Dramatic Day In The Barclays Premier League Ends With Arsenal Securing Champions League Spot

The race for fourth place went down to the wire, but it was the Gunners who came out on top thanks to their victory over Newcastle, leaving Tottenham in fifth place

Arsenal have won the race to secure Champions League football at the expense of north London rivals Tottenham following the Gunners' 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners' Champions League fate was in their own hands going into the final day of the season, and knew a win at St James' Park would guarantee them a place in next season's competition.

A second-half goal from Laurent Koscielny duly secured the vital three points, while Tottenham's win against Sunderland, courtesy of a stunning Gareth Bale strike, was rendered meaningless.

The results mean Arsenal will play in the Champions League once again next season, though do not qualify automatically for the group stages, while Tottenham must settle for a spot in the Europa League.

In other results of the day, Sir Alex Ferguson's final match as Manchester United manager ended in a bit of disappointment as his side drew 5-5 with West Bromwich Albion in a 10-goal thriller. Manchester United twice surrendered the lead, and it means incoming manager, David Moyes needs to work on the defence for next season.

Also at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea defeated outgoing manager, David Moyes' Everton side 2-1 to ensure Rafa Benitez had a sweet end to his brief tenure after capturing the UEFA Europa League in midweek.

Managerless Manchester City succumbed to a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Norwich City. It was quite understandable as there had been a massive clear-out at the Etihad Stadium dug-out, which has led to the departure of five coaches after the manger was sacked last week.

The top five results for the 2012/2013 season of the Barclays Premier League are:

1. Manchester United- 89 points (C)
2. Manchester City- 78 points
3. Chelsea- 75 points
4. Arsenal- 73 points

5. Tottenham- 72 points


The last three results at the bottom end of the table finished:

18. Wigan- 36 points
19. Reading- 28 points
20. QPR- 25 points

This means the three clubs are relegated from the Premier League for next season, hence, they will ply their trade at the npower Championship.

The season also ended emotionally as some players and managers leave their clubs. Some are moving else where, while others are retiring.

The likes of legendary Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring after 26 and a half years at the helm. Retiring alongside him will be veteran midfielder, Paul Scholes who played his final game today after initially retiring in 2011.

For Chelsea, interim manager, Rafa Benitez will be leaving his role after today's match. It remains to be seen where he will end up.

Also Everton manager, David Moyes will be leaving the club after 11 years and join Manchester United after agreeing a 6-year deal with the Red Devils.

The likes of Liverpool legends, Jamie Carrager will be stepping down at the end of the season after calling time on his playing career. So also will another Liverpool legend, Michael Owen who played his final game for Stoke City.

Long-serving Newcastle goalkeeper, Steve Harper will be leaving the club.

Next season promises to be even more exciting as players and managers will be coming in, while others will be moving out. The talk of Jose Mourinho joining Chelsea has been the talk of the town after his disappointing season at Real Madrid.


Goodbye EPL!!!!!! Till next season......