English Premier League: A Timeline of the Historic Final Day

Entering Sunday's slate of football in the English Premier League, there was a distinct possibility for this to prove the most dramatic day in the history of British football.

With the title, two Champions League places, and one spot out of relegation up for grabs, the different permutations in which the league could finish seemed limitless.

In the end, not only did the day live up to its potential, but the Final Day set a new standard for a day of football that will probably never be topped.

In case you missed it and want to feel like you were there or just want to revisit the glory, let's revisit the whole day's action chronologically, following the six matches played simultaneously whose results were pertinent to valuable places in the league.

To set the stage, we will start off by talking about each of the six matches, giving a brief run-down on why each was important and talking about what the story lines were heading into the match.

Without further ado, here is a timeline of the greatest day in English league footballing history.

Preview: Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers

This is the only match of the day where both teams have an important place at stake.

For Manchester City, being even on points with Manchester United meant that a victory over QPR would all but clinch their first title in 44 years while anything else would leave the door open.

Meanwhile, QPR are in a struggle to avoid relegation.

With a two point lead over Bolton for 17th place, QPR have the inside leg to stay up.

However, a loss to Man City and a Bolton win would send them to the Championship next year.

On the other hand, QPR would all but secure Premier League play next season with any result other than a loss.

Hence, both have an incentive to try their hardest in the match.

With Man City's unbeaten record at home and QPR's 13 losses away from home, City are the huge favorites.

One interesting subplot is QPR manager Mark Hughes's recent history.

The former Manchester City boss will surely enjoy it if he thwarts the club that fired him at their last hurdle.

Also, his record against City is relatively good, with only one loss.

Preview: Sunderland vs Manchester United

This one seems a bit more cut and dry.

Tied on points but trailing at the top of the league, United desperately need to win and get help from City in order to win their second straight Premier League title.

Sunderland, on the other hand, are firmly in the middle of the table.

Based on the fact that they have not won a match since March 24, they seem to know this and are comfortable with it.

Hence, Man U are huge favorites and should take this one rather comfortably.

Preview: West Brom vs Arsenal

Arsenal enters the day in third place, with a win at the Hawthorns assuring them of Champions League football next season.

However, with Tottenham and Newcastle right on their heels, a loss could see them drop all the way to third.

With West Brom manager Roy Hodgson departing for England after the match, Albion will surely look to put on a show for their fans.

However, with a mid-table finish assured, how much can they get up for this match?

Preview: Tottenham vs Fulham

Tottenham are in fourth and fighting for a Champions League spot.

A victory assures them of a top-four finish, but they will be hoping to combine their victory with an Arsenal slip in order to get third and an automatic Champions League qualification.

However, anything other than a victory puts them in grave danger, as Newcastle are nipping at their heels, one point behind.

Fulham are assured of a mid-table finish, but have been, for the most part, playing well recently.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have been in terrible form over the past few months.

The loss of Clint Dempsey will work for Tottenham, but this one can still go either way.

Preview: Everton vs Newcastle

A very similar match to Tottenham vs Fulham in the position of the two sides.

Newcastle absolutely needs to win in order to have a chance for a top-four finish.

Everton, on the other hand, are locked into a mid-table finish.

Conventional knowledge would say that Newcastle would have an advantage because the match is more important to them.

However, Everton are a wildcard, playing great football in the past few weeks, especially at home.

This is a tough one to call.

Preview: Stoke vs Bolton

Bolton may have gotten very lucky in terms of their schedule.

Anything but a win relegates them to the Championship while a win and a QPR loss keeps them in the Premier League for another year.

However, Stoke has been notoriously poor in the last week of the season for the past few years.

Last year, in a situation similar to this, Stoke lost to Wigan, keeping the Latics up.

Will Stoke show up to this match?

And if Bolton win, will it be enough to see them stay in the Premier League?

1500 BST: Kickoff

Action has begun in all of the matches.

Right now, here are how the three races lie:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	87	63	90
2	Man United	87	55	88

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	68	24	71
4	Totenham	67	23	64
5	Newcastle	66	7	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	37	-16	41
18	Bolton	35	-31	44

1502 BST: GOAL Tottenham, Adebayor, 2'

What a start for Spurs.

Emmanuel Adebayor links up well with Rafael van der Vaart, who slips a return pass into him in the box.

Ade coolly slots into the far corner and it is advantage Tottenham in the race for third.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	87	63	90
2	Man United	87	55	88

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	68	24	71
5	Newcastle	66	7	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	36	-31	44

1504 BST: GOAL Arsenal, Benayoun, 4'

It is a howler from West Brom keeper Marton Fulop and Arsenal are back in control of their Champions League destiny.

Fulop comes out of his box to collect the ball, but is a bit casual with his touch as he attempts to bring it back into the box in order to pick it up.

As a result, Yossi Benayoun collects the ball, races around the outstretched keeper, and slots home a tap-in.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	87	63	90
2	Man United	87	55	88

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	72
4	Totenham	69	24	65
5	Newcastle	66	7	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	36	-31	44

1508 BST: Near Misses

Ricardo Fuller almost puts Stoke on top, which would have spelled disaster for Bolton.

Over at Goodison, Heitinga almost heads into his own net, but Tim Howard prevents Newcastle from taking a much needed lead.

Meanwhile, City have been dominating QPR, but have yet to produce a gilt-edged chance.

1510 BST: GOAL West Brom, Long, 11'

Potentially huge controversy brewing in the race for third.

Shane Long gets a pass in space from James Morrison and finishes well past Szczesny to draw level with Arsenal.

However, it looks like Long was offside in replays.

If this proves to be the goal that keeps Arsenal out of the Champions League, it will be quite unfortunate.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	87	63	90
2	Man United	87	55	88

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	68	24	72
5	Newcastle	66	7	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	36	-31	44

1512 BST: GOAL Stoke, Walters, 12'

It is another controversy, this time at the Britannia.

Matthew Etherington sends a cross into the box, where Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan is the first to the ball.

After grabbing the ball, though, Jonathan Walters knocks it out of the keepers hand and bundles it into the net.

No fouls are called, the goal stands, and Owen Coyle is fuming.

Bolton are really up against it to stay up now.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	87	63	90
2	Man United	87	55	88

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	68	24	72
5	Newcastle	66	7	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	35	-32	44

1515 BST: GOAL West Brom, Dorrans, 15'

It is two goals in four minutes for West Brom and Arsenal's hopes of Champions League football next season are under threat.

This time, there is no controversy as Graham Dorrans takes the ball out of the air with a beautiful right-footed shot from the edge of the box, sending it past Szczesny.

It is a great finish that may push Arsenal to the Europa League.

Tottenham fans are going wild at White Hart Lane.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	87	63	90
2	Man United	87	55	88

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	67	23	72
5	Newcastle	66	7	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	35	-32	44

1517 BST: GOAL Everton, Pienaar, 16'

It is a beauty of a goal for Everton, and Newcastle are in dire straits.

Sure, it takes a slight deflection, but Steven Pienaar's 25-yard shot perfectly finds the top corner of the net.

A win is probably the only way for the Magpies to make the top four, so this is clearly a major setback.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	87	63	90
2	Man United	87	55	88

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	67	23	72
5	Newcastle	65	6	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	35	-32	44

1520 BST: GOAL Man United, Rooney, 20'

It is a big goal in the title race, and it is advantage United for the moment.

A swinging cross from Phil Jones finds Rooney on the back post, who takes it on the bounce and heads it into the net.

Really poor defending there by Sunderland.

The pressure is now squarely on City's shoulders.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	87	63	90

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	67	23	72
5	Newcastle	65	6	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	35	-32	44

1530 BST: GOAL Everton, Jelavic, 27'

And Newcastle's Champions League ambitions are looking all but over.

A long ball forward is jumped upon by the in-form Nikica Jelavic; his first shot is saved well by Tim Krul, but the Croatian striker bundles in the rebound to double Everton's lead.

It looks like Everton has really come to play, and with Newcastle in need of three goals, it is looking bleak.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	87	63	90

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	67	23	72
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	35	-32	44

1531 BST: GOAL Arsenal, Santos, 30'

Oh dear, it is another mistake by Marton Fulop here.

Andre Santos's shot from 25 yards was a bullet, but there is no way it should have gotten through the Albion keeper, especially on his near post.

Suddenly, Arsenal are right back in good position in the race for third.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	87	63	90

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	68	24	73
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	35	-32	44

1532: Shots off the Woodwork

Wayne Rooney smacks a free kick into the crossbar for United.

If it had gone in, the goal would have given Man U a cushion they could have sat on.

Meanwhile, Bolton's Kevin Davies heads onto the crossbar.

The potential equaliser would have been huge for the Wanderers.

1535 BST: Near Misses, Sunderland vs Man United

A gilt-edged chance for each team within a minute.

First, it is United and Rooney.

Ashley Young's shot flew into the path of the England striker, who merely had to deflect it into an empty net; however, he mishits it and it finishes wide.

Less than a minute later, Frazier Campbell receives a cross in the United box, but volleys it over the goal.

1535 BST: Injury Man City, Toure, 35'

This could be a huge moment in the title race.

The player who scored both of Man City's goals is down on the pitch grabbing at the back of his knee.

If City lose Yaya, it could be tough sledding.

1539 BST: GOAL Bolton, M. Davies, 39'

Oh my, this is one ugly goal.

Bolton plays a long ball over the top, but Stoke looks to have it under control.

However, an attempted clearance bangs off of Mark Davies and into the net.

Game on.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	87	63	90

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	68	24	73
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	41
18	Bolton	36	-31	45

1540 BST: GOAL Man City, Zabaleta, 39'

It is a goal that changes the complexion of two separate races, and the keeper probably could have done better with it.

The hobbling Yaya Toure plays the ball into Pablo Zabaleta in the box.

Facing just the keeper, Zabaleta fires straight at Paddy Kenny.

Kenny gets both hands on the ball, but merely deflects it into an arc onto the post and, despite his most sprawling of efforts, into the net.

You cannot say it has not been coming, though; City have had much the better of play.

If this score were to hold, City would surely be champions and QPR would need Bolton not to win.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	89	64	91
2	Man United	89	56	89

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	68	24	73
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	37	-23	41
18	Bolton	36	-31	45

1545 BST: GOAL Bolton, K. Davies, 45'

Oh dear, it is another howler.

This time, it is Thomas Sorensen.

Kevin Davies is at a seemingly impossible angle to score from and merely sends in a looping cross.

However, the ball drifts toward the near post, where Sorensen somehow does not deal with it despite being right there.

Suddenly, Bolton are safe and QPR are relegated by their current positions.

Quite an important goal, this.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	89	64	91
2	Man United	89	56	89

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	68	24	73
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	Bolton	38	-30	46
18	QPR	37	-23	41

1547 BST: Half-Time

Quite the first half, so let's talk reestablish where we stand at the half in all three races:

Title: 

Right now, Man City and Man United have the leads in both of their matches, meaning that City are in line for the title if the matches ended this way.  

QPR has been playing quite defensively thus far, so City must be seen to have a distinct advantage.

Third and Fourth: 

Newcastle desperately need a win, yet trail 2-0.  Hence, the Magpies are pretty much out of the top-four discussion right now.

Meanwhile, Tottenham has had a 1-0 lead on Fulham since the second minute.  Fulham have had a couple of great chances so far, but Brad Friedel has looked up to the challenge.

Finally, Arsenal have fought their way back into their match with West Brom, which is now level at 2-2.  Both goals have come from pretty poor plays by Marton Fulop, but a goal is a goal.

Hence, Tottenham has third and Arsenal fourth at the moment, but a goal against Spurs or for Arsenal will swap the two clubs' positions.

Relegation: 

It all looked so good for QPR a few minutes ago.

Their defensive play was actually holding up against Man City and Bolton trailed Stoke.

Suddenly, though, Rangers have fallen behind and Bolton has taken the lead on two ugly goals.

If QPR are to stay in the Premier League for another season, they will either have to play more attacking football or hope for a Bolton slip.

1604 BST: Second Half Have Begun Everywhere

Now, most matches began their second halves at 1602.

However, in an attempt to synchronize the starts for the Manchester teams, their second halves began at 1604.

Could this prove to be an issue?

1606 BST: Injury Tottenham, Walker, 50'

It is potentially big news for Tottenham and England.

Fullback Kyle Walker has pulled up with an injury and was replaced by Ryan Nelsen.

How serious was his injury?

Will he be fit for England by the EURO?

1608 BST: GOAL QPR, Cisse, 48'

Whoa.  Well that changes things.

It came almost from nothing, but QPR are level with City.

It is a searching long-ball that no QPR player is on the end of, but Joleon Lescott makes a mess of the clearance.

Instead, his header leads Djibril Cisse into space, where he races in on goal and finishes beautifully past Joe Hart.

Now QPR are safe and City are runners-up.

Away fans in Sunderland go wild.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	87	63	91

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Totenham	69	24	65
4	Arsenal	68	24	73
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	42
18	Bolton	38	-30	46

1613 BST: GOAL Arsenal, Koscielny, 54'

Yet another error by Marton Fulop and Arsenal are ahead.

Arsenal's corner looks to be ineffective, as no Gunners are around teh landing place of the ball.

However, when Fulop goes up to collect the ball, he bundles it backwards, where Laurent Koscielny fights off two Albion players and puts it into the back of the net with the outside of his boot.

Now Arsenal are third.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	87	63	91

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	74
4	Totenham	69	24	65
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	42
18	Bolton	38	-30	46

1615 BST: Red Card QPR, Barton, 55'

Well this is an ugly sight.

It looks like there is a bit of extras going on between Joey Barton and Carlos Tevez, but it looks like it is just some jockeying for position.

Then, the QPR captain lets leash an elbow to Tevez's jaw, sending him sprawling.

After consulting with the assistant, who had raised his flag, the referee shows Barton red.

But it is after the dismissal that things get really good: Barton knees Sergio Aguero in the back, attempts to headbutt Vincent Kompany, and almost gets into a fight with Mario Balotelli, who isn't even in the team right now. (How great would that have been?)

Luckily for Barton, the elbow happened right on the edge of the QPR box and not in it, so no penalty will happen.

However, QPR are down to 10 men and, given the pressure City has been applying throughout the day, are in real trouble.

1620 BST: GOAL Tottenham, Defoe, 63'

Just moments after Moussa Dembele hit the post for Fulham, it is Jermain Defoe doubling the Spurs lead.

Aaron Lennon's shot was deflected right into Defoe's path, and the England striker sprawled it home from close range.

The goal further solidifies Tottenham's hold on the top-four, but they still need an Arsenal slip to jump to the third.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	87	63	91

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	74
4	Totenham	69	25	66
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	42
18	Bolton	38	-30	46

1625 BST: GOAL QPR, Mackie, 66'

You have got to be joking me.

Since Barton's red card, City have laid siege to the QPR goal, holding the ball around the box the entire time.

In one attack, Sergio Aguero took a shot from close range that just eluded Paddy Kenny, but the keeper turned around and grabbed the ball off the line.

Suddenly, for the first time in 10 minutes, QPR get the ball into the City half as Armand Traore races clear down the left side.

He sends in a looping cross that finds Jamie Mackie, whose header scores a stunning goal.

Samir Nasri seemed to let Mackie go on that one.

City may have just tossed the title away and QPR look to be safe.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	86	62	91

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	74
4	Totenham	69	25	66
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	40	-21	43
18	Bolton	38	-30	46

1629 BST: GOAL Everton, Heitinga, 65'

That surely does it for Newcastle's hopes of finishing in the top-four.

A goal by Johnny Heitinga has Newcastle 3-0 down at Goodison when they need a victory and some help.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	86	62	91

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	74
4	Totenham	69	25	66
5	Newcastle	65	4	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	40	-21	43
18	Bolton	38	-30	46

1633 BST: GOAL Newcastle, Hibbert (OG), 73'

It looks to be just a consolation for Newcastle, as Tony Hibbert heads the ball back into his own net.

Now, Newcastle just needs three goals and a bit of help in 17 minutes.

Updated results:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	86	62	91

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	74
4	Totenham	69	25	66
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	40	-21	43
18	Bolton	38	-30	46

1636 BST: GOAL Stoke, Walters, 77'

Here is a very interesting goal in both the title and the relegation races.

Adam Bogdan is judged to have pulled down Peter Crouch in the box, but there did not look to be a lot of contact on this one.

Jonathan Walters steps up and puts in his second of the match, and Bolton are livid.

Now, unless Bolton get the win, they are relegated.

Hence, with the later start of the second half and the Barton stoppage in Manchester, QPR could know they are safe before their match ends, which could enable them to let off of their defensive intensity?

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	86	62	91

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	74
4	Totenham	69	25	66
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	40	-21	43
18	Bolton	36	-31	46

1651 BST: FULL TIME, Tottenham 2-0 Bolton; Updates

Tottenham wrap up a top-four finish with this 2-0 victory against Fulham.

Meanwhile, Bolton looks shot against Stoke, Manchester United and Sunderland look content to let the clock run out, Newcastle are in the same losing position, Arsenal looks to finish comfortably, and Man City-QPR has entered five minutes of stoppage time.

1651 BST: GOAL Man City, Dzeko, 91'

It is a lifeline for Man City, as their 19th corner kick of the afternoon turns into a goal.

QPR's defending has been heroic for the past 35 minutes, as they have won nearly every header and blocked shot after shot from City.

However, either their one man deficit, the knowledge that they are all but safe, or both has gotten to them, as they allow Dzeko to easily win a header off a corner.

However, City need another in the next three minutes.

Will this goal prove a consolation?

City are rushing to the centre circle to get on with it.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man United	89	56	89
2	Man City	87	63	92

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	74
4	Totenham	69	25	66
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	38	-22	43
18	Bolton	36	-31	46

1653 BST: FULL TIME, Stoke 2-2 Bolton

Two controversial goals from Stoke get the Potters a draw and relegate Bolton.

This news leaks to Manchester, where QPR's sideline is celebrating while the match is still going on.

Will this have an effect on QPR's play?

1653 BST: GOAL Man City, Aguero, 93'

You have got to be kidding me.

Moments ago, the stands were filled with City fans crying and destroying inanimate objects.

Now, the roof has come off in the sheer joy of the moment.

Mario Balotelli feeds the ball to Sergio Aguero, where some sloppy defense lets him into perfect position in the box.

There, Aguero unleashes a rocket at the near post, which beats Paddy Kenny and sends the Etihad into chaos.

Updated races:

		Pts	GD	GF
1	Man City	89	64	93
2	Man United	89	56	89

		Pts	GD	GF
3	Arsenal	70	25	74
4	Totenham	69	25	66
5	Newcastle	65	5	55

		Pts	GD	GF
17	QPR	37	-23	43
18	Bolton	36	-31	46

1655 BST: FULL TIME, Sunderland 0-1 Man United

The final whistle blows at Sunderland and the preparations begin for a title celebration.

However, news hits almost simultaneously that City just got another goal.

It is agony for the United fans and players, as they head for the exits.

A great season that is sure to come up just short.

1656 BST: FULL TIME, Man City 3-2 QPR

It is the most glorious of final whistles for City, as they wrap up their first title in 44 seasons.

It is mayhem as supporters invade the pitch.

QPR also celebrates staying up, including Djibril Cisse actually embracing City players and reveling in their title with them.

It is jubilation at the Etihad.

1658 BST: FULL TIME, Everton 3-1 Newcastle

Newcastle settles into fifth in the league and the handbags come out.

Yohan Cabaye says something to Tim Cahill after the final whistle that the Australian apparently dislikes, as he grabs Cabaye around the throat.

Cahill gets a red card for these actions, despite the fact that the match has been over.

This incident could have some ramifications for next season, but the fact is that Newcastle are out of the Champions League.

1700 BST: FULL TIME, West Brom 2-3 Arsenal

It is official, as Arsenal wrap up third place and a Champions League bid in Roy Hodgson's last match with West Brom.

Their third place finish might look like a gift delivered straight by Marton Fulop, as each of the Arsenal goals seemed to be a howler by the keeper.

However, with the tough season they have had to endure (especially at the beginning), they deserve it.

1733 BST: Man City Toast Lift the Trophy

It is official, as Manchester City lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in 44 years.

Let the champagne flow in Manchester for the next week.