By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester City lift the trophy
- Leeds defeated by West Ham United
- Newcastle are in the Champions League
UK – Manchester City had already won the Premier League after Arsenal lost to Nottingham Forest but Pep Guardiola’s side were able to lift the trophy after they defeated Chelsea.
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Three in a row for City
Manchester City had already won the league by the time they faced Chelsea. This was due to Nottingham Forest defeating Arsenal, which enabled Pep Guardiola‘s side to be given a guard of honour by the Blues players as they came out at the Etihad.
The match itself was then played like a friendly, as nothing was riding on it. Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan all started on the bench, as City have bigger tasks ahead with the finals of the FA Cup and Champions League.
Julian Alvarez gave the champions the lead early on with a neat finish. Chelsea had a chance to equalise but Conor Gallagher‘s effort came back off the post. Kalvin Philips was then denied his first goal for the club as his header also came back off the post.
City had thought they had doubled their lead through Alvarez but VAR ruled it out for handball from Riyad Mahrez. The match finished 1-0 which prompted a mass pitch invasion. Once the Supporters had gone back into the stands, City were able to lift the trophy which was their 3rd Premier League title in a row.
Leeds lose crucial game
Leeds United suffered a 3-1 defeat to West Ham United, which puts Sam Allardyce‘s side in serious danger of relegation. The result means that they will now need to defeat Tottenham Hotspur on the final day and hope that Everton does not get a result against Bournemouth if they are to stay up.
The Yorkshire side started the game well, with Weston McKennie‘s long throw being volleyed in by Rodrigo. However, the Hammers soon equaliser through Declan Rice. This game could be Rice’s last at the London Stadium in a West Ham shirt, so the player was looking very emotional at times.
Jarrod Bowen then put David Moyes’ side ahead with a toe-poke of a finish. The victory was then sealed by Manuel Lanzini after some great skill by Lucas Paqueta.
It was a crushing defeat for Leeds but their final-day fixture against Tottenham is winnable. Spurs lost 3-1 to Brentford this weekend which was their second defeat in a row. Whilst their confidence is down, it is a good time for Allardyce’s side to play the north London side.
Newcastle secure Champions League football
Newcastle secured their qualification for next season’s Champions League after a 0-0 draw with Leicester City. Unfortunately, the result was not so good for the Foxes, whose Premier League status is now out of their hands.
Dean Smith had a game plan at St James’ Park to sit back and weather the storm. He also surprisingly left star player, James Maddison, on the bench with a view to bringing him on to make an impact.
It could have been easier for Leicester as their opposition was fortunate to not have a player sent off. Bruno Guimaraes’ high challenge on Boubakary Soumare escaped with just a yellow card. Smith’s plan could so easily have been unravelled with Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron both hitting the woodwork.
In the second half, Eddie Howe‘s side continued to pile on the pressure. Guimaraes hit the post from close range, whilst Daniel Iversen was forced to make some great saves. James Maddison who had come on at half time, whipped in a cross for Timothy Castagne late on. However, Nick Pope was equal to Castagne’s effort and the two sides shared the points.
Predictions vs actual results:
| Rob’s prediction | Actual result |
| Man City 3-0 Chelsea | Man City 1-0 Chelsea |
| West Ham 2-1 Leeds United | West Ham 3-1 Leeds United |
| Newcastle 3-0 Leicester | Newcastle 0-0 Leicester |
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