Champions League Europa League
Europa League and Europa Conference League outcome for Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham
The most hectic season of Premier League football to date has finally come to an end. It’s undoubtedly been a strange campaign, but at least there was a little sense of final-day drama as three London-based teams battled it out for the Europa League and Europa Conference League places. Here’s how Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham all faired, and what their results mean for them in the context of next season.
Who will play in the 2021/22 Europa League?
West Ham have done it. Their long-term European ambitions have been fulfilled after a comfortable 3-0 win over Southampton at London Stadium. Two goals from Pablo Fornals, and another from stand-in captain and stand-out midfielder, Declan Rice, topped off what has been a fantastic season for the East London outfit. There is probably a slight sense of disappointment that they couldn’t push for a Champions League spot, especially considering they only finished two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, but most Hammers fans will be contempt with a sixth-placed finish, and will be excited to see their side play in Europe for the first time in five years.
Who will play in the 2021/22 Europa Conference League?
After twice equalising against Champions League contending Leicester, Spurs took control at the King Power Stadium and emerged 4-2 victors, a win that cements their place in Europe’s newest competition, the Europa Conference League. Of course, after starting the campaign so well under Jose Mourinho, and with news that now three-time golden boot winner Harry Kane reportedly wants out of Tottenham – this season will feel like a major disappointment.
Who misses out on a European place?
Despite a solid final-day victory over Brighton at the Emirates, where Mikel Arteta’s side emerged 2-0 winners thanks to a smart double from Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe, the Gunners have not qualified for Europe for the first time in 25 years. That news will obviously dishearten the Arsenal fanbase, who again turned up in numbers to mount further pressure on the Kroenke ownership, but some will be feeling slightly positive that they only have the one major competition to focus on next season, as Arteta bids to bring the club back to the top.
