Premier League permutations: Title race, European spots and relegation battle

THE Premier League season has ENDED – with Manchester City securing a record FOURTH consecutive title and going for a Double in the FA Cup.

Manchester United can still qualify for Europe IF they win the FA Cup and stop their rivals from winning another trophy.

Man City and Arsenal were locked in a title race all season but the Gunners fell at the final hurdle – away from the top two, there was plenty more decided on an action-packed final day.

Here is everything you need to know regarding the race for the title, European spots and the relegation battle.

FA Cup European football permutations

Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa had confirmed their spots in next season’s Champions League prior to kick off.

The Villans secured their spot on the biggest stage after Man City beat Tottenham 2-0 last Tuesday.

Tottenham secured fifth in the Premier League, and a spot in the Europa League, with a final day win at Brentford.

Chelsea only had to avoid defeat to finish ahead of Newcastle and finish sixth – with the Blues beating Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge to secure a place in the Europa Conference League, at least.

Mauricio Pochettino‘s side could have finished fifth had they won and Spurs lost.

Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester United now must wait for the outcome of the FA Cup final to determine which European competition – if at all – they will be playing in next season.

Chelsea and Newcastle both need Man City to complete the Double and win the FA Cup next week.

Should City beat United and win the FA Cup, seventh place (Newcastle) will become a Europa Conference League spot while sixth will land Chelsea a spot in the Europa League.

Manchester United finished eighth despite a final day win over Brighton – that is the lowest position since the inception of the Premier League in 1992-93.

Erik ten Hag‘s side now have to win the FA Cup to compete in the Europa League next season – if they do, Newcastle will not compete in Europe and Chelsea will play in the Conference League.

How did Man City win the Premier League title?

Manchester City only needed to win their final game at home to West Ham to guarantee a fourth straight title.

The 3-1 win over West Ham meant that Arsenal could not muster enough points, no matter their result against Everton.

The Gunners beat the Toffees 2-1.

The title could have been decided on goal difference – if Man City had drawn and Arsenal won.

In that scenario, Arsenal would have won the Premier League title.

Who was relegated from the Premier League?

Sheffield United and Burnley were already relegated from the Premier League heading into the final day.

Luton Town were also all but down, as they needed to beat Fulham on the final day and hope Burnley beat Nottingham Forest – with a 12-goal swing required.

It was moot on the final day, as the Hatters lost 4-2 at home to Fulham and Forest won away 2-1 at Burnley.