Premier League May23rd

The English Premier League reached its conclusion this weekend. Crowds also returned in small numbers to see games. With the title already secured by Manchester City, and relegation already decided with Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United going down to the Championship the only matters to decide were the places in the Champions and Europa Leagues. Chelsea, Liverpool and Leicester all fighting for the two remaining spots in the Champions League and West Ham, Tottenham and Everton looking for Europa League spots.

What a roller coaster ride it was. Liverpool eased past Crystal Palace, Sadie Mane getting both the goals. This win puts Liverpool in third spot. Chelsea were at Aston Villa knowing a win by Leicester and a defeat for themselves would mean they would miss out on the fourth spot. They lost 2-1 and with Leicester leading thanks to 2 Jamie Vardy penalties things looked bleak. Tottenham had to win to take a spot in the Europa Conference League and deny London neighbours Arsenal. Leicester ran out of steam, goalkeeper Schmeichel punching a Son cross into his own net to make it 2-2 and with three minutes left substitute Gareth Bale scored the third followed by the fourth in added time. Leicester now enter the Europa League and Chelsea, despite the loss take the last Champions League spot.

West Ham made certain of the other Europa League spot with a 3-0 victory over Southampton. This was West Ham’s best finish in 22 years. Manchester United won 2-1 at Wolves to remain unbeaten in away games throughout the season.

Final word on the Premier League season must be reserved for Manchester City’s striker Sergio Aguero who played his last game for City today and scored two goals. The fairytale was completed when he scored his 260th goal. Premier League goal number 183. That puts him at the top of the table for the most goals in competition for a club.

Atletico Madrid took the La Liga title on the last day with a 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid . Bayern Munich celebrated winning the Bundesliga with a 5-2 win over Augsburg .