Frustrating finale for Manuel Pellegrini

Manchester City 2 Arsenal 2: The breathtaking game of musical chairs in the chase for Champions League football took yet another twist yesterday after Manuel Pellegrini’s last home game as Manchester City manager ended the same way as so much of his three-year reign — in under-achievement and frustration.

Twice City led, with Kevin De Bruyne’s breathtaking second half solo goal looking good enough to clinch victory, only for Pellegrini’s men to twice surrender that lead and hand an advantage to bitter rivals Manchester United in the chase for the fourth and final position in Europe’s top competition next season.

Victory for United at West Ham tomorrow night and at home to Bournemouth on Sunday and fourth place is theirs, regardless of what City do at Swansea.