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      Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fans

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD broke down in tears in his Liverpool farewell – and received an incredible Anfield send-offThe departing right-back was benched for the Premier League champion’s final game of the season at home to Crystal Palace.Trent Alexander-Arnold shed tears in his Liverpool farewellCredit: GettyLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk embraces with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: EPAAlexander-Arnold won two Prem titles at LiverpoolCredit: GettyHe was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Brighton and faced BOOS at Anfield after coming off the bench against Arsenal. Even Jurgen Klopp – who handed Alexander-Arnold his debut – condemned the boo boys. But in his last game for Liverpool, he came off the bench in place of Conor Bradley and received a warm welcome by fans. Alexander-Arnold was also cheered when he received his winners medal and the boyhood Red kissed the badge in response.READ MORE IN football While on the bench he looked like he was fighting back tears – but he could not hold it in at the final whistle.He peered around Anfield while wearing Liverpool red for the final time and gave his team-mates a farewell hug.He tapped and kissed the badge he has worn for 20 years while cheers echoed around Anfield. And that will be the lasting memory he would have hoped for before stepping out as a Liverpool player for the final time. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlexander-Arnold admitted he was not sure what reception he was going to get at Anfield – but demanded one more match in red.He said: “I didn’t know what to expect stepping out at Anfield today after what had happened. “But I wanted to play for the club one more time, I told the manager, and he trusted me. “The reception I got means so much to me. I have never felt more loved and more cared for than today. “I hope that one day the fans and supporters of this club are able to recognise the hard work I put in for this team. “From six to 26, 20 years is a very long time. I have loved every second of it, it has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of this club. “I’ll remember these moments for the rest of my life. This day will go down as the best in my life.”Trent struggled to hold his emotions in checkCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold made his Liverpool debut in 2016Credit: PAHe won the Champions League in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorLiverpool won their first title in 30 years in 2020Credit: AFPIt’s little surprise TAA was so emotional, the defender did come through Liverpool’s academy – making his debut aged 16 in 2016 under Klopp.He later became a first-team regular in the German’s side, winning the Champions League in 2018.One year later and Alexander-Arnold helped Liverpool to the league title – their first in 30 years. In 2021, Alexander-Arnold signed a new four-year Liverpool deal. And despite talks throughout the season, Liverpool could not manage to convince the player to extend it once more.An offer which would have made him one of the highest-paid full-backs in the world was said to have been rejected. Madrid are believed to have made a cut-price £20million bid for the defender in January – but Liverpool rejected it. Alexander-Arnold, though, had his heart set on the Spanish capital where England team-mate Jude Bellingham has been since his £115m move in 2023. Finally, on May 5 Liverpool finally confirmed his exit with a blunt statement. It read: “Trent Alexander-Arnold has informed Liverpool FC of his intention to leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his current contract.” Alexander-Arnold said: “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it. “I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here. “I think first and foremost, I want to say it’s not an easy decision and there’s a lot of thought and feeling that has gone into it.”I’ve been here 20 years now, loved every single minute of it, achieved all my dreams, achieved everything I’ve ever wanted to here.” He told fans directly: “There’s a lot I would like to say. The main thing is a massive thank you. “You guys have been there from the start with me, you guys have supported me, been there.“I’ve felt the support, the love, everything that you guys have done has never been unnoticed by me, I’ve loved every single minute of it. “I hope they have felt that has been reciprocated and that I’ve given everything I could to the club.“I’m just hoping that we’re able to carry on winning games, the noise [around my decision] doesn’t take away from the fact of what we’ve achieved this season.“It has been an amazing season. It has been amazing to be part of it and I just hope that everyone is able to maybe not dwell on this news for too long and be able to celebrate what the rest of the lads have done.”Liverpool legend and former Madrid star Xabi Alonso is expected to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.England team-mates Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold are closeCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold is expected to play in the Club World Cup for Real MadridCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd Reds boss Arne Slot warned: “He’s going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.”In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly.”He’s going to leave anyway so why not, it might be the first gift I can give Xabi Alonso.”I wasn’t completely happy with every single minute he was on the training ground.”In my opinion there were certain moments he could do more, to put it mildly.” Alexander-Arnold was defended by fuming ex-manager Klopp after being subjected to boos by his own supporters. Klopp said: “I don’t want to tell anybody what they shall think, I don’t want to tell you what you have to think.Jurgen Klopp spoke out in defence of Alexander-ArnoldCredit: PAAlexander-Arnold received his ex-manager’s backingCredit: Getty”But I can tell you what you think is wrong. That’s what I can do. Because I’m an old man and I don’t waste time hiding my opinion.”Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the players that made it all happen.”This boy, 18-years-old, scored a free-kick in Hoffenheim where if he doesn’t score that we don’t qualify for the Champions League.”Against Barcelona he did the most cheeky thing in the world and set up the goal for 4-0, a result and a game which will not happen again.”I don’t tell you that you should not be disappointed, you should not be angry. I tell you don’t forget. “This club doesn’t forget. We are famous for not forgetting, we don’t forget anything. I watched the game where he came on and I heard the booing.”I switched the telly off because, honestly, I could not have been more disappointed in this moment.”This is not us. 100 per cent not us. Be angry, don’t understand, whatever.Alexander-Arnold with Liverpool manager Arne SlotCredit: APSlot gave the inbound Madrid star a farewell against PalaceCredit: Reuters”This boy, I was there everyday, if he didn’t give everything I would tell you now. But everyday he gave absolutely everything to this badge.”Now he decided after 20 years at this club that he wants to go somewhere else.”Why didn’t he sign a new contract?’ I hear this from fans, this money discussion: ‘He goes without a transfer fee’.”If somebody should be angry about that it’s the owners, but they are not.”He wears the Liverpool badge in the skin. But now he plays for another club. We decide how we deal with that.”Read More on The SunThe inbound Real Madrid star held back tears on the benchCredit: ReutersAlexander-Arnold and Mo Salah hug at AnfieldCredit: APCurtis Jones hugs Alexander-ArnoldCredit: AFPAlexander-Arnold got his hands on the league title againCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Amorim vows ‘good days are coming’ after ‘disaster season’ as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology

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      RUBEN AMORIM apologised to Manchester United supporters at the end of their disastrous record-breaking season.But some of the players watching the show didn’t seem too happy at the gaffer digging them out in front of thousands.His players watched on stony-faced as he addressed the crowdCredit: GettyRuben Amorim apologised to Manchester United fans for the nightmare seasonCredit: ReutersThe Red Devils capped off the nightmare campaign with a 2-0 win at home against Aston Villa.That was just their 11th win of the season – and it came after a fan protest against the owners outside Old Trafford. Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen got the goals – after Morgan Rogers’ finish was controversially disallowed by a premature referee’s whistle. Then after full-time, Amorim took the microphone on the pitch to address the crowd. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIn the fitting pouring rain and in front of his stony-faced players, the Portuguese boss said: “First of all, I want to apologise.”It was really disappointing with the team.”Secondly, I want to say thank you. “We are very grateful for your support during the season.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAs the microphone cut in and out, Amorim continued: “I know it was really hard to support us in many games.”But now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past.”Because this season is in the past, it’s over.Ruben Amorim breaks silence over futures of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho”We fight each other or we stick together and move forward.”That prompted huge roars from the 74,000-seater stadium.Amorim added: “Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you a storm is coming.”Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.”And that sparked another massive cheer. Amorim finished: “If there is one club in the world that have proven in the past that can overcome any situation, any disaster, it’s our club, it’s Manchester United Football Club.”Now I want to say sorry also to my players.”Sometimes I was not fair but I try always to be honest with you guys.”Thank you very much and see you next season.”Amad Diallo was once again the star of the showCredit: PAThe speech was met with resounding applause from all four sides of Old Trafford.But while some players clapped his efforts, many stood non-plussed with their arms behind their backs.Amorim arrived in Manchester to replace Erik ten Hag in November but struggled to turn around their horror form. United finished 15th in the table on just 42 points – their lowest place and tally in Premier League history. Amorim labelled his crop of flops the “worst United team ever” – and their performances on the pitch have justified the claim. The fallen giant’s one chance to salvage something from the season came in the Europa League.But United failed to turn up as they lost 1-0 in Wednesday’s Bilbao final to Tottenham.Amorim hinted afterwards he may be ready to leave without compensation if the board no longer wants him – having already threatened to quit should he fail to turn things around. However, he then backtracked and insisted he is planning to stay put next season. Read More on The SunInstead, the entire playing squad is up for sale this summer.And Amorim has reportedly told Alejandro Garnacho to find a new club when the transfer window reopens. Amorim watched on as United took on VillaCredit: AFPHe applauded the supporters on a lap of honour after the speechCredit: AlamyFans protested against the ownership beforeCredit: Reuters More

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      Liverpool lift Premier League trophy in front of joyous fans in emotional scenes as Reds celebrate title No20

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      THIS TIME there was no hollow, empty atmosphere. Just the sound of sheer, unbridled joy.This time Anfield was full to capacity – 62,000 partying and singing their songs of praise when five years earlier the Covid lockdown meant that not one of them could be there to celebrate with their heroes. Liverpool are the Premier League championsCredit: GettySkipper Virgil van Dijk lifted the trophyCredit: ReutersArne Slot got his hands on trophy as the party continuedCredit: PATrent Alexander-Arnold was cheered by Liverpool fansCredit: GettyEgyptian King Mo Salah matched a Premier League recordCredit: PAIcon Alan Hansen presented Van Dijk with the trophy and joined in with the celebrationsCredit: ReutersReds won the title on 84 pointsCredit: GettyVirgil van Dijk lifted the trophy, Mo Salah then proudly raised it above his head and even Trent Alexander-Arnold got huge cheers before his departure.Players lined up in front of the Kop and belted out You’ll Never Walk Alone together in emotional scenes.Salah told Sky Sports: “It’s incredible. We didn’t have a chance to do it in front of the Kop last time.“Last time it was in the pandemic, which wasn’t a great feeling but still a Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“To win the second one with the fans at Anfield, first the Spurs game and now today – you can see how much it means.”Last time we didn’t have a chance. It’s an incredible feeling in front of the crowd.”Van Dijk added: “The moment we were confirmed champions against Spurs, it felt like four months ago.“It was very emotional, a very special day for my mum, wife and kids. It’s incredible and nobody can take this one away from us.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLiverpool’s South American quartet Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz posed with the trophy togetherCredit: GettyIt is the club’s 20th league titleCredit: ReutersThey sung You’ll Never Walk Alone with fansCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold tapped the Liverpool badge after his last appearanceCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold was seen in tears as his family joined him on the pitchCredit: PAArne Slot paid tribute to Alexander-Arnold, saying: “He’s leaving such a great club and he knows, he feels it. It’s not only a club he leaves, he’s been here for 20 years and knows everyone.“It’s normal after a few years to miss it, let alone after 20. Let alone if it’s Liverpool.“He’s shown today, the fans showed a great reaction to him, but the quality he had today is why it’s such a pity he’s going to leave.”An emotional Alexander-Arnold burst into tears as his family came onto the pitch to say goodbye to the club with him.Earlier as Liverpool were held 1-1 by Palace, fans had even laughed when Ismaila Sarr stuck the visitors into the lead after nine minutes.And Ryan Gravenberch being red carded for a last-man challenge on Daichi Kamada with a quarter of the game to go, few of them gave a hoot.Although they did very much love the Salah deflected equaliser that gave him yet another record – his 84th minute strike put him level with Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.They made their mark with 47 goal contributions in a 42-game Prem season. Anfield’s Egyptian king, and now the holder of both the Prem Player of the year and Football Writers’ Association equivalent, got there in 38.Last time Liverpool won the title the campaign ended up being played out to the sound of silence.When their 19th success was confirmed on the night of June 25, 2020 then-boss Jurgen Klopp and his players were allowed to enjoy it only in front of family, a handful of friends and staff.The seats around them in the main stands as former skipper Jordan Henderson lifted the Prem trophy were adorned with the flags of fans denied the privilege but desperate to somehow make their presence felt.Yet those emblems could not cover up the coronavirus–enforced eerie vacuum of that half-lit occasion.Players celebrated in front of the KopLiverpool players partied in the dressing roomKlopp and his champs tried to make the best of it, that night, after Chelsea had beaten Manchester City 2-1 to ensure Liverpool glory with a Prem record–seven games to spare.But they were smiling and waving to almost nobody. Never had such good times seemed so downbeat especially amidst the fears and worries that were gripping the nation.Nothing could disguise how surreal and strange that moment was, as Klopp, Henderson and the team bellowed in triumph, their shouts echoing around a deserted Anfield.This time, as Alan Hansen, the last captain to lift the title trophy in front of fans after 1990 First Division glory, waited to present the Prem version to Van Dijk, you could hardly hear yourself speak.Ironically Palace were the visitors having suffered a 4-0 defeat 24 hours before those sadly muted celebrations after City’s defeat. But, this time, Oliver Glasner’s players arrived chuffed to bits with themselves too as new FA Cup holders having also reached another historic milestone by racking up the club’s highest total of points in the Prem era.Very much a coming force, they were intent on spoiling the party.Within a defence that has been on the beach since clinching the title against Tottenham a month ago, Sarr finished clinically and the travelling support threw their inflatable FA Cup replicas up in the air.Nobody in red cared that much.So happy were they that even the second half emergence of Alexander-Arnold as a replacement for Conor Bradley was met mainly with applause.Jurgen Klopp stood proud in the standsMo Salah was presented with the Golden Boot by legend Ian RushCredit: GettyYet he was booed roundly after replacing him in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, seen as a deserter because he’s going to Real Madrid.  Nothing, not even defeat could take away from the vibe and skipper Van Dijk set the tone in his programme note.He wrote: “Having been denied this in 2020, we all have a duty to make the most of this opportunity, and to make it the most happy and joyful experience possible“We have to enjoy these moments because these are the things we work for every single day.”The Dutchman, honoured by the giant mural of his face that now decorates a terrace-end nearby, added: “The idea of being at Anfield and lifting that trophy in front of all our supporters?“That’s something different. It’s something special.”And boy did everyone do their duty, the faithful having been filling the streets around Anfield for hours before kick – off.Unlike five years ago a multitude more of them – maybe up to the same 750,000 who turned out for Liverpool’s open – top bus parade after the 2019 Champions League triumph – will be there tomorrow to laud the Prem champions. But last time, of course, there was no city – wide street party and no parade. Of those denied that glory ride Van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, in his farewell game before leaving for Real Madrid, Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher remain around to take part in all the fun this time.Along, of course, Salah, top scorer in the 2019-20 season, top scorer this season too with 29 now, ahead of his team mates like in every one since he arrived from Roma in 2017 for £36.5M.And watching on, ready to party for real this time too as well as looking about ten years younger, was Klopp himself who at the end of last season left to be replaced by Arne Slot but whose heart remains at Anfield. Read More on The SunThere were fears his decision to walk alone might signal crisis.Last night, amidst all the festivities, that sounded like quite a laugh too.Mo Salah scored the goal for LiverpoolCredit: ReutersIt was Salah’s 47th goal contribution this seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League top scorers 2024/25: Who won the Golden Boot?

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      ERLING HAALAND had stopped Premier League rivals from getting anywhere near the Golden Boot since he moved to England – but things changed this season!The Manchester City goal-scoring machine secured the prestigious award for a second successive season during the 2023/24 campaign despite being injured for approximately eight weeks.Erling Haaland’s Golden Boot run is overCredit: ReutersMo Salah scored the most goals and created the most assists this seasonCredit: GettyAnd after scoring a record-breaking 36 goals during his first year with the Premier League champions, Haaland scored 27 during the 2023-25.But the Norwegian star failed to make it three in a row thanks to a certain Egyptian superstar.Who won the 2024/25 Golden Boot?Mo Salah won this year’s Golden Boot after scoring 29 Premier League goals in a title-winning season.Mohamed Salah – Liverpool – 29Alexander Isak – Newcastle – 23Erling Haaland – Man City – 22Chris Wood – Nottingham Forest – 20Bryan Mbeumo – Brentford – 19Yoane Wissa – Brentford – 19Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa – 16Matheus Cunha – Wolves – 15Cole Palmer – Chelsea – 15Jorgen Strand Larsen – Wolves – 14Read more on Premier LeagueHas any player won the Golden Boot three times in a row?Arsenal legend Thierry Henry did the tremendous trio from 2003/04 to 2005/06.While the Premier League’s top goal scorer and Newcastle hero Alan Shearer did it a few years earlier from 1994/95 to 1996/97.If Erling Haaland wins the Golden Boot this season, he’ll be in the company of a couple of sporting icons.Thierry Henry is the last player to win the Golden Boot three times in a rowCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWho has previously won the Premier League Golden Boot?1992/93 – Terry Sheringham (Tottenham), 22 goals1993/94 – Andy Cole (Newcastle), 34 goals1994/95 – Alan Shearer (Blackburn), 34 goals1995/96 – Alan Shearer (Blackburn), 31 goals1996/97 – Alan Shearer (Newcastle), 25 goals1997/98 – Chris Sutton (Blackburn), Dion Dublin (Coventry), Michael Owen (Liverpool), 18 goals1998/99 – Michael Owen (Liverpool), Dwight Yorke (Man Utd), Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink (Leeds), 18 goals1999/00 – Kevin Phillips (Sunderland), 30 goals2000/01 – Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink (Chelsea), 23 goals2001/02 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 24 goals2002/03 – Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd), 25 goals2003/04 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 30 goals2004/05 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 25 goals2005/06 – Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 27 goals2006/07 – Didier Drogba (Chelsea), 20 goals2007/08 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), 31 goals2008/09 – Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), 19 goals2009/10 – Didier Drogba (Chelsea), 29 goals2010/11 – Carlos Tevez (Man City), Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd), 20 goals2011/12 – Robin van Persie (Arsenal), 30 goals2012/13 – Robin van Persie (Man Utd), 26 goals2013/14 – Luis Suarez (Liverpool), 31 goals2014/15 – Sergio Aguero (Man City), 26 goals2015/16 – Harry Kane (Tottenham), 25 goals2016/17 – Harry Kane (Tottenham), 29 goals2017/18 – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), 32 goals2018/19 – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), 22 goals2019/20 – Jamie Vardy (Leicester), 23 goals2020/21 – Harry Kane (Tottenham), 23 goals2021/22 – Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Son Heung-min (Tottenham), 23 goals2022/23 – Erling Haaland (Man City), 36 goals2023/24 – Erling Haaland (Man City), 27 goals More

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      Man Utd 2 Aston Villa 0: Amad scores after controversial disallowed goal to ruin Villans’ Champions League hopes

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S season of mayhem and madness ended in a crazy flurry of red cards and red mist – as Aston Villa missed out on the Champions League in hugely controversial fashion.First Villa keeper Emi Martinez got his marching orders for a jaw-dropping body check on Rasmus Hojlund after racing from his area.Morgan Rogers had a goal controversially ruled out by the refereeCredit: ReutersVilla’s protests were in vain as the whistle had already goneCredit: ReutersAmad Diallo opened the scoring with a header moments laterCredit: PAAnd then just when Villa thought they had snatched a goal to put them in touching distance of a Champions League slot, Morgan Rogers saw his would-be winner dramatically KO’d.Rogers pounced to spin and shoot into an unguarded net from an angle, after Altay Bayindir appeared to let the ball slip from his grasp as he went to smother Harry Maguire’s wayward header.But referee Thomas Bramall had blown for a foul – kicking the ball from his hands – before the Villa striker turned to finish the chance.And even though replays suggested it could easily have been an incorrect call, the fact he had whistled before Rogers’ shot meant VAR Stuart Attwell could not get involved.READ MORE ON MAN UTDEven then a point may have been enough for Villa, who had sneaked into fifth place courtesy of Everton going ahead at Newcastle.But 15 minutes from the end, Bruno Fernandes floated a cross to the far post that cried out to be finished – and Amad Diallo’s header made sure it was.To be fair, it was a lead United had merited in a game they had dominated long, long before they had a man advantage.Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Fernandes and Amad had all gone close to putting them ahead… and that was before we even got to half-time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy the time we did, Villa were down to ten, thanks to that crazy Martinez moment, caused by Matty Cash’s woefully short backpass.As Hojlund hared on to the loose ball, the Villa keeper darted from his goal and smashed into his red-shirted opponent.FIRE SALE at Old Trafford! EVERY Man Utd Star Up for Grabs — Even Mainoo & Garnacho!Referee Bramall was pointing the way to the dressing room almost before he arrived on the scene. Amazingly, Martinez stood with arms outstretched, protesting his innocence.Clearly, with the plea that Hojlund was heading away from goal… and he certainly was by the time the South American had finished with him.Of course, it wouldn’t have been United if they still hadn’t made heavy weather of it even then, as if intent on finishing their chaotic campaign with another cock-up.But then, five minutes from time, Ian Maatsen clipped Amad’s heels on the right edge of the box and Christian Eriksen – in his final game for United – buried the penalty.Villa chief Unai Emery applauded sarcastically at what he felt was another shocking call against his side.But he would be better served focusing on the shocking one his keeper made.Emi Martinez was sent off just before half-time for clattering Rasmus HojlundCredit: GettyIt could be the goalkeeper’s final appearance for Aston VillaCredit: GettyHojlund had a goal chalked out for offsideCredit: GettyAmad marked his goal with a muted celebrationCredit: ReutersChristian Eriksen fired home his penalty in the late stages of his final United gameCredit: PABayindir lost control of the ball before having his pocket pickedCredit: PAUnai Emery made his feelings clear as the referee left the fieldCredit: AFPRuben Amorim addressed the crowd with a speechCredit: AFP More

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      Final Premier League table revealed with nine teams in Europe and Man Utd finishing in embarrassing position

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      THIS is how the final Premier League table looks – after a dramatic race for Champions League on the final day of the season. Liverpool already had the title wrapped up in April and finished on 84 points after drawing with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Anfield.The two will now rematch at Wembley in August when the Community Shield kicks off the new season. Arsenal came second for the THIRD campaign in a row having also bailed out in the semi-finals stages of the Champions League.The Gunners ended their campaign with a 2-1 win at rock-bottom Southampton. The tension came in the race for Europe’s elite next season as FIVE clubs looked to book their place in the Champions League. Most read in FootballAnd Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle all booked their place following final day chaos. City – who surrendered the title to Liverpool – had no problems seeing off Fulham 2-0 at Craven Cottage. And Chelsea held their nerve to beat Nottingham Forest away from home thanks to Levi Colwill’s winner.Aston Villa looked on course to take fifth spot despite keeper Emi Martinez getting sent off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMorgan Rogers put the ball in the net after United stopper Altay Bayindir fumbled the ball. But VAR intervened to adjudge that the keeper was impeded and dispossessed while the ball was in his hands.And just moments after the controversial call, Amad Diallo opened the scoring for United before a Christian Eriksen penalty sealed the game.It meant Newcastle – who lost at home to Everton – snuck into the top five and secured the remaining Champions League spot.United came 15th – the club’s worst Prem finish – off the back of Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.And Spurs – who won their first trophy in 17 YEARS – ended 17th after losing 4-1 at home to Brighton to also make unwanted history. Already relegated were Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. Palace, who held champions Liverpool 1-1, took the ninth European spot in England after winning the FA Cup.Forest and Villa settle for Europa League football too, with Spurs earning a Champions League spot after their Europa League triumph. Man City secured Champions League footballCredit: APChelsea also secured a place in Europe’s eliteCredit: GettyNewcastle got the fifth and final Champions League spot despite defeatCredit: AFPAston Villa’s 2-0 loss at Man Utd meant they blew itCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League prize money 2024/25: How much did each team earn after thrilling final day?

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      THE 2024/25 Premier League season has come to a thrilling end after what was an action-packed final day – and teams now know exactly how much money they’ll have available for this summer.Liverpool wrapped up the title a little under a month ago with a 5-1 emphatic victory over Europa League champions Tottenham.Liverpool won a record-equalling 20th Premier League titleCredit: GettyAnd it was a historic accomplishment as the Reds have now equalled Manchester United’s record of 20 Premier League titles.Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle have all secured a Champions League spot – Tottenham will join them too having won the Europa League at the expense of Manchester United.Aston Villa fell into a Europa League spot and Nottingham Forest were forced to settle with a Conference League place for next season.While three teams who got promoted last season – Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton are all going straight back down to the Championship.Read more on Premier LeagueBut fans are curious about how much each team earns based on their final positioning in the 2024/25 Premier League table.Premier League prize money 2024/25The Premier League merit payments are distributed on a sliding scale from 1st to 20th, made up of combined earnings from domestic and international broadcast deals.This is a breakdown of the Premier League prize money based on who finished where during the 2024/25 campaign:Liverpool – £56.4mArsenal – £53.5mManchester City – £50.7mChelsea – £47.9mNewcastle – £45.1mAston Villa – £42.2mNottingham Forest – £39.4mBrighton – £36.7mBournemouth – £33.8mBrentford – £31mFulham – £28.2mCrystal Palace – £25.4mEverton – £22.5mWest Ham – £19.7mManchester United – £16.9mWolves – £14mTottenham – £11.3mLeicester – £8.5mIpswich – £5.7mSouthampton – £2.8mMost read in FootballWhen does the 2025/26 Premier League season start?The 2025/26 Premier League season will begin on the weekend of August 16/17, 2025.The start date allows for the maximum player rest time available – 83 clear days – from the end of the 2024/25 campaign.33 weekend and five midweek match rounds will make up the 2025/26 season.The Premier League states that the schedule “continues to allow more rest time for players over the festive match-round period”.No two rounds of fixtures will take place within 60 hours of each other and there will be no game on Christmas Eve.The fixtures for the Premier League 2025/26 season will be released at 9am BST on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. More

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      Aston Villa RAGING after being denied crucial goal vs Man Utd due to VAR protocol and miss out on Champions League

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      ASTON VILLA are FUMING after missing out on Champions League qualification after they had a goal wrongly disallowed and VAR could not intervene.With their game at Old Trafford goalless, Manchester United keeper Altay Bayindir appeared to get away with a huge error.Aston Villa were denied a goal in controversial circumstancesMorgan Rogers appeared to nick the ball off Altay BayindirCredit: PABut the referee had blown his whistle for a foulCredit: PAThe goal was disallowed and VAR could not interveneCredit: PAMorgan Rogers chased down Harry Maguire’s header back and he nicked the ball out of the Bayindir’s grasp.The Villa man then rolled the ball into an empty net in what looked to be a crucial goal for Villa’s European dreams.But referee Thomas Bramall had blown for a foul by Rogers on Bayindir.Replays showed the United stopper never had full control of the ball and the goal should therefore have stood.But due to the official having already blown his whistle for a free-kick, VAR were unable to overturn the decision.And just minutes later, Amad Diallo scored to make it 1-0 to United before Christian Eriksen doubled their lead.It meant Villa missed out on Champions League qualification as they failed to better Newcastle’s result, who lost to Everton by a goal.Before the controversial refereeing incident, Villa were on course to finish in the top five ahead of the Toon.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut defeat meant they finished on 66 points in sixth place, missing out to Newcastle on goal difference.Villa have instead had to settle for a place in next season’s Europa League.McGinn ragingAston Villa captain John McGinn was raging after the game.He said: “I think everyone wanted the correct decisions when the VAR was implemented. You watch rugby, even if the referee has awarded a try and it’s wrong, its overturned. “It’s so so hard to take especially when the impact it has on us, as a club and a team, is so big. “Its’ really, really tough to take and handle. I don’t think we deserved to win but if you were 1-0 up at that point and all you need is a point to get to the Champions League, it’s costly.”Moving forward, the rule has to be looked at as the correct decisions were not getting made at the end of the day. I think [referee] Thomas [Bramall] knew. It probably wasn’t fair on him at that moment either. The boys are gutted.”Asked if the ref acknowledged his mistake, he said: “He didn’t really know what to say. “Because of the impact it has on us as players and our careers, the club, you are obviously angry. I think he is a young referee who has progressed very quickly. “Maybe we could look at having more experienced referees. I don’t know. It’s just an incredible decision and makes today even worse than it should be.”Manage Unai Emery added: “It was a mistake. A big mistake.”The match we played overall in 90 minutes with the red card and this goal disallowed, it was a key moment. but overall, they did more. Read More on The Sun”But we showed resilience with one player less. We could have scored one goal and it would have been a good opportunity to continue and keep the result. We didn’t perform enough today to get a good result but we could get it, in case some decision weren’t like it was.”Emery revealed he spoke with the referee after the game: “Yes, I told him but he knows it [he made a mistake].” More