What. A. Finish.
The ribbons have been neatly tied on the 2013-14 Premier League season and a huge congratulations goes to Manchester City for clinching the title.
By beating West Ham on the final day Manuel Pellegrini’s side sauntered to their second PL title in three years, as Liverpool came up short in second place despite beating Newcastle on the final day at Anfield.
MORE: Final Premier League standings
Elsewhere Chelsea finished third, as they fought back to beat Cardiff City, while Manchester United drew 1-1 away at Southampton, Everton ended their season on high by beating Hull City, Arsenal won away at Norwich and Tottenham hammered Aston Villa at home. Plus plenty more happened during a hectic finale to a stunning season.
In case you missed any of the action from a extremely busy Championship Sunday which saw all 10 PL games kick off at the same time, we’ve got you covered here at PST.
Below we have recaps, analysis and videos on every single PL game.
Cardiff City 1-2 Chelsea
Craig Bellamy’s deflected effort put Cardiff 1-0 up early in the first half and they held that lead until 20 minutes from time when Andre Schurrle tidied up to equalize. Moments later Fernando Torres bagged the winner as Chelsea finished third and were four points off the top. As for Cardiff, they finished rock bottom of the PL.
Hull City 0-2 Everton
James McCarthy and Romelu Lukaku scored in either half as the Toffees finished in style, and in fifth spot, as Roberto Martinez’s men grabbed a record points tally in the PL. Everton were extremely dominant in this one as Hull had one eye on next Saturday’s FA Cup final. It has been a shocking finish to the season for the Tigers but they don’t care because they achieved their aim of staying in the PL. As for Everton, a terrific season which they will hope to build on.
Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace
Two youngsters scored for Fulham as Cauley Woodrow and Chris David gave a glimpse of the future at Craven Cottage. Crystal Palace led twice through a Dwight Gayle double but David scored a late equalizer to finish Fulham’s season off positively. Palace finished in 11th place, while Fulham finished in 19th and four points from safety as they were relegated from the PL.
Liverpool 2-1 Newcastle United
The Reds came up short as they finished second in the PL, just two points behind champions Man City. On Sunday they went behind to Newcastle as Martin Skrtel scored a record-breaking fourth own goal of the season. However the Reds weren’t to see their sensational season finish with a whimper, as two quick-fire goals from Daniel Agger and Daniel Sturridge turned the game on its head. Newcastle finished with nine-men as Shola Ameobia and Paul Dummett were both sent off, the Magpies finished in ninth.
Norwich City 0-2 Arsenal
Two second half goals from Aaron Ramsey and Carl Jenkinson saw the Gunners ease to victory and Norwich relegated. Arsenal go into the FA Cup final against Hull next weekend in fine form after winning five-straight to finish the season. As for the Canaries, their three-year stay in the top flight is over and all is not well at Carrow Road.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United
Manuel Pellegrini’s side eased to the PL title as they only need a point against the Hammers… but took all three. Samir Nasri banged one in off the post just before half time then Vincent Kompany thumped home another just after the break as the party started early at the Etihad. 102 goals this season for the Citizens, as City turned on the style as they peaked at the right time. West Ham finished the season in 13th place as mystery still shrouds Sam Allardyce’s future.
Southampton 1-1 Manchester United
Saints went ahead early on through Rickie Lambert’s cool finish in front of England manager Roy Hodgson and the home side tore United apart in the first half. After the interval Ryan Giggs’s side were much better and Juan Mata curled in a wonderful free kick to level things up. Overall a draw was a fair result as Saints finished in their highest ever PL position of eighth, while United finished seventh and failed to qualify for Europe for the first time since 1990. The Red Devils’ nightmare season is over.
Sunderland 1-3 Swansea
Two early goals from Nathan Dyer and Marvin Emnes put the Swans in a commanding position at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland fought back as Fabio Borini made it 2-1 however soon after Swansea’s leading scorer Wilfried Bony made it 3-1 and that was how it would finish. Swans finished the season in 12th, Sunderland in 14th after their ‘Great Escape.’
Tottenham 3-0 Aston Villa
Tim Sherwood’s time in charge of Spurs may well be up but he’s done a superb job. Tottenham will play in the Europa League next year after battering Aston Villa at White Hart Lane. Paulinho opened the scoring, then there was an own goal from Nathan Baker before Emmanuel Adebayor made it 3-0 from the penalty spot before the break. Spurs finish sixth, while Villa finished 15th and five points above the bottom three.
West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Stoke City
What a season for the Potters who finished ninth after winning six of their last 10 matches. They went ahead after Gareth McAuley scored an own goal but Stephane Sessegnon equalized as the Baggies looked to have secured their 17th draw of the season. However Charlie Adam scored a late winner to give Mark Hughes’ team their first-ever top 10 finish in the PL. West Brom finished one place above the relagtion zone and Spanish boss Pepe Mel could well be on his way this summer.
