The Gunners did win their match against Brighton and Hove Albion but it was not enough to see them through to Europe.
Follow Us
A dramatic last day of the Premier League ended with several mid-table clubs battling it out for the chance to play in the Europa League, and some aspiring even higher. For some, the dream of playing in European competition will be realised while others will have to fight for the opportunity again next season. Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United successfully qualified for European competition next season, but Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal failed. It will be a big blow to the Gunners and Arteta’s job will come under immense scrutiny and pressure.
The Gunners did win their match against Brighton and Hove Albion but it was not enough to see them through to Europe. A brace from Nicolas Pepe saw the Gunners clinch a 2-0 victory over Graham Potter’s men at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta’s men will finish the season at an utterly disappointing eighth place, with 61 points. The Gunners, however, did manage to win all of their last five Premier League games. It is the first time in 25 years that the North London side will not play in any European competition.
Over to the other side of north London and Spurs completed a magnificent comeback to beat FA Cup winners Leicester City. A Harry Kane strike and a Kasper Schmeichel own goal cancelled out Jamie Vardy’s brace. Welshman Gareth Bale scored two goals right at the death to give Spurs a 4-2 win. They finished in seventh place with 62 points. Leicester’s loss meant that they would play in next year’s Europa League as they missed out on Champions League qualification. Spurs, on the other hand, will play in the new Europa Conference League.
David Moyes’ West Ham United have had a tremendous season and they carried their brilliant form till the last day of the campaign. The Hammers registered a comfortable 3-0 victory against Southampton at the London Stadium. A brace from Pablo Fornals and a goal from Declan Rice secured David Moyes’ men a place in next season’s Europa League. They finished sixth on the Premier League table with 65 points.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton was another contender to clinch a European spot for the next season, but the Toffees were absolutely battered by a brilliant Manchester City side. The departing Sergio Aguero had a perfect farewell as he scored a brace in his final game in City’s blue. Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Gabriel Jesus ensured a 5-0 win for the newly crowned Premier League Champions.
Everton finished their season at 10th place, level on points with Leeds United at ninth who won their last game of the season against West Bromwich Albion. The Toffees were only behind on goal difference.
