Premier League

THESE are likely to be a historic couple of weeks for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City machine. But before they could complete an unprecedented fourth successive English league title and before they could seal an unprecedented ‘double Double’, City had to score an unprecedented Premier League goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Erling Haaland’s double means Manchester City are one win from the Premier League titleCredit: RexHaaland tapped in to break the deadlock in North LondonCredit: PAAfter 405 minutes of trying, it was Erling Haaland who became the first City player to strike in the league here.Then the Norwegian added a late second from the spot, leaving City needing only to beat West Ham at home on Sunday to retain their crown. This was the least hostile environment any title chaser could ever have faced so late in the season outside of the pandemic.Spurs supporters were clearly subdued by the knowledge that any positive result for their side could hand the title to Arsenal.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThat led to a sterile atmosphere – even though a win would have kept alive Tottenham’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.  Instead, Aston Villa are confirmed as being back in the European elite for the first time in 41 years.It was an eighth straight league win for City and it is barely imaginable that David Moyes could sign off his Hammers reign by denying them their fourth title, and a sixth in seven years, before the FA Cup final against Manchester United the following weekend. City were not at their formidable best and there was no doubting the integrity of Tottenham’s players, if not the loyalty of their supporters.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRemarkably, City had lost on all four of their previous league trips to Daniel Levy’s impressive new stadium – but those had all been on occasions when Spurs fans were more worried about their own team’s fortunes rather than those of Arsenal.The idea that Spurs – or any other team – could choose whether or not they were going to beat City was always laughable, in fairness.Furious Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur almost falls over kicking chair after being subbed following Man City goalBut Spurs did not lack bite – as both Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson discovered when the victims of second-half challenges which saw them substituted due to injury. It was the weirdest of the weeks in North London – Arsenal fans singing ‘When The Spurs Go Marching In’ on the train back from Old Trafford on Sunday and plenty of Tottenham fans hoping their team would lose. Did that sentiment represent tinpot bitterness or genuine fandom?  Either way, Postecoglou and his players were having none of it, especially with Champions League qualification still up for grabs,The Aussie opted to start without a centre-forward, Pape Matar Sarr operating as a deep-lying false nine, but there was nothing defensive about Tottenham’s start. Instinct took over when Rodrigo Bentacur let rip early on and every Spurs fan willed the shot in, only for Ederson to tip over. Away from any goalmouth action, the atmosphere was eerily quiet, yet City were struggling to gain their usual stranglehold. A Phil Foden volley was brilliantly saved at point-blank range by Guglielmo Vicario but there was little else from the champions. Brennan Johnson cut in from the right and had a shot beaten away by Ederson at his near post. At times, there were Covid-levels of quiet and, if anything, the lack of hostility seemed to hinder City. The stadium felt flat and City looked flat. They are not used to playing with the volume turned down – it barely matters whether or not the noise is supportive. De Bruyne was lacking accuracy, Foden lacked devilment, Haaland lacked menace.Haaland smashed his penalty into the top cornerCredit: ReutersRuben Dias and his City team-mates knew the magnitude of the resultCredit: RexSon Heung-min missed a glorious chance with five minutes to goCredit: RexHaaland was all smiles after his easy first goalCredit: PAPedro Porro tripped Jeremy Doku in the penalty areaCredit: APPep Guardiola fell to the floor as Son raced throughCredit: RexJust before half-time, Bernardo Silva and Haaland had shots blocked but an offside flag had been raised anyway. Guardiola needed to lift his men at the interval because the situation was becoming perilous. Within a minute of the restart, a De Bruyne snapshot had Vicario saving at full stretch. But then Son was thwarted by Ederson from a smart low Johnson centre. Yet on 51 minutes, the historic moment arrived, thanks to the classic De Bruyne-Haaland axis. Bernardo slipped a pass to the Belgian in the right channel and he centred low for City’s leading scorer to tap in a classic poacher’s finish. There was authentic rapture from the away end but little misery from the home support. Soon after, De Bruyne was hurt while falling awkwardly after a shove from Sarr. Then Romero caught Ederson late as he attacked a low centre, causing apoplexy among Guardiola, his players and coaching staff – but VAR cleared the Argentinian of any red-card offence.  De Bruyne and Ederson were both swiftly removed by Guardiola – the keeper letting his frustrations boil over with a fit of rage as he returned to the dugout. His understudy Stefan Ortega was soon thwarting Dejan Kulusevski but De Bruyne’s replacement Jeremy Doku forced another excellent stop from Vicario. Spurs continued to pour forward, whether their supporters wanted them to or not.Son Heung-min was sent clean through but Ortega saved brilliantly with his feet, Guardiola collapsing in his technical area at the tension of it all.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen in the 90th minute, Haaland sealed the deal by thumping home a penalty after Pedro Porro had tripped Doku. City are almost there now – but history has rarely been achieved amid such a hush. Rodrigo Bentancur stung the palm of Ederson with a rasping driveCredit: GettyGuglielmo Vicario denied Phil Foden with a smart stopCredit: AlamyA few Tottenham fans carefully selected their sky-blue shirtsCredit: Sky SportsRodrigo Bentancur was furious after being subbed off on 55 minutesCredit: Sky SportsEderson was clattered by Cristian RomeroCredit: GettyThe Brazilian goalkeeper let out his anger on the touchlineCredit: Sky SportsEderson had a big bulge on his right eye by full-timeCredit: RexMikey Moore came on for his Premier League debut aged just 16Credit: ReutersStefan Ortega was named man of the match on Sky SportsCredit: Getty More

EDERSON was taken off in tears and anger – as a grim collision at Tottenham left him with a black eye and Manchester City with a goalkeeping headache for the Premier League finale.The stopper was seen crying for five minutes after swapping agitated words with boss Pep Guardiola in City’s 2-0 win – before the Brazilian hit out at his dugout seat in frustration. Ederson’s injury was clear to see as he clapped Man City fansCredit: RexEderson was frustrated when Pep Guardiola took him offTottenham’s Cristian Romero caught Ederson as he lunged inCredit: GettyBack-up keeper Stefan Ortega came on for the visitors at 1-0 up – producing an excellent save and even being named man of the match.Ederson had been caught in the face by a lunge from Cristian Romero as the Tottenham defender followed in a chance of an equaliser.The Argentine was quick to check on his fellow South American – as City players rushed in concerned.Ederson was cleared to carry on but was soon was replaced by Ortega.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSVictory put Guardiola’s champions two points clear of Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s final day.Erling Haaland slotted City’s opener early in the second period and thumped home a penalty clincher at the start of TEN MINUTES of stoppage time.Meanwhile, fans on social media reckon Ederson’s heated reaction was mainly due to the possibility of missing out on Sunday’s last game – at home to West Ham – and perhaps even the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.One viewer posted: “He wants to do the job himself.”Most read in FootballThe Brazilian was consoled on the City benchCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd even though medics had cleared Ederson to play on, some observers praised City for playing it safe by replacing him.One fan wrote: “Good to see the club thinking of the players health over what he wants. Concussion is so serious and a 2nd blow to the head could make it much worse.”Furious Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur almost falls over kicking chair after being subbed following Man City goalCity’s triumph put City on the brink of a fourth Prem crown in a row.Victory over the mid-table Hammers at the Etihad this weekend will guarantee them the title.But if City draw, Arsenal can pip them on goal difference if they pick up three points at home to Everton.Ederson showed his frustrationRomero was quick to check on Ederson – with City players also worriedCredit: APEderson was caught by Romero as City led 1-0Credit: Reuters More

RODRIGO BENTANCUR did not take being hauled off against Manchester City very well.The Tottenham midfielder decided to launch a WWE-style assault on his chair on the bench.Rodrigo Bentancur launched himself at a chairCredit: Sky SportsThe midfielder was playing well before he was hookedCredit: Sky SportsAnd to add insult to injury, the chair almost won.Bentancur, 26, just about kept his balance as he looked set to take a tumble after his outburst.City had just taken the lead through Erling Haaland after 51 minutes when Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou decided to shuffle his deck.Dejan Kulusevski was the man to replace Bentancur, who had been playing well, and add a bit more attacking flair.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe biggest winner from the whole situation could be sponsor INEOS after their chair held up well under extreme pressure.Better than Spurs’ defence anyway.Not that their fans seemed to mind as City are embroiled in a thrilling title race against their bitter rivals Arsenal.Incredibly, Tottenham fans APPLAUDED as their team conceded the goal that might deny the Gunners the title.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd the drama did not stop there as City goalkeeper Ederson was subbed off in tears after a collision with Son Heung-min.The Spurs talisman was booked after catching the Brazilian as he tried to pull his side level.Tottenham fans reveal ‘absolutely embarrassing and shameful’ chant ahead of Man City clash that could hand Arsenal titleWith Kevin De Bruyne also taken off City – and Spurs – fans will be delighted Stefan Ortega kept a clean sheet after making two huge saves.Haaland scored again from the spot to send Pep Guardiola’s side top going into their final game of the season against West Ham on Sunday.There are no suggestions that Bentancur or the chair suffered a serious injury in the earlier incident.Fans did take to social media to enjoy the moment.”Bro nearly fell and still carried on,” commented one.Another added: “Purely for the cameras. He had a stinker and is throwing his toys out of the pram. Grow up mate, there are kids watching.”Three ways Phil Foden has been transformed into Man City, and England’s, most important playerBy Lee Scott
PHIL FODEN ran away with the voting for Footballer of the Year – and it’s easy to see why.
Foden has been transformed into Man City’s new David Silva and England’s Euro 2024 swiss army knife.
Initially used sparingly by Pep Guardiola, the Stockport technician has become a key player for City.
Foden’s his tactical intelligence and game understanding make him stand out week in, week out – even in City’s team of expensively-assembled superstars.
From playing the final pass and running between the lines to leading the press, Foden really can do it all.
Click here to read our tactical analysis of the Premier League’s best player. More

FANS in the Tottenham end applauded and did the Poznan as their team conceded a goal to Manchester City – knowing full well it could end up denying Arsenal the title.The amazing scenes occurred early in the second half as Spurs lost 2-0 to City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Fans in the Spurs end applauded when Man City scored at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumCredit: PASome even did the Poznan in amazing scenesCity fans celebrated loudly with the goal putting City back above Arsenal in the title raceCredit: GettyAnge Postecoglou and Pep Guardiola watched on as their two sides played out an intriguing first 45 minutes.Yet the game was bizarrely quiet, with Tottenham fans barely making a noise.Pundit Gary Neville declared: “They’ve sent Man City to sleep.”While commentator Peter Drury reflected on the “hypnotic” atmosphere.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe said on the stroke of half-time: “It is the oddest of games. Odd particularly for its quietness.”But it was City who eventually drew first blood with a cleverly-executed goal on the counter.Some sloppy play from Spurs saw Kevin De Bruyne beat the offside trap and latch onto the ball.He then fed a glorious pass across the box, with the ball finding Erling Haaland before being delicately put into the back of Tottenham’s net.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe goal sent City’s travelling fans wild, with a win putting the champs back above Arsenal into top spot.But they weren’t the only ones left jubilant by Haaland’s effort.Ange Postecoglou takes spectacular dig at ‘fragile’ Spurs and says problems are ‘everywhere’ after Man City lossCity fans did the Poznan late on… and some Spurs fans were seen joining inCredit: ReutersSome supporters in the Tottenham end were also seeing celebrating City’s goal.Home fans were left torn before kick-off over whether to support their own club, knowing a result would make Arsenal title favourites on the final day of the season.But some clearly weren’t bothered about rooting for City, with a few even spotted doing the Etihad club’s ‘Poznan’ dance.Viewers at home were tickled by the scenes, with many taking to X as a result.One said: “Lmao the Tottenham fans are really celebrating Man City scoring against their team just cuz they don’t want rival Arsenal to win the league lmao love to see it.”Another declared: “They’re happy I love them.”One noted: “Lol I don’t believe this.”Another added: “Spurs fans having the best day of their lives in the stands.”Following Haaland’s goal, Tottenham upped the intensity in their attempts to bag an equaliser.And they very nearly made it 1-1 when Son Heung-min broke through clear on goal, only to shoot the ball straight at onrushing sub goalie Stefan Ortega.Spurs’ hopes were then ended late on when they gave away a penalty, which Haaland converted with aplomb for 2-0.Ironically, as some Tottenham supporters got behind City on Tuesday, almost every Arsenal fan was rooting for Spurs to seal victory.READ MORE SUN STORIESLoyal Gooner and Sun columnist Piers Morgan led the way as he shared a throwback snap of himself looking mightily unhappy in a Tottenham shirt.While Arsenal star Kai Havertz admitted he would be the “biggest fan of Tottenham.”Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
But has now well and truly found his feet.
The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
Read more on how Mikel Arteta is using Kai Havertz.
Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube. More

TOTTENHAM fans gave another shocking sign they wanted Manchester City to beat their own side on Tuesday night.Some home supporters took top trolling to new levels by wearing sky blue shirts – as they hoped City denied Arsenal a first Premier League title since 2004.The two-tone top of the man in the middle clearly suggested his loyalties were divided during Tuesday’s crunch gameSome Tottenham fans were not as desperate as usual for victorySpurs star Yves Bissouma seemed to enjoy wearing light blueOne viewer responded to the surprising scene by posting: “C’mon Tottenham… north London needs to be blue.”Keen-eyed observers also pounced on non-playing Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma wearing a pale-blue tracksuit as he walked by the dugout before City cruised to a 2-0 victory. “Bissouma got the memo,” joked one fan, who posted a shot of the Mali star strolling casually between the two squads.And just ahead of Tuesday night’s kick-off, one Tottenham supporter gleefully told Sky Sports he’d be happy whatever the result.READ MORE TOP STORIESHe said: “It’s a win-win! We win, we win, we lose, we win.”It follows Arsenal legend Paul Merson claiming Spurs fans would CHEER if City scored – because of their bitter rivalry with the Gunners.He said on Sky Sports: “I’ve played in them games, they aren’t wanting Arsenal to win the league, whatever happens.”There will get to a stage Tottenham fans will cheer if Man City score. Most read in FootballTottenham followers saw an often-frenetic contestBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”They will – the one thing they don’t want is Arsenal to win the league.”Spurs fans had been captured on camera at the weekend preparing a chant suggesting they were switching allegiance to Pep Guardiola’s men for the rest of the season.Arsenal fans set off fireworks outside ‘Man City hotel’ at 2am before Tottenham game – but team were still in MANCHESTERA man on a guitar belted out a full rendition in a clip that some supporters called “shameful”.He got on a mini-stage to sing: “I am City till July! I am City till July!”I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m City till July.” More

PREMIER LEAGUE boss Richard Masters has given the strongest hint yet that the League will NEVER accept 777 Partners as the owners of Everton.Masters has come under fire for the drawn-out process that has seen Prem lawyers receive to green light the £500m deal after EIGHT months.Farhad Moshiri’s hopes of selling Everton to 777 Partners look to be overCredit: PAThe league’s caution has been justified by the financial chaos that seems to be plunging the Miami-based company to the brink of collapse.Founding partners Josh Wander and Steve Pasko have been booted off the 777 board, the company could be stripped of its ownership of Belgians Standard Liege in a court case starting this week, while Goodison owner Farhad Moshiri appears to have finally accepted the takeover deal is dead in the water.And now Masters has told MPs in a Commons hearing that they can “make their own conclusions” about why the Prem has declined to ratify the agreement.Pressed by former Deputy Prime Minister Damian Green over the delay in coming to a decision, Masters said: “Let me be clear about what the Premier League’s role in this is.READ MORE EVERTON NEWS“As the regulator, it is to perform the owners and directors test – not to decide who the current owner wants to sell his club to. That is his decision.“At the moment he wants to consider having discussions with 777 about it.“The Premier League is very clear of the conditions that have to be met by 777 if it wishes to become the owner of Everton.“And at the moment, because the takeover has not been confirmed, I will leave it to the committee to make its own conclusions as to where we are with that.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMasters added that the planned Independent Football Regulator might be able to process potential takeover deals quicker than the league because of its enhanced powers.He said: “Some of the benefits of the regulatory ownership test will be them getting access to more information than we can have.Premier League club’s £500million stadium taking shape as incredible new pictures show building progress“We are not a statutory body so we can only get the information we are provided with.“I accept that takeovers that carry on for a long time are not good for fans’ certainty and that is why we have a very big team of people who do nothing else.“Over time I would say that particularly in the Premier League takeovers are becoming increasingly complex.“This is not a small undertaking to take this burden on which is why I want to remain involved in it as well.“These things are very complicated and we need to make sure that all those decisions are correct even if that means taking a little bit more time to make sure those decisions are correct.Latest on Everton’s new stadium
EVERTON are still trying to build their new state-of-the-art stadium despite financial difficulties.
Toffees’ fans were treated with new photos of the £760million construction of their Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
The club hopes it will be ready in time for the 2025-26 campaign.
However, the Merseysiders have failed to secure the funds for the next phase of the ground’s development.
Here’s the lowdown on the stunning ground being built by the Toffees:
Expected completion date: End of 2024
Capacity: 53,000
Cost: £760m
Location: Bramley-Moore Docks, Liverpool
Design: Bowl-shaped constructed from steel and glass
Main features: 13,000-seat steep stand inspired by Dortmund’s ‘Yellow wall’, ‘ALL Experience’ that offers choice of social spaces from pubs, bars,  high-street style restaurants to fine-dining experiences, scoreboard

“Maybe the Regulator could come to conclusions quicker.“But I know a little bit more about the background here and what the situation would be like.“I can’t say too much about it but I do think there are some benefits to the Regulator working in tandem with Leagues on this particular topic.”Quizzed further by Green on what should happen if the Prem and the Regulator disagreed on the suitability of a potential owner, Masters suggested: “Maybe it should be like the X Factor – where you need two green ticks to get in.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So you would have the Premier League operating its own test.“In the unlikely event that the Regulator said yes and we said no then that person couldn’t take over that club and vice versa.”Premier League chief executive Richard Masters was grilled by MPsCredit: PA More