The Manchester City squad with the English Premier League trophy after beating West Ham United 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Sunday.
| credits: AFP
Manchester City wrapped up a second Premier League title in three seasons after beating West Ham United, and Liverpool’s come-from-behind win over Newcastle United proved to be in vain.
Norwich City’s relegation from the top flight was confirmed after a home defeat by fourth-placed Arsenal, while Tottenham Hotspur booked Europa League football for next season by beating Aston Villa.
Ryan Giggs’ likely last game as Manchester United manager ended in a draw at Southampton, as FA Cup finalists Hull City were beaten at home by Everton.
Bottom club Cardiff City bowed out of the Premier League with a home defeat by Chelsea as fellow relegated side Fulham twice came from behind to draw with Crystal Palace.
Stoke City recorded their highest Premier League finish with a win at out-of-form West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland’s recent flying run was checked by Swansea City.
Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany scored the goals as Manchester City beat West Ham 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium to claim the title by two points.
City were rarely troubled by the visitors in the first half and took the lead on 39 minutes when goalkeeper Adrian lacked a strong enough hand to keep out Nasri’s dipping 25-yard drive.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side almost scored a second in stoppage-time when David Silva’s shot deflected off Andy Carroll and struck the crossbar.
The second goal came four minutes after half-time when a corner deflected into Kompany’s path and the defender finished from close range to ensure City secured the title in Pellegrini’s first season as manager.
Liverpool came from behind to round off their excellent season with a 2-1 home win over Newcastle, who finished the match with nine men.
Liverpool fell behind in the 20th minute when Yoan Gouffran got down the left-hand side and his cross was shinned into his own net by defender Martin Skrtel.
Gouffran should have then made it 2-0 when he was sent clear, but his shot was well saved by Simon Mignolet before Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge headed wide when picked out unmarked in the box.
Brendan Rodgers’ side equalised on 63 minutes when Steven Gerrard’s free-kick from the right was steered home by Daniel Agger at the far post.
Just two minutes later, Liverpool took the lead in almost identical fashion as Gerrard whipped in another free-kick from a similar position, but this time it was Sturridge at the back post to score from close range.
And, before the game could restart, Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi was sent off after being booked twice in quick succession by referee Phil Dowd for dissent. Agency report
