Arsenal pip Tottenham to fourth place

Arsenal FC have filled England's final UEFA Champions League berth after edging a nervy 1-0 win at Newcastle United FC, while closest pursuers Tottenham Hotspur FC prevailed by the same scoreline against Sunderland AFC.

The Gunners began the day a point clear of their north London rivals in fourth place and needed a victory to be sure of maintaining that lead. Laurent Koscielny put them ahead seven minutes after the break, volleying in from close range, but the tension mounted in the closing moments – particularly after Gareth Bale found the net a minute from time at White Hart Lane.

Meanwhile, third-place finishers Chelsea FC followed up their UEFA Europa League triumph in midweek by defeating Everton FC 2-1, Fernando Torres notching the winner. As for Sir Alex Ferguson, he signed off as Manchester United FC boss with an extraordinary 5-5 draw at West Bromwich Albion FC, his team having led 3-0 and 5-2.

Jamie Carragher was another man saying his goodbyes, and the defender captained Liverpool FC to a 1-0 victory against Queens Park Rangers FC in his final game before retiring, while Manchester City FC lost 3-2 at home to Norwich City FC and Fulham FC triumphed 3-0 at Swansea City AFC.

West Ham United FC also flexed their goalscoring muscles as Kevin Nolan hit a hat-trick in a 4-2 defeat of Reading. In Sunday's other games, Aston Villa FC came from behind to draw 2-2 at Wigan Athletic FC and Stoke City FC held Southampton FC 1-1.