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| Arsenal's title hope depends on what Manchester City does against West Ham but, it will take a collapse of epic proportion to see a result different from City retaining their title. (Photo credit: Sky Sports) |
The Premier League ends on Sunday, marking one of the most chaotic title races in over thirty years of the league's existence.
We recall the iconic Sergio Aguero moment of 2012, the Blackburn triumph of 1995, and the improbable title won by Leicester City in 2015. This title's close finish was unprecedented, given the widespread expectation that Liverpool would be Manchester City's rival at this stage.
On the final day, there were a few unfinished businesses. Many anticipate Manchester City to demolish West Ham at the Etihad, aiming to secure their sixth title in seven years. However, Arsenal remains a viable contender, prompting the deployment of a replica of the Premier League trophy and 40 medals at the Emirates, just in case the Etihad collapses.
Tottenham's inability to defeat Manchester City has effectively settled the top four cases, sending Aston Villa to the Champions League for the first time in over forty years. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City are the other teams set to fly the league’s flag at the tournament next season.
The Europa League domino is interesting; Tottenham can still miss out on the Europa League, and that is because they can lose at Sheffield considering how they have played recently. If Chelsea beats Bournemouth, they climb over Spurs. That will be a disaster for Ange Postecoglou.
For all the tough season Chelsea has had, the Blues could still finish fifth, but a draw for Spurs at Sheffield ends that. Newcastle United will need Chelsea to lose for them to have a chance of sealing the Europa League spot. You wonder how the Magpies didn’t earn anything at Old Trafford after they slipped at home to Brighton.
For Manchester United, it’s quite straightforward. Is it easy? Hell no, but can they do it? Absolutely yes. The Red Devils can give up on the league permutations now; all they need to do is beat Manchester City at Wembley, win the FA Cup, and get a spot in next season’s Europa League.
Does United have what it takes to win the FA Cup? Not quite. They have been poor and badly depleted by injuries, but the motivation is the Europa League spot; they must dig deep to find that special energy to shock the holders.
The relegation conversation is as good as done; there won’t be a ten-goal swing in Luton’s favor even if Nottingham Forest loses and the Hatters win; the latter will mix it up in the Championship next season with Burnley and Sheffield United. We hope the Premier League never sees their type of mediocrity again.