Premier League Round-Up: Talking Points

Matchday 37 is done and dusted, the destiny of the title decided, 3 Champions League spots secured all that remains to be decided is the final Champions League spot along with the 2 sides that will go down with Southampton. Bet Central looks at the talking points from the penultimate matchday of the season.

Manchester City Crowned Champions

They did not even need to beat Chelsea to be crowned victors, Arsenal’s capitulation against Nottingham Forrest ensured that they could not pass the newly-crowned champions Man City. The Cityzens made it a hattrick of consecutive titles on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola has overseen Man City to 4 titles in the last 5 seasons and the current team is the best of the lot. With the title secured, his sights will be set on completing the treble with the City side still to contest the FA Cup final against Man United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan. They have achieved a lot this season.

Keylor Navas Masterclass Saves Nottingham Forrest

In beating Arsenal, Nottingham Forrest not only guaranteed that City would be champions, but they also ensured they would be playing Premier League football next season when those 3 points created a significant buffer between them and Everton, Leeds United and Leicester City.

Keylor Navas was brilliant in keeping Arsenal out as they probed and probed in trying to get a goal, but Navas stubbornly refused to allow Arsenal any joy. The former Real Madrid stopper showed his class and Nottingham Forrest will be hoping they can retain him again whether it be on loan or on a permanent deal.

Roberto Firmino Gets Anfield Farewell

It was an incredibly emotional afternoon at Anfield on Saturday as it marked the farewell of a legend in those parts. The legendary Bobby Firmino who will leave Liverpool after 8 years in England came on to a resounding ovation as he graced the Anfield pitch one last time.

The former Hoffenheim player scored the equalising goal as Liverpool salvaged a draw against Aston Villa to bring the curtain down on a wonderful period with Jurgen Klopp’s side. He will forever be remembered for being one of the great forwards to play for Liverpool. He contributed 110 goals for Liverpool and won both the Champions League and Premier League.

Newcastle Secure Champions League Football

Newcastle got a hard-fought draw against relegation strugglers Leicester City on Monday and it was enough to secure Champions League football for the team. It was historic for Newcastle as they secured the 1^st bit of success under the new owners. 

Eddie Howe will be very pleased with how the season has gone and will look to build on next season as he looks to progress in Europe and build on the ambitions of the new regime. Liverpool cannot go past the St James’ side and they will finish 3^rd or 4^th this season.

Leicester City Maintain A Fighting Chance

When Leicester City got the draw against Newcastle they maintained a fighting chance in the light of their relegation battle as they continue to tussle with Everton and Leeds United to secure position 17^th spot. The battle will go to the final match day.

Leicester will battle West Ham on the final day and they will look for no less than 3 points in order to keep their destiny in their control. The former Premier League champions could go down if they don’t win, but they will hope those around them won’t win.