Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his current side is "one of the best" he's ever had after the Gunners sealed fourth position.

Arsenal ended the table in fourth after a narrow 1-0 win at Newcastle on the final day of the season rendered Spurs' 1-0 victory over Sunderland in the race for Champions League football meaningless.

After the win, which was sealed thanks to defender Laurent Koscielny's second-half goal, Wenger paid tribute to his players, describing them as "special" and praising the squad's spirit and character.

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

"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 finishing in the top four once again means the Gunners will stretch their record in the Champions League to 16 years when they take their place in Europe's premier club competition in 2013-14.