Friday night delivered high-stakes drama in the Premier League, with two fixtures significantly impacting the push for next season’s Champions League places.
At Villa Park, Aston Villa secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, while Chelsea edged past Manchester United with a narrow 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, Marc Cucurella scoring the decisive goal.
With UEFA confirming six English teams will qualify, those finishing in the top five plus either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur, depending on the Europa League final outcome, the competition for spots has intensified.
Villa’s win briefly propelled them into the top five, only for Chelsea to reclaim the spot following Cucurella’s late winner.
As of Friday night, the standings from second to fifth read: Arsenal, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. Manchester City, temporarily, have slipped out of the Champions League spots ahead of their home game against Bournemouth next week.
Sunday evening presents a potential turning point, as Arsenal host Newcastle United in their final home game of the season at the Emirates.
With Liverpool the only side assured of Champions League football, the remaining spots remain up for grabs.
Arsenal appear likely to secure their place, alongside Newcastle, but the final places are still hotly contested.
This means at least one big-name side will fall short.