City, Chelsea, Newcastle make UCL; Villa miss out

With the title and relegation long decided, the final day of the Premier League season is focused on the battle for next season's European competition spots.

Five teams are competing for three Champions League places, while two others aim to secure a potential spot in the Conference League.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (L) vies with Crystal Palace's Tyrick Mitchell during the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, Britain, on May 25, 2025. (Xinhua)

Second-placed Arsenal closed out the campaign with a 2-1 win away to bottom side Southampton, with goals from Kieran Tierney and Martin Odegaard.

Goal difference meant Manchester City was virtually assured of a top-five finish before kickoff against Fulham, but goals from Ilkay Gundogan and an Erling Haaland penalty sealed a 2-0 win and third place.

Chelsea claimed fourth place thanks to Levi Colwill's 50th-minute goal away to Nottingham Forest. Enzo Maresca's side secured a Champions League berth, while Forest will settle for the Conference League after spending much of the season in the top five.

Newcastle United began its match at home to Everton knowing a win would guarantee Champions League qualification, but St. James' Park was silenced by Carlos Alcaraz's 65th-minute header, leading to a tense final 25 minutes. Despite the 1-0 loss, Newcastle finishes fifth, edging in due to Aston Villa's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent off just before halftime, and goals from Amad Diallo and a penalty from Christian Eriksen gave United the win. Villa will compete in next season's Europa League.

Premier League champions Liverpool and FA Cup winners Crystal Palace drew 1-1, setting the stage for their Community Shield clash in early August.

Europa League winners Tottenham concluded a disappointing domestic campaign with a 4-1 home loss to Brighton, where Jack Hinshelwood scored twice for the visitors.

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford played to a 1-1 draw, Bournemouth defeated Leicester 2-0 and West Ham ended a frustrating season with a 3-1 win away to Ipswich Town.

Anfield will be in celebration mode as league champions Liverpool host FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. Both clubs have reason to celebrate, and fittingly, they will open the 2025-26 season in the Community Shield on either Aug. 9 or 10.