Ferguson era ends with 10-goal thriller; Arsenal pip Spurs for fourth
Alex Ferguson receives a guard of
honor from his Manchester United players to mark his 1500th and final
game in charge of the new EPL champions.
Ferguson's farewell
looked to end in customary winning fashion as the new champions led 3-0
and 5-2 at the Hawthorns until the home side hit back with three late
goals in five minutes, Romelu Lukaku equalizing to complete his
hat-trick.
It is the first time in the history of the EPL that two sides had shared 10 goals in a match.
It also marks the end of
an era with the 71-year-old Ferguson ending his 26 year reign at Old
Trafford with 38 trophies, including 13 EPL titles.
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Paul Scholes, so
influential for United in their prolonged triumphs under the Scot,
joined him in retirement. The 38-year-old midfielder came on as a
substitute in the 69th minute, shortly before WBA's extraordinary
comeback.
It was a day marked by
other farewells as Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher and his former
club and England teammate Michael Owen, now with Stoke, ended their
playing careers.
Chelsea interim manager
Rafael Benitez also took charge of the Blues for the final time, seeing
Fernando Torres score the crucial goal in a 2-1 win over Everton which
finally sealed third spot ahead of Arsenal.
It was also David Moyes' last game in charge of Everton before he takes over from Ferguson at United.
With relegation matters
settled by Arsenal's 4-1 defeat to condemn Wigan to the drop in midweek,
Arsene Wenger's team needed to win at Newcastle to deny North London
rivals the coveted fourth spot.
A goal from French defender Laurent Koscielny just after halftime proved enough despite some nervy late moments.
The anxiety increased as
news came from White Hart Lane that another Gareth Bale wonder strike
had given Tottenham a late 1-0 lead against 10-man Sunderland, who had
David Vaughan sent off.
But Arsenal, who mounted
an impressive late season charge, were left to celebrate a 17th
straight year in Europe's premier club competition.
"The players are
special. I've told them many times but they've shown it in the last two
months they've been absolutely exceptional," Wenger told Sky Sports.
Tottenham must contemplate the Europa League again after finishing one point adrift.
It was cruel for manager
Andre Villas-Boas, his side achieving the highest points tally with 72
of a side not qualifying for the Champions League.
"It is difficult to
take, in the end we did what we had to but Arsenal did their job well
and go through. It is difficult at this moment," he told Sky Sports.
Manchester City, without
a manager after dispensing with Roberto Mancini, slumped to a 3-2 home
defeat to Norwich, but had already clinched second spot.
Stoke, with Owen coming on for 16 minutes, drew 1-1 with Southampton while FA Cup winners Wigan drew 2-2 with Aston Villa.
Reading, relegated with Wigan and QPR, lost 4-2 at West Ham and Fulham won 3-0 at League Cup winners Swansea.
Carragher hit the post but Liverpool saw off QPR 1-0 at Anfield with Philippe Coutinho scoring the only goal.
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