By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
Arsenal finally got their hands on the Premier League trophy, while Tottenham Hotspur managed to stay up to bring joy to North London on Sunday. However, there was disappointment in east London as West Ham United were relegated on the final day of the season despite a 3–0 home win over Leeds United.
Having secured the title when Manchester City dropped points in midweek, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal received the trophy at Selhurst Park following a 2–1 win over Crystal Palace.
Arsenal finished top on 85 points, seven clear of Manchester City in second, with Manchester United seven points further back in third after a 3–0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arteta said: “That was beautiful. Look at the joy of all of the people, they have been waiting for this for so long. We have had difficult moments along the way, but it is all worth it when you see that kind of reaction.”
At the other end of the table, Tottenham survived a late onslaught to secure a 1–0 win over Everton, which condemned West Ham to relegation alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley, who played out a 1–1 draw.
It was also a day of departures for big-name players, as Mohamed Salah provided an assist for Liverpool’s goal against Brentford before making an emotional exit, with full-back Andy Robertson also leaving the club.
One of the biggest milestones came in the north-east, where Sunderland beat Chelsea 2–1 to finish seventh and secure European football for the first time in more than half a century.
Sunderland goal-scorer Trai Hume said: “Coming into the start of the season, I don’t think anyone gave us a chance to stay up, let alone Europe. We’ve worked our socks off and fully deserve that.”
