Stoke 3-1 Arsenal
Despite a late fightback Tony Pulis' men finished off Arsenal's title hopes with a deserved win at the Britannia.
Kenwin Jones opened the scoring just before the half hour mark, escaping the marking of Djourou before meeting Jermaine Pennants free-kick with his chest to bundle in his 9th league goal of the season.
Pennant doubled Stoke's lead 5 minutes before the break. Dispossessing Ramsey Pennant ran that the Arsenal back four. Sagna and co continued to back off until Pennant reached the 18 yard box lashing an effort on goal. His attempt clipped off the toe of Djourou and looped over the head of keeper Szczesny who's flapping hand couldn't guide the ball away from its eventual resting place, the back of the net.
Stoke could have had a third before the close of the half when Walters got the better of Sagna and unleashed a curling strike that clipped the top of the Arsenal goal and over.
Arsenal dominated possession in the second half, but their lack of final product created frustration that on occasion boiled over, Jack Wilshere receiving a booking for his tussle with Pennant after a pair of overly aggressive challenges.
The Gunners finally pulled one back 9 minutes from time, Robin Van Persie's right footed effort slipping under Bergovic's body to give Arsenal a glimmer of hope.
But minutes later Stoke wrapped up all three points when Djourou's clearance of Wilkinson's shot fell straight to Walters who took full advantage of the space given to him and tucked home from yards out.
"It speaks volumes for these players as a group that they produced a performance like that with the FA Cup Final only six days away," Pulis commented.
"They gave 110% and that just shows the character and spirit in the camp.
"It may be the greatest day in the Club's history next weekend, but it's also a massive, massive achievement that we have now secured a fourth season in the Premier League and could improve again upon our finish.
"It's important, however, that we don't take anything for granted and that showed in the way that the players gave their best today."
Stoke, full of confidence, now turn their attentions to Wembley and the FA Cup Final where they will take on another Premiership big boy in the form of Manchester City.
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