arteta enter the action for his farewell appearance in an Arsenal shirt, as he is widely expected to leave during the summer. Ozil is the man coming off.
A double change from Arsene Wenger here. Firstly, leaving the action is Santi Cazorla to be replaced by Joel Campbell.
86'
Just under five minutes remaining of the Premier League season and there is certainly a sense of 'what could have been' for Arsenal as they are set to be runners up to surprise champions, Leicester after the 38 games. A few wins at key times during the season could have catapulted them up as real contenders, but they were never really looking likely to finish top.
84'
Dear, oh dear, Tottenham Hotspur. This is turning into the absolute perfect day for Arsenal fans here as news comes through that Spurs are now FOUR-ONE down against Newcastle. Queue the laughs raining down from the Gunners faithful - they are loving this!
82'
It is constantly said that goals change games whenever they are scored, but it is also true that they can dramatically change the atmosphere inside stadiums. Within the space of four minutes, the Emirates has gone from drenched with nerves to absolutely bouncing, and that is thanks to Olivier Giroud and indeed Spurs' capitulation against Newcastle.
80'
O. Giroud has scored a goal for Arsenal! Assist by Héctor Bellerín.
Exciting work from Bellerin to run forward and eventually assist Giroud's hat-trick goal.
GOOOOAAALLL!!! GOOOAAALLLL FOR ARSENAL! A HAT-TRICK FOR GIROUD! Bellerin moves forward completely unopposed down the right wing and eventually cuts inside before threading a precision pass in behind the extremely high Villa defence. The France international latches on to it before sliding a low finish into the bottom left corner past Bunn! Three-nil! GAME OVER!
78'
O. Giroud has scored a goal for Arsenal! Assist by M. Özil.
Ozil is the assist king again, this time setting up Giroud for the Frenchman's second.
GOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL FOR ARSENAL! THE GUNNERS SEAL SECOND PLACE! Ozil exchanges yet another neat one-two with Alexis before hitting the byline and firing a low cross to the front post. Giroud gets across his marker after a smart dash and squeezes a strike into the near post! Two-nil!
76'
Another change from Villa here and it is a positive one from caretaker manager, Eric Black, who introduces the attacking prowess of Jack Grealish in place of the more defensively-minded full-back, Jordan Lyden.
75'
J. Grealish enters the game and replaces J. Lyden.
Minute
Description
74'
The biggest cheer of the day ensues at the Emirates, which is even bigger than the opening goal from Giroud! Yes, you guessed it, Newcastle have scored AGAIN against Tottenham through a Wijnaldum penalty which makes it 3-1, meaning second place in the Premier League is now Wenger's men to lose!
72'
OH WHAT A POOR MISS FROM ELNENY! Ozil and Alexis attempt to increase the tempo of the Arsenal passing with a duo of impressive one-twos inside the area, with the Chilean eventually clipping a deflected cross to the back post. The Egyptian is tasked with the volley on goal, but it goes disappointingly high and wide into the stand. Poor in the end.
70'
Twenty minutes to go here in the last day of the season and the Arsenal fans are getting really frustrated with their players now, who are just lacking any kind of spark going forward at the moment. It is true that the only thing the Gunners are playing for today is to finish above Tottenham, but if the opportunity presents itself why not grab hold of it with gusto? They are crawling to the finishing line here.
69'
Mohamed Elneny enters the game and replaces J. Wilshere.
68'
Arsene Wenger in turn makes his first alteration from the bench and it sees Wilshere, who of course has only recently came back from a series of injury setbacks, leave the action to be replaced by Mohamed Elneny.
66'
Well, even with Aston Villa's poor performances this season, they have been terribly unlucky at times too. Richards, who has only been involved in the action for over a minute, is clattered by Alexis inside the Villa box during an aerial clash, and is looking worse for wear down on the pitch at the moment. If he can't shake the knock off then a substitute will need to replace the substitute. Not ideal.
65'
M. Richards enters the game and replaces J. Lescott.
64'
First change of the match now and it comes from Villa. Joleon Lescott, who appears to have apparently picked up a knock, trudges off to the side of the pitch to be replaced by Micah Richards, in what is a like-for-like change in the middle of the visitors' defence.
61'
It will be interesting to see if the nerves from the stands translate down into the Arsenal players on the pitch here, as they really need to step up their game if they are going to make this a more comfortable afternoon. A 1-0 scoreline will never be particularly comfortable.
59'
Well things have indeed got a little nervy in the Emirates stands here, but it is not due to an Aston Villa goal, but rather a Spurs one. Moments ago, Erik Lamela grabbed one at St. James' Park to take it to 2-1, so Pochettino's men are on their way back into contention for second place!
57'
Just over 10 minutes into the second period now and it doesn't appear that Wenger gave his men too hard a time at the break as the Gunners still continue to be a little pedestrian at times in the final third. If Villa can grab an equaliser here things would get very nervous in the Emirates.
54'
We see the biggest cheer of the day from the away section of the Emirates as Aston Villa have gained...a corner-kick. Fair play to the Villa fans as they are clearly trying to stay positive even with relegation confirmed, but it is uncertain as to whether the sarcasm will inspire any of the players.
52'
Ayew continues to look Aston Villa's best bet to claim an equaliser here. On this occasion, the Ghana international takes on Bellerin at right-back before twisting and turning his way into the penalty area, but unfortunately for him he lacks the support from his attacking team-mates, which sees Arsenal reclaim possession fairly easily through Gabriel.
BLAZED OVER FROM BELLERIN! Ozil nods back into the danger area at the back post and Wilshere looks poised to have a crack on goal, only for the ball just to nick off the leg of Alexis which takes the chance away. The Spaniard latches on to the loose possession 20 yards out, but only succeeds in finding row Z with a wild strike.
50'
Wilshere sees possession around 25 yards out and takes a couple of strides forward before dinking a pass in behind the defence for Ozil, who in turn fires a wicked volley into the area looking for Giroud. The Arsenal forward strives to get on the end of it but Toner eventually defends well to usher the cross out of the area.
48'
Alexis receives the ball in a more central area this time and drives into the space available, taking it past a couple of challenges as he goes. He attempts to then stab a pass through to the onrushing Ozil, but Toner proactively steps out from defence to make the good interception before clearing the danger.
46'
We are back underway at the Emirates!
44'
Gana receives the ball to feet inside the centre circle and takes advantage of the space ahead to drive into the final third. He thinks about pulling the trigger only for possession to move back, but Villa manage to collect again to continue the sustained pressure inside the Arsenal half.
42'
The game has just entered a fairly tepid little period now as we approach the half-time break. Wenger may be content with the lead, but he will certainly be asking for a little more intensity in the final third from his charges, who are going through the motions at times.
40'
There is only one thing that would come close to the level of a cheer from an Arsenal goal today, and that would be a goal from Newcastle. The news comes through that the relegated side have now taken a two-goal lead against Tottenham, so the Gunners are now in pole position to finish second if they claim all three points.
39'
C. Sánchez gets yellow.
First yellow card of the match now and it comes to Carlos Sanchez for persistant fouling on Alexis.
37'
VITAL INTERCEPTION FROM MONREAL! Ayew has been one of the bright sparks for Villa so far today and almost provides a route to an equaliser with a shot-cum-cross low along the six-yard box, but before Sinclair can take advantage to pass into the empty net the Spaniard is on hand to make the important interception, gaining a cheer from the crowd in the process.
35'
Ozil almost pulls off one of the assists of the season as he picks up the ball around 20 yards out before dinking a delicate pass over the top of the Aston Villa defence for Alexis, but the Chilean wasn't ready to receive the pass and slashes at his finish which allows Bunn to pounce and claim the ball for the visitors.
33'
WILSHERE SHOULD BE SCORE! Villa languish in possession for far too long at he back which allows the Gunners to pounce with a counter on the left flank. The cross eventually comes to the England international at the back post, who attempts to cushion a right-footed half-volley on target, but he only succeeds in ruffling the side netting! It should be 2-0.
31'
JUST WIDE FROM ALEXIS! The former Barcelona winger collects possession down the left wing with a glorious touch out of the air before skipping inside past the defender to rattle a strike at goal. Unfortunately for the hosts, the well-struck attempt flashes the wrong side of the right-hand post! Really unlucky.
29'
Just a little too over-elaborate from Arsenal here as Ozil and Giroud initially link up superbly on the edge of the box, only for the German to attempt to thread another pass to his team-mate in behind the Villa defence when he was in a great position to get the shot away. The disappointing end to the move catalyses some grunts from the home crowd.
27'
It is complete domination from Arsenal here, but some of the fans are getting a little perturbed that the hosts haven't took advantage of their early ascendancy to score more than just the one goal. They are of course facing the worst and bottom team in the league, so the Gunners fans will want a few goals as well as the three points for their buck.
25'
Roy Hodgson is in the stands this afternoon as he makes one final assessment of some of the players on show today before announcing the England squad for the Euros during the summer. Wilshere in particular will be scrutinised to see if he can make a good case for being fit enough for the tournament.
23'
We are just beyond the midway point of the first period at the Emirates and it is so far, so good for Arsenal in the last day of the season. Indeed, news has just came through in the stands that Newcastle have took the lead versus Spurs, so if the results remain the same the Gunners will finish second in the lead ahead of their arch rivals.
21'
Aston Villa are actually just enjoying a nice little period of sustained possession in the final third at the moment, with Lyden also proving decent width on the right. The young full-back picks up the ball a yard in from the touchline this time, but opts to revert back with a pass into midfield with not many options available inside the box for a cross.
19'
The only negative for Arsenal so far here is that they could be doing a little more to pose a threat to goal considering how much of the ball they are seeing. The 1-0 lead stands them in good stead, but they are more than capable of grabbing more goals if they up the tempo a little touch.
17'
There is a fairly entertaining duel developing between Ayew and Bellerin here, who are continually up against each other down this left flank. On this occasion, a typically pacey footrace ensues, but it is the Spaniard who eventually comes out on top with a slide tackle to clear out for a throw-in.
15'
A miscue from Bellerin allows Ayew to collect possession down the left before drifting inside past a coupled of challenges. He eventually picks out Westwood, but the subsequent strike on goal from the midfielder goes harmlessly bouncing into the hands of the grateful Cech in the Arsenal goal.
13'
Cazorla stands over a free-kick down the left channel and steps up to curl a teasing cross to the edge of the six-yard box. Gabriel gets above his marker to make connection on a header, but it lacks the direction required to bother Bunn between the sticks, as the Villa keeper easily comes off his line to claim and take the pressure off the visitors.
11'
Alexis is hugging the left touchline and picks up the ball to feet before looking to dance his way into a more advanced position. Good defending from Lyden, though, who displays an impressive bit of strength to keep the Chilean from getting into a position to pull the trigger with a shot on goal.
9'
Perhaps expectedly, Wenger's men are dominating possession with ease in these early stages. Wilshere, who is making his first league start of the season, is looking particularly comfortable on the ball in the final third, although he isn't up against much in terms of opposing midfielders.
7'
The way the match is going in these early stages, then this could prove to be a very long afternoon for Villa. Unfortunately for the visitors, they are displaying very little defensive stability and Arsenal are taking advantage to pick possession up in dangerous areas in and around the box.
5'
O. Giroud has scored a goal for Arsenal! Assist by Nacho Monreal.
Superb assist from Monreal as he picks out Giroud inside the box.
GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL FOR ARSENAL! SUCH AN EARLY LEAD! Monreal bombs down the left-hand side and eventually hits the byline before clipping a cross to the edge of the six-yard box for Giroud, who rises high to bullet a header into the bottom corner! One-nil!
3'
Positive start to the match from the Gunners, who are looking to take the game to Villa in these early stages. Alexis in particular is looking bright down this left wing, with Monreal overlapping on the flank too to provide support.
1'
WE ARE UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES! Can Arsenal pip Spurs to second?
It is the last day of the season in England's top-flight, and even at this stage of the campaign there is still a couple of things to be ironed out. For Arsenal, they have the chance today to finish second in the league if they can claim a win and Tottenham are defeated by Newcastle, but they need to have an eye over their shoulder too, as Manchester City could still pip them to third.
Good afternoon football fans! Welcome to LIVE coverage of the Barclays Premier League clash between Arsenal and Aston Villa from the Emirates.
For Aston Villa, the 2015/2016 season will go down as one of the worst in their history, with relegation down to the Championship already confirmed several weeks before the last day. They have accumulated a measly 17 points from 37 matches and such a return has meant they will be plying their trade in England's second tier from the start of the next campaign. Their demotion has meant that today's game will likely be the last for many of these Villa players.
Furthermore, the bitter North London rivalry between Arsenal and Spurs is sure to create a story at the end of the day in some form or another. Under Arsene Wenger's tutelage, the Gunners have never finished behind their arch rivals in the Premier League, but that remains a real possibility this season unless Newcastle can provide a favour at St. James' Park. With underdogs, Leicester, going on a miracle journey to the title, the French boss has conceded to the press this week that his charges have passed up a brilliant opportunity to become champions for the first time in 12 years.
Aston Villa (4-3-3): Bunn; Lyden, Lescott, Toner, Cissokho; Sanchez, Westwood, Gana; Bacuna, Ayew, Sinclair.
Arsenal subs: Ospina, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey, Elneny, Campbell, Iwobi.
Aston Villa subs: Guzan, Richards, Adama, Gil, Hepburn-Murphy, Gestede, Grealish.
Half-time at the Emirates. With Newcastle currently leading Spurs 2-0, Arsenal are now in pole position to finish second in the Premier League as they go into the break with a narrow 1-0 lead over Aston Villa at home. The only goal of the match so far came from an Olivier Giroud header, but the Gunners haven't took the chance from their domination to go on and grab any more. A delicately poised scoreline, with the second period to come.
Full-time at the Emirates and full-time in the Premier League season. Arsenal run out comfortable 4-0 winners over Aston Villa and move ahead of Tottenham in the table in the process after Spurs' 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Newcastle at St.James' Park. A hat-trick from Olivier Giroud and an own goal from Mark Bunn near the end ultimately claimed all three points for the Gunners, who are now in a celebratory mood after usurping their arch rivals into second place. On to next season we go! Thanks for joining us, see you next time!
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