Crowning glory for Wenger's men

"It's been a long season and when you finally make it your first emotion is one of relief," said Wenger. "In football you're always focused on the next day and the next day is always a worry.

"But I'm very proud of my team because we have the best attack in the league, the best defence and everyone tells me we have played the best football. I wouldn't diminish the titles of 1998 and 2002 but I wanted to win, and win with style and I think we've done that this season. I'd like to congratulate the players for their attitude and consistency. We've won the championship twice in the last three years and have made up a lot of ground on Manchester United.

"We're becoming better every season, but we have to keep humility and wonder where we can improve in the future. I feel there is still a lot to come from this team."

Although some of Arsenal's attacking football has been sublime, it is the improvements in defence that have been so significant this season. The emergence of Kolo Toure and the confidence with which Jens Lehmann has replaced David Seaman have been key factors.

Finally, Wenger can claim this defence as his own creation, the last legacy of George Graham's days, Martin Keown, having spent most of the season on the substitute's bench.

We should not, though, forget that in 1990-91 Graham's side conceded only 18 goals and lost just one match in winning the title. This set a new benchmark for defensive excellence and Wenger has still to negotiate four more matches unscathed before Arsenal can claim the unique achievement of finishing the season unbeaten. This season they have already conceded six more goals than Graham's side and they will find Birmingham, Fulham, Leicester and Portsmouth all eager to distinguish themselves as the only team to defeat this season's champions.

With the pressure off, Arsenal may now be vulnerable. "We have to retain our concentration," insisted Wenger. "It's not over yet."

But it is difficult for even the best teams to maintain an edge when the prize is already won. In a sense, complacency threatened yesterday when Tottenham staged a spirited secondhalf revival. Arsenal swept to a 2-0 lead but they were content to cruise - and nearly paid the price.

Vieira's opening goal and the second from Robert Pires in the 35th minute bore all the classic hallmarks of Arsenal's swift passing game. Spurs simply looked outclassed and were heading for a sixth defeat in seven matches. The introduction-of Jermain Defoe at halftime-gave them a sharper cutting edge and Jamie Redknapp provided a real glimmer of hope when, in the 62nd minute, he hit a brilliant drive beyond the dive of Lehmann.

The Arsenal goalkeeper then saved from Redknapp and Defoe but spoiled an otherwise fine performance when he tangled unnecessari ly with Robbie Keane in injury-time. The referee booked them both and awarded Spurs a penalty, which Keane dispatched with clinical aplomb.

However, it has been a remarkable season for Arsenal. "A classic team," is how David Pleat generously described the new champions.

For me, they are simply the best in the history of the Premiership. Perhaps, if one day they win the Champions League, Arsene will allow himself a glass of champagne.