The Premier League's European race has tightened again after Brighton's defeat at Leeds and Sunderland's 3-1 win over Everton. Liverpool are still fifth on 59 points, but they are not safe yet, and the list of clubs with something left to play for still runs deep heading into the final day.
How Brighton and Sunderland changed the picture
Brighton had a chance to settle matters at Leeds, then Dominic Calvert-Lewin's dramatic late winner changed the mood completely. Fabian Hurzeler told bbc.co.uk: "We have to go on and prepare for the last game [against Manchester United]. We've faced a lot of adversity this season and we will overcome it. We have to stay positive even though it's a painful loss. We have to overcome the disappointment, prepare well and believe we can still do it. We did a lot of things right today."
Sunderland did their part by beating Everton 3-1 and leapfrogging them into ninth place. Newcastle also stayed in the mix with a 3-1 win over West Ham. Those results leave Brighton seventh on 53 points, Sunderland ninth on 51 and Newcastle 14th on 46, which is a messy-looking table but still a live one.
Why Liverpool are not comfortable yet
Liverpool are the side most people will watch first, because fifth on 59 points after 37 matches usually looks comfortable. It does not look quite so settled here. The brief makes clear that Bournemouth have a game in hand against Manchester City, so Liverpool's Champions League place is not yet mathematically secure.
That does not mean Liverpool are in crisis. It does mean the final day still matters, and not just for them. The race has dragged in Brighton, Sunderland, Newcastle and others, while Brentford remain part of the wider mathematical picture too.
David Moyes did not sugarcoat Everton's position after the defeat. He told bbc.co.uk: "We didn't look like a European team at times today - that's for sure. Things didn't go for us. Players have done an amazing job at times but it wasn't there today. We messed up big time. Opportunity where if we'd won it things would be a lot different. Everton have not had the opportunity to get in the top end of the league table for a while. I'm more disappointed that they have missed that opportunity to keep pushin"
The bigger point is simple enough. Brighton's setback, Sunderland's surge and Liverpool's vulnerable hold on fifth have made the final day matter across the table, and the final answers will have to wait until the last round of matches.
FAQ
Will the Premier League European race really go to the final day?
Yes. Brighton's late defeat at Leeds, Sunderland's 3-1 win over Everton and Newcastle's 3-1 victory over West Ham have left the European race open heading into the final day. Liverpool are fifth on 59 points, Brighton are seventh on 53, Sunderland are ninth on 51 and Newcastle are 14th on 46.
How did Brighton and Sunderland change the battle for Europe?
Brighton thought they could seal Europe at Leeds, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin's dramatic late winner changed that. Sunderland then beat Everton 3-1 and jumped into ninth. Brighton remain seventh on 53 points, Sunderland are ninth on 51 and both are still in the mix.
Are Liverpool safe in the Champions League race yet?
Not yet. Liverpool are fifth on 59 points after 37 matches, so they are in position for the Champions League but not mathematically secure. The brief says their hold is still under pressure heading into the final day.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
