SAM Allardyce has praised the fans who grew in numbers in response to Wanderers' spirited survival bid.

A record crowd of 27,351 - just one more than the attendance for the home game against Manchester United in January - packed the Reebok for Monday night's head to head with Arsenal, the Premiership champions-elect.

And the manager, critical of the level of support earlier in the season when Wanderers were top of the table, is hoping that is a sign of better things to come.

"As the season has gone on, we've got more and more," he said, acknowledging the slow but steady increase in attendances.

"We have been trying really hard and they have come and responded. Earlier on we had 22s (thousands) and 23s, then we got 25s and 26s and then full-houses.

"Hopefully we'll have full houses next season and, hopefully, as good a start on the field as we had this season."

Wanderers' Premiership safety was secured when Manchester United won at Ipswich on Saturday but Allardyce was hoping his players might sign off their home programme with a win that would return the compliment to Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Arsene Wenger's Arsenal had the greater quality and enjoyed a 2-0 victory that took them five points clear at the top ahead of the Reds ahead of what is now effectively a title decider at Old Trafford next week.

Disappointed by the defeat, Allardyce was delighted with the support.

"The crowds came and filled the place," he ackowledged. "They gave the lads and myself a tremendous reception.

"It has been a wonderful season but we still want to go to West Ham and do well in our last game."