Having already wrapped up the Championship last week, Man Utd were probably the only team in England with nothing to play for on the last fixture date of the league season and went into their game against relegation-likely West Ham with no real instinct to claim victory–even though, Robert Green and some goal line defending had a lot to do with West Ham’s 1-0 victory at the Theatre of Dreams.

The West Ham stand was led by Carlos Tevez. He provided the 80 million pound strike past Van der Saar, as the little Argentine combined with Zamora to ghost through the United defense and roll one under the giant Dutch keeper at the death of the 1st half.

Then it was all hands on deck as Man Utd. came close a few times in the 2nd period, but truly played as if they had one leg tied behind their backs. I think Rio had something to say at half time to keep his brother’s team in the top flight.

Chelsea, on the other hand, scrapped back a draw against Everton at Stamford Bridge. Unbeaten at home for 63, Chelsea are poised to break Liverpool’s long record at the start of next season. It was fitting that “The Drogba” finished for Chelsea after Moyes’ boys, who went 6th place and are back in Europe, took the lead. Chelsea were lucky in this one though as Everton’s go ahead goal was disallowed for a questionable offsides.

Liverpool edged out Arsenal on goal difference for 3rd place with a 2-2 draw against already relegated Charlton Athletic. The result should have favored Arsenal, but the Gunners put the bad stamp on their season with a draw nil-nil versus Pompey. Liverpool, at the end of the day, had a stellar, break out league performance with a team that any English squad needs to be weary of. As for Arsenal next year, are the fans, yet again, looking at a rebuilding year (as they pale in comparison to their once Invincible form)?

Although starting poorly, Tottenham climbed all the way to 5th and another year in the UEFA Cup behind the inspiring play of their Bulgarian striker, Berbatov, who had the type of year Shevchenko would have been wishing for. Bolton round out the last spot in Europe, just nipping out new boys Reading (comparably to West Ham last year) and Harry Redknapp’s rejuvenated Pompey.

At the end, it came down to the relegation battle between Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic to separate the Sunday leaguers from the class. Wigan came out winners 2-1 to send Neil Warnock and the lads back to the Coca Cola League. The irony in this one was the final penalty was taken by former Blades player David Unsworth, who had just come to Wigan in the January transfer window, ensuring Wigan another run next year at the top flight.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 14th, 2007 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Soccer World, England. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.