END OF EPL

Arsenal clinches third and Tottenham holds on to fourth as Newcastle miss out on Champions League

Arsene Wenger's side endured a nerve-racking afternoon but picked up all three points to finish above Spurs, who will now need Bayern to defeat Chelsea next week

May 13, 2012 1:43:00 PM

-

Arsenal secured its place in the group stages of next season's Champions League following a 3-2 win over West Brom on the final day, edging out Tottenham, who claimed fourth, and Newcastle, who finished fifth.

The Gunners went ahead through Yossi Benayoun's early strike although Arsene Wenger's side was soon a goal behind after quickfire goals from Shane Long and Graham Dorrans.

GUNNERS SHOOT AHEAD
3. Arsenal 4. Tottenham 5. Newcastle	Played 38 38 38	Points 70 69 65	GD +25 +25 +5

The north Londoners hit back courtesy of an Andre Santos effort and secured the points, and third place, after Laurent Koscielny swept home the winning goal 10 minutes after the half-time break.

Tottenham had to settle for a fourth-place finish despite beating Fulham 2-0 courtesy of goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe at White Hart Lane.

Spurs needed to better Arsenal's result if they were to leapfrog their north London rivals in the table but will now need Bayern Munich to defeat Chelsea in next week's Champions League final if they are to enter next season's competition.

Alan Pardew's Newcastle, who was already assured of a Europa League spot, lost 3-1 at Everton as Steven Pienaar, Nikica Jelavic and John Heitinga goals ended the Toon's Champions League dream.