Champions League race ends, Premier League curtain falls

WITH the champions, runners-up, and relegated teams sorted, only three Champions League spots were uncertain as the Premier League entered its final day.

All kick-offs were simultaneous to avoid any last-minute hanky-panky between teams, and after 90 minutes, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle secured the lucrative spots to play in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Hard luck to Nottingham Forest for missing out.

Before kick-off, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men needed results to go their way. They simply had to beat Chelsea to cap off a wonderful season-but it didn’t materialise.

With Newcastle and Aston Villa losing, Forest still couldn’t find the two goals needed to defeat Chelsea.

This usually happens to a counter-attacking side when they go a goal behind: there’s no Plan B to break down the opponent.

The very style that put Forest in a position to qualify for the Champions League across 37 games ended up biting them in return.

This is something for Nuno to ponder during the off-season if they want to try again next year.

Aston Villa missed their chance when Emiliano Martinez was sent off before halftime at Old Trafford for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund.

If only Martinez had used his head, considering the form Hojlund is in, he might have missed the chance anyway.

The red card ruined Villa’s plan to secure victory against a Manchester United side still reeling from their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Was Villa robbed from a referee decision? Seems like it but the rules must be better for such a big game.

Villa must reassess their squad this summer because, without Champions League revenue, Unai Emery may have to sell key players to balance the books and stay within the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Salvation for Ruben Amorim? The win over Villa made the post-match lap of honour around Old Trafford slightly less awkward.

But can Amorim still call it a lap of honour after the season United had? Fifteenth in the league and no European football next season.

The fans will hope that the United brand remains strong enough to attract quality players for a much-needed summer rebuild.

At St James’ Park, the faithful sweated in the 70th minute as their Champions League dream looked in jeopardy with the score still 0–0 at Old Trafford.

Eddie Howe should treat Amad Diallo to dinner for breaking the deadlock – his goal ensured Newcastle held onto their Champions League spot.

A League Cup and European qualification make this a season to remember for the Magpies.

With Sunderland winning promotion to the Premier League, the Tyne-Wear derby returns alongside their European adventure.

Spurs failed to give their fans a winning send-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, even after securing the Europa League trophy, because Brighton came to town and gave Ange Postecoglou a reality check.

He’s hoping the trophy win gives him credit in the bank, but finishing 17th with just 38 points is worrying.

In any other season, a team would need the magic 40 points to survive. Spurs are fortunate that the three relegated teams were poor.

Anfield was in full party mode as the fans watched Virgil van Dijk lift the Premier League trophy in front of the Kop for the first time in years.

Crystal Palace nearly spoiled the celebrations, but Mohamed Salah equalized to match the all-time record for goal involvement.

He also picked up the Premier League Player of the Season award to go along with the Golden Boot.

Fans will hope his output continues next season as Arne Slot prepares to defend the title.

A classy gesture from Liverpool before the match saw Crystal Palace receive a guard of honour for their FA Cup win.

It was also classy of the Anfield faithful to refrain from booing Trent Alexander-Arnold in his final home game of the season.

Perhaps Juergen Klopp’s remarks during Liverpool’s celebration event helped fans see the bigger picture.

Another Premier League season is in the books.

While the title race fizzled out early, the battle for Champions League qualification delivered drama and excitement until the final day.

It was a gripping entertainment that filled our weekends across 38 matchdays.

One big match remains: the Champions League Final.

Until then, we count down the 80+ days until the Premier League returns.

And if you need a football fix, there’s always the FIFA Club World Cup.