A statistical look at how the UCL race unfolded on the PL's final day

The final day of the Premier League season once again provided enough excitement to keep even the most neutral supporter happy.

Although the destination of the title and the relegation dogfight had long since been concluded, there was still the small matter of European qualification for a number of teams.

Four teams still in the race for UCL on the final day of the season

Depending on how results would go, any one of Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest could earn themselves a spot in next season's Champions League.

At the start of proceedings, the Magpies and the Blues occupied the all-important fourth and fifth places, but a win against Everton and Forest respectively was required to be absolutely sure that's where they would stay at the end of the 90+ minutes on Sunday afternoon.

The final Premier League table of the 2024/25 seasonFlashscore

Eddie Howe's side had already enjoyed a vintage season having won their first major trophy in 70 years, though the financial rewards that the Champions League provides had been sorely missed in the 2024/25 season.

Chelsea have cruised through to the Conference League final against Real Betis, but they too needed to haul themselves back into European football's premier competition.

Forest could still leapfrog three teams if results went their way

Aston Villa showed in this season's UCL that they were more than a match for some of the continent's best teams, and Unai Emery had certainly proven he had what it takes to get results at that level.

For Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest, a late-season slump saw them drop out of Champions League contention; however, they could still leapfrog at least two, if not all three of the teams competing with them for the two places up for grabs or, as a consolation prize, a spot in the Europa League.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca shows his emotion at the final whistle after his team beat Nottingham Forest 1-0ČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Richard Bowcott

As the afternoon unfolded, supporters of all four teams could've been forgiven for keeping their eyes and ears on what was happening elsewhere, knowing that their own situation could change at a moment's notice.

Once Levi Colwill had put Chelsea ahead at the City Ground after 50 minutes of play, all Enzo Maresca had to do was ensure his Blues team held firm.

Despite having less possession (48% to Forest's 52%), fewer shots at goal (six, compared to 10 from the hosts) and an inferior pass completion (79% to 83%), hold on they did. No wonder the manager celebrated wildly at full-time.

Chelsea set for another busy transfer window

Chelsea are no strangers to a busy summer transfer window of course, and with their qualification comes a certain strategy that's likely to align with summers past.

Despite the best efforts of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea just couldn't seem to turn the corner in terms of success.

Notwithstanding the result of the Conference League final, Enzo Maresca now appears to understand the blueprint for that success and has steered the West Londoners out of the rockiest of waters and back to the promised land.

St. James' Park stunned into silence

A raucous St. James' Park was stunned into silence not long after Colwill's intervention in the Midlands, as Everton's Carlos Alcaraz headed his side in front despite being on the end of a pummelling from Newcastle.

525 passes compared to the Toffees' 288 and 66% possession across the 90 minutes for Eddie Howe's side told its own story.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe after the Premier League match against EvertonČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Malcolm Mackenzie

Despite having 12 corners in the match and 17 shots peppering Jordan Pickford's goal, for once, the free-flowing Magpies couldn't muster a goal.

That would, as a result, mean Newcastle had to rely on Manchester United doing them a favour against Villa.

Aston Villa well beaten at Old Trafford

Given that Ruben Amorim's side had won just one of their previous nine Premier League games, and hadn't scored in their last three matches in all competitions, it appeared that a win would be a tall order.

Villa didn't help themselves at Old Trafford thanks to Emi Martinez's sending-off, though they could point to a couple of shoddy refereeing decisions on the day which didn't go their way.

Manchester United vs Aston Villa match statsOpta by Stats Perform

It's a wonder that the visitors didn't lose by more than the eventual 2-0 scoreline on Sunday afternoon too, as 10 of United's 25 shots were on target. 

With UCL qualification at stake, the Villans' one shot on target by comparison was clearly nowhere near good enough.

Important summer ahead for Unai Emery

Unai Emery will be similarly disappointed that his side were well beaten in every aspect of play. 300 passes to United's 605, just 33.2% possession compared to United's 66.8%, an awful pass accuracy of 72.3% (United's was 88.3) and only five tackles won to the Red Devils' 15, are just a few of the many areas in which Aston Villa were completely dominated.

Clearly, tiredness had played a part, but no Villa player can stand up and puff his chest out after that performance.

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery rages on the touchline during the game against Manchester UnitedČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Andrew Yates

What's more, one has to ask where that defeat and subsequent Europa League qualification leaves them in terms of which playing personnel they can or cannot target, and who will need to be sold to make up any financial shortfall etc.

The way the season has ended means it's been very much a case of two steps forward and one back, so there is a strong likelihood that it's a very important summer ahead at Villa Park.

Their loss was ultimately Newcastle's gain, and the money that Champions League football will generate for the north-east giants will already be opening doors to potential transfers which may have otherwise been off the table.

Jason PettigroveFlashscore