The 2024-25 Premier League season concluded with drama, surprises, and heartbreak on the final day, as Manchester United capped a disappointing campaign with a controversial 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, finishing 15th—their lowest standing in the Premier League era. Meanwhile, Newcastle United secured a coveted Champions League spot despite a 1-0 defeat to Everton, as Villa’s loss ensured their fourth-place finish.
United’s Controversial Victory Denies Villa At Old Trafford, Manchester United produced a rare moment of dominance in an otherwise torrid season, defeating Aston Villa 2-0 in a match marred by contentious officiating. Villa, chasing a top-five finish for Champions League qualification, thought they had taken the lead 18 minutes from time through Morgan Rogers. However, referee Thomas Bramall disallowed the goal, ruling that Rogers had fouled United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The decision sparked fury from Villa’s camp, with manager Unai Emery labeling it a “big mistake” post-match.
Villa’s hopes were further dented when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent off just before halftime, leaving them with ten men. United capitalized swiftly, with Amad Diallo heading home the opener and Christian Eriksen sealing the win with a penalty. The result condemned Villa to sixth place and a Europa League berth, while United’s fans voiced their frustration with protest songs against the club’s ownership despite the rare home triumph.
Emery, visibly stunned, confronted Bramall at length after the final whistle. “The TV is clear with the move, but we have to accept it,” Emery said. “It was a mistake. A big mistake.”
Newcastle Celebrate, City Secure Third Newcastle United breathed a sigh of relief as their 1-0 loss to Everton proved inconsequential, with Villa’s defeat ensuring the Magpies’ Champions League qualification. Eddie Howe’s side finished fourth with 66 points, edging out Villa on goal difference.
Manchester City, enduring a challenging season by their lofty standards, secured third place with 71 points after a 2-0 win at Fulham. Ilkay Gundogan’s stunning overhead kick and an Erling Haaland penalty sealed the victory, marking City’s first finish outside the top two since 2016-17. Kevin De Bruyne, in his final appearance for the club, came off the bench to a hero’s farewell from City fans, while speculation swirled around Jack Grealish’s absence amid transfer rumors.
Liverpool Draw, Arsenal Win, Tottenham Falter Champions Liverpool ended their triumphant season with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Anfield, where a festive atmosphere celebrated their title success. Runners-up Arsenal, finishing 10 points behind, secured a 2-1 victory at relegated Southampton.
Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal campaign hit a new low with a 4-1 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, who finished eighth but missed out on European football. Spurs’ 17th-place finish marked their worst performance since relegation in 1977, capping a season to forget for the north London side.
Other Results and European Qualification Chelsea clinched a Champions League spot with a win over Nottingham Forest, who settled for a UEFA Conference League place alongside fifth-placed Villa. Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle rounded out the top four, while Brighton’s strong finish was not enough for a European berth.
Fulham ended the season in 11th with 54 points, while Forest’s slim hopes of a top-five finish were dashed. The final day encapsulated the Premier League’s unpredictability, with moments of brilliance, controversy, and fanfare closing out the 2024-25 campaign.