Norwich City’s relegation from the top
flight was confirmed after a home defeat by fourth-placed Arsenal, while
Tottenham Hotspur booked Europa League football for next season by
beating Aston Villa.
Ryan Giggs’ likely last game as
Manchester United manager ended in a draw at Southampton, as FA Cup
finalists Hull City were beaten at home by Everton.
Bottom club Cardiff City bowed out of the
Premier League with a home defeat by Chelsea as fellow relegated side
Fulham twice came from behind to draw with Crystal Palace.
Stoke City recorded their highest Premier
League finish with a win at out-of-form West Bromwich Albion and
Sunderland’s recent flying run was checked by Swansea City.
Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany scored
the goals as Manchester City beat West Ham 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium to
claim the title by two points.
City were rarely troubled by the visitors
in the first half and took the lead on 39 minutes when goalkeeper
Adrian lacked a strong enough hand to keep out Nasri’s dipping 25-yard
drive.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side almost scored a
second in stoppage-time when David Silva’s shot deflected off Andy
Carroll and struck the crossbar.
The second goal came four minutes after
half-time when a corner deflected into Kompany’s path and the defender
finished from close range to ensure City secured the title in
Pellegrini’s first season as manager.
Liverpool came from behind to round off
their excellent season with a 2-1 home win over Newcastle, who finished
the match with nine men.
Liverpool fell behind in the 20th minute
when Yoan Gouffran got down the left-hand side and his cross was shinned
into his own net by defender Martin Skrtel.
Gouffran should have then made it 2-0
when he was sent clear, but his shot was well saved by Simon Mignolet
before Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge headed wide when picked out
unmarked in the box.
Brendan Rodgers’ side equalised on 63
minutes when Steven Gerrard’s free-kick from the right was steered home
by Daniel Agger at the far post.
Just two minutes later, Liverpool took
the lead in almost identical fashion as Gerrard whipped in another
free-kick from a similar position, but this time it was Sturridge at the
back post to score from close range.
And, before the game could restart,
Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi was sent off after being booked twice in
quick succession by referee Phil Dowd for dissent.
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