Arsenal snatch second from Tottenham in finale to Premier League season
Amid security alert at Old Trafford, other matches go ahead with Manchester City securing fourth place for Champions League qualification
Arsenal snatched second place from rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the finale to the English Premier League season, which was overshadowed by the security alert at Old Trafford.
We have a massive team spirit. I don’t see why we can’t do it again next season
Bomb disposal experts were called to carry out a controlled explosion on a suspicious package after the match between Manchester United and Bournemouth was abandoned and fans were evacuated from the ground.
Despite the worrying scenes at Old Trafford, the other nine matches went ahead as planned.
Completing a bad day for United, Manchester City drew 1-1 at Swansea City to effectively guarantee fourth place and Champions League qualification at the expense of their local rivals, who are three points behind them with a goal difference of only +12 compared to +30 for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
City took the lead as Kelechi Iheanacho slotted home in the fifth minute after Sergio Aguero’s shot was pushed into the young Nigeria striker’s path.
Swansea equalled in first-half stoppage time through Andre Ayew, whose free kick deflected in off City midfielder Fernando, but the visitors held on to ensure Pellegrini departed on a high, with Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola to replace him in the close-season.
“I don’t have a shirt because I don’t play, so I gave my jacket to the fans,” said Pellegrini. “I felt they have really supported me in three seasons here and support me in every game which is important. I can confirm my jacket was empty.”
