Arsenal miss out on top 4 for the first time in 21 years despite 3-1 win over Everton

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Needing slip-ups from either Liverpool or Manchester City on the final day of the season to have any chance of a top-four finish, Arsenal took an eighth-minute lead through Hector Bellerin.

They did suffer a setback when Laurent Koscielny was sent off for a late lunge on Enner Valencia in the 14th minute, ruling him out of the FA Cup final, but doubled their lead through Alexis Sanchez in the 27th minute.

Everton, who started with Ross Barkley on the bench, pulled a goal back through Romelu Lukaku's penalty after Rob Holding handled in the penalty area.

But the Gunners, who lost Alexis Sanchez to injury in the 68th minute, secured victory thanks to Aaron Ramsey's injury-time strike.

Arsenal's victory was in vain though in terms of Champions League qualification as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory at home to relegated Middlesbrough, while Manchester City hammered Watford 5-0.

It means a first finish outside the top four for Arsenal during Arsene Wenger's tenure at the club and Europa League football next season, but attention will now turn to next week's FA Cup final against Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley.

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