Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on his Arsenal players for the character they showed this season.
The Gunners secured another campaign of Champions League football by beating Newcastle United1-0 at St James' Park on Sunday to finish a point clear of North London rivals Tottenham with Wenger extremely proud of the way his squad carried themselves throughout.
"I'm proud of the character and the spirit, especially with all we had to deal with during the season," Wenger told Sky Sports.
"The players are special. I've told them many times and they've shown it. In the last two months they have been absolutely exceptional.
"It's a good basis, as well, on a longer term to go into next season on such a strong run.
"I'm very proud. We were very far behind Tottenham and even after defeat there (at White Hart Lane) we've shown character and attitude to come back and make 73 points, which is three points better than last season.
"I have had many groups in my life and the focus and the desire to do well was always exceptional. It's one of the best groups I've had in my life on that front.
"The combination of quality and attitude has been great, and that's why I always had faith that we would come back."
