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There was a big sigh of relief last night at The Emirates Stadium in England after fan favourites Arsenal FC underlined their determination to qualify for next year’s European Champions League by claiming an emphatic victory over relegation-haunted Wigan Athletic.

The Gunners had overcome strong initial resistance from the desperate FA Cup champions to win 4-1 with a brace from Lukas Podoski and one goal apiece from Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey making Shaun Maloney’s goal inconsequential.

Arsenal’s sights are now focused on next Sunday’s final game of the season, which would be away to Newcastle.

“It is all open, but it depends on our result,” said Manager Arsène Wenger during last night’s post-match press conference. “Even third place is not out of sight of we win the game (against Newcastle).”

Continuing, the Gunners’ boss said: “I am confident because we have experience; we play for a long time under massive pressure and we have always found the solutions with the problems that we have faced.”

Reporting on the Wigan game, Richard Clarke wrote on Arsenal’s official website: “Arsenal’s top-four equation is now simple. If they win at Newcastle on Sunday, Arsène Wenger’s side will play in the Champions League for the 16th successive season.

Clarke said that for Arsenal, “it is deja-vu all over again on the final day of the season. As with last year, Wenger’s men know a victory will secure a top-four place. And third is still possible if Chelsea slip up at home to Everton.”

•Photo, courtesy arsenal.com: Podoski celebrates his brace . . . last night at The Emirates Stadium.

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