Wenger’s farewell starts with win

Manchester City’s jubilant fans ran onto the field in their thousands, singing and dancing as the Premier League champions’ title celebrations exploded into life at Etihad Stadium.

The mood was more muted at Emirates Stadium at the start of Arsene Wenger’s long goodbye to Arsenal.

City and Arsenal enjoyed big home wins in the league amid contrasting atmospheres yesterday (NZT), a clear signal of the state the two clubs find themselves in with three weeks left of the season.

A 5-0 win over Swansea was the latest masterclass delivered by City, who have turned to chasing records after clinching the title in recordequaling time last weekend. There was a party feel throughout the game and, after the final whistle, City fans stormed the field and mobbed players in a good-natured celebration.

Hours earlier, Wenger had stepped onto Arsenal’s pitch before kickoff against West Ham, two days after announcing he would be leaving the London club after 22 years as manager. There was no acknowledgment of the 68-year-old Frenchman from the stadium announcer and fans only chanted about him in response to taunts from West Ham supporters.

Arsenal, languishing in sixth place and 33 points behind City, ran out a 4-1 winner in Wenger’s third-tolast home match in charge.

Also yesterday, Stoke drew 1-1 at home to Burnley in the Premier League and are now four points from safety with three games remaining.

The league title might have been wrapped up but Man City still has something to play for – records.

With four games left, City needs six more points to post the most points outright in a Premier League campaign, six more goals for the most goals, and two more wins to post the most victories.