Posted May 22, 2017 06:27:50

Photo: The Anfield nerves were calmed by Gerginio Wijnaldum's goal just before half-time. (Reuters: Phil Noble)

Liverpool has ensured a return to the Champions League by beating relegated Middlesbrough, although it will have to play in a qualifying round after finishing fourth in the Premier League, two points behind Manchester City.

Needing a win to make sure of a return to Europe's premier club competition, Juergen Klopp's side looked edgy early on but the tension was lifted just before half-time when Dutchman Georgino Wijnaldum scored from a clever pass by Roberto Firmino.

In the second half Philippe Coutinho curled in a direct free kick and Adam Lallana added a third goal.

Manchester City made sure of third place by romping to a 5-0 win over Watford thanks to goals to Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho and Gabriel Jesus.

But there was disappointment for Arsenal, who was relying on results elsewhere to move into the top four.

Photo: Chelsea finally was able to lift the Premier League trophy in front of its fans at Stamford Bridge. (AP: Frank Augstein)

The Gunners, down to 10 men for the majority of the game, comfortably beat Everton 3-1 at the Emirates but could not move out of fifth place due to Liverpool and City's wins.

Chelsea enjoyed a day in the sun against relegated Sunderland, winning 5-1 and lifting the Premier League trophy.

Captain John Terry started the match, but was ceremonially subbed out after 26 minutes through a guard of honour in his final game for the Blues.

Photo: Harry Kane ended the season with 29 Premier League goals to his name. (AP: Danny Lawson)

Elsewhere, yet another Harry Kane hat-trick brought his league season tally up to 29 goals, sealing the golden boot in a massive 7-1 win over Hull City.

Spurs finished as the league's top scorers and with its tightest defence, but will end the season with nothing to show for it bar a second-place finish.

ABC/Reuters

Topics: english-premier, soccer, sport, england, united-kingdom