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Shaun Botterill
AS IT HAPPENED

As it happened: Premier League final day match tracker

We went minute-by-minute on the final day of the Premier League season.

Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the final day of the Premier League season!

It’s been some journey, hasn’t it? Friday 11 August marked the start of the season — cut to nine months later and here we are.

Man City are champions, Man United have secured second, West Brom are relegated and Stoke are down too.

Still, there’s 10 more games to come — with one more relegation spot and the top four still to be confirmed it’s all to play for. Well, not all. But some to play for.

There’s a little under an hour to go before we get underway. We’ll be bringing you all the action from across all 10 games in the Premier League.

It’s clear that some of today’s fixtures mean significantly more than others, with Swansea’s clash with Stoke, Liverpool’s battle with Brighton and Chelsea’s encounter with Newcastle all very much top of the agenda.

Here’s a look at all of today’s games, with kick-off in each coming up at 3pm:

 

  • Burnley vs Bournemouth
  • Crystal Palace vs West Brom
  • Huddersfield Town vs Arsenal
  • Liverpool vs Brighton
  • Man United vs Watford
  • Newcastle United vs Chelsea
  • Southampton vs Man City
  • Swansea vs Stoke
  • Tottenham vs Leicester City
  • West Ham vs Everton

Liverpool players and fans are continuing to arrive at Anfield as the Reds take on Brighton looking to secure Champions League football again next season.

Liverpool v Brighton and Hove Albion - Premier League Mark Leech / Offside Mark Leech / Offside / Offside

Liverpool v Brighton and Hove Albion - Premier League

Liverpool v Brighton and Hove Albion - Premier League

Here is Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven. A strong starting lineup, with Dominic Solanke named as well as the usual dynamic front three of Salah, Firmino and Mane up front.

Michael Carrick captains Man United as they take on Watford at Old Trafford. It is the 36-year-old midfielder’s final appearance for the club he joined in 2006.

But will this also be a final showing of a different kind for Chelsea today? Manager Antonio Conte names his team, as the Blues try and snatch a top four finish, but will the Italian be departing Stamford Bridge this summer?

Perched on the other touchline at St James’ Park this afternoon, what a season it’s been for Rafa Benitez at Newcastle. The Spaniard had an up-and-down time of it at Chelsea and would undoubtedly relish ending a magnificent campaign on a high, at home, against his former employers here today.

Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League Ian Horrocks Ian Horrocks

Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League

Newcastle United v Chelsea - Premier League

It will also be an emotional day at the John Smith’s Stadium as Arsene Wenger takes charge of his last ever game for Arsenal against Huddersfield. He will be looking to secure a first away win in 2018, after a dismal run of seven consecutive league defeats on the road.

TOPSHOT-FBL-ENG-PR-HUDDERSFIELD-ARSENAL AFP / Getty Images AFP / Getty Images / Getty Images

FBL-ENG-PR-HUDDERSFIELD-ARSENAL

Huddersfield Town v Arsenal - Premier League

There are so many goodbyes today, and amongst them is Yaya Toure who makes his final appearance before departing Man City. It’s also his birthday today… *something, something… I wonder if they got him a cake… something something*

Meanwhile, Swansea need nothing short of a miracle if they are to somehow avoid relegation today.

They take on Stoke knowing they aren’t mathematically down, but Carlos Carvalhal’s side will need Man City to defeat Southampton combined with a 10-goal swing between the two fixtures to stay up.

We’ve been discussing that and other Premier League talking points ahead of today’s kick-offs here. Surely it can’t happen, right?

This is what the bottom of the Premier League looks like ahead of kick-off today. A little under ten minutes to go now, which game has your pick?

Some quick points to note in some of the more crucial games before we get started:

  • Liverpool need just a point against Brighton to secure a top four finish
  • Man City are looking for a win against Southampton to reach the 100 point mark
  • Chelsea need to beat Newcastle and hope Liverpool lose to Brighton to secure a top four finish
  • Swansea need a 10-goal swing, between their meeting with Stoke and Man City’s game with Southampton to stay up
  • Tottenham can secure third spot by beating Leicester by any score at Wembley

Kick-off: We’re underway in all 10 games across the Premier League!

GOAL! We have the first goal of the afternoon after just four minutes and it’s come at Wembley. It’s a delivery from Riyad Mahrez who sets up Jamie Vardy to make it 1-0 — he puts Leicester ahead against Tottenham.

GOAL! We have another at Wembley, two goals inside seven minutes! Harry Kane levels for Spurs and the England striker is now just two goals behind Mo Salah in the race for the golden boot. It’s Tottenham 1-1 Leicester City.

A penalty shout at Anfield as the ball strikes the arm of Ireland defender Shane Duffy, but nothing is given. Still 0-0 between Liverpool and Brighton — remember, a draw is good enough for the Reds to secure a Champions League finish.

A banner is flying above the John Smith Stadium in recognition of Arsene Wenger as his side take on Huddersfield.

GOAL! Swansea have the first of what they can only hope is a bucketload of goals this afternoon. Andy King puts his side 1-0 up after 15 minutes. They’ll need a few more, mind.

GOAL! A third goal at Wembley and this really is looking like a classic. Riyad Mahrez set up his partner in crime Jamie Vardy for the opener, but now the winger takes centre stage. It’s 2-1 to Leicester against Tottenham.

It’s been the Mahrez-Vardy show at Wembley so far.

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So, this is how we’re looking with 20 minutes or so on the clock. Swansea ahead against Stoke, while Leicester lead Spurs. No goals to speak of elsewhere so far.

Screen Shot 2018-05-13 at 15.21.50

GOAL! Chelsea’s slim hopes of securing a top four finish are slipping away. Dwight Gayle scores from four yards out to put Newcastle 1-0 ahead at St James’ Park. Antonio Conte’s side need a win and Liverpool defeat today to have any chance of making next season’s Champions League.

GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-0 BRIGHTON (SALAH 26)

It goes from bad to worse for Chelsea, as Liverpool storm into the lead at Anfield. Dominic Solanke sets up Mohamed Salah for his 32nd Premier League goal of the season. As it stands, Liverpool are heading for a top four finish.

GOAL! Stoke have levelled proceedings against Swansea and it looks all but certain that these two sides are both heading for the Championship next season. Badou Ndiaye pounces on Xherdan Shaqiri’s through ball to chip the ball over Fabianski and in. It’s Swansea 1-1 Stoke City.

GOAL! MAN UNITED 1-0 WATFORD (RASHFORD 33)

We have lift-off at Old Trafford now too. Marcus Rashford with his 7th Premier League goal of the season just past the half hour mark puts Man United 1-0 ahead against Watford.

The England forward scores from close range thanks to Juan Mata’s cross, but the move was made all thanks to a killer through ball from Michael Carrick on his final appearance for the club.

So, as it stands Swansea are going down while Liverpool have a Champions League spot within sight. A draw will do for Jurgen Klopp’s side, but with Chelsea also a goal down against Newcastle at St James’ Park, it’s the Reds’ place to lose.

GOALS GALORE!  They are absolutely flying in now — Arsenal have gone 1-0 ahead against Huddersfield thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Dejan Lovren has put Liverpool 2-0 up against Brighton, Stoke lead Swansea 2-1 thanks to Peter Crouch and Burnley have taken the lead via Chris Wood. Boom boom.

This is how things currently stand with a handful of minutes to go before the interval.

Screen Shot 2018-05-13 at 15.44.04

In-between all of that, West Ham have also taken the lead at the London Stadium against Everton. Argentine Manuel Lanzini beats Jordan Pickford at his front post with a rare goal for the Hammers.

Half-time: We’re reached the halfway stage in all 10 games on the final day of the season.

And here’s the current table. As it stands Swansea are heading to the Championship, while Liverpool sit in third spot, meaning automatic Champions League qualification. Still, 45 minutes to go remember.

Screen Shot 2018-05-13 at 15.54.48

Second-half: We’re back underway for all the the second halves in the Premier League!

GOAL! Tottenham are capitulating on the final day of the season, as Leicester add a third. Kelechi Iheanacho puts the visitors to Wembley 3-1 ahead, and Spurs seem to be throwing third spot away.

GOAL! But hold on. Tottenham respond right away and cut the deficit back to just one goal. Erik Lamela taps in from Kyle Walter-Peters’ cross and it’s 3-2 — what a game!

GOAL! What a game. What a game this is! Erik Lamela grabs his second of the afternoon and Spurs are somehow level, having trailed by two a matter of minutes ago. It’s Tottenham 3-3 Leicester after 53 minutes. Goodness gracious.

Xherdan Shaqiri misses a penalty for Stoke and passes up the chance to put his side two goals ahead. Paul Lambert’s side still lead Swansea 2-1 at the Liberty thanks to Peter Crouch.

GOAL! Goodness, it’s looking like an absolutely miserable end to the season for Antonio Conte. Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle have gone 2-0 ahead against Chelsea via Ayoze Perez. The Blues seem all but destined for Europa League football next season.

FBL-ENG-PR-NEWCASTLE-CHELSEA AFP / Getty Images AFP / Getty Images / Getty Images

GOAL! LIVERPOOL 3-0 BRIGHTON (SOLANKE 53)

Liverpool are swaggering towards a top four finish now. Dominic Solanke has his first ever competitive goal for the club — he fires into the top corner from a tight angle to make it 3-0.

GOAL! Newcastle are having a brilliant time of it at St James’ Park. It’s a superb end to the season for Rafa Benitez, who surely must be at least a candidate for manager of the season. Ayoze Perez grabs his second to make it 3-0, beating César Azpilicueta to the ball from close range — it’s his 10th goal of the season and his first ever brace in the Premier League.

A pair of goals to speak of — West Ham have doubled their lead against Everton thanks to Marko Arnautovic. But at Wembley Tottenham have capped a stunning turnaround and currently lead Leicester 4-3!

They had been 3-1 down, but three goals without reply sees Spurs wrestle back third spot. It turns out that the equaliser has now been awarded to a Christian Fuchs own goal, meanwhile Erik Lamela nodded in the fourth. It’s Tottenham 4-3 Leicester City. Wow!

With about 20 minutes remaining, here’s how things stand:

Screen Shot 2018-05-13 at 16.28.19

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have taken the lead against relegated West Brom at Selhurst Park. Wilfried Zaha grabs his 9th Premier League goal of the season, following some excellent work from Patrick van Aanholt to set him up.

Bournemouth are level against Burnley, who remember will be playing European football next season. Joshua King curls a brilliant effort beyond the fingertips of Nick Pope with 15 minutes to go.

GOAL! Can you believe it? Leicester have equalised and we’ve had eight goals at Wembley. Jamie Vardy with his second of the afternoon, his 20th this season, and it’s Tottenham 4-4 Leicester.

ANOTHER! Nine, nine goals at Wembley! Tottenham race ahead again and it’s 5-4 to the hosts. Moments after Jamie Vardy pulled the sides level, Harry Kane snaps up with his second of the day. He’s not letting this golden boot get away without a fight, is he? Breathtaking stuff.

Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City - Premier League Plumb Images Plumb Images

Everton have pulled one back at the London Stadium thanks to Oumar Niasse — the Toffees currently trail 2-1. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have doubled their lead against West Brom — Patrick van Aanholt is the man who’s scored it.

Pep Guardiola has brought on 17-year-old Phil Foden against Southampton, meaning he will be eligible for a Premier League medal. It’s still 0-0 at St Mary’s.

Another for the Hammers against Everton. Manuel Lanzini gets a hold of Pablo Zabaleta’s pass, twists and turns and nods the ball past Jordan Pickford. It’s West Ham 3-1 Everton.

GOAL! LIVERPOOL 4-0 BRIGHTON (ROBERTSON 85)

Liverpool will secure a top four finish in the Premier League. Andy Robertson set up Dejan Lovren in the first half, but now the Scot has a goal of his own to put the Reds 4-0 ahead. It’s his first ever goal at Anfield!

With just a couple of minutes to go, Liverpool are on course for fourth, while Tottenham hold onto third spot. Trailing Stoke 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea are to be relegated to the Championship.

Meanwhile in his last ever game in charge of Arsenal, Arsene Wenger’s side still lead Huddersfield 1-0 thanks to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Man City are being held 0-0 by Southampton, meaning they will currently end the season on 98 points.

Just stoppage time to go!

GOAL! SOUTHAMPTON 0-1 MAN CITY (JESUS 94)

Right at the death, Man City look to have bagged all three points at St Mary’s. Gabriel Jesus pops up with a dramatic 94th minute winner, meaning Pep Guaridola’s side move onto 100 points and set a new Premier League record. Wow!

Full-time scores:

 

  • Burnley 1-2 Bournemouth
  • Crystal Palace 2-0 West Brom
  • Huddersfield Town 0-1 Arsenal
  • Liverpool 4-0 Brighton
  • Man United 1-0 Watford
  • Newcastle United 3-0 Chelsea
  • Southampton 0-1 Man City
  • Swansea 1-2 Stoke City
  • Tottenham 5-4 Leicester City
  • West Ham 3-1 Everton

Goodness, what an end. Although there wasn’t as much riding on this final day as in previous years, there was certainly a lot of drama in the end.

Liverpool secure a top four spot, beating Brighton comfortably, while Tottenham also guarantee Champions League football with a stunning 5-4 win against Leicester City.

Swansea have been relegated, losing 2-1 at home to Stoke, while Arsene Wenger ends his tenure in charge of Arsenal with a 1-0 win against Huddersfield.

Champions Man City had to leave it late, but Gabriel Jesus’ stoppage time winner against Southampton means they end the season on 100 points — a new Premier League record.

Thanks a million for joining us, goodbye!

958067078 Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring a stoppage time winner for champions Man City. Mike Hewitt Mike Hewitt

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The improbable 10-goal swing needed to save Swansea and more Premier League talking points

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