Wigan used up all their luck in last weekend’s FA Cup final, where they beat Manchester City against all the odds to win the first major trophy in the club’s history. Just days after that miracle, celebrations ceased as they were crushed by Arsenal 4-1 at Emirates Stadium and consigned to the Championship next season. relegated. Wigan has fought hard to keep their place in the top flight since they first earned promotion in 2005 but will now join Queens Park Rangers and Reading who learned their fate a few weeks ago.
Another one who would bemoan his luck was Manchester City’s former manager Roberto Mancini. Amid rumors his tenure was coming to an end just 12 months after guiding City to the Premier League title, their FA Cup final loss was the final straw and he was sacked on Tuesday. It appears that Malaga’s manager Manuel Pellegrini is poised to take over next season.
The city of Manchester will be experiencing dramatic changes during the summer. Dubbed “The Engineer”, Pellegrini will come in to put things right at Manchester City while across town Sir Alex Ferguson, one of greatest managers ever, has announced his retirement after 27 years and glorious 49 trophies with Manchester United. He will pass the baton to another Glaswegian in long-time Everton manager David Moyes. No doubt fans of other clubs are hoping these significant changes will finally shift the balance of power within Premier League.
The final round of the EPL is effectively meaningful for only two clubs. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are still embroiled in a battle for the last spot in next year’s Champions League with the Gunners holding a one point advantage, albeit with a significantly superior goal difference. If they down Newcastle United, who have secured their top flight status, the Gunners will lock up the final top four spot regardless of the Spurs-Sunderland result. Although Arsenal’s trophy drought has now extended to eight years, they are highly likely to qualify for the Champions League for the 16th consecutive year.