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Arsenal boss praises Theo Walcott and aims dig at Manchester United
ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he is relieved his side have qualified automatically for the Champions League next season.
Theo Walcott (right) celebrates his hat-trick goal with Francis Coquelin
The Gunners sealed third spot with an emphatic 4-1 win over West Brom.
Manchester United, who were held to a goalless draw away to Hull, will have to play a two-legged play-off tie to take their place at Europe's top table.
Speaking about Arsenal's achievement, Wenger said: "We have qualified directly for next season's Champions League. But we want more.
We have qualified directly for next season's Champions League. But we want more
"We want to challenge for the Premier League title. But first we want to win the FA Cup next weekend.
"The first thing we need is to get everybody back in pre-season and not lose so many players. Walcott was out for a year, Wilshere for six months."
Wenger also reserved special praise for hat-trick hero Theo Walcott.
Arsene Wenger is delighted Arsenal have secured an automatic Champions League spot
He added: "Theo Walcott had a great game today. He was on fire and moved well. Jack Wilshere as well.
"I had no pre-set mind before the game regarding the FA Cup final team. I have not thought about next Saturday. I wanted to pick a team to win the game."