WEEKEND UPDATE: Nigerians in the English Premier League

By Arinze Ude

CHELSEA 2-1 EVERTON Victor Anichebe started David Moyes’ last game as Everton coach before taking over the reins at Manchester United on July 1, but couldn’t mark his appearance with a goal. He was taken off in the second half for Johnny Heitinga. Youngster Ross Barkley, who is eligible to play for Nigeria, made the bench for Everton. Victor Moses made a second half appearance as the Blues brought the curtain down on another Barclays Premier League campaign. The winger set up Fernando Torres for Chelsea’s second goal. Chelsea finished the season in 3rd position while Everton finished in 6th position. Both teams will play in Europe next season; the UEFA Champions League and Europa League respectively. LIVERPOOL 1-0 QPR Liverpool coach, Brendan Rodgers handed a debut to youngster, Jordan Ibe, in Jamie Carragher’s farewell game at Anfield. The 17-year old winger played 66 minutes of the game before coming off for Fabio Borini. Nedum Onuoha played all 90 minutes as his team finished the season with a loss. Liverpool finished below Everton on the log for the second consecutive year in 7th position while Queens Park Rangers finished at the foot of the table and have been demoted to the Championship. NEWCASTLE UNITED 0-1 ARSENAL Shola Ameobi was not on the squad for the season finale. The win means Arsenal finish the season in 4th position and will play in the UEFA Champions League next season ahead of Tottenham Hotspurs. Newcastle United, on the other hand, have to settle for 16th and will be looking forward to forgetting what has been a dismal season for all associated with the North-East club. WEST BROM 5-5 MANCHESTER UNITED Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1,500th and final game in charge of Man United ended in a historic draw. The 71-year old will step down for David Moyes on July 1. Osaze Odemwingie wasn’t included in the match squad and there’s rumour that he has been offered to various clubs. West Brom value the Nigerian International at 4m pounds and newly promoted side, Hull City are reported to be interested as they prepare for life in the top-flight next term. West Brom finish the season in 8th, their highest position in Premier League history; Manchester United were crowned Champions last weekend at home. WEST HAM 4-2 READING Hope Akpan was an unused substitute for Reading in their final game before returning to the Championship. Reading finished in 19th position; they have been demoted to the second tier alongside Wigan Athletic and Queens Park Rangers. Akpan and Reading will try to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. NOTABLE MENTIONS Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes, Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher all took part in their last ever English Premier League match. Ferguson will take over as Director/Ambassador at Man United; Scholes will join the Academy at Man United while Carragher and Owen have been pencilled down for media roles. Cardiff City and Hull City (Employers of Sone Aluko) have been promoted to the English Premier League after finishing first and second in the Championship respectively. Watford (Employers of Ikechi Anya) and Crystal Palace will fight for the final spot in a playoff on May 27 at Wembley Stadium. Best of luck to Ikechi Anya and Watford.