SUPER Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi was in action today as his club survived relegation from the English Premier League, while the club of his international teammates Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City, went down to the Championship.
Everton needed to beat Bournemouth at Goodison Park on this final matchday of the season to survive and they did just that.
Abdoulaye Doucoure struck a brilliant long-range shot in the 57th minute and Iwobi put in a solid full-time shift to earn Everton the three points that took them just beyond the drop zone.
The Toffees finished 17th,
two points ahead of Leicester City, who will be playing in the second-tier next season along with Leeds United and Southampton.
Leicester City also won today but it was too late as they defeated West Ham United 2-1, with Iheanacho setting up their first goal for Harvey Barnes in the 34th minute.
Wout Faes extended Leicester City’s lead two minutes after the hour mark but Pablo Fornals reduced the deficit for West Ham 11 minutes from time.
Leicester City, who were without the injured Ndidi today, are the second team in the Premier League era to be relegated after winning the title. They were the surprise champions in 2016.
In another other final matchday game today, Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo was an unused substitute while Paul Onuachu missed out due to injury as relegated Southampton played a 4-4 draw with Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium.
Kamaldeen Sulemana scored twice for the hosts, with James Ward-Prowse and Adam Armstrong adding the other goals as they came from 2-0 down to lead 4-2.
Liverpool had Diogo Jota netting twice, with Firmino and Cody Gakpo adding the other goals for the fifth-placed side.
Also today, Manchester United cemented third place with a 2-1 win over Fulham at Old Trafford, with fourth-placed Newcastle United were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Champions Manchester City were beaten 1-0 at Brentford, who had Nigeria midfielder Frank Onyeka on for 81 minutes, while second-placed Arsenal thrashed Wolves 5-0.
Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United will represent the Premier League in next season’s UEFA Champions League, while Liverpool and European first timers Brighton will play in the Europa League.
Aston Villa beat Brighton 2-1 at Villa Park to finish seventh and secure the spot for the Conference League.
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