Chapter 576: The Most Predictable Premier League Finale
In the away game against Brighton, Mourinho made extensive changes to Manchester United's lineup, even benching Bruno. Since the result of this match would not affect United's already secured championship, Mourinho decided to rotate the squad.
After a brief pre-match guard of honor, the game began. Perhaps the pre-match ceremony frustrated Brighton's players, or maybe Brighton, not yet safe from relegation, needed points to ensure survival. They played aggressively from the start.
However, it was United who scored first. In the 3rd minute, Rashford's free kick from the left was met by Fellaini, who tapped it in. Just as United began celebrating, the referee, prompted by the linesman, disallowed the goal. United's players were unhappy, and even the commentators felt the decision was contentious.
The score remained 0-0. Brighton then launched a series of attacks. Knockaert and Izquierdo's shots were blocked by Romero, Stephens' long-range effort went just wide, and Gross's low shot was also saved by Romero. Propper set up Murray, whose half-volley was spectacularly saved by Romero.
Despite Brighton's dominance in the first half, they couldn't capitalize on their chances. United's rotated squad struggled to create threats, and the first half ended 0-0.
During the halftime break, Mourinho expressed his dissatisfaction with the team's lethargy, demanding a more proactive second half.
United did improve, creating several chances. Mata and Fellaini had efforts on goal, but Brighton's goalkeeper Ryan was untroubled.
In the 57th minute, Brighton broke the deadlock. Izquierdo's cross from the left was headed towards goal by Gross. Rojo cleared it off the line, but goal-line technology confirmed the ball had crossed the line, giving Brighton the lead.
After conceding, United pushed forward but lacked precision, with several shots missing the target.
Bruno, unable to sit still, asked Mourinho to let him play. Given the team's already secured championship and a manageable schedule ahead, Mourinho agreed. Bruno replaced Mata in the 72nd minute, and Luke Shaw came on for Darmian, who was at fault for the goal.
"United's attack moves forward, Rashford on the ball."
"Rashford holds up play, turns and passes to Bruno..."
"Bruno quickly moves forward..."
"He's very fast, Brighton defenders are closing in..."
"Bruno dribbles past a defender, left-footed shot!"
"Goal!!!"
"Gooooooooooooooooooal!!!"
"Bruno scores! Bruno's goal!"
"Just nine minutes after coming on, Bruno scores to equalize for United!"
"This is Bruno's 40th league goal this season, continuing to extend his record for the most goals in a Premier League season!"
"In the race for the European Golden Shoe, Bruno leads with 80 points, followed by Barcelona's star Yossi with 66 points, Liverpool's Salah with 62, and United's Kane with 60."
Bruno was ecstatic, running off the pitch and sliding on his knees in front of the fans. He savored the moment, seeing the Brighton fans' frustration and helplessness. His teammates rushed to celebrate with him.
Although today's match outcome wouldn't impact United's title, no player likes to lose. United was still unbeaten this season. If they remained unbeaten for the last three matches, they would replicate Arsenal's invincible season. A draw today would also make United the first Premier League team to reach 100 points in a season.
Bruno's goal was the last of the match. United drew 1-1 with Brighton, securing their 100th point and becoming the first Premier League team and the first English top-flight team to reach 100 points in a season.
This season was historic for United. Besides the title, they set records for consecutive wins (24), most goals in a season (115), most wins in a season (32), and points (99), and matched the record for most away wins (15).
However, United wasn't done setting records, motivating them post-title.
Mourinho said in a post-match interview, "The season isn't over, and we will continue to strive for victories."
United was the first Premier League team to reach 100 points, but in Europe's top five leagues, they ranked fourth, behind Juventus (102 points in 2013-2014), Barcelona (100 points in 2012-2013), and Real Madrid (100 points in 2011-2012). Outside the top five leagues, Benfica also reached 101 points in 1990-1991.
If the English top flight had used the three-point rule, Liverpool's 98 points in 1978-1979 (from 42 matches) would have been the previous record. United also broke Chelsea's goal difference record, achieving a goal difference of 93, surpassing Chelsea's 71 in 2009-2010.
On May 10, at the London Olympic Stadium, United drew 0-0 with West Ham in a rescheduled match from round 31. United was now just one game away from an unbeaten season and had extended their unbeaten run to 39 games, one short of Chelsea's record.
On May 13, 2018, at 3 PM local time, all ten matches of the Premier League's final round began simultaneously.
With United already champions, the final round lacked drama, especially without title, relegation, or top-four battles. However, there was interest in whether United could remain unbeaten and set a record for an unbeaten championship season.
The current standings were:
United - 37 matches, 32 wins, 5 draws, 116 goals scored, 21 conceded, 95 goal difference, 101 points. City - 37 matches, 30 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses, 105 goals scored, 32 conceded, 73 goal difference, 94 points. Spurs - 37 matches, 21 wins, 9 draws, 7 losses, 69 goals scored, 34 conceded, 35 goal difference, 72 points. Liverpool - 37 matches, 20 wins, 11 draws, 6 losses, 79 goals scored, 40 conceded, 39 goal difference, 71 points. Chelsea - 37 matches, 20 wins, 7 draws, 10 losses, 62 goals scored, 37 conceded, 25 goal difference, 67 points. Arsenal - 37 matches, 18 wins, 6 draws, 13 losses, 72 goals scored, 53 conceded, 19 goal difference, 60 points. Burnley - 37 matches, 14 wins, 11 draws, 12 losses, 35 goals scored, 38 conceded, -3 goal difference, 53 points.
These seven teams would participate in European competitions next season. United's League Cup win and their and Chelsea's secured European spots ensured Burnley, seventh, a Europa League spot.
Relegation was also settled before the final round, with Stoke City, West Brom, and Swansea City confirmed for the drop.