Seldom have the top sides been so incompetent

It is a peculiar feature of this Premier League season that the only team in the top six that has had a season they can really be proud of is Newcastle United.

Only they did the best job possible with the resources at their disposal, and even Alan Pardew will have some cause for regret if Newcastle’s heavy defeat to Wigan turns out to be the match that cost them Champions League football.

Manchester City will doubtless take great pride in winning their first title for 44 years, but frankly they should have had it wrapped up weeks ago.