The 2024–25 Premier League season wrapped up with a thrilling conclusion as Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle United secured the final Champions League spots on a tense and controversial last day. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, were the major casualties, falling short in the race for the top five.
City ensured a third-place finish with a composed 2-0 win over Fulham, thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland. Chelsea claimed fourth place by narrowly defeating Nottingham Forest 1-0 through Levi Colwill’s strike, marking their return to Europe’s top competition after a turbulent two-year absence. Newcastle, despite a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton, managed to cling to fifth on goal difference, overtaking Villa after their dramatic loss to Manchester United.
Villa’s hopes were dashed following a controversial disallowed goal and a red card for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. A seemingly valid goal by Morgan Rogers was ruled out as the referee had blown the whistle before the ball crossed the line, a decision that left manager Unai Emery fuming. United capitalized with goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen to win 2-0.
Forest’s seventh-place finish will see them in the Conference League next season, while Tottenham also qualified for the Champions League due to their Europa League win, despite finishing 17th in the league.
Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy at Anfield after drawing 1-1 with Crystal Palace. Arsenal ended second again, beating Southampton 2-1 with a late goal from Martin Odegaard. Meanwhile, Manchester United ended a miserable season in 15th, prompting coach Ruben Amorim to issue a heartfelt apology to fans, promising better days ahead.
