ARSENAL took another giant step towards the Premiership title in front of a record Reebok crowd of 27,351 last night.

Wanderers' final home match of the season saw the fans celebrate their success in staying in the Premiership, while accepting the gulf between the very top and the rest.

Arsenal now have a five point lead going into next week's crunch clash at Old Trafford, with one more game to play, at home to Everton.

Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce said: "We had an obligation to try and get a result. We didn't want to lie down and die but we couldn't cope with their outstanding quality."

First-half goals from Freddie Ljungberg and Sylvain Wiltord sealed the issue despite a spirited effort by Wanderers who saw Kevin Nolan hit the post with a tremenous second-half effort.

Now Arsenal are heading for the double with the FA Cup Final against Cheslea this weekend the first leg.