Arsenal won the race for fourth place in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory at Newcastle, while Alex Ferguson's extraordinary career ended in remarkable fashion as Manchester United drew 5-5 at West Bromwich Albion.
Arsene Wenger's side needed three points to guarantee a spot in next season's Champions League qualification rounds ahead of north London rivals Tottenham and Laurent Koscielny's second-half strike ensured they achieved that aim.
Koscielny's goal meant more heartache for Spurs who once again had to settle for a place in the Europa League that comes with finishing fifth despite their 1-0 win against Sunderland at White Hart Lane.
"The players are special. I've told them many times but they've shown it in the last two months they've been absolutely exceptional," Wenger said.
Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas added: "It is difficult to take. In the end we did what we had to but Arsenal did their job well and go through. It is difficult at this moment.
Ferguson was taking charge of United for the 1,500th and final time before retiring and the Scot looked set to bow out with a win as the Premier League champions romped into a 5-2 lead.
But Albion scored three times in the last nine minutes in an incredible finish to spoil Ferguson's farewell at the Hawthorns.
"5-5, what a mad result! Lets be honest the boss was never going out with a boring 0-0," United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted.
United striker Javier Hernandez added: "We wanted to win it, but the gaffer is certainly going to remember his last match. He has put the club on the top and we're going to miss him."
At St James' Park, Arsenal bagged the priceless goal when French defender Koscielny swivelled to volley home from close-range after Lukas Podolski flicked on Theo Walcott's free-kick in the 52nd minute.
