The final day of the 2022/2023 Premier League season ended with just a little left to play for as the Premier League title had long been confirmed, as well as the UEFA Champions League places.
There was no need to wait for the final day to confirm the two uefa-europa-league participants as well, although the wait was needed for confirmation of the team who would play in the UEFA Europa Conference League for next season. Three teams needed victory in the final day, depending on results from elsewhere, to be able to qualify for the competition.
Furthermore, the relegation zone was the only other place where attention was placed, with two more places left to be confirmed for the relegated teams. The three relegated teams would have to create space for the promoted teams.
Sheffield United, Burnley, and an unexpected third in Luton Town, who have managed in the last 12 years to climb the ladder of football from non-league to the Premier League, will be playing in the top flight next season.
Luton Town, who were alongside Bournemouth in League 2 in the 2008/2009 season, secured promotion on Saturday in the championship playoffs final played at Wembley after beating Coventry and penalties.
The 1-1 draw after extra time at Wembley saw the Hatters win 6-5 on penalties to return to the top flight since the 1991/92 season.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth will play in the Premier League next season, while Everton also survived relegation on the final day for the second consecutive season after a 1-0 win over the Cherries.
However, that result means that 2016 Premier League champions Leicester City got relegated seven years after despite their 2-1 win over West Ham.
Leeds United also follows the Foxes into the Championship after getting walloped 4-1 by Tottenham. The North Londoners will not play in Europe after Aston Villa beat Brighton 2-1 to secure the UEFA Europa Conference League place.
There was a brace on Granit Xhaka’s last day at Arsenal in their 5-0 win over Wolves, while champions Manchester City lost 1-0 to Brentford.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
