Arsenal have last laugh after Giroud hat-trick against Villa

Arsene Wenger’s team took advantage of Tottenham Hotspur’s 5-1 defeat at Newcastle United to finish in the top two for the first time since 2005. 

French striker Giroud put Arsenal ahead after five minutes with a neat header from Nacho Monreal’s cross and the home team dominated possession. 

News of Newcastle’s third goal against Spurs caused a huge cheer at the Emirates Stadium and Giroud added Arsenal’s second goal 12 minutes from time before completing his hat-trick with a fine left-footed finish. 

Mark Bunn diverted Mikel Arteta’s shot into his own net in stoppage time as Arsenal finished runners-up to Leicester City, 10 points adrift of the champions. 

Wenger has been heavily criticised during a campaign in which Arsenal led the table at the start of the year and, with their traditional rivals struggling, appeared to have their best chance of winning the league for the first time since 2004. 

Arsenal said farewell to two long-serving midfield players, Czech Tomas Rosicky and Spaniard Arteta, who left the pitch in tears to a standing ovation after five years at the Emirates.