Champions Chelsea finished the Premier League campaign with 30 wins as they thumped relegated Sunderland 5-1 at Stamford Bridge, where departing captain John Terry was given a guard of honour as he left the pitch.
Meanwhile Arsenal missed out on a place in the top four for the first time in 20 years as Liverpool saw off Middlesbrough at Anfield.
Tottenham ended their campaign in style as they romped to a 7-1 win at Hull, while Manchester United’s youngsters rose to the challenge as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Old Trafford, where manager Jose Mourinho kept a close eye on next week’s Europa League final.
Here, Press Association Sport’s Jim van Wijk takes a look back a five things we learned from the 38th and final game of the 2016/2017 Premier League season.
Chelsea are worthy champions
Party time at the Bridge! #ChelseaChampions pic.twitter.com/eD80GNZj18— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 21, 2017
After already securing the Premier League following an impressive second-half of the campaign, which saw only three defeats in 2017, it could have been easy for Antonio Conte’s squad to take their eye off the ball. However, the way Chelsea set about the closing matches of the season was testament to both the new-found team-spirit and the work ethic installed by the Italian, whose positive personality looks to have been key to success. The Blues delivered a record 30 top-flight victories in a 38-game season – and look well set for another win at Wembley next weekend as they target the Double.
Where next for JT?
The captain with the boss. #ChelseaChampions pic.twitter.com/RtuOdxhBID— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 21, 2017
It may have been something of a surreal moment when captain John Terry was substituted in the 26th minute against Sunderland, leaving the pitch to a guard of honour from his team-mates and standing ovation from supporters. However, it was nothing more than the long-serving defender deserved after all of his loyal service to the club he first joined as a 14-year-old raw talent. What the future holds for the former England captain is uncertain, but what you can count on is that which ever team manages to secure his service – whether it be in China, Los Angeles or even sunny Bournemouth – will be getting a player who at 36 still has a couple of campaigns left yet.
Spurs are the new powerbrokers of North London
Couldn't wish for a better group of lads to have played the season with! Thanks to the fans! Let's make next season even better ????????⚽️ #COYSpic.twitter.com/H7oHsalxlC— Dele (@Dele_Alli) May 21, 2017
While Chelsea’s run towards the Premier League crown was relentless, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad were also gathering a head of steam which in any other season would probably have seen Spurs finish as champions. Thumping first Leicester 6-1 in midweek and then sticking seven past relegated Hull showed just what this young, exciting Spurs side are capable of – with only an FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Chelsea and the loss away to West Ham the only defeats since mid-February. For so long it was Arsenal fans who revelled in their superiority to their north-London rivals, both on and off the pitch. However, once Spurs move back into their impressive new home which is rapidly taking shape at the Northumberland Development Project, you wonder if it may be some while before the Gunners can once again look forward to celebrating St Totteringham’s Day…..
Jose puts all of his hopes on Stockholm triumph
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 21, 2017
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was as good as his word when making some seven changes for the final Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. For a while now, the top four has been out of reach, but with Wednesday’s Europa League final against Ajax looming large, it is clear where the Portuguese coach has his focus. The impact of handing the Europa League winners a place in the Champions League has clearly done its job – and now it will be up to Jose’s regulars to deliver in Stockholm – because of course, you cannot win anything with kids….
It looks a long road back for Hull, Sunderland and Boro
9️⃣0️⃣ | @HullCity 1 @SpursOfficial 7 – The Tigers endure an afternoon to forget on the final day of the @PremierLeague season #HULTOT— Hull City (@HullCity) May 21, 2017
Given how hard they battled to get into the Premier League, failing to retain their top-flight status was a bitter pill to swallow for Middlesbrough and Hull, while Sunderland fans had more or less long resigned themselves to life back outside the elite after several very close shaves in recent campaigns. The parachute payments will only go so far as clubs try to rebuild and keep hold of as many of their players as possible to make a swift return. However, life in the Championship is no easy ride – as fallen giants Aston Villa learned the hard way. With all the defeated play-off contenders sure to make another fist of promotion again next season, not to mention those who fell just short in 2017, picking up the pieces to go again may just prove the toughest job of all.
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