Wenger bids goodbye with win

Arsene Wenger watched Arsenal beat Burnley 5-0 in his final home match in charge on Sunday before telling fans: "I will miss you."

Wenger is leaving Arsenal after 22 years in charge and he now only has two away fixtures remaining before signing off next Sunday after his lowest-ever Premier League finish in sixth.

The failure to win the title since 2004 has proved costly for Wenger and the Frenchman was presented on the Emirates Stadium pitch with a miniature gold version of the trophy to celebrate the unbeaten Invincibles season 14 years ago.

Wenger and Arsenal have been coy about what directly prompted his departure with a season remaining on his contract.

"Thank you for having me for such a long time," Wenger said in an address to fans. "I know that's not easy! Above all I am like you: I am an Arsenal fan. That means this is more than just watching football, it's a way of life. It is caring about the beautiful game, about the values that we cherish.

"I would like to thank everybody at the club who makes this club so special. I would invite you to really push to support the players and the staff who will remain behind me. For me these football players have a special quality, not only on the pitch but off the pitch."

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice against Burnley, with Alexandre Lacazette, Sead Kolasinac and Alex Iwobi also netting.

Arsenal is yet to name Wenger's successor as the club faces its first managerial appointment since 1996.

"Please follow this team and support them next season because they deserve it," Wenger said. "I would like to finish by saying I will miss you. Thank you all for being such an important part of my life. I hope to see you soon. Well done. Bye bye."

Wenger is bequeathing his successor a place in the Europa League, rather than the Champions League.

'Merci Arsene'

After 22 years as Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger took charge of his final game at the Emirates stadium on Sunday as Burnley visited North London for a day tinged with nostalgia for the Frenchman and the home support.

Arsenal players and fans sported red t-shirts emblazoned with "Merci Arsene" (Thank you Arsene), whilst both teams formed a guard of honour for Wenger before kick-off.

Chants of "there is only one Arsene Wenger" rang around the 60,000 capacity stadium, which was far fuller than home league games in recent months as fans stayed away in protest at a poor season on the field.

"I expect today will be dominated by sadness," wrote Wenger in his final programme notes.

"It's the end of a long story for me at Arsenal. But I will also feel grateful for having led this club - that I cherish so much - for such a long time."

Wenger won three Premier Leagues and a record seven FA Cups. His crowning glory coming in the 2003/04 season when Arsenal won the league without losing a single game.

"The Arsene Wenger era is one that Arsenal fans will never forget," said a special 60-page supplementary programme given to supporters.