Man City, Chelsea, Newcastle secure Champions League

Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle secured places in next season's Champions League, as Liverpool celebrated with the Premier League trophy after a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in Sunday's dramatic final round.

A record-equaling 20th league title for Liverpool and relegation for Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton had long since been decided, leaving the focus of attention on the battle for European places.

Liverpool and Arsenal had already secured their places in the Champions League by finishing in the top two, while Tottenham will join them after winning the Europa League on Wednesday.

City ensured a disappointing season did not end in disastrous fashion by qualifying for Europe's top competition for the 15th consecutive season after beating Fulham 2-0 to finish third.

Ilkay Gundogan's overhead kick from close range put Pep Guardiola's men in front, before Erling Haaland secured the points for the visiting side from the penalty spot.

"It's not perfect, but we'll be in Europe next season in the Champions League," said Guardiola.

Chelsea ended Nottingham Forest's dream of a first appearance in the Champions League since it was European champion back in 1980.

Levi Colwill tapped in Pedro Neto's cross to clinch a 1-0 win at the City Ground and secure fourth place for Chelsea.

"We brought this club to where it has to be," said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Forest has to settle for seventh, and a place in the UEFA Conference League.

Newcastle narrowly avoided throwing away its place in the top five after losing 1-0 at home to Everton.

Carlos Alcaraz's header earned the Toffees victory on Tyneside.

However, the Magpies finished fifth on goal difference after Aston Villa was controversially beaten 2-0 at Manchester United.

Villa's hopes were dented when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent off just before halftime for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund outside his box.

Yet, the visitor thought it had taken the lead at Old Trafford only for Morgan Rogers' effort to be ruled out for supposedly kicking the ball out of the hands of Altay Bayindir.

Villa was furious at the call, and was hit with a sucker punch moments later when Amad Diallo headed in a Bruno Fernandes cross.

Christian Eriksen's penalty sealed the win, as United finished the campaign in 15th.

A place in the Europa League is Villa's consolation for finishing sixth.

Palace spoils party

There was a mutual guard of honor at Anfield, as Palace paid homage to Liverpool before the host repaid the favor to mark the Eagles' historic FA Cup victory over City on May 17.

Liverpool's last title celebration in 2020 took place in front of an empty stadium due to coronavirus restrictions, meaning it was the first time in 35 years it could celebrate lifting the trophy in front of its supporters.

"It's always special to win something, but at certain clubs maybe a little bit more," said Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp made his first return to Anfield since an emotional farewell 12 months ago.

Palace, though, spoiled the party when Ismaila Sarr slotted home the opening goal after just nine minutes.

Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the second half, but the 10 men still secured a point thanks to Mohamed Salah's deflected leveler.

Tottenham suffered a hangover from its Europa League celebrations, as Brighton came from behind to win 4-1 and secure eighth place.

A double from Jack Hinshelwood, Matt O'Riley's penalty and a Diego Gomez effort condemned Spurs to a 22nd league defeat of the season and a 17th-placed finish.

Arsenal needed an 89th-minute winner from Martin Odegaard to beat bottom-of-the-table Southampton 2-1.

West Ham was a 3-1 winner at Ipswich, Leicester lost 2-0 at Bournemouth and honors were shared between Wolves and Brentford in a 1-1 draw.

AFP