Arsenal miss out on Champions League place for first time in 20 years

Arsenal will not play in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years next season after finishing outside the Premier League’s top four places.

The Gunners did all they could to qualify, beating Everton 3-1 at home.

But Liverpool, who began the day one point ahead of Arsenal also won, dispatching Middlesbrough 3-0 at Anfield.

And Manchester City, who Arsenal could have overtaken on goal difference, won 5-0 at Watford.

Tottenham ended the season in second place, with City third and Liverpool fourth. Arsenal were fifth and Manchester United sixth.

United can still qualify for the Champions League if they win the Europa League Final against Ajax on Wednesday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said the outcome was "frustrating".

"We did the job until the end," he added. "Our points total is decent if you look at it over the years."

Arsenal can still end the season with a trophy if they beat Premier League champions Chelsea in the FA Cup Final on Saturday.

But success at Wembley may not be enough for the fans, some of whom have been calling for Wenger to step down.

The Frenchman, who has been in charge for 21 years, has not revealed whether he will sign a new contract with the club.

He has, however, indicated that his future will be discussed at a club board meeting after the FA Cup Final.

He said there had been a "spell" during the season that had been "difficult", adding that it had been "difficult for me in my personal situation".

"We were playing in a hostile environment," he said. "The players came back stronger in the last two months and I’m very proud of them for doing that.

"One thing you cannot question is my love for this club. I’ve turned down every club in the world to stay here."

Wenger’s long time rival, former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, has told Sky Sports the pressure his former foe has been under is "ridiculous".

Sir Alex, who won 13 Premier League titles, said: "I just wonder if they realise the job he’s done.

"It’s quite easy to say ‘get rid of him’, but who do you get? Who do you get in to keep that club the way they are for the next 20 years?

"I really feel sorry for him because I think he’s shown outstanding qualities, and I think he has handled the whole situation. I don’t know many that have done that."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, said it was "a big relief" to qualify for Europe.

"A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League," he said.

At Stamford Bridge, John Terry played his last match for Chelsea, who received the Premier League trophy after beating Sunderland 5-1.

Terry came off in the 26th minute – his shirt number – as his teammates formed a guard of honour for the 36-year-old defender, who left the pitch to a standing ovation.

(c) Sky News 2017: Arsenal miss out on Champions League place for first time in 20 years