Arsenal boss: How finishing above Tottenham can inspire us next season

Arsene Wenger saw his side finish second in the Premier League

ARSENE WENGER is convinced that finishing second can help Arsenal go one better next term.

The Gunners pipped north London rivals Tottenham after thrashing already relegated Aston Villa 4-0 at the Emirates earlier today.

Spurs meanwhile were humbled 5-1 by Newcastle, as they had to settle for third spot.

Arsenal have now finished above Spurs for the 21st year in a row, albeit the latter enjoyed their highest finish in the Premier League era.

And Wenger is hoping this season will act as a catalyst for better things next term.

"It was good to have our fans happy and everybody happy from a fantastic game," Wenger told the club's official website.

"It was a good finish to the season. We finished second in the league and it was not what we wanted.

"We know what our step is now, last year we finished third and this year second, so hopefully we can go one better next season. I have to pay tribute to the spirit of the team, they didn't give up and they were fighting to the end of the season.

"It is significant because we are in a period where we have not had the resources in recent years to compete with the big teams. Since we have had that, we have finished third last year and second this season.

"I think it is not a disastrous season, but it sets the target for what we want to achieve and we have to add something to get first place.

"There were a few home points which we should not have dropped and as well I think we are short of a few goals in the number we scored."