Premier League braced for epic finale with 11 teams in season-defining fight

The relegation battle had long been concluded, too, with Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton all dropping down to the Championship after just a season in the top-flight.

It was only the race for Europe that provided any intrigue, with Newcastle, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest all ultimately finishing in the top seven to ensure their international involvement.

Fast-forward to now, however, and things couldn't be more different.

The title race is delicately poised, with just two matches to go. As things stand, it looks as though that battle will go down to the wire.

Arsenal celebrated wildly after beating West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, with Leandro Trossard scoring the only goal of the game.

There was late VAR drama, of course. Callum Wilson thought he'd snatched a point at the death, only for referee Chris Kavanagh to chalk his effort off after being sent to look at his monitor.

Pablo had been adjudged to have committed a foul in David Raya, who had spared Arsenal ultimate humiliation earlier in the game with a series of sensational saves. His thwarting of Matheus Fernandes, in particular, felt significant.

Yet Manchester City, guided by the genius of Pep Guardiola, remain firmly in the mix. Victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday would see them move to within just two points of Arsenal at the summit.

Right now, many see the title race as a formality. The Gunners will do battle with Burnley, before facing Palace on the final day of the season.

But Burnley, despite already being down, will attempt to ruin the party. They certainly showed they're not done yet with a spirited display against Villa last time out. Palace won't be easy, either, even if their domestic form has left plenty to be desired.

The battle for Europe is equally fascinating.

Manchester United have already wrapped up Champions League football, having enjoyed a sensational resurgence under Michael Carrick.

Who joins them in Europe's premier competition remains to be seen, however.

Right now, Liverpool and Villa occupy the remaining top five positions. With the two teams poised to play each other this weekend, however, plenty could yet change.

Bournemouth are continuing to push, with the Cherries punching well above their weight. They still have to face a City side fighting for the title but their performances this season suggest they're more than capable of upsetting the odds.

Brighton, Brentford, Chelsea and Everton are also hoping to make Europe in the form of the Conference League. Though it's considered the ugly duckling of the three competitions, nights under the lights - and the money they generate - are significant to all four.

Then, of course, there's the relegation battle.

Tottenham were fortunate 12 months ago that Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester were worse than them. This time around they've had no such luxury, however.

Spurs could have virtually assured their survival with victory over Leeds on Monday. Instead, on a nervy night in north London, they could only draw - meaning they're just two points above West Ham.

Tottenham's remaining fixtures are tricky. It's Chelsea next, who would love to inflict more misery on their rivals. Just like they did in 2016, when a dramatic draw at Stamford Bridge gifted Leicester the Premier League title.

On the final day, they'll face Everton. David Moyes' men have Europe in their sights and are determined to bring Thursday night football to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

West Ham may be occupying the final relegation spot for now but the Hammers' fixtures appear, at least on paper, to be more winnable.

They're due to face a Newcastle side who have endured a wretched campaign under Eddie Howe. After that, they play a Leeds team whose top-flight status is already secure.

The Premier League has faced accusations of being dull at times. There's plenty of drama left in store, however, with more twists and turns potentially in sight.