Arsene Wenger: 'Arsenal sought to be professional in win over West Ham United'

Arsene Wenger has praised Arsenal's players for being "professional" in their 4-1 win over West Ham United on Sunday.

The Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium was Wenger's first game since announcing his decision to step down at the end of the season, and the Gunners boss suggested that the circumstances were "different" on the day.

Arsenal's comprehensive victory, sealed with three goals in seven second-half minutes, was also deemed the perfect warm-up to Thursday's Europa League semi-final first-leg against Atletico Madrid.

"I was focused on winning the game," Wenger told BBC Sport. "We just tried to be professional and do our job even when the circumstances are different. It was a good team spirit and good preparation for Thursday.

"I think we constructed patiently. We didn't make big mistakes. First of all before winning a trophy, you need to get through the semi-finals. This is a good way to prepare - scoring goals against a strong West Ham team who have done well recently.

"I would like to thank everyone who has been very nice and kind and praised me more than I deserved it. I would like to say thank you everyone. It's been a great period for me and I'm thankful for that."

Victory keeps Arsenal sixth in the table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with four games remaining.