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The 2025/26 Premier League campaign concluded on Sunday with a dramatic final round of fixtures that determined both European qualification and relegation outcomes. Here’s a full recap of the action across England on Matchday 38.

All eyes were fixed on the relegation battle as the final slot in the 2026/27 Premier League season hung in the balance. West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur were the two teams fighting for survival, with the Hammers starting the day in 18th position.

Tottenham supporters created a vibrant atmosphere around their home ground as they awaited a reason to celebrate in their clash against Everton. Their patience paid off when João Palhinha converted his own rebound in the 42nd minute, giving Spurs the vital lead with the first shot on target of the match.

Over in London, West Ham made sure the tension remained high when Valentin Castellanos headed home at the back post against Leeds United, offering hope for survival. Minutes later, Jarrod Bowen doubled their advantage with his first league goal since January, making it 2-0. A late long-range strike from Callum Wilson reduced the deficit but did not alter the outcome.

Despite winning their 10th match of the season, West Ham’s result wasn’t enough to surpass Tottenham’s points tally, confirming their relegation to the Championship for the first time since 2011.

Elsewhere, several Premier League icons bid farewell on the final day, including Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward marked his goodbye with another goal contribution, assisting Curtis Jones to become the club's all-time Premier League assist leader with 93. The goal gave Liverpool a 1-0 lead just before the hour mark.

Brentford, also chasing a European spot, equalised through Kevin Schade less than ten minutes later but couldn’t find a second goal. The Bees ended their campaign in ninth place, narrowly missing out on continental football.

In perhaps the day’s biggest shock, newly promoted Sunderland clinched a Europa League berth after beating a 10-man Chelsea 2-1. Trai Hume volleyed home in the 24th minute, and a Malo Gusto own goal early in the second half made it 2-0. Cole Palmer, left out of England’s World Cup squad, responded with a stunning long-range strike, but Wesley Fofana’s red card curtailed Chelsea’s comeback hopes. The defeat meant the Blues missed out on European competition altogether, just before Xabi Alonso’s arrival as manager. Chelsea also ended the season with a league-high eight red cards.

Champions Arsenal received a guard of honour from Crystal Palace before wrapping up their season with a 2-1 win. Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring in the 41st minute after initially hitting the post, while Noni Madueke’s precise left-footed volley doubled the lead soon after half-time — a fine moment following his England call-up. Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back late for Palace, but Arsenal held firm to finish in style.

Manchester City, who finished second, aimed to give departing figures Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones a fitting send-off at the Etihad. Antoine Semenyo, fresh from his FA Cup-winning goal, put City ahead with his 21st of the campaign. But Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins struck twice after the interval — first turning sharply in the box and then cutting inside from the right to finish clinically — spoiling the farewell celebrations.

Elsewhere, Bruno Fernandes broke the all-time Premier League single-season assist record and added a goal as Manchester United eased past Brighton 3-0 under Michael Carrick. The result capped a strong finish for United, while Brighton still managed to secure Europa League football despite the loss.

Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth shared the spoils in an entertaining contest that ended in a draw. Morgan Gibbs-White scored his 15th league goal — the second-highest tally among English players — before Marcus Tavernier equalised with a powerful effort that crossed the line. The result ensured Bournemouth qualified for European football for the first time in their history, earning a Europa League spot.

Fulham ended their season with a 2-0 win over a lacklustre Newcastle United, while Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers, the league’s bottom two sides, played out a 1-1 draw.

With that, the Premier League season closes, setting the stage for the upcoming World Cup. Football fans will now turn their attention to the global stage before the 2026/27 campaign kicks off.