Theo Walcott hit a first-half hat-trick as Arsenal ended their season in style with a 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners took the lead inside four minutes through the recalled Walcott, who lashed the ball home with a vicious strike into the top corner.
Arsene Wenger's side continued to push forward and Alexis Sanchez tried his luck despite the angle being against the Chile international, and his effort sailed over the bar.
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Some neat build-up play from the home side saw Mesut Ozil slip in Sanchez, but the former Barcelona man's effort was comfortably held by Boaz Myhill.
Walcott claimed his second on 14 minutes by showing some quick feet inside the area before poking past Myhill.
Jack Wilshere made it 3-0 before the 20-minute mark with a well-struck half-volley that flashed into the top corner.
Walcott was denied his third by a fingertip save from Myhill, before the goalkeeper thwarted Wilshere's effort before the half-hour mark.
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Myhill once again stopped Walcott from chalking up a hat-trick on 35 minutes as the Gunners pressed to extend their advantage.
However, the Baggies stopper was powerless to deny Walcott on 37 minutes as the striker rewarded his manager's faith with a tap-in at the far post, after Santi Cazorla had scuffed a shot into his path.
After the break, Walcott almost had his fourth after Myhill had saved from Cazorla, but the forward could not keep the rebound down.
Gareth McAuley reduced the arrears before the hour mark when he rose above David Ospina to nod past the Arsenal goalkeeper from Chris Brunt's cross.
Space opened up for James Morrison to strike at goal as Arsenal took their foot off the gas somewhat, but the midfielder's effort was tame and trickled wide as the Baggies pressed for the second.
The slightly subdued Sanchez sprang to life on 71 minutes when he ran at the Albion defence, but his subsequent shot was saved before substitute Aaron Ramsey crashed a shot against the post.
The win means that the Gunners finish their campaign 12 points adrift of champions Chelsea in the final Premier League standings, while Tony Pulis's Albion end their season in 13th.
Paul Gorst
