The tussle for the third spot on the Premier League table is alive. Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal held the Manchester giants to a 1 – 1 draw at Old Trafford and on Wednesday the Londoners again dropped points against the relegation battlers Sunderland.
After the 0 – 0 draw at the Emirates, Sunderland have ensured their stay in the top division. One out of Newcastle and Hull City will be eliminated on Sunday as we get ready for the season finale. Newcastle will entertain Sam Allardyce’s West Ham while Hull will play host to Steve Bruce’s former club Manchester United. From the looks of it, Hull City will go down to the Championship until and unless Newcastle and Man United both lose on the last day.
Manchester United can still grab the third place as Arsenal dropped points for the third time in a row. These two English giants are separated by three points and have a goal difference of seven. The North Londoners face West Brom, who are in outstanding form led by the former United player, Darren Fletcher. If United win by a good margin of goals against Hull and Tony Pulis’s West Brom defeat Arsenal then the Gunners will be back to their usual spot – the fourth place.
West Brom handed the new champions their biggest defeat of this campaign. Jose Mourinho’s men have already clinched the title and they couldn’t care less about the result on Monday. The Blues’ boss claimed that the top contenders in England are as much responsible for the result as they allowed Chelsea to be crowned champions far too early.
“I think the top contenders are also guilty because they let us win the title so early,” Mourinho said. “I can’t just blame the players, I have to blame myself. I also lost that salt and pepper you need during the week to work at a high level.
“We are champions. You can’t expect us to go on the bus crying because we lost 3-0. Am I happy because we lose? Of course I’m not happy. Am I sad? No. The ideal scenario would be to be champions, close the shop and go home.”
Manchester City won 2 – 4 at the Liberty Stadium and have now sealed their place just below Chelsea. Last few results in the Premier League can save Pellegrini’s job at the Etihad if Manchester City are unable to find a suitable replacement for the Chilean. City face Ronald Koeman’s Southampton on Sunday and it will be a good entertaining fixture before the curtain draws. There is still a good chance of a shuffle in the ranks of teams at fifth to seventh. There is a very good chance that it might happen and the final day of the league is notoriously famous for such happenings.
Steven Gerrard’s last game at Anfield was spoiled by Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace. Brendan Rodgers’ men lost 1 – 3 after going in front courtesy of Adam Lallana’s strike in the 26th minute. Gerrard will be hoping to end his long illustrious career at his home town club with a win.