Premier League: City champions. Arsenal finish in 2nd

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 Arsenal 2 - 1 Everton

Manchester City 3 - 1 West Ham United

Manchester City are the 2023/2024 Premier League champions

Arsenal narrowly missed out on their first Premier League title since 2004, despite securing a victory over Everton, as Manchester City ultimately clinched the title.

For Arsenal to have been crowned champions, they needed to defeat Everton and hope that City failed to win against West Ham.

Arsenal faced an early setback when Idrissa Gueye’s deflected free-kick gave Everton the lead. However, Takehiro Tomiyasu equalised just three minutes later.

While Arsenal eventually fulfilled their part with Kai Havertz's late winner, City's victory over West Ham dashed their title hopes.

How the action unfolded in North London and East Manchester

Phil Foden’s early brace for City at the Etihad Stadium effectively ended Arsenal’s chances of winning their first title in 20 years.

Despite Arsenal dominating the match in north London, Everton took an unexpected lead. Following a foul by Thomas Partey on Dwight McNeil 25 yards out, Gueye’s free-kick took a significant deflection off Declan Rice’s head, wrong-footing David Raya.

Arsenal quickly responded, with Tomiyasu scoring a fine low shot from the edge of the area after a pull-back from Martin Odegaard.

Premier League final day drama: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

In the second half, Havertz and Emile Smith Rowe both hit the woodwork, as Arsenal's belief in securing the title visibly waned.

Arsenal did find the winner in controversial circumstances. After Havertz scored from close range, the video assistant referee suggested disallowing the goal for a potential handball by Gabriel Jesus in the build-up. However, after reviewing the footage, referee Michael Oliver allowed the goal to stand.

At kick-off, it seemed unlikely that Arsenal would prevent City from claiming a record fourth successive Premier League title, but a faint hope lingered.

The task for Mikel Arteta’s side was further complicated by Bukayo Saka being ruled out due to a muscle issue. From an England perspective going into Euro 2024, you'd hope this is nothing serious.

With City scoring twice in the first half, Arsenal’s chances diminished further.

Arsenal couldn’t have done much more on the day. They might have secured an early lead if not for several excellent saves by Jordan Pickford, especially during a one-on-one with Gabriel Martinelli.

The atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium was up and down. It initially deflated after news of Foden’s goals, then lifting with Tomiyasu’s equaliser and reports of a potential West Ham comeback at the Etihad. Before the match, the noise and passion on display was incredible and something that had never been seen at the stadium before. 

Scenes at Emirates Stadium before the final match of the season - 1

Some fans even celebrated a rumoured equaliser for West Ham. Their hopers were dashed when Rodri restored City’s two-goal lead.

It summed up the emotions and harsh realities of the Premier League title race, in which Arsenal fell just short. Can they finally go one better next season? 

On a positive note For Arsenal, Jurrien Timber made his return from a serious knee injury, coming on in the second half for his first appearance since the opening day.

Whilst all this was going on, City fans were celebrating in Manchester after a 3-1 win over West Ham. For many, their title means nothing due to the 115 changes that hang over them. 

How the 2023/2024 Premier League title was won.  

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