Soccer News

Home

Teams

Leagues

Quizzes

Newsletter

Pep Guardiola manager of Manchester City. News Images

Tight Premier League European race sets stage for dramatic end of season

By Matt Evans | Last updated May 14, 2025 9:54 AM ET

With just two games remaining, the Premier League’s race for European qualification is heading for a dramatic and unpredictable finale. Only six points separate second and seventh place, and with five Champions League spots available this season, the pressure is intensifying for clubs hoping to secure their place among Europe’s elite.

Liverpool have long since wrapped up the title, sitting comfortably at the top of the table. But beneath them, the picture remains clouded with uncertainty.

Arsenal currently sit second on 68 points, but their recent form has raised alarm bells. Mikel Arteta’s side has managed just one win in its last six league games, that being a 4-0 victory over already-relegated Ipswich Town.

Last weekend, Arsenal needed a second-half comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw at Anfield after falling two goals behind to Liverpool. With two tough fixtures remaining, their place in the top five is far from guaranteed.

Arsenal give Liverpool a guard of honor ahead of their match at Anfield. pic.twitter.com/pjRn1YzVAj
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 11, 2025

Hot on their heels are Newcastle in third with 66 points, followed by Manchester City (65), Chelsea (63), Aston Villa (63), and Nottingham Forest (62). Each side still harbors realistic hopes of Champions League qualification.

Last weekend only added to the chaos. City were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by relegated Southampton, Chelsea fell 2-0 at St. James’ Park to Newcastle, and Forest squandered a late lead to draw 2-2 with Leicester, who, like Southampton, are already down.

A key twist this season is the Premier League’s extra Champions League berth, awarded due to English clubs’ strong collective performance in UEFA competitions. That means the top five will all reach the Champions League, widening the scope of the race and offering renewed hope to clubs like Aston Villa and Forest.

Further complicating matters is the upcoming Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham. Both teams are enduring dismal domestic campaigns — United sit 16th, Spurs 17th — but the winner will earn a place in next season’s Champions League group stage, potentially giving England six representatives in the revamped competition.

Crucial fixtures remain, as City will host Bournemouth before finishing the season away at Fulham, and will also contest the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace this weekend. Chelsea face Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in two high-stakes clashes. Newcastle, meanwhile, could leapfrog Arsenal into second with a win on Sunday.

With so much on the line and so little separating the contenders, the final two weeks promise edge-of-your-seat drama. A single moment could be the difference between glory and heartbreak.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports. Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

More must-reads: