DESPITE Arsene Wenger’s fairytale Arsenal ending proving the impossible dream, very little could get in the way of this club giving their enduring chaperon a send-off to remember.

Despite the toxic atmosphere that has characterised much of the Frenchman’s final season at the helm, this sun-drenched May bank holiday afternoon produced a faultless 5-0 rout of Burnley and provided the ideal platform for a commemorative occasion.

“It was a game that was in continuity of our whole season,” Wenger reflected afterwards. “Because we played 19 (home) games, we won 15, had two draws, only two losses and scored more goals than ever.”

It took the Gunners less than 15 minutes to go in front. Alexandre Lacazette was the creator and, after a swift give-and-go with Alex Iwobi, swivelled smartly and squared for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to tap home.

With the hosts holding a commanding 1-0 lead and the Emirates medical team taking time to nurse Burnley’s Ashley Barnes, Wenger might have pondered his position, wishing time would defy the inevitable and, for a while at least, stand still.

He would have felt he could sit there forever, hands delicately clasped, enjoying the hypnotic murmurs of “1-0 to the Arsenal,” as sun bathed the entire East stand, directly opposite his perch.

The Gunner’s boss praised fans of the club for helping to mark his final home match in charge with a touching tribute. “Even if they are not always happy, they still at least know my commitment was total, genuine and with complete integrity,” he said.

His side’s lead was doubled before the interval when Hector Bellerin’s cross found Lacazette at the near post who hit it on the half volley. It was a goal made to look so easy but also the type that proved frustratingly absent in Madrid on Thursday.

Sead Kolisinac added the third after the break, taking his personal tally to five goals this season. Jack Wilshere made the kind of driving run from deep that fans often crave, eventually spreading the ball wide to Kolasinac who took one touch, looked up and thumped the ball home.

Alex Iwobi was on target too with a splendid effort controlling the ball with his left foot before thrashing it into the net with the other.

Ten minutes later and the rout was complete, Aubameyang tucking home Bellerin’s cross for the full-back’s second assist.

The testimonial feel to this game was epitomised when Per Mertesacker was introduced on 77 minutes, taking the armband from Petr Cech and assuming his place in the centre of the park for the first time since January.

It was a trio of final appearances in front of the home crowd. Also moving on is Vic Akers. The Arsenal Ladies manager turned kit manager, whose 22-year stint in charge is equal to Wenger’s tenure, was given a warm embrace by all.

The result assures Arsenal of a sixth-place finish, their lowest throughout Wenger’s reign. But he believes his successor, whoever it may be, can be optimistic.

“He inherits a team that is much better than people think it is,” he pondered. “You can see the togetherness that’s in this team is special and, with the right additions, they will challenge next year.”