Arsenal ended their season in a best possible fashion as they thrashed Stoke City 4-1 in their final Premier League match on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger resisted the temptation of giving his youngsters a chance, with the exception of keeper Vito Mannone, and fielded his strongest team as the Gunners looked avenge their 2-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium early this season.

The visitors almost took an early lead when Ricardo Fuller beat Alexandre Song for pace but Mannone was alert to the danger and snatched the ball of the striker's feet. The Gunners responded in a perfect fashion at the other end as Cesc Fabregas' cross was deflected into the net by James Beattie.

Arsenal doubled the lead in the 16th minute when Robin Van Persie was fouled inside the area by Ryan Shawcross and the Dutch striker made no mistake from the spot. The Gunners continued to press forward and the game was all over two minutes later with Abou Diaby converting Van Persie's free kick.

Stoke City managed to pull one back in the 31st minute when Fuller was tripped in the area by Denilson and the Stoke striker coolly slotted it into the net. Arsenal were not finished though and Van Persie got his second goal of the night after latching on to an error by Rory Delap to secure a comfortable victory for his side.