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Premier League final day: Man City champions for second season in a row, first team to do so since 2

Writer's picture: Andrew ZarbAndrew Zarb


Round-up:

For the first time since 2014, going into the final day it was still not determined who would be Premier League champions for the season, and as in 2014, it was between Liverpool and Manchester City as to who would win the title. Going into today, Manchester City held a one-point advantage over Liverpool. At first, things were looking very good for Liverpool as they took the lead inside 15 minutes thanks to Sadio Mane, and inside the opening half hour, Brighton unexpectedly took the lead through Glenn Murray. However, it did not take long for the champions to respond, as just 83 seconds later, Sergio Aguero equalised for Man City, and 10 minutes Aymeric Laporte gave them the lead. At half-time, both Liverpool and Man City were winning - which meant that Man City would be champions once again. Man City then extended their lead in the 63rd minute thanks to a goal from Riyad Mahrez which gave them the comfort of a 2-goal lead, and 9 minutes later Ilkay Gundogan put the destiny of the Premier League title beyond all doubt with a brilliant free-kick. Back at Anfield, Sadio Mane did score again which meant a 2-0 win for Liverpool, but it wasn't enough to give them their first league title in 29 years. As for Manchester City, it is the fourth time they have won the Premier League and their 5th league title overall.

Tottenham Hotspur did confirm their place in the Champions League for next season, despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Everton, a result which actually cost them the chance to finish third as Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Leicester City. Meanwhile, Arsenal signed off their season with a 3-1 victory away to Burnley - with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang scoring a brace, which meant he shared the Golden Boot with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah as all 3 players scored a total of 22 goals each. Meanwhile, Manchester United signed off a season to forget with a 2-0 defeat at home to already-relegated Cardiff City.

Elsewhere, West Ham United ensured they ended the season in the top half, at Watford's expense as the Hammers signed off with a 4-1 win over the Hornets thanks to goals from Manuel Lanzini, Marko Arnautovic and a brace from Mark Noble (with one goal coming from the penalty spot). Crystal Palace ended their season with an entertaining 5-3 victory over AFC Bournemouth, with Belgian Mitchy Batshuayi scoring a brace for the Eagles.

Meanwhile, Fulham waved goodbye to the Premier League with a disappointing 4-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United, in what could be Rafael Benitez's last game as Newcastle manager given that he is out of contract in the summer. On the other hand, Huddersfield Town did at least sign off their two-year stay in the Premier League without getting beaten as they held Southampton to a 1-1 draw.

Results:

Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Manchester City 4

Burnley 1 Arsenal 3

Crystal Palace 5 AFC Bournemouth 3

Fulham 0 Newcastle United 4

Leicester City 0 Chelsea 0

Liverpool 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

Manchester United 0 Cardiff City 2

Southampton 1 Huddersfield Town 1

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Everton 2

Watford 1 West Ham United 4

Champions: Manchester City

Qualified for 2019-20 Champions League: Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur

Qualified for Europa League: Still to be completely confirmed

Relegated: Cardiff City, Fulham, Huddersfield Town

Arsenal may still qualify for the 2019-20 Champions League if they beat Chelsea in the Europa League final.

As per Europa League qualification, if Manchester City win against Watford in the FA Cup final next Saturday - then Arsenal and Manchester United would qualify for the Europa League group stage (excluding the possibility of Arsenal winning the Europa League, in which case they would qualify for the Champions League), whilst Wolverhampton Wanderers would play in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

If Watford were to win the FA Cup, then Arsenal and Watford would qualify for the Europa League group stage (excluding the possibility of Arsenal winning the Europa League, in which case they would qualify for the Champions League), whilst Manchester United would play in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

Golden Boot winners: Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang (22 goals each) Golden Glove winner: Alisson (Liverpool)


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