Is this a low-quality race for Champions League qualification, or evidence of a competitive Premier League?

This season, the quality of the Premier League’s Champions League race feels a little diluted.The barriers to entry are being lowered, with the Premier League having now secured an additional Champions League place based on the collective performance of its nine teams in Europe this season.That was also the case last season, but the fight for fifth felt more vigorous. Newcastle United pipped Aston Villa to the spot on the final day, finishing on 66 points and ahead on goal difference.Advertisement