There’s no doubt about how thrilling the race for the top four was. After so many twists and turns, it is Liverpool and Chelsea who make the cut, meaning disappointment once again for Leicester. Let us have a look at how it all unfolded on the final day (check out the possible scenarios heading into the final day):
18′: Leicester [1] – 0 Tottenham
The day started with Chelsea in third, Liverpool in fourth and Leicester fifth. However, Jamie Vardy’s penalty gave Leicester the lead. Both Chelsea and Liverpool were drawing, so that goal sent Leicester into third. As it stood, Leicester were third, Chelsea fourth and Liverpool missed out.
36′: Liverpool [1] – 0 Crystal Palace
Sadio Mane has been out of sorts throughout the season, but scored a vital goal against his favourite opponents. So Liverpool moved into third on goal difference, and it meant Chelsea in fifth would miss out.
41′: Leicester 1 – [1] Tottenham
Harry Kane equalized for Spurs, a goal which sealed the Golden Boot for him. But this goal was celebrated by the Chelsea faithful as well, as with both teams drawing, Chelsea occupied the final spot by a point.
43′: Aston Villa [1] – 0 Chelsea
Former Chelsea man Bertrand Traore opened the scoring at Villa Park, sparking real nervousness among the Chelsea faithful. They were now only ahead of Leicester on goal difference and were heavily reliant on events at the King Power.
Half-Time
At half-time, Liverpool were third, Chelsea fourth only on goal difference. Leicester needed a win.
52′: Aston Villa [2] – 0 Chelsea, Leicester [2] – 1 Tottenham
A double whamming for Chelsea, as El-Ghazi converted his penalty and at roughly the same time, news from King Power also filtered in about Vardy scoring another penalty. This meant Leicester now occupied the final Champion’s League spot, with Chelsea now requiring a miracle.
70′: Aston Villa 2 – [1] Chelsea
Some hope for Chelsea, as Ben Chilwell pulled one back for the Blues. They still needed to beat Villa, because both Liverpool and Leicester were winning.
74′: Liverpool [2] – 0 Crystal Palace
Sadio Mane scored again, virtually guaranteeing Liverpool the third place. The fight was now between Leicester and Chelsea, and as it stood, Leicester were going through.
76′: Leicester 2 – [2] Tottenham
The miracle Chelsea needed was starting to surface as Kasper Schmeichel scored an unfortunate own goal. This goal meant Leicester slipped back into fifth on goal difference, and had work to do. With Leicester not winning, Chelsea would qualify even with a defeat.
87′: Leicester 2 – [3] Tottenham
Sense of Déjà vu began creeping in as Gareth Bale scored a goal that would hurt Leicester the most. Brendan Rodgers’ men needed to score two goals now to qualify. Chelsea were now almost assured of finishing fourth.
90 + 6′: Leicester 2 – [4] Tottenham
Another goal by Bale sealed Leicester’s fate. For the second successive season, Leicester failed to qualify for Champion’s League on the final day. Heartbreak for Leicester, but relieve for Chelsea. For what its worth, the win sealed a Conference League spot for Spurs.
Full-Time
Liverpool coasted to a 2-0 win, while Chelsea and Leicester suffered defeats. Despite spending the most number of days in the top four, Leicester once again dropped out on the final day. Liverpool were 8th a few weeks ago but ended the season with five consecutive victories. Meanwhile Chelsea were 10th when Thomas Tuchel took over. And while they just limped over the line, the job was done in the months of March and April.
So, there you have it, a look-back at one of the most thrilling top four races ever. Let’s hope we get the same drama in next season’s title race!