Chelsea set for runners-up spot as Arsenal lose

Chelsea effectively secured the Premier League runners-up spot after they drew 2-2 at home with Newcastle United while third-placed Arsenal lost 2-1 to Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday.

West Ham United became the first team to be relegated after losing 3-2 at fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic, who seized a lifeline going into the finale of the season next weekend.

Just one point separates second bottom Wigan (39 points), Blackpool (39), Birmingham City (39), who lost 2-0 at home to Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers (40) and Blackburn Rovers (40).

Liverpool missed the chance to secure fifth spot and a Europa League place at the expense of Tottenham Hotspur after a 2-0 home defeat to the London side who leapfrogged them into the European position.

Manchester United (77 points) were crowned English champions for a record 19th time on Saturday.

Chelsea have 71, Arsenal are on 67 and FA Cup winners Manchester City, who have two games remaining, are on 65 but with a far inferior goal difference. - Reuters