On Monday it was Hull’s turn, as they travelled to Millwall following a goalless draw in the first leg. Two first-half goals were enough to see them leave London with a ticket back, as they must return to the capital to contest the promotion play-off final. Hull were very clinical in the second half, not allowing Millwall back into the game.

In the other tie, there were no goals in the first leg either. In the second leg, played on Tuesday at St Mary’s Stadium, Middlesbrough took the lead with an early goal from McGree, but Stewart equalised just before half-time. After a second half of end-to-end play and few chances, the tie went to extra time. And just when it seemed penalties were inevitable, Charles’s goal with four minutes remaining secured qualification for Southampton.

Hull and Southampton must now wait until Saturday 23 May, when they will contest the Premier League promotion play-off final at Wembley at 15:00. The winner will be promoted to the top flight of English football, whilst the loser will have to spend another year in the gruelling Championship with its 46-match regular season.

Results of the second legs of the Premier League promotion play-offs

• Millwall 0-2 Hull City (0-2 on aggregate)
• Southampton 2-1 Middlesbrough (2-1 on aggregate)

Manchester City still dreaming of the Premier League

The midweek fixture between Manchester City and Crystal Palace, previously postponed due to the FA Cup final, was also played. Pep Guardiola’s side comfortably secured all three points against an opponent whose minds are set on the historic Conference League final they are due to play on 27 May against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig.

As a result, Pep Guardiola’s side are two points behind Arsenal in the table and have a better goal difference. So, the situation for Manchester City is clear: they must win their remaining two matches and hope that Arsenal fail to win either of theirs. Mikel Arteta’s side are in a strong position to win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, as their fixture list is more favourable.

Manchester City must travel to face Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, who are in fine form and still in with a chance of qualifying for the Europa League. And on the final matchday, they host an Aston Villa side who may well have secured Champions League qualification. Arsenal, meanwhile, host already-relegated Burnley and finish the season away at Crystal Palace, who play the Conference League final three days later.

Remaining fixtures for Manchester City and Arsenal

• Arsenal - Burnley
• Bournemouth - Manchester City
• Crystal Palace - Arsenal
• Manchester City - Aston Villa