Arsenal into Champions League after 0-0 draw

Arsenal secured second place in the English premier league and an automatic entry to next season's Champions League with a dour 0-0 draw at Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Arsenal needed a single point from either Tuesday's game or Saturday's trip to Southampton to seal the runners-up slot and the result will have lifted some of their gloom after last Saturday's FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool.

Coach Arsene Wenger said: "You never know how tired you will be and how well you will get over the disappointment.

"But I thought the team showed character. Even if you could see the fatigue."

Arsenal have now finished runners-up to Manchester United for the third straight season.

Liverpool, Leeds United and Ipswich Town are still in contention to finish third -- and earn a place in the Champions League qualifying rounds -- with one game remaining.

Manchester United have 80 points with Arsenal on 70. Liverpool have 66, with Leeds United and Ipswich Town on 65. Liverpool will clinch third place with victory at Charlton Athletic, while Leeds are at home to Leicester City and Ipswich are away to Derby County.

Tuesday's draw meant Newcastle climbed one place to 11th, above Leicester City on goal difference.

Newcastle striker Carl Cort sent a diving header just wide after 25 minutes but it was Arsenal, starting with Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry up front, who made most of the running.

SHOOTING WIDE
The Londoners, who had won five of their last six league games, looked sharp on the break with Ashley Cole, Henry and Bergkamp causing problems and Tony Adams shooting just wide following a corner.

But clear chances were rare and it was more of the same after the break with Newcastle working hard to close down the visitors in midfield and whenever they threatened the penalty area.

Kevin Gallacher tested Arsenal keeper David Seaman with a swirling shot 15 minutes from time while Arsenal pressed harder in the last 10 minutes.

Ray Parlour warmed Given's hands with a stinging shot in the closing minutes but it was a rare moment of excitement as the game petered out.

However, the match but was a special one for Arsenal full-back Lee Dixon, who was making his 600th appearance for the club -- only Tony Adams, the late George Armstrong and David O'Leary have played more.