Premier League Finale: Arsenal and Tottenham Battle For The Champions League
By Ty Duffy
Man United won the title. Wigan became the third-team relegated at mid-week. The only prize at stake is the fourth Champions League place. Arch-rivals Arsenal and Tottenham will fight it out simultaneously, against different opponents. Arsenal lead Tottenham 70 pts to 69 pts heading into the final match. The Gunners go away to Newcastle (ESPN2). Spurs host Sunderland (FSC).
Scenarios: Goal difference won’t come into play with Arsenal so far ahead. No matter what, the Gunners will get the tiebreaker. Arsenal need to win, or have Tottenham fail to win. Spurs must win and have Arsenal fail to win.
Added Incentive: Newcastle are safe from relegation. Complacency is the natural reaction. Manager Alan Pardew outright said he would not care if the Magpies lost 4-0. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is encouraging them to put in one more performance before hitting the beach by paying out a $1.5 million bonus for a win. The bonus won’t go to them, but to the club’s non-soccer related support staff.
Playoff Set: If Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-1 and Chelsea draw 0-0 with Everton, the two London clubs must play-off for third place, since they would be level on points, goal difference and goals scored. The EPL chose Villa Park to host, since Wembley is in use for the Champions League Final. The match will take place May 26. Chelsea might have to pull first team players from their tour with Manchester City. While there is less than one percent chance this will happen, it will occupy more than one percent of the discussion.
[Photo via Getty]