Arsenal clinch Champions League spot

Arsenal clinched their place in next season's Champions League with a comfortable 2-1 win over rivals Leeds United at Highbury this afternoon. Goals from Freddie Ljungberg and Silvain Wiltord gave the Gunners a two goal lead, before an Ian Harte free kick halved the deficit.

Swedish international Ljungberg put the home side ahead on 17 minutes with a neat finish. The goal saved the Swede's blushes after a shocking miss five minutes previously when he put a free header over the bar from five yards.

Arsenal dominated the rest of the first half, and doubled their lead on 56 minutes when French international Sylvain Wiltord finished off a flowing move. But within two minutes Ian Harte had put Leeds back in the game with a screaming free kick.

However, the Elland Road side rarely threatened after that, and a bad tempered game finished in Arsenal's favour.

The Gunners are now guaranteed at least third place in the Premiership - although the defeat is a severe blow to Leeds' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League through the league. They may now need to win this year's Champions League to qualify for next season's tournament - and travel to Valencia on Tuesday hoping to make progress on that score in their semi-final second leg.