Chelsea approached the final day knowing victory might still not be enough — but in a season of resurgence under Enzo Maresca, the Blues held up their end of the bargain with a narrow win, and results elsewhere did the rest. They’re back in the Champions League, and momentum is building.
00:00Chelsea approach the final day knowing victory might still not be enough, but in a season of resurgence under Enzo Maresca,
00:09the Blues held up their end of the bargain with a narrow win and results elsewhere did the rest.
00:16They're back in the Champions League and momentum is building.
00:21The Premier League race for European places ended in dramatic fashion with Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa
00:28all heavily involved on a tense final day of the season.
00:33Newcastle secured a Champions League place despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton.
00:39Their qualification was confirmed as neither Aston Villa nor Nottingham Forest, their closest rivals, managed to pick up wins of their own.
00:48It capped off a hugely successful campaign for the Magpies who also lifted the EFL Cup, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.
00:56Their return to Europe's top competition marks another step forward under Eddie Howe's leadership.
01:03Chelsea also book their place in next season's Champions League with a vital 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest.
01:11Levy Colwell scored the winner as Enzo Maresca's side climbed to fifth, finishing level on points with Newcastle, but behind them on goal difference.
01:19The Blues, who are also preparing for a UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, now have the chance to become the first club to win all three major European competitions.
01:33Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
01:37Aston Villa, meanwhile, were left to reflect on what might have been after a controversial 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.
01:44At 0-0, Morgan Rodgers had the ball in the net, only for the referee to blow the whistle seconds earlier.
01:51Captain John McGinn described the decision as incredible and hard to take.
01:56Villa needed just a point to finish in the top five, but instead dropped to sixth and must settle for the Europa League.
02:04In the end, it was joy for Newcastle and Chelsea, but frustration for Villa.
02:09A thrilling conclusion to a fiercely competitive campaign.
