It would still have needed a play-off, though, as would all meaningful places - including the exact Europa league spot in seasons when 6th (and 7th) get a place.
Unless they went with the head-to-head thing, in which case Chelsea would've finished 3rd due to winning both of their matches against Arsenal.
Unless they went with the head-to-head thing, in which case Chelsea would've finished 3rd due to winning both of their matches against Arsenal.
They don't, though. Rule C.17:
If at the end of the Season either the League Champions or the Clubs to be relegated or the question of qualification for other competitions cannot be determined because 2 or more Clubs are equal on points, goal difference and goals scored, the Clubs concerned shall play off one or more deciding League Matches on neutral grounds, the format, timing and venue of which shall be determined by the Board.
Interesting to see how Sky treat the race for the Champions League places next year- will they focus more on the relegation battle throughout the season?
Interesting to see how Sky treat the race for the Champions League places next year- will they focus more on the relegation battle throughout the season?
Probably not for the actual live football, but almost certainly for the magazine shows.
Anyone who has seen the Rugby Club this year would be forgiven for thinking that there was no such competition as the Aviva Premiership
The Premier League had already accounced a playoff between Chelsea and Arsenal at Villa Park is needed. The Premier League do not use head to head record, or away goals. Infact rule C17 has already been clearly posted, and the Premier League are not going to make a new rule up part way through the season.
The Premier League had already accounced a playoff between Chelsea and Arsenal at Villa Park is needed. The Premier League do not use head to head record, or away goals. Infact rule C17 has already been clearly posted, and the Premier League are not going to make a new rule up part way through the season.
No, but they could put in that rule for future seasons just in case a similar scenario cones up again.
I don't see why they couldn't do it. It would be a lot easier than organising a playoff at short notice.
Obviously in between seasons they could if they wished. But football is all about drama. If it is that close between the two after 38 games I'd far rather they had a playoff rather than go back to a match played in September - and what else is a playoff if it's not a head to head?! I liked the alphabetical suggestion though - maybe Arsenal's best chance of ever winning anything!!
The same would apply if two or all three teams in the relegation places finished level. I'd imagine that would also extend to 2nd/3rd, since they both enter at the same stage of the Champions League
Note that one half of the CL country pool prize money distribution is a fixed split of:
1st 40%
2nd 30%
3rd 15%
4th 15%
So the difference between 2nd and 3rd is worth a few million in CL prize money - obviously for the following season.
Before anyone asks if the 4th loses in the CL play-off they get zero - and the country pool split becomes 45/35/20.
Given the financial criticisms levied at the Premier League, something tells me they'd be reluctant to stage a play-off whose sole intention would be to determine who gets more money!
Yes if Chelsea drew 0-0 on the final day and Arsenal won 2-1 they'd have both had 73 points, 73 GF, and 38 GA. Wouldn't have been hugely important though as the only difference between 3rd and 4th is which round of the Champions League they enter.
Automatic qualification to the champions league is quite important.
Given the financial criticisms levied at the Premier League, something tells me they'd be reluctant to stage a play-off whose sole intention would be to determine who gets more money!
Indeed - fair point - I was only mentioning it in passing - I imagine they would just have a word with UEFA and suggest that both got 22.5%.
A playoff is surely more fun for fans and neutrals. The only minor concern would be when would they do it, especially on years with international tournaments. What if three teams ended on the same points, GD and GF? A mini tournament would take at least a full week.
Getting back towards the match selections, we know now that Manchester United will not be in the champions league, that has now being confirmed mathematically.
Automatic qualification to the champions league is quite important.
Indeed - especially if you aren't seeded.
One point not mentioned much this season is that if Liverpool had finished 4th they almost certainly wouldn't have been seeded - which would have meant a significant chance of not making it.
Of course Everton wouldn't be seeded. Arsenal obviously would be.
Sky's already unmissable set of live PL fixtures this weekend looks like it's just got even bigger..
Guess you mean with the news about the potential Moyes sacking?
On paper Norwich shouldn't have a chance of a result at OT but the way things have panned out for Moyes/Utd especially in home games you really would be surprised.
By looks of things, Moyes won't be in charge on Saturday. If he is the atmosphere will be rather subdued and will definitely play into Norwich's hands.
Liverpool vs Chelsea is obviously the most high profile game of the weekend.
Indeed. Norwich will probably feel they have a decent chance of getting something from United though. Could be significant at the bottom because I feel as if a few clubs' only hope is that Norwich don't pick up any more points.
Comments
Probably not for the actual live football, but almost certainly for the magazine shows.
Anyone who has seen the Rugby Club this year would be forgiven for thinking that there was no such competition as the Aviva Premiership
No, but they could put in that rule for future seasons just in case a similar scenario cones up again.
as this shows, both teams were incredibly close so late into the season.
Go figure.
I don't see why they couldn't do it. It would be a lot easier than organising a playoff at short notice.
A playoff would of course create extra revenue etc.....
Obviously in between seasons they could if they wished. But football is all about drama. If it is that close between the two after 38 games I'd far rather they had a playoff rather than go back to a match played in September - and what else is a playoff if it's not a head to head?! I liked the alphabetical suggestion though - maybe Arsenal's best chance of ever winning anything!!
Note that one half of the CL country pool prize money distribution is a fixed split of:
1st 40%
2nd 30%
3rd 15%
4th 15%
So the difference between 2nd and 3rd is worth a few million in CL prize money - obviously for the following season.
Before anyone asks if the 4th loses in the CL play-off they get zero - and the country pool split becomes 45/35/20.
Automatic qualification to the champions league is quite important.
Indeed - fair point - I was only mentioning it in passing - I imagine they would just have a word with UEFA and suggest that both got 22.5%.
In terms of the Europa League it will either be:
Hull (FA Cup winners)
5th
6th
or:
Arsenal (FA Cup winners)
6th
7th
or:
5th
Hull (FA Cup runners up)
6th
Indeed - especially if you aren't seeded.
One point not mentioned much this season is that if Liverpool had finished 4th they almost certainly wouldn't have been seeded - which would have meant a significant chance of not making it.
Of course Everton wouldn't be seeded. Arsenal obviously would be.
Guess you mean with the news about the potential Moyes sacking?
On paper Norwich shouldn't have a chance of a result at OT but the way things have panned out for Moyes/Utd especially in home games you really would be surprised.
By looks of things, Moyes won't be in charge on Saturday. If he is the atmosphere will be rather subdued and will definitely play into Norwich's hands.
Erm. It isn't.