One year ago, the pressure was really building when the countdown to the Premier Leagues grand finale kicked in, with the title itself having to be decided on the last day itself along with a final deciding place in the Championship, two standings in the Premier League, and an array of mid-table positions that are usually worth millions to clubs in the event of just a positive result. With four Champions League places to be claimed by clubs, the final day saw Arsenal, Tottenham and United all come into it still in a shot at the last two places, along with two Manchester clubs locked in contention for the title of the title themselves.
An exciting clash between two of the most dynamic teams in Europe comes to a close on Sunday, as City seeks to keep hold of the domestic crown and, in doing so, but Liverpool’s quest for a record-breaking four-peat at an end. With Manchester City and Liverpool separated by only one point heading into the final matchday, it is up to either Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola to deliver a title-winning performance on Sunday. Remarkably, there is a chance for a title play-off should both Manchester City and Liverpool finish their 2021-22 Premier League seasons on equal points.
If City achieved their expected final-day results, 11 teams will surpass their points total from the season, while nine would fall short. If Burnley and Leeds won on the last day, then Leeds would have been relegated after only two seasons of being promoted into the Premier League after 16 years. For the first time in years, relegation battles, the race for Europa League places and a top-four, plus the little matter of a title, could all be decided on the last day of the season. This season’s title fight, which takes place on the final day, will carry a certain air of familiarity, with Manchester City looking to knock Liverpool off the top of the table for the third time in the past decade.
Despite staying in the top four, Chelsea’s campaign has been unsatisfactory. That was never the goal for the then-UEFA Champions League champions at the beginning of this season. Many expected Chelsea to compete with Manchester City, but that has not been the scenario. This year, a lot has turned out differently for Thomas Tuchel‘s side, with crucial player injuries, COVID cases, massive transfers not producing, and the club being penalized halfway through the season. Chelsea is far superior to this, and it should be higher up in the rankings.