Arsenal hat-trick hero Olivier Giroud delighted to nab second from Spurs

Arsenal's final-day hat-trick hero Olivier Giroud has admitted that it was "very nice" to pip North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to second place in the Premier League.

The Gunners started the final round of fixtures two points behind their neighbours but ended up with their highest league finish in 11 years thanks to a 4-0 win over lowly Aston Villa as Spurs remarkably lost 5-1 against another relegated side, Newcastle United.

"We were hoping to finish top three but to finish second is very nice," Giroud said. "We are really pleased and hopefully next year we can grab one more place."

Giroud's treble is his first in the Premier League and he will be sad to see Villa relegated as he has scored in his last six matches against the Birmingham side.

Arsenal have now finished above Spurs 20 years in a row.