Victory take Arsenal a step closer to title

After their 1-0 defeat by Totternham last weekend, third-placed Liverpool are now seven points behind with only six left to play for.

Football statisticians were drooling following the match. It was Arsenal’s 11th consecutive Premiership win and seventh straight victory away. They also retained their unbeaten record away this season with 13 wins and five draws on their travels.

The result will have also pleased the Gunners’ accountants and anyone at the club involved in keeping the money coffers filled. Arsenal cannot finish lower than second meaning they avoid third spot, which earns a Champions League qualifying round berth, and go straight into the lucrative first group phase next season. Wenger paid homage to Ljungberg. “I did not expect him to be much of a goalscorer when I bought him and his runs off the ball are really great. He also has mentral strength, a lot of character and is a real winner.”

Ljungberg, who has never won a title for the Highburg outfit, said he was desperate for silverware. “It would be great to win the title at the ground of the champions (United), but frankly I do not care where we do it. I have never won anything for Arsenal and I just want to finally win something.”

Wenger’s starting 11 was a surprise with striker Thierry Henry left on the bench because of tight hamstrings and French compatriot Wiltord starting with just one training session in the bank following a left thigh strain.