On 24 May the current Premier League (PL) concluded with an eventful final day where relegation safety and European qualification were at stake.
Already confirmed as the league winners, Arsenal arrived at Selhurst Park and beat Crystal Palace before lifting their first league trophy in over 20 years. After the match, manager Mikel Arteta said: “It’s very difficult to put it into words, but what a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride.” Arsenal will also be gunning for their first ever Champions League this weekend against PSG.
Further down the league, Arsenal’s London rivals Tottenham guaranteed their survival as they beat Everton to stay above West Ham at 17th in the table. Both teams have had cataclysmic seasons with key players such as Cristian Romero and Jarred Bowen tipped to leave their clubs in the summer. West Ham can now look forward to derby days with Millwall down in the Championship.
West Ham were not the only ones saying farewell to the league. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s most successful manager ever, oversaw his final game in charge with a losing effort to Aston Villa. He leaves the club alongside Bernardo Silva and John Stones, the former being a long-time target of PSG who may finally sign him this summer.
At Anfield, Liverpool legends Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson played their final games for the club in an underwhelming draw to Brentford. While Robertson is rumoured to be staying in the PL by joining Spurs, Salah has been linked to moves in the Saudi Pro League or Serie A.
Perhaps the most surprising turnout came with Sunderland reaching sixth in the table and securing a Europa League qualification next season. Due to England’s placement in UEFA ranking, the PL was granted an additional European spot which Sunderland certainly made the most of. Going from the Championship to European qualification in one year is a feat not witnessed since Wolves in 2019 — truly remarkable.
“Arsenal vs Manchester United” by wonker is licensed under CC BY 2.0.