Football

THE final day of the Premier League is here, and the action is UNDERWAY around the Premier League!Manchester City took the first step towards the Champions League, with Gundogan scoring an acrobatic effort to put Guardiola’s side ahead.Newcastle, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are all level, with the Blues and Forest taking on each other at the City Ground.Aston Villa have a big task ahead of them in the second 45 minutes, as Emi Martinez was shown red for a last ditch challenge on Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford.The top seven are guaranteed to be playing European football next season, but there is a scenario that eighth could also join, which Brighton and Brentford are battling for.Elsewhere, Trent Alexander-Arnold is on the bench in his final Liverpool appearance, as the side will lift the Premier League trophy against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace TODAY.Kick off times: 4pm BSTTV channels: Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main EventLive streams: NOW TVCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL the action from the final day with our live blog below…KICK-OFF!Back underway at the City Ground.The last – and biggest – 45 minutes of the campaign!Copy linkCopiedBit of a break…Delay to the second half kick-offs in the games involving the Champions League hunters.That Emi Martinez red card meant the half time whistle at Old Trafford was a bit later than the rest.And the Premier League are determined that all games involving those in contention will kick off at the same time…Copy linkCopiedFrom Jack Rosser at Portman RoadThere has been a real lack of intensity from both sides at Portman Road, but the Hammers are ahead thanks to an Ipswich clanger.The real star of the first half has been 40-year-old Lukasz Fabianski.The Pole, playing his final game for the club, is putting on a display to show he’s still got it.There have been a couple of fine balls over the top, two very good saves and even a Cruyff turn.Copy linkCopiedHow we look at the breakThe positions from 1-7 have stayed the same throughout that 45 minutes and look the same at the break.The only change in the games that matter is Brentford finding themselves in 8th spot as they lead Wolves and Brighton trail at Tottenham.That could prove crucial depending on other results and Chelsea in midweek!Forest knew they needed to win and needed Newcastle or Villa to step up.The Toon have been lacklustre and Villa are now down to 10 men, yet both games are still 0-0.Is it written in the stars for Nuno and co?Copy linkCopiedFrom Dave Kidd at the City Ground It’s been anxious, fractious stuff at the City Ground with the height of the stakes all too apparent for both Forest and Chelsea. Pedro Neto and Chris Wood have squandered close-range volleyed chances and Anthony Elanga had a penalty shout turned down after a tangle with Cole Palmer.But it’s very much nil-nil with a big 45 to come. Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordHas Emi Martinez just blown Aston Villa’s chances of Champions League football?His rush of blood as he raced out to body check Rasmus Hojlund earned a red card – and has left his team in big trouble.They weren’t performing at all with 11 men either and are lucky to still be on terms. A huge effort is needed from them from here.Copy linkCopiedAcross the grounds As for the rest of the league, here’s how the matches shape-up at half-time: Bournemouth 0-0 LeicesterFulham 0-1 Man CityIpswich 0-1 West HamLiverpool 0-1 Crystal PalaceMan Utd 0-0 Aston VillaNewcastle 0-0 EvertonNottm Forest 0-0 ChelseaSouthampton 0-1 ArsenalTottenham 1-0 BrightonWolves 0-1 BrentfordCopy linkCopiedLatest updates – Arsenal break deadlock Arsenal is now in the lead!Kieran Tierney, making his final game for the Gunners before rejoining his childhood club Celtic, taps in at the near post after Ben White crosses low into the area.What a fitting way to leave Arsenal.Wolves 0-1 BrentfordSouthampton 0-1 ArsenalNewcastle 0-0 EvertonLiverpool 1-0 Crystal PalaceTottenham 1-0 BrightonCopy linkCopiedHT: Nottingham Forest 0-0 ChelseaGoalless at the break in a pretty nervy and first half, which has made it rather dull.But it’s still all to play for after the break!Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Everton – HALFTIME David Moyes’ men have played the role of frustrators expertly. Newcastle United’s key men have had little space to operate, with a spew of corners sourcing their best chances. As it stands, the result will confirm Champions League status. Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-0 ChelseaCucurella drags down Elanga in front of the dugouts, yet still no yellow card…One minute added on as the floated free kick is pretty awful and straight to Sanchez.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Aston Villa45+1. Emiliano Martinez is sent off!!The Aston Villa goalkeeper – so often brilliant, so often stupid – has done it again, ending a first half in which he has been excellent with a moment of utter madness.Matty Cash’s woeful backpass from halfway is seized upon by Rasmus Hojlund but, with Martinez miles out of his goal, the striker’s first act is to push the ball left past the keeper.What follows is absurd with Martinez launching himself straight at the Dane, clattering into him at full force.Referee Thomas Bramall is straight over with the red card, and there can be few complaints – despite the fact that Hojlund’s touch is so heavy.This is likely to be Martinez’s last game for Villa, and it’s ended 45 minutes early and in ridiculous fashion.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Everton45 – Isak unable to etch his multi-facted dangerousness into this game yet. Everton centre-halves continue to marhsall him out of the danger zones as Barnes is unable to find him across the ball after a wonderful Guimarães back heel cuts the Toffees apart. One minute added. Copy linkCopiedFulham 0-1 Man City43. The Cottagers go close again with half-time looming.Tom Cairney – who is looking like prime Kevin De Bruyne – sprays a pass out to Harry Wilson on the right. He cuts inside, fires, and forces Ederson into a sharp save.Andreas Pereira is first to the rebound, only to shoot into the side netting.Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea42. MASSIVE CHANCE for Chris Wood!So, so nearly a huge goal before the break and he’ll be kicking himself not to have it.He’s been crying out for service all afternoon and gets it when Aina curls a terrific ball into the box from the right.Sanchez comes off his line to claim the low ball in but Wood nips in ahead of him and makes contact but diverts it a yard over!Copy linkCopiedIpswich 0-1 West Ham43. West Ham grab the lead at Portman Road shortly before the break!Ipswich have enjoyed the better of the first half, but it’s the visitors who have struck first through James Ward-Prowse.It’s a straightforward finish from the midfielder, who steers home right-footed following good work from Jarrod Bowen.The Hammers captain had done well to take advantage of a mistake from his opposite number Sam Morsy before his unselfish act in the box.Copy linkCopiedMan Utd 0-0 Aston Villa39. Aston Villa finally start to edge their way into this encounter.John McGinn has had a couple of sighters in the last few minutes, although hasn’t been willing to put any faith in his right foot.Now the visitors force a corner, although it turns out to be one that doesn’t trouble Altay Bayindir in the United goal.In terms of the Champions League chasing clubs, only Manchester City have found the back of the net. Newcastle’s home game with Everton and the crunch clash between Forest and Chelsea remain goalless.Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea39. Ironic cheers around the City Ground as Wood wins a free kick on halfway.That’s taken short and Elanga tries to drive down the left and cut into the box but it’s Palmer doing the defensive work to shove him off the ball and get it clear.Copy linkCopiedLatest updates – Liverpool trail, Brentford up to 8thDean Henderson keeps Palace ahead. Luis Diaz spins and shoots after Mo Salah floats a beautiful pass into his path, but Henderson saves with his legs and the ball travels behind for a corner that is easily cleared.As he attempts to leave his impact on the game, Diaz has already had three opportunities.Wolves 0-1 BrentfordSouthampton 0-0 ArsenalNewcastle 0-0 EvertonLiverpool 1-0 Crystal PalaceTottenham 1-0 BrightonCopy linkCopiedFulham 0-1 Man City35. Tom Cairney almost gets Fulham back on level terms in West London.The Cottagers captain is unfortunate when his volley crashes into Bernardo Silva, and then he goes even closer when Andreas Pereira tees him for a second go.A trademark left-foot curler follows and is inches wide of Ederson’s left-hand post.Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Everton37 – Gordon hits the byline with the knowledge he has the immediate advantage on Young with a yellow card and gets his cross in which Mykolenko nicks out for another corner. It follows a series of corners from Tonali, with Botman seeing two efforts stopped by Pickford. Copy linkCopiedFrom Martin Blackburn at Old TraffordA surprisingly positive start from United amid the gloom – as they bid to at least give their supporters something to smile about.Mount and Fernandes should both have given the home side an early lead while sub Dalot struck a post.But as we know, United don’t score nearly enough goals –  and fans will be starting to feel like they’ve seen this movie before.Villa have yet to get going. Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea31. First yellow card of the game and it’s Elliot Anderson who picks it up.His tenth of the season as he wiped out Noni Madueke on halfway.The Forest fans unhappy about that one. Not so much he received a yellow as it was reckless, but that Chelsea have maybe got away with one or two before that.Hopefully that sparks the game into life a touch.Copy linkCopiedNottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea29. What a chance – and what a miss!Chelsea catch Forest a bit out of position at the back and Palmer finds himself out on the right.His cross in with his weaker right foot is a cracker and Neto – on the stretch and finishing awkwardly – can’t keep the ball down six yards out and blazes well over!Copy linkCopiedNewcastle 0-0 Everton31 – The pace quickens as Livarmento cuts inside and mustards his pass to Tonali. The Italian is urged to shoot, which he obliges and Pickford answers his call to action with a parry that Isak can’t rebound in as the Everton goalkeeper recovers quick. Copy linkCopied More

THE final day of the Premier League is done, with the race for the Champions League now DECIDED. Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle were the three who qualified for the Champions League, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, missing out on qualification.The Blues beat Forest at the City Ground to secure qualification, while City were winners against Fulham, and despite a loss to Everton, results went the way of Newcastle.Villa missed out, after an Emi Martinez red card meant the ten men were unable to keep United out, as they lost 2-0 at Old Trafford.Elsewhere, champions Liverpool were held by Crystal Palace, and Brighton finished in eighth, with a European spot still on the table for the Seagulls. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL the action from the final day with our live blog below…Record-breakersDespite the madness in that Spurs stat, Southampton took it one further… Southampton have become the first team in Premier League history to lose 30 games in a single season, overtaking Derby County’s 29 defeats during their 2007–08 season. Will Will Still resurrect the Saints? Copy linkCopiedHistoric second season for Ange One of the other clubs that Marco Silva was linked to was Spurs. His stay may not change Daniel Levy’s managerial plans as Ange Postecoglou sweats out his future at the north London club after a historic season in charge. Tottenham Hotspur lost 22 league games this season, the most ever by a team that avoided relegation in a 38-game Premier League campaign, Opta cites. Copy linkCopiedImpactful IwobiOne of those players that might need convincing is Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian playmaker has produced a career-best season for himself. Joint-most apps (38) Joint-most G/A (15) Joint-most NPGs (9) Most big chances created (12) Most key passes (59) Most through balls (15) Joint-most successful dribbles (48)Copy linkCopiedSilva set to stayFulham, unlike Bournemouth, narrowly missed out on a top-half finish – but face a similar summer of interest. Manager Marco Silva had been linked away from the club with the lack, specifically the clubs in the Saudi Pro League circling. However, Silva has made his intentions clear as he hopes his key players will follow: “I will stay at Fulham. I will be here next season.”“The decision is made,” he told Talksport. Copy linkCopiedKerkez transfer hint Bournemouth’s high-flying full-back has been linked to the newly crowed champions, Liverpool, for quite some time – and has given the clearest hint so far that his future may be sorted “next week.”In an Instagram post, he said: “38 games, 38 started, we finished the job and broke the record, thanks to the fans and everyone for support, thanks to the gaffer for trusting me to start all 38 games and special thanks to the one above for keeping me safe and healthy and of course nothing would be possible without my family, I don’t know what will happen in next week but cherries family thank you!”Copy linkCopiedOne more… Exceptional. Copy linkCopiedCopy linkCopiedImportant dates What other dates should you have jotted down? Premier League 2025-26 fixtures announced – 18 JuneStart of the new Premier League season – 16 AugustChampions League – league phase draw – 28 AugustEuropa League – league phase draw – 29 AugustConference League – league phase draw – 29 AugustCopy linkCopiedWhen is the 2025 summer transfer window?As the season draws a close, the transfer window beckons an opening. Due to an extraordinary registration time for the extended Club World Cup, Premier League teams will start their summer transfer market early, from Sunday, June 1 to Tuesday, June 10.After that, on Monday, June 16, it will reopen until Monday, September 1, which is Deadline Day.Copy linkCopied’Arne has been fantastic’ says Liverpool CEO Hogan Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan speaking to Sky Sports about appointing Arne Slot: “We had the benefit of time. Jurgen [Klopp] made his decision and announcement in January and that allowed for a reset. Michael Edwards coming in at FSG and then hiring Richard Hughes they had the time to go through a proper process to find the right person.”You never know until that person comes in but Arne has been fantastic. He taken what was a very strong strong and what was existing and they were just relentless this year.On the summer plans: “When we have something to say, we will say it. That is the way we operate at this club. Hopefully we have things to say but we won’t be giving anything away.”Copy linkCopiedGrealish exclusion ‘not personal’ – GuardiolaStaying on the topic of possible departures… The possible destination of Jack Grealish will be one to follow with intrigue. “Not personal” was Pep Guardiola’s explanation for Grealish’s exclusion from Man City’s squad for their final-day trip to Fulham.As City finished third in the Premier League, the English playmaker only started seven games.Guardiola just replied to enquiries regarding his exclusion by attributing it to “selection” when the team announcement was revealed.Speaking in his post-match press conference at Craven Cottage, the Spaniard said: “The last two months, month, month-and-a-half, I was [left] five, six players at home at a time, and now this time, I decided [that] for these guys. No more than that. I don’t have anything.”Of course, Jack has to play. That’s the truth. Jack is an unbelievable player that has to play football every three days. And it didn’t happen this season, and last season neither. And he needs to do it with us, or another place”But that is a question for Jack, his agent, and the club. If he stays, we’ll be fine, and he’ll fight like he fought since day one to make a contribution.””[James] McAtee played against Aston Villa, was exceptional, and against Wolves, was exceptional. Today he was not selected either. Why don’t you ask me about McAtee, for example? It’s not personal. I don’t have any problems with the players.”Copy linkCopiedDelap has McKenna best wishesLiam Delap has garnered interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton in recent weeks after the emergence of a relegation buy-out clause. Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said in his post-match presser after the club’s final Premier League: “Liam Delap has had a really strong season, no doubt about it. For his first season in the Premier League. His highs have been really high and he’s shown a performance at the highest level that’s almost unplayable. “His ceiling is top, of course, he’s a young player learning all the time, still got a lot to improve to do his best consistently is natural for a lot of young players. His ceiling is really high, we’ll see what the summer brings. “He’s been good to work with and a great signing for the club. What happens in the summer will happen and if he’s not here, it will be with all our best wishes and we will be following his career.”Copy linkCopiedPostecoglou pleads for Romero stayGiven Atletico Madrid’s interest, Ange Postecoglou claims it is “no-brainer” for Tottenham to retain onto Cristian Romero this summer.Romero’s statement in an interview with Argentine media a few months ago that he would love to play in La Liga raised questions about his future with Spurs.However, with two years remaining on his contract, Postecoglou hopes the Argentina defender may be persuaded to remain in north London after the Europa League victory guaranteed their spot in the Champions League for the upcoming season.“It’s very important to keep Cuti Romero and for the long term,” said under fire Postecoglou. “For me it’s a no-brainer with players like him. If he goes who do you replace him with? There aren’t a lot of players out there like him. “Romero is absolutely important to keep at this football club. You just saw the way he’s been in recent games and he hasn’t been entirely fit with his toe. The lads respect him highly.”Copy linkCopied’I’m grateful for those departing’ – Pereira After several Wolves players bid farewell in the locker room after a 1-1 draw with Brentford on the final day of the season, Wolves manager Vitor Pereira acknowledged that he felt upset.Following the game, Nelson Semedo and Matheus Cunha approached the Sir Jack Hayward stand with what appeared to be their final farewells to the fans as the players entered the field with their families.Cunha has been linked to a transfer to Manchester United, while Semedo is out of contract and has not yet accepted a four-year offer on the table. Pereira said: “This is a group of players, maybe the best group that I worked with until now. We don’t know if the players that will leave, maybe some of them will leave but we want to keep the base. Maybe the last game from some of them.“We start to speak, the emotions come. I cannot leave my players without a big hug before the holidays.“You saw the same (Cunha saying goodbye), Nelson too. I don’t know. But what is important, and what I said to them I will keep them in my heart and wish them the best.“Sometimes in our life we need to make decisions, if they decide for another way I wish them the best and will keep them in my heart and I’m very grateful for what they did in the last months.”Copy linkCopiedRaya ‘more settled’ at Arsenal after back-to-back winAnd from Raya, who is the first Arsenal goalkeeper to achieve back-to-back awards… Golden Glove winner David Raya post-match: “I’m very pleased with my individual season. I stepped up my game from last year to this year, being a bit more settled into this amazing club. I’m just trying to do my job and help the team as much as possible.”On the win over Southampton and Arsenal’s season: “Three points was the main thing. I don’t think the performance was the best. You could tell we were tired and lack a bit of rhythm, but we got over the line. That’s the most important thing.”We know that there were some times [this season] where we conceded goals when we shouldn’t have, dropped points when we shouldn’t have. That’s part of football and something we need to learn. We need to see games out sometimes.”Copy linkCopiedGolden Glove winners speak This season’s golden glove was commendably shared by David Raya and Matz Sels with 13 clean sheets each. Nottingham Forest goalkeeper and Golden Glove winner Matz Sels, speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s a big achievement so I’m really happy but not only for me but for the team. It means we had a great season, almost the whole season on a Champions League spot. Sadly we couldn’t finish it today but we need to be proud of the season we’ve had. We will play in Europe.”When I came last year, I came in a difficult situation. This kind of achievement is always from the team. It’s the same if a striker scorers a lot of goals.”Copy linkCopiedCherries cheerAs for the rest of the Cherries individual honours, here’s how they follow after the best league finish in the club’s history: Justin Kluivert – Junior Cherries Player of the Season Ryan Christie – Supporters’ Player of the Season Copy linkCopiedReal-bound Huijsen named Bournemouth’s POTSSomeone who is probably hard done by not to have a selection is Bournemouth’s Players’ Player of the Season and impending Real Madrird centre-back, Dean Huijsen.Bought for £12.6 million, sold for £50 million; Huijsen’s rapid ascend has been as joyful as the football he plays. Copy linkCopiedOpta TOTSOpta have just revealed their Team Of The Season for the 2024/25 campaign.Four Liverpool players make the team, with two from Arsenal and Josko Gvardiol the only Man City representative.Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo well worthy of their inclusions.Opta TOTS: Sels, Alexander-Arnold, Saliba, Van Dijk, Gvardiol, Rice, Gravenberch, Cunha, Mbeumo, Salah, IsakCopy linkCopiedSpurs bitter sweet season endTottenham’s season-ending position in the Premier League is a troubling 17th.They concluded the campaign with a 4-1 loss, leaving them with 22 losses overall, but they did win a trophy to end the everlasting meme gag. The league results are unavoidable, but football is primarily about winning, and the Europa League is a major reward in next season’s rejuvenation. The examination around how Ange Postecoglou has oversaw such a bipolar season will be done in offseason but for now celebrations on the Europa League will continue – for both players and spectators, and Heung-min Son, who most certainly deserves the triumph.Copy linkCopiedProud of the growthNuno Espirito Santo says when he looks back on the season he’ll feel nothing but pride in his Nottingham Forest side.They’ve bagged themselves Conference League football for next season – their first season in Europe for 30 years!But had they won today, it would’ve been a table amongst the elite of Europe.Nuno told BBC 5 Live: “Look, first of all we have to thank the players. They really did well since day one. In a couple of hours when we look back we will be proud.”Things change, away from home we have been competing better, but out fans deserve more.”It is about realising, overall, honestly we should be proud of the growing process that we have achieved.”It is a good step moving forward. It is going to be a test and a challenge.”Copy linkCopiedLooking forwardStill plenty of reaction to the final day to come.But we’re just 83 days from the start of the new season, woohoo!The bookmakers have already priced up next season – with Liverpool backed to back it up!Premier League winner 2025/26Liverpool 15/8Man City 9/4Arsenal 5/2Newcastle 12/1Chelsea 22/1Man United, Aston Villa 33/1Tottenham 66/1Nottingham Forest 150/1Brighton 200/1Bournemouth 300/1Fulham, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Everton 500/1Leeds, Wolves, Burnley, Brentford, Sunderland 1000/1Copy linkCopiedCollins tops the chartsAs we continue the statistical mood, here’s another: The only outfield player to play 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 minute in the Premier League this season… Brentford’s Nathan Collins. Two players did it last season: William Saliba and Max Kilman. The centre-back trend continues. Copy linkCopiedAmorim: The good days are comingRuben Amorim wheeled out his underperforming Manchester United players and scolded them like naughty schoolboys in front of the Old Trafford crowd.However, after explaining how much of a disappointment his squad had been, the Portuguese boss went on to defiantly tell fans that the good times were coming back to United,”First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I’m really disappointed with the team,” Amorim announced to the crowd following the final day win over Aston Villa.”The second thing I want to say is thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season. I know it was really hard to support us in many games, but now we have to make a choice.”Do we stay stuck in the past because this season is now in the past? Do we fight each other? Or do we stick together and move forward?”The good days are coming!”Copy linkCopiedWith his awardMatz Sels with a terrific reception as he’s brought back out onto the City Ground pitch with his Golden Glove award.The 31-year-old has been a standout in a squad full of stars linked with moves elsewhere.A clean sheet in almost one-third of the league games!Copy linkCopied More