But the Sunderland boss still expects his players to put in a strong performance and send themselves and their fans into the close season on a high.

He said: "Let's not kid ourselves about the top four. They are not easy to get points from, although we've been close on a few occasions.

"We've lost 1-0 to Manchester United and 1-0 to Chelsea, but we know that we could easily have lost those games much more heavily.

"I think the most disappointing thing for me this season is the number of times we've been close to winning or getting a draw, but not being able to see it through – but that's a different issue.

"The top four, they're in a league apart, and it's no surprise that Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool have all ended up in the top spots again.

"Arsenal are an excellent side, and Arsene Wenger has done a great job there. They've got a great squad, and will come up here looking for the win.

"I think it's a great game for us to look forward to. It's great that our season ends against a brilliant team like them, and it's fortunate for us that we are safe and nothing depends on the result.

"But I want us to finish the season properly, and I'm expecting a much better performance from my players this week than we got last week.

"I think it's important that we finish the season well because you don't want to go into the close season in bad form.

"I haven't finalised my team for tomorrow, but there's probably not going to be massive changes because it's not as if we've got 10 players waiting in the wings.

"Whatever team I do send out, I expect to perform.

"People have asked whether I think they owe me. But I don't think it's a question of owing anything to me.

"They owe it to themselves, and they owe it to their team-mates, the supporters, and the club itself to give a performance which they and everybody else can be proud of.

"We've got a massive crowd coming this weekend, and we owe it to them to give a display which will send them into the close season in a good mood."