The 2024–25 Premier League season concluded on May 25, bringing an end to one of the most unpredictable 38-game campaigns in recent history. With Liverpool crowned champions and Arsenal confirmed as runners-up ahead of the final weekend, the battle for European spots reached a dramatic climax on the last day.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United joined Liverpool and Arsenal in securing Champions League football next season. City, needing just a point against Fulham, delivered a professional 2-0 win. Ilkay Gundogan’s spectacular overhead kick in the 21st minute set the tone, and Erling Haaland’s late penalty ensured their 16th straight season in Europe’s top competition.
Chelsea completed their late-season surge under new manager Enzo Maresca, edging Nottingham Forest 1-0 in a must-win encounter. The victory capped a remarkable turnaround and marked Champions League qualification in Maresca’s debut campaign.
Newcastle’s 1-0 home loss to Everton initially cast doubt on their European hopes. However, Aston Villa’s defeat at Manchester United allowed Eddie Howe’s side to cling to fourth place and secure back-to-back Champions League appearances.
Aston Villa, who had entered the final day in the top four, fell to fifth after a chaotic evening at Old Trafford. Reduced to 10 men following Emiliano Martnez’s first-half red card, they were undone by second-half strikes from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen. Morgan Rogers’ disallowed goal added to their frustration, confirming a Europa League berth after an otherwise impressive season under Unai Emery.
Nottingham Forest, once occupying a Champions League position, slid to seventh after their loss at Stamford Bridge. The defeat allowed Chelsea to leapfrog them, consigning Forest to the Europa Conference League.
Tottenham clinched a Champions League spot through an alternate route—defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Manchester United endured a forgettable season, finishing 15th—their worst top-flight result since the 1974–75 campaign in the old Second Division.
At the other end of the table, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton were relegated to the EFL Championship.
TEAMS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Liverpool (Champions)
Arsenal (second place)
Manchester City (third place)
Chelsea (fourth place)
Newcastle United (fifth place)
Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League champions)
TEAMS IN EUROPA LEAGUE
Aston Villa (sixth place)
Crystal Palace (FA Cup winners)
TEAM IN CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Nottingham Forest (seventh place)