Pardew and Kompany claim gongs

Pardew and Kompany: Best in show

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew and Manchester City centre-back Vincent Kompany are the Barclays Manager and Player of the Season respectively.

Pardew has turned the Magpies' fortunes around during a remarkable Barclays Premier League campaign that exceeded all expectations.
Newcastle are currently sat in fifth place in the league, and could yet end the season with a Champions League spot depending on the results this weekend.
Led by Pardew, Newcastle are guaranteed a top-five place this season - the club's highest position since 2003-04, when they finished the campaign in third under Sir Bobby Robson.
Pardew has also been responsible for a number of influential and highly successful signings, most notably Senegalese strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse. The Wimbledon-born boss also brought in Lille's Yohan Cabaye, who has impressed in Newcastle's midfield.
This is the first time a Magpies manager has been awarded this accolade.
Meanwhile, City captain Kompany has been named the Barclays Player of the Season after an incredible title challenge.
The central defender has been a rock at the back for Roberto Mancini's side and his leadership has been recognised by a panel of experts in winning this award.
The well-organised City defence, orchestrated by Kompany, has kept 17 clean sheets this campaign. This has contributed to an excellent goal difference that looks set to see the club edge out Manchester United for the title.
Kompany has also scored his share of goals with a tally of three to date, including of course the winner against United at the end of April.
This is the first time that a Manchester City player has picked up the award and is also a first for the Belgium international.

Arsenal

Wenger - It is like final day at Highbury

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Arsène Wenger says the stakes for Sunday’s final match of the season are as high as when his side played their last match at Highbury in 2006.

At the end of the 2005/06 campaign, a Thierry Henry hat-trick in a 4-2 victory over Wigan helped the Gunners secure Champions League qualification at the expense of Tottenham.

This time around, Wenger’s side need to beat West Bromwich Albion to seal third spot and the Frenchman is confident they will deliver.

“It will be a great achievement if we manage to do it. I believe it would be reward for a group which has exceptional strength,” he told Arsenal Player.

“They have come through some difficult times, always recovered and always battled. Therefore I will be extremely delighted when we do it.

“[It reminds me of the final game at Highbury] a little bit because the qualifying was the same, with the Champions League at stake.

“There is even more uncertainty because fourth place is not this time necessarily in the Champions League.

“Let's make sure we finish third and win our game - that is the only answer we can give. To do that of course you need a full, committed performance from everybody.

“On that front I am quite sure we will get that from our players and then we will have a very good chance to do it.”