Demba Ba and Chelsea clinched 3rd place with a win over Everton (Getty Images)
Today was the last day of the 2012-2013 EPL season. It's always sad to see the league wrap up another campaign, and it's bittersweet for some people this year as retirements and changes in TV contract rights will really change how we, here in the US, see the league next year. More on that later, let's talk about today's pertinent action.
Often the final Sunday is called "Survival Sunday" as teams scrap to escape relegation. That wasn't the case this year. QPR and Reading have been relegated for a few weeks now, and Wigan joined them with a loss to Arsenal last Tuesday. Last year we fans were spoiled as the EPL title came down to pretty much the last kick of the season as Manchester City came from behind to steal the title from United. This year, the Red Devils put that to rest weeks ago.
That doesn't mean that there wasn't anything to play for today though. There was a lot of pride and a lot of MONEY on the line as three teams, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham battled for the final two UEFA Champions League places. Chelsea were pretty much through, but Spurs needed a win and some help from the Gunners to climb into fourth. The Gunners had qualified for the Champions League every year under Arsene Wenger, and were keen to keep that streak alive. There was also the possibility of Chelsea and Arsenal having a one game playoff to decide 3rd place, as they were so close on both points and goal difference. In the end, that wasn't needed.
All Chelsea needed to do to avoid that fate was win. That wasn't going to be an easy task as they hosted Everton, who were playing their last match with David Moyes in charge. Juan Mata gave the Blues the lead on 7 minutes, but Everton bounced back later with a goal from Steven Naismith in minute 14. The game remained deadlocked late, with the specter of the playoff hanging over Stamford Bridge. Then Fernando Torres punched in a goal in minute 76 to cement the newly minted Europa League Winners in third place.
Third place is important because the winner goes straight to the Champions League group stage, and Arsenal were shooting for that as well as just trying to hold off a late charge from Tottenham into fourth. The Gunners visited Sports Direct Arena to face a lowly Newcastle squad who had every reason to already be on the golf course. Newcastle did put up a fight though, and played better than they have of late. It wasn't enough though as Laurent Koscielny scored in the 55th minute to give the Gunners the only goal they would need on the day.
All of Sunday's matches ran concurrently though, so with the matches being close, tension was still high. Spurs needed the three points against Sunderland to even have a prayer at joining the Champions League, plus they needed Arsenal to lose or draw. Spurs left it late as Gareth Bale hit a wonder strike to give them a 1-0 win at White Heart Lane, however with Arsenal's win, the Spurs face another season in the the gauntlet that is the Europa League.
So here's how things shape up now that all is said and done:
Champions League Group Stage--
Manchester United (Champions)
Manchester City
Chelsea
Champions League Playoff Qualification--
Arsenal
Europa League--
Swansea City (League Cup Champions)
Wigan (FA Cup Champions)
Tottenham Hotspur (5th Place Finish in the Premier League)
Relegation:
Wigan
Reading (promoted this year)
Queens Park Rangers (QPR finish in last place).
Promoted to EPL:
Cardiff City (Championship winners)
Hull City (Championship Runner-up)
Watford OR Crystal Palace (TBD by playoff at Wembley on 27 May).
So there it is folks. Congrats again to United and Sir Alex on a great career.
Next year fans in the USA will being seeing the league covered by a different network for the first time in a long time. NBC Sports was awarded the broadcast rights earlier this year in a move that was a big blow to the current holders: Fox Soccer and ESPN. I'll miss Ian Darke's call on ESPN, but I'm very glad Gus Johnson won't be torturing any more Premier League matches on Fox.
Check back later this week for the Puddle's season review, and don't forget, only 90 days til next year!
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