United win title after Liverpool loss

Manchester United secured their 20th league title on Sunday, beating Aston Villa 3-0 to ensure they finished ahead of Liverpool, who lost to Newcastle.

Robin van Persie's hat-trick was the decisive contribution as United bounced back from their shock 3-2 home defeat by Liverpool a week earlier.

That result had handed the initiative to Brendan Rodgers' side, but with two games remaining they were unable to overhaul United.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," said United captain Nemanja Vidic. "What a season, we've done it in style."

Van Persie, who joined from Arsenal last summer for £24 million ($38 million), took his tally for the season to 24 goals in all competitions and 29 in the Premier League.

"I'm so happy for him," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "He is a fantastic player and he deserved it."

Manchester City crowned champions

Manchester City were crowned champions of the Premier League on Sunday, after second-placed Manchester United slumped to a surprise 1-0 home defeat against West Bromwich Albion.

It was an incredible achievement for Pep Guardiola's side, who were considered pre-season favourites but had come under pressure in recent weeks after a series of poor results.

However, goals from Jay Rodriguez and Paul Cook secured the Baggies' first win at Old Trafford since 1978, and handed City the title with five games to spare.

Guardiola played down his side's achievement in his post-match interview, insisting that it was still "too early" to talk about winning the league. But he will now be hoping to lead City to their first ever Champions League triumph next season.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to battle for Champions League place

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle for a place in the Champions League next season.

The Gunners currently sit in 4th place in the Premier League table, while Spurs are in 5th. However, Mauricio Pochettino's side have two games in hand on Arsenal.

If Tottenham win both of their games in hand, they will leapfrog Arsenal and take 4th place. But, if Arsenal win their remaining fixtures, they will finish in 4th and qualify for the Champions League for the 21st consecutive season.

Tottenham have been in excellent form recently, winning six of their last seven league games. However, their only defeat during that run came at the hands of Arsenal, who beat them 2-1 at Wembley back in February.

That game was also the last time that Arsene Wenger's side lost a league game. They have since gone on a five-game winning streak to put themselves back into contention for a top-four finish.

Both clubs are likely to be battling it out until the final day of the season to see who qualifies for Europe's premier club competition.

Chelsea set to miss out on Champions League football

Chelsea look set to miss out on Champions League football next season, with their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool all-but confirming their fate.

The Blues have been in dismal form all season, and were never in contention for a top-four finish even before Sunday's result.

They sit in fifth place in the table, 10 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham and six behind Liverpool in third.

A top-four finish was Chelsea's only hope of qualifying for Europe's elite club competition, and they will now have to settle for the Europa League.

Manager Antonio Conte is widely expected to leave the club at the end of the season, after a disappointing campaign that has seen Chelsea fail to defend their Premier League title.

The Italian coach is thought to be on the brink of being sacked, with former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri lined up as his replacement.

West Ham United relegated

West Ham United were relegated from the Premier League on Saturday following their 3-1 defeat at Southampton.

The result leaves the Hammers three points behind fourth-from-bottom Swansea City with only one game remaining, meaning they cannot bridge the gap and are condemned to play in the Championship next season.

Manager David Moyes, who only took charge at the end of November, paid the price for a dismal run of form which has seen West Ham win just two league games since December.

"I'm really disappointed," Moyes told Sky Sports. "I came here to keep the club up and I haven't done that. I want to apologise to the players and all the supporters."

Moyes' departure means West Ham will be looking for their ninth manager in just over 10 years when they start their Championship campaign in August.

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