Two second half goals secured a fourth place finish for Liverpool on the Premier League table, with Arsenal missing out on Champions League football for the first time in two decades.
Prior to kick-off, Man City needed just a point to seal a top-four place, while Liverpool needed a win to join them. Arsenal could bypass both depending on results, with Liverpool their closest target.
No such calculations were needed in the end, as City were assured of their third-place finish before half-time.
Sergio Aguero (x2), Fernandinho and Vincent Kompany all contributed to put City 4-0 in front, with Gabriel Jesus adding a fifth in the second half to assure their safety.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Liverpool tussled for the fourth spot, with Arsenal taking an early lead. They looked to have clinched it through first half goals from Hector Bellerin and Alexis Sanchez to put them 2-0 in front of Everton.
Liverpool edged themselves back into contention when Georginio Wijnaldum hit a goal just before half-time and Philippe Coutinho strengthened their chances with a goal after the restart.
Liverpool would still need to go through a Champions League qualifying stage which is far from a guarantee
— Raf Diallo (@Raftastico) May 21, 2017
Adam Lallana nabbed Liverpool's third goal of the day to secure their grip of the fourth spot and ensure they will be in the Champions League qualifying stages next season.
Arsenal finished their final outing of their Premier League season with a 3-1 win over Everton, but the result was meaningless in the end.
Final Results:
Watford 0-5 Man City
Liverpool 3-0 Middlesbrough
Arsenal 3-1 Everton
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