Arsenal -4 Everton -3: For Arsenal fans this marked the end not just of a magical season but, almost certainly, of a wonderful era. Lee Dixon is retiring and Tony Adams seems likely to follow. "They've been the backbone at Arsenal," said Thierry Henry. "When you have won the title in three decades like they have . . ." He did not have to finish the sentence.

The pair's departure would leave Martin Keown as the only remaining one of the five defenders put together by George Graham, assuming he renews his contract. If the on-field influence of Adams and Dixon was reduced this season - they started 13 Premiership matches between them - that is not to say they will be easily replaced.

"They taught the younger players a lot," Dennis Bergkamp said. "In training they kept talking to them and telling them how it has to be done. And they know a lot about situations, especially how to handle the end of the season. They stay calm and talk about things. They're always there at the right moments."

Both should feature in Adams' testimonial tonight, but this felt like the real finale. How fitting if Adams bows out lifting the Premiership trophy, though he did not play. How appropriate that Dixon was stand-in captain on Saturday, and that the pair are set to depart simultaneously after winning their second Double.

"Tony's a bit younger than me but we've been together for the last 15 years," Dixon said. "He's had a bit more on his mind with his addiction and he's coped fantastically with that, but we've kicked every ball together. I know what Tony's going through."

As Arsenal did their lap of honour, with Freddie Ljungberg donning an Elvis wig, Dixon walked a few yards behind with his two children, taking the whole thing in. "I've always said Liverpool '89, you can't beat that night, but this is coming very close," he reflected.

"I thought I was going to burst out crying. I'm not scared of my emotions and I was filling up near the end of the game. When I heard the final whistle I thought: 'I'm not going to hear that any more' and it sinks in."

With Patrick Vieira reiterating that he will stay, the captaincy may pass permanently to the Frenchman. "I know the truth, the club know the truth, the boss knows the truth, Mr Dein (the vice-chairman) knows the truth," Vieira said.

"I would love to win the European Cup with Arsenal. I believe that we have the team to do it."

Henry's two goals here saw him end as the Premiership's leading scorer after an early effort by Bergkamp, and a late one by Francis Jeffers, saw off an Everton who led 2-1 thanks to goals by Lee Carsley, their best player, and Tomasz Radzinksi. Steve Watson made it 4-3 near the finish but that, like the result, was an irrelevance.

Arsenal: Wright (Taylor 84), Dixon, Luzhny, Stepanovs, Cole, Wiltord (Vieira 65), Parlour (Jeffers 64), Grimandi, Edu, Henry, Bergkamp. Subs Not Used: Ljungberg, Lauren. Goals: Bergkamp 4, Henry 33, 72, Jeffers 83.

Everton: Simonsen, Watson, Stubbs, Weir, Unsworth, Alexandersson (Ginola 78), Linderoth, Carsley, Pembridge, Radzinski, Campbell. Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Gemmill, Cleland, Chadwick. Goals: Carsley 20, Radzinski 31, Watson 89.

Referee: M Halsey.