Matchweek 38, the final day of the 2021/22 EPL season, saw the title race, top 4 battle, and relegation scrap all decided in a chaotic finale.
Here’s how it looked for punters:
City leave it late
What is it with Manchester City and the final day of the season?
Their first EPL title back in 2011-12 was decided, excruciatingly, in additional time on the season’s last day. And this time, they gave fans a similar scare. City hosted Aston Villa knowing victory would secure them a fourth title in five seasons. They went in as strong favourites, at $1.18 with Palmerbet. Yet after 70 minutes, they incredibly found themselves 2-0 down to Villa, who conversely were huge $16.25 underdogs. Philippe Coutinho’s stunner had put his former club Liverpool in the box seat to overtake City in dramatic fashion. But, as they’ve done so many times, City clawed their way back. Or, more aptly, blasted their way back. A five-minute burst saw 0-2 flipped into 3-2, and in short time they were EPL champions of 2021-22. Incredible.
Property of @ManCity 🏆 pic.twitter.com/uT579DcWJE
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 22, 2022
This @premierleague season could be the best we’ve ever seen, Title race, top 4 & relegation all going to the wire. Brilliant atmosphere’s up & down the country with the fans back. Congratulations to Man City, disappointment for LFC but a 7th European cup will make up for it! 🤞🏻
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) May 22, 2022
Leeds scrap to remain in top flight
Everton’s stunning 3-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace on Friday morning (AEST) cut the relegation battle from three teams down to two: Burnley and Leeds. The Clarets’ 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, also on Friday morning, brought them level with Leeds on 35 points, but pushed the Yorkshire club into 18th owing to Burnley’s far greater goal-difference. It meant victory on the final day would keep them in the EPL, while a draw or loss would open things up for Leeds.
And that’s exactly what happened.
Burnley went down 2-1 to Newcastle at home despite starting $2.48 favourites while Leeds — $2.90 outsiders travelling to Brentford — were granted to late winner thanks to a 94th minute Jack Harrison peach. Cue scenes in the away end, and Leeds are staying up. MOT!
🤯 "Absolute pandemonium!" pic.twitter.com/19shRKXv1d
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 22, 2022
Spurs claim North London bragging rights
Like City, Tottenham has a strange relationship with the final day of the season. Strange (or to be more precise, horrible) results have followed them in the past. Spurs went into this season’s finale knowing victory at already-relegated Norwich City granted them an EPL Top 4 spot and with it, Champions League football next season. Their North London rivals Arsenal meanwhile, who at one stage this season looked nailed-on for a Top 4 finish, were hoping for a miracle.
Except it never came.
Antonio Conte’s men ($1.32 favourites) blew the Canaries out of the water to seal a 5-0 win. $6 Top 4 outsiders prior to the season kicking off, Spurs are back in the Champions League. Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 win over Everton counted for little, and their five-year absence from the UCL continues.
This team 💙 pic.twitter.com/Jjv31wznCN
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 22, 2022
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