Arsene Wenger hails "special" Arsenal players

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hailed his players as "special" following their fourth-place finish in the Premier League this season.

The Gunners won 1-0 against Newcastle United away from home on Sunday to finish a point and a place ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.

"They are special," BBC Sport quotes the Frenchman as saying. "I've told them many times but they've shown it in the last two months they've been absolutely exceptional.

"We have shown character and attitude. We make 73 points, that's three points better than last season.

"I've had many groups in my life and the focus, the desire to do well, was exceptional. It's one of the best groups I've had in my life on that front."

Arsenal will play in the qualifying rounds to earn a place in next season's Champions League group stage.