Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea FC also qualify for the top flight – despite defeat. Arsenal FC misses out on international competition.
Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool FC have done it: The Reds will play in the Champions League again next season after all. Sunday’s 2-0 (1-0) win over Crystal Palace on the final matchday of the English Premier League saw Klopp’s eleven storm into third place with 69 points. “This is unbelievable,” the German soccer coach said on Sky after the match. “I am more than satisfied.”
Yet just a few matchdays ago, it looked more like the dethroned soccer champion would be able to compete in the Europa League at most. A final spurt with five wins in a row and slip-ups by the competition ensured a happy ending after all. Sadio Mané (36th minute/74th) ensured the acclaimed success in front of 10,000 spectators at Anfield Road. “It was a tough fight. The boys should be so proud of themselves,” Klopp said.
Fulham FC, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United relegated
Great luck was had by Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea FC. With the DFB trio Timo Werner, Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz, the Champions League finalist fluffed in the 1:2 (0:1) at Aston Villa, but saved with 67 points the fourth starting place for the top flight. “A defeat never feels good,” Tuchel said. “But tomorrow I will be satisfied. We have achieved the goal.”
FA Cup winners Leicester City were unable to capitalize on the Chelsea defeat. The Foxes lost 4-2 (1-1) to Tottenham Hotspur and finished the season in fifth place with 66 points. In addition to Leicester, West Ham United (3-0 against Southampton FC) will also participate in the Europa League. Tottenham still managed to qualify for the new Conference League thanks to Gareth Bale. The Welshman scored in the 87th and sixth minutes of stoppage time to make it 4-2 and secure seventh place. Harry Kane scored the interim 1-1 and is the top Premier League scorer with 23 goals. Local rivals FC Arsenal (2:0 against Brighton & Hove Albion) missed out on an international place in eighth place.
Champions Manchester City won easily against Everton FC with 5:0 (2:0). Runners-up Manchester United won 2-1 (2:1) at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Fulham FC, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United had already been relegated.
