Tottenham Hotspur shot themselves in the foot on the final match day of the 2015-16 Premier League, allowing their arch-rivals Arsenal to climb above them and finish in second place.
Newcastle United turned out to be the surprise package on the final day of the season, as the already relegated Magpies thrashed Tottenham 5-1 to send them crashing down from the second spot that they had looked so secure in only weeks before.
As a result of that, Arsenal fans had a happy end to the season as the Gunners climbed into second place following a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa. Their much maligned manager Arsene Wenger was pleased with the result, as it finally gave the Emirates Stadium something to feel good about on the last day of the season.
“It looked for many years like that,” said Wenger, when asked about the likelihood of Spurs finishing above Arsenal, according to the official club website.
“I agree with you that we did not start the season saying we want to finish above Tottenham. But we wanted to win the league and I agree with you there is a frustration because we didn’t win the league.
“Today, we could only play with the target we had and the only one we had before the game was to finish second. We achieved it. For a while our supporters have not been going home happy from here – at least today they had some satisfaction.”
A shocking end for Tottenham, jubilation for Arsenal
Spurs had one of their best seasons in recent memory, as Mauricio Pochettino’s young, hungry and beautifully skillful side rampaged their way through the campaign and at one point even looked like they could snatch the crown away from Leicester City. It all unraveled at the last moment though, as they suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season, against Southampton and Newcastle United.
For Arsene Wenger and Arsenal, this could be the best possible ending to a season where they have largely under-performed. Even as the other big clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City struggled throughout, the Gunners failed to stamp their authority on proceedings. However, the celebration of St. Totteringham’s day and their best finish since 2005 will provide some solace to the gooner army.
