After a spectacular capitulation that saw Arsenal blow a five-point lead with just three games left to play, the Gunners surrendered the much-coveted fourth-spot to their most fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Mikel Arteta's men ran out 5-1 victors over Everton on the final day of the season, but it proved to be academic as Spurs had thumped already relegated Norwich 5-0 at Carrow Road to ensure Champions League football would be returning to North London - but not the red half.
Losses to Spurs and Newcastle away from home would prove to be the turning point for a young, inexperienced Arsenal side who can take heart from their efforts this term despite ending up two points short of their goal. Arteta admitted he was "in pain" after the win over the Toffees.
