There were no last day shocks in the race for a place in next season's Champions League, as Liverpool ran out 4-0 winners against Charlton to seal their place in the lucrative competition. Liverpool were under severe pressure for the entire first-half, as Charlton should have had a penalty and hit the woodwork, but a stunning overhead kick and another accomplished strike by Fowler, as well as goals by substitute Danny Murphy and Michael Owen ensured victory for the Anfield club. Gerard Houllier hailed his side, saying: "Our season would still have been brilliant even if we had lost here. But while I thought the players were human before the game, now I know they are superhuman."
Leeds knew that they needed to win against Leicester to have any chance of leapfrogging Liverpool. Two goals from Alan Smith and an expertly taken free kick from dead ball specialist Ian Harte sealed Leeds' 3-1 victory, but as news of Liverpool's victory reached Elland Road, manager David O'Leary's fears were realised. "I came into the game with a feeling of disappointment anyway," said O'Leary. "I believed that Liverpool would win the game."
Ipswich needed to win while relying on both Liverpool and Leeds to either lose or draw. In the end, George Burley's team could only manage a 1-1 draw with lowly Derby. It was their first away draw of the whole season, and the Tractor Boys have exceeded all expectations to finish fifth in the Premiership table. Burley insisted that he was happy to settle for a place in next season's UEFA Cup. He said: "It's up to us to prove people wrong again but people who have been to see us know that we are a good side and have quality throughout the squad."
Filed by Greg McKevitt
