Come Sunday, hearts will race, stadiums will erupt, and history will be written.
Image credit: B/R Football
As the Premier League roars towards its final day, the race for Champions League qualification has hit fever pitch.
Just one point separates third and seventh place, setting up a finale unlike anything we’ve seen before.
While Arsenal have locked up a top-five finish—most likely securing second place behind the champions—the real drama lies just below.
Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest are now engaged in a cutthroat sprint for the remaining three UCL spots.
Arsenal Secure Runner-Up, But Bigger Questions Loom
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle was far from pretty, but it did the job.
It confirmed their third consecutive top-two finish under Mikel Arteta.
Still, the Gunners’ performance told a familiar story—solid structure, defensive resilience, and an overreliance on set-pieces.
The lone goal came from Declan Rice, who capitalized on a midfield miscue to rifle home the winner.
Arteta praised the team’s fight but acknowledged what lies ahead: “We need a big summer. Our squad is short, and we’re losing players. It’s time to be smart.”
Indeed, Arsenal’s attacking numbers have dipped:
| Season | Goals | Shots | xG | xG on Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 91 (2nd) | 657 (3rd) | 77.5 (3rd) | 68.6 (4th) |
| 2024/25 | 67 (3rd) | 523 (5th) | 59.2 (6th) | 62.4 (7th) |
A top finish is good, but a title-winning squad still feels just out of reach.
The Race for the Remaining Three Champions League Spots
Here’s how things stand heading into the final week:
| Position | Club | GD | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Newcastle | +22 | 66 | 37 |
| 4 | Chelsea | +20 | 66 | 37 |
| 5 | Aston Villa | +9 | 66 | 37 |
| 6 | Man City | +24 | 65 | 36 |
| 7 | Nottingham Forest | +13 | 65 | 37 |
Newcastle: Tactically Strong, But Vulnerable Without Isak
Eddie Howe’s switch to a 3-4-3 formation has paid off recently, with wins over Chelsea and tough performances like the one against Arsenal.
But without Alexander Isak, who’s battling a groin injury, Newcastle may lack the firepower needed to break down a defensively solid Everton side.
Howe admitted, “He’s got swelling in a muscle. He’s only got seven days to get fit.” Without him, Newcastle may need to revert to a 4-3-3—and put their trust in a recovering Joe Willock.
Manchester City: Title Winners to Top-Five Hopefuls?
Man City didn’t play this weekend, but their Tuesday fixture against Bournemouth is crucial.
A draw or win keeps them in the driver’s seat. Anything less—and they’ll be relying on others.
Missing the UCL would be a seismic blow for Guardiola, who is already under pressure after a trophyless campaign.
Chelsea: Big Money, Big Expectations
Chelsea’s transfer war chest must now deliver results.
Qualifying for the Champions League isn’t just important—it’s essential to justify the hundreds of millions spent.
But their final match against Nottingham Forest may be trickier than expected.
Nottingham Forest: The Underdog’s Dream
Forest’s gritty 2-1 win at West Ham has given them renewed hope. Now, they host Chelsea on the final day.
Their style—counter-attack, disciplined defense—matches up well against the Blues.
The return to form of Anthony Elanga and the calm management of Nuno Espirito Santo may just deliver one of the most romantic football stories in years.
If Forest qualify, it will be one of the greatest underdog achievements in Premier League history.
Villa Still in the Fight
Aston Villa didn’t play this Sunday, but they remain firmly in contention. A top-five finish would confirm their emergence as a serious force.
They’ll be watching results elsewhere closely while focusing on their own must-win fixture.
The Stakes: Why It Matters
- Arsenal want to build a title-winning side.
- Chelsea need validation for their heavy investments.
- Man City can’t afford a season without UCL football.
- Newcastle & Villa see the Champions League as the next step in their evolution.
- Forest are chasing history.
Come Sunday, hearts will race, stadiums will erupt, and history will be written. It’s a Premier League final day like no other—where one mistake, one goal, or one moment of brilliance could change the fate of an entire club.
