MANCHESTER: Man-c--he-ster City, Chelsea and Newcastle secured pla-ces in next season’s Cham-pions Leag--ue as Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy after a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on a dramatic final day of the season on Sunday. A record-equalling 20th league title for Liverpool and relegation for Ipswich Town, Leic-ester City and Southa-mpton had long since been decided, leaving the focus of attention on the battle for European places. Liverpool and Arsenal had already secured their place in the Champions League by finishing in the top two, while Tottenham Hotspur will join them after winning the Europa League on Wednesday. City ensured a disappointing season did not end in disastrous fashion by qualifying for Eur-ope’s top competition for the 15th consecutive season by beating Fulham 2-0 to finish third. Ilkay Gundogan’s overhead kick from close range put Pep Guardiola’s men in front before Erling Haaland secured the points for the visitors from the penalty spot. Chelsea ended Notti-ngham Fore-st’s dreams of a first appearance in the Champions League since they were European cham-pions back in 1980. Levi Colwill tapped in Pedro Neto’s cross for the Blues’ goal in a 1-0 win at the City Ground to secure fourth place for Chelsea. “They grew a lot as a team and as players. They showed how good they are today,” Chelsea manager Enzo Mare-sca said. “We brought this club where it has to be. We finished sixth last year and most of the time, they forget that.” Forest have to settle for seventh and a place in the UEFA Conference League. Newcastle United narrowly avoided throwing away their place in the top five after losing 1-0 at home to Everton. Carlos Alcaraz’s header earned the Toffees victory on Tyneside. However, the Magpies finished fifth after Aston Villa were controversially beaten 2-0 at Manchester United. Villa’s hopes were dented when goalkeeper Emi Martinez was sent off just before half-time for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund outside his box. Yet the visitors thought they had taken the lead at Old Trafford only for Morgan Rogers’ effort to be ruled out for kicking the ball out of the hands of Altay Bayindir. Villa were furious at VAR’s decision not to reverse the call and were hit with a sucker punch moments later when Amad Diallo headed in Bruno Fernandes’ cross. Christian Eriksen’s penalty sealed the win as United finished the campaign in 15th. A place in the Europa League is Villa’s consolation for finishing sixth. United manager Ruben Amorim said the good times will return for the Red Devils as he apologised to supporters for a “disaster” of a season. “I want apologise for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and with the team,” said the Portuguese coach. “But now we have to make a choice. We stay stuck in the past because this season is in the past, it is over. Or we stick together and move forward.” PALACE SPOIL LIVERPOOL PARTY There was a mutual guard of honour at Anfield as Palace paid homage to Liverpool before the hosts repaid the favour to mark the Eagles’ FA Cup victory over City last weekend. Liverpool’s title celebrations in 2020 took place in front of an empty stadium due to coronavirus restrictions, meaning it was the first time in 35 years they could celebrate lifting the trophy in front of the Reds’ support. Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp- made his first return to Anfield since an emotional farewell 12 months ago. “It’s always special to win something, but at certain clubs maybe a little bit more,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot said. “I don’t think you expect anything like this. If you look at the Premier League in the last few seasons it was always a race to the end. To be part of it was already nice, let alone to win it.” Alan Hansen, who captained Liverpool in their last trophy lift at a full Anfield in 1990, presented the silverware to current Reds skipper Virgil Van Dijk. Palace, though, spoiled the party when Ismaila Sarr slotted home the opening goal after just nine minutes. Liverpool’s Ryan Grav-e-nberch was sent off in the second half but the 10 men still secured a point thanks to Mohamed Salah’s deflected leveller. Meanwhile, Tottenham suffered a hangover from their Europa League celebrations as Brighton and Hove Albion came from behind to win 4-1 and secure eighth place. A double from Jack Hin-shel-w-ood, Matt O’Riley’s penalty and Diego Gomez condemned Spurs to a 22nd league defeat of the season and a 17th-placed finish. Elsewhere, Arsenal needed an 89th-minute winner from Martin Odegaard to beat bottom-of-the-table Southampton. West Ham United were 3-1 winners at Ipswich, Lei-cester lost 2-0 at Bourn-emouth and honours were shared between Wolverh-ampton Wand-erers and Bre--ntford in a 1-1 draw. Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2025