Arsenal swept aside Stoke with three quick first-half goals to sign off in style from a difficult Premier League campaign with a 4-1 win.

An own goal from James Beattie, making his 300th league appearance, was swiftly followed up by a penalty from Robin van Persie and Abou Diaby's bullet header.

Stoke, safe from any last-day relegation drama, pulled a goal back from the spot through Ricardo Fuller, only for Rory Delap to then gift Van Persie his second four minutes before half-time.

The Gunners maintained the pressure all afternoon long and carved out plenty of chances, but had to be content with just the four.

Arsenal, already secure in fourth place following a 21-match unbeaten run, had little other than somewhat wounded pride left to play for after going out of both the FA Cup and Champions League at the semi-final stage.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is now certain to strengthen his squad over the summer as he looks to claw back the 18-point gap on champions Manchester United.