Manchester City were crowned Barclays Premier League champions for
the second time in three years after coasting to a 2-0 win over West
Ham.
Manuel Pellegrini's side realistically only needed a point to secure
the title and there was no repeat of the final-day drama of two years
ago, when Sergio Aguero's last-gasp strike against Queens Park Rangers
ensured they became champions of England for the first time in 44 years.
West Ham were unable to live with Man City in a one-sided encounter
on Sunday, and Samir Nasri gave the home side a thoroughly deserved
half-time lead at Etihad Stadium. Captain Vincent Kompany doubled the
advantage early in the second half to ensure Pellegrini marked his first
season in English football by winning both the Barclays Premier League
and the Capital One Cup.
City's final-day victory ensured they won 17 out of 19 Barclays
Premier League matches at Etihad Stadium this season and took their goal
tally to 102 in the top flight during a superb debut season at the helm
for their Chilean manager.
Liverpool came from behind to beat nine-man
Newcastle United
2-1, but it was not enough for them to claim a first league title since
1990. Brendan Rodgers' men went into the final match of the season on
Sunday knowing that a win, combined with City losing at home to West
Ham, would end a 24-year wait for their coronation.
Martin Skrtel, a regular source of goals in important matches for
Rodgers' side throughout the campaign, put through his own net on this
occasion, turning Yoan Gouffran's centre past Simon Mignolet in front of
a shell-shocked Kop after 20 minutes. It looked as though the hosts
were going to be frustrated, until two almost identical goals from
set-pieces midway through the second half from Daniel Agger and Daniel
Sturridge changed the game.
The visitors had Shola Ameobi sent off for dissent in the aftermath
of Sturridge's winner, as Newcastle suffered an eighth defeat in the
last 10 Barclays Premier League outings and their woes were further
compounded when Paul Dummett also saw red late on.
Tottenham Hotspur secured sixth place and a spot in the UEFA Europa League with a 3-0 win over
Aston Villa.
Paulinho scored first, capping off an intricate move after 14 minutes.
The hosts had to wait another 21 minutes for their second as Nathan
Baker scored an own goal.
Emmanuel Adebayor grabbed the third from the penalty spot towards the
end of the first period and although Villa were slightly improved after
the break, Paul Lambert's men rarely showed anything to worry the
hosts.
Norwich City's relegation was confirmed as
Arsenal
warmed up for the FA Cup final with a comfortable 2-0 win at Carrow
Road. The Norfolk side were effectively relegated after Sunderland's 2-0
win over West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday but their drop into the
Championship was rubber-stamped four days later after second-half goals
from Aaron Ramsey and Carl Jenkinson gave Arsenal victory.
Ramsey's goal, a stunning volley that crashed into the top-left
corner, was special and Jack Wilshere's return from a broken foot after
the hour-mark added to Arsenal's joy. Things were very different for
Norwich, who after finishes of 12th and 11th under Chris Hughton, saw
their three-year top-flight stay end.
A dreadful run of form, with three wins in their last 25 Barclays
Premier League matches, led to their relegation, and the gulf in class
between the two sides on Sunday was evident. Arsenal's fifth top-flight
win in a row is sure to boost confidence ahead of Saturday's FA Cup
showpiece against Hull City, as they go in search of their first trophy
since winning the same competition in 2005.
Chelsea brought down the curtain on their campaign with a 2-1 win at
Cardiff City.
Late strikes from Andre Schurrle and Fernando Torres earned the points
after Craig Bellamy's deflected effort had given Cardiff a first-half
lead.
Garry Monk celebrated his permanent appointment as
Swansea City manager by guiding his side to a 3-1 victory at
Sunderland.
The 35-year-old was handed the reins on a permanent basis on Wednesday,
having served as head coach since Michael Laudrup left in February.
And, after picking up a 2-1 win at Newcastle United in their last away
fixture, Swansea made another fruitful trip to the north-east, Nathan
Dyer putting the visitors in front in the seventh minute. Marvin Emnes
doubled the advantage seven minutes later, but Fabio Borini pulled
Sunderland back into the game early in the second half. The Wearsiders'
joy was shortlived, however, as Wilfried Bony re-established the
two-goal lead four minutes later to wrap up the points.
James McCarthy scored his first
Everton goal as they eased to a 2-0 win at
Hull City.
McCarthy's strike was complemented by Romelu Lukaku's effort just after
half-time for Roberto Martinez's side, who controlled the match.
Everton went in front after eight minutes when McCarthy finished a
typically flowing move and they completely dominated, with Steven
Naismith firing wide and Lukaku forcing a save just before half-time.
Chances were at a premium for the home side, who saw a Jake Livermore
effort go wide and Maynor Figueroa's deflected shot saved.
Any hopes of a Hull fightback were dashed within 60 seconds of the
restart as Lukaku got on the end of a fine Leon Osman ball to
confidently slot home. The result means Everton finish with their
highest points tally since their title-winning season of 1986-87 and 72
points equals Tottenham Hotspur's record last season of the most a team
have gained without finishing in the top four.
Hull end their season 16th in the top flight, just improving on their
previous best of 2008-09, but will head into the FA Cup final against
Arsenal on the back of a five-match winless run.
Manchester United fell short in their bid for a UEFA Europa League place next season after a 1-1 draw at
Southampton.
United required a victory and defeat for Spurs against Aston Villa to
steal sixth spot, but results transpired against Ryan Giggs' men.
Juan Mata levelled for the visitors early in the second half with a
sumptuous free-kick that gave Artur Boruc absolutely no chance in the
Southampton goal after Rickie Lambert had broken the deadlock with a
28th-minute opener.
West Bromwich Albion's Barclays Premier League status was confirmed for another season despite a 2-1 defeat by
Stoke City at
The Hawthorns. Norwich's defeat by Arsenal, meant West Brom were
assured of survival despite a fifth straight home loss at the hands of
Stoke. Stephane Sessegnon hit the bar from point-blank range for Pepe
Mel's men early on, but the visitors soon seized control and moved ahead
after 22 minutes courtesy of a Gareth McAuley own goal.
West Brom rallied after the break and levelled through a calm finish
from Sessegnon, while Youssouf Mulumbu was denied by a post just after
the hour. Yet it was Stoke who sealed victory two minutes from time
thanks to substitute Charlie Adam's strike from distance.
A last-gasp equaliser from Chris David gave relegated
Fulham a 2-2 draw with
Crystal Palace.
The match provided terrific entertainment in a frenetic contest in the
last top-flight game at Craven Cottage for at least a season.
Dwight Gayle, the hero of Palace's 3-3 draw with Liverpool on Monday,
looked to have given his side the points with a double, which was
separated by Cauley Woodrow's first goal for Fulham. However, substitute
David came off the bench to ensure a share of the spoils late into
added time with a magnificent curling effort that flew into the top
corner. Palace finish the campaign in 11th, while Fulham end the season
second bottom.
