Premier League Week 38 wraps up a pretty dramatic and entertaining season of football. While some have been critical of the action on the pitch, it’s fair to say the drama has made up for this, with most key places and positions in the table heading down to the wire. In the final day of action, it was a chance to celebrate for some as they had the title in their hands, European football on the horizon or security in their standings for another season of top-flight football. For others, it was a season ending in disappointment, as they look into an uncertain future, or just miss out on potential European trips backing their side.

As always, in this post we will be picking out 3 of the biggest talking points of the weekend, along with giving out the game of the week and player of the week awards. If we’ve missed something in this post that you saw over the weekend please do get in touch with us on all the usual places (Bluesky @NextGoalWinner – Instagram @NextGoalWin), and if you prefer an audio round up of the action then do check out our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner) where we post weekly reviews on there of all the key talking points in the Premier League and around Europe.

West Ham Down

The final day of the Premier League season always carries drama, but few could have predicted the emotional rollercoaster that unfolded for West Ham United. Going into week 38, the Hammers knew survival was still mathematically possible, but they required favours elsewhere while also taking care of their own business against Leeds United. The Hammers did exactly what was asked of them on the pitch, producing one of their most composed performances of the season in a commanding 3-0 victory at the London Stadium. For brief moments, supporters dared to believe survival was still achievable.

As the goals went in, the atmosphere around the stadium shifted from tension to hope. Every roar from the stands was followed by anxious glances at phones and scoreboards as fans tracked developments elsewhere. Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with Everton became the centre of attention, with West Ham supporters desperately hoping for a late twist that never arrived. Spurs managed to grind out the result they needed, and when confirmation finally came through, the reality hit hard inside the London Stadium. Despite winning on the final day, West Ham were relegated from the Premier League after 14 consecutive seasons in the top flight.

The relegation marks a bitter end to what has been a turbulent campaign for the East London club. Injuries, inconsistency and defensive frailties plagued them throughout the season, and too often they found themselves chasing games rather than controlling them. There were flashes of quality but the team never managed to build sustained momentum. A side that only a few seasons ago was competing in Europe and lifting the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy suddenly looked fragile and short on confidence during the moments that mattered most.

For supporters, the pain of relegation is amplified by the sense that this squad should have been capable of much more. West Ham have invested heavily in recent years and possess players with genuine Premier League pedigree, which makes the drop even more difficult to accept. Attention will now quickly turn toward the future, whether Nuno Espirito Santo remains in charge, which players stay, and how quickly the club can rebuild for a promotion push. One thing is certain: seeing West Ham outside the Premier League will feel strange after more than a decade as a familiar top-flight presence.

European Places

While the relegation battle dominated headlines at the bottom, the fight for Europe provided just as much tension near the top of the table. Arsenal wrapped up the Premier League title in style with victory at Crystal Palace, capping off a superb campaign under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners showed composure and maturity throughout the season, and by the final whistle on Sunday there was little doubt they deserved to be crowned champions. It marked a huge moment for the club after years of rebuilding and near-misses.

Behind them, the race for Champions League qualification went right down to the final afternoon. Aston Villa produced arguably the result of the day by beating Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, securing a return to Europe’s top competition. Unai Emery’s side have been one of the league’s standout stories this season, blending tactical organisation with attacking flair to finish above more established rivals. Liverpool also confirmed their place among Europe’s elite once again, ensuring another season of Champions League nights at Anfield.

Perhaps the biggest surprise came from Sunderland, who completed a remarkable rise by clinching Europa League qualification after defeating Chelsea. Few expected the newly promoted side to challenge for Europe at the start of the campaign, yet their fearless style and consistency turned them into one of the stories of the season. Bournemouth and Brighton also secured European football, continuing the growing trend of well-run clubs breaking into spaces traditionally occupied by the league’s financial heavyweights.

For others, though, the final day ended in disappointment. Chelsea’s defeat to Sunderland summed up a frustrating and inconsistent campaign, while Brentford and Fulham narrowly missed out after spending much of the season in contention. Manchester City’s defeat on Pep Guardiola’s final day added further frustration to an underwhelming campaign by their extraordinary standards. Matchweek 38 ultimately served as a reminder of just how unforgiving the Premier League can be, one result can define an entire season, whether that means European qualification or months of regret.

Goodbyes

Beyond the goals, permutations and celebrations, week 38 also carried a strong sense of farewell. Across the country, supporters were saying goodbye to players and managers who have shaped the modern Premier League era, none more significant than Pep Guardiola. After transforming Manchester City into one of the greatest domestic sides English football has ever seen, Guardiola took charge of his final game at the Etihad Stadium. His departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter not only for City, but for the league as a whole.

The scenes before and after City’s match against Aston Villa were deeply emotional. Fans unveiled banners celebrating Guardiola’s achievements, while former players and club legends paid tribute to the manager who delivered unprecedented success. Under Guardiola, City redefined standards in English football through relentless consistency, tactical innovation and breathtaking attacking football. Even in defeat on his final day, there was a sense that supporters fully understood the magnitude of what they had witnessed over the last decade.

Joining Guardiola in saying farewell was Bernardo Silva, whose influence at Manchester City often went beyond headlines and statistics. The Portuguese midfielder became one of Guardiola’s most trusted players because of his intelligence, versatility and tireless work ethic. Whether operating in midfield, out wide or deeper in possession, Bernardo embodied the intensity and technical brilliance that defined City’s dominance. His goodbye felt like the symbolic closing of one of the club’s greatest eras.

At Anfield, meanwhile, emotions were equally powerful as Mohamed Salah played his final match for Liverpool. Salah leaves the club as a genuine Premier League icon, having rewritten goalscoring records and helped deliver major trophies during one of Liverpool’s most successful modern periods. Supporters remained inside Anfield long after the final whistle, singing his name as tributes played around the stadium. Few overseas players have connected with a club and city quite like Salah did with Liverpool, and his departure leaves an enormous void both on and off the pitch. Week 38 therefore became more than just the end of a season, it became the end of an era for some of the Premier League’s defining figures.

Game of the week: Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea While this wasn’t a game I particularly tuned in to on the final day, the result certainly puts this as a game of the week. With Chelsea looking at a new future under Alonso, there was plenty of chance they could have Europa League or Conference League football to bed in their new manager and likely bring early silverware. Sunderland had other ideas however, as they sprung into the European spots to secure a Europa League place despite making their return to the top-flight just this season. An incredible journey back to the top flight for Sunderland has been rewarded with European football for next season as they will look to continue building on this success.

Player of the week: Bruno Fernandes It’s become a bit repetitive with this award for Bruno Fernandes every round of fixtures, but once again the United captain proved his quality as he provided a goal and assist which sees him break the Premier League record for assists in a single season after levelling with De Bruyne and Henry last time out. He also was full of energy and creativity despite the final day of the season in the sunshine perhaps seeing United onto the beach. He ensured they left their season with a strong 3 points and momentum to continue into the new campaign on the other side of the summer.