The English Premier League ended on Sunday with few things still left to be resolved going into the last day. Second place was up for brags for Arsenal if Spurs slipped up, while Manchester United had an outside chance of finishing fourth place if result went their way.
Leicester City had been crowned champions in what was a strange season. And happenings on the final day of the season meant the season did not just end without some strange things happening.
The Old Trafford Fathom Incendiary Device
In what was a first in the Premier League era, a league match on the last day of the season was postponed because of the discovery of a device that looked like a improvised explosive. Fans were already in the stadium when stewards discovered the device. This led to the ground be emptied before kick-off, after which the match was postponed. The device that led to the postponement of the match turned out to be a fathom device left behind by a security firm who had a drill a day earlier at the stadium. But the embarassment, logistical problem and tension it brought on the day caused alot of distress for not just the fans, but the players.
As it turned out, it was nothing serious on the day. The match has now been rescheduled for this Tuesday.
The highest place Manchester United can now finish is fifth place. This is after city rivals Manchester City secured the draw they needed against Swansea to finish in fourth place. Although, Louis van Gaal's side would have to secure victory against Bournemouth to display Southampton from fifth place. A Europa League is place is where both sides will end up.
Arsenal Celebrate Unlikely Second Place
Arsenal went into the last round of matches needing result at St James Park to go their way for them to finish second for the first time since 2005. Few expected that Newcastle United would beat Tottenham Hotspur. Arsene Wenger's side did their bit by beating relegated Aston Villa 4-0 with Oliver Giroud getting a hat-trick. But then came the surprise result over from St. James Park where the Mapgies defeated Spurs 5-1 with three of the goals coming after they had gone down to 10 players following a sending off.
That result meant Arsenal have finished over their North London rivals for 21st straight season, and since Arsene Wenger became manager of Arsenal in 1996. Tottenham Hotspur have not finished above the red side of North London.
Claudio Ranieri Returned To Stamford Bridge As A King
Claudio Ranieri was sacked in 2004 a year after Roman Abramovich became the owner of Chelsea. The Italian led Chelsea to second place behind Arsenal that season, but was replaced by Jose Mourinho. The very likeable Ranieri left Stamford Bridge twelve years ago with his head down. But it was the man that sacked him more than a decade ago that personally welcomed him back to the Bridge with an handshake in recognition of what he has achieved this season with Leicester City.
The accolade did not end there, Leicester City were given a guard of honour by the Chelsea players. And the crowd chanted the name of the Italian.
It was fitting that Chelsea's draw against Tottenham handed the title to Leicester City, and there was mutual respect for what both Claudio Ranieri and his players had achieved this season at Stamford Bridge.
Key stats from the season
Leicester City--------81
Arsenal---------------71
Spurs-----------------70
Man City------------66
Highest Goal Scorers
Harry Kane (Spurs)--25 goals
Jamie Vardy (Leicester)--24goals
Sergio Aguero (Man City)--24goals
Most Clean sheets
Petr Cech--16 clean sheets
David de Gea--15 clean sheets*
*Still have a match to play.
Most Assist
Mesut Ozil--19 assists
Relegated
Newcastle United
Norwich City
Aston Villa
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