Arsenal duo win awards

Ljungberg and Wenger have plenty to smile about

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg have been named Barclaycard manager and player of the month for April.

The Gunners enjoyed five straight victories with Ljungberg contributing five vital goals as they closed in on the Double.

The decision was made by the Barclaycard Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

"They have broken the record for goals scored in consecutive games, they haven't been defeated since December of last year and they have only lost three games all season," the panel explained.

"Better than any tribute, these statistics tell you why Arsene Wenger's side have won the title.

"His guile, tactical knowledge and will to win have served him well this season.

Important goals

"As for Freddie Ljungberg, you couldn't find a more important player to the Gunners as the season draws to a close.

" When other players have failed to hit the back of the net, he has been there to grab some very important goals.

"We only hope this form doesn't continue when he joins Sweden for the World Cup," the panel added.

The awards cap a successful week for the pair, who picked up the FA Cup with victory over Chelsea and sealed the Premiership title with a win against Manchester United.