Premier League

PHIL FODEN has been named the winner of the 2023/24 Premier League Player of the Year.The Manchester City midfielder has enjoyed his best-ever campaign with 19 goals and eight assists.Phil Foden is the 2023/24 Premier League Player of the YearCredit: ReutersHis tally includes hat-tricks against Brentford and Aston Villa, with Erling Haaland the only City player to score more league goals this term.And, of course, he crucially scored the first two in the 3-1 win over West Ham at the weekend that clinched City’s fourth consecutive title.Foden – who also won the Football writers’ award – becomes the 26th different player to win the Premier League Player of the Year since it was first presented in the 1994/95 season.Previous winners have gone on to find varying success both as managers and pundits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere is what happened to the other winners of the Premier League Player of the Year award.Alan ShearerThe first winner, Alan Shearer’s 34 goals had powered Blackburn to the title in 1994/95.He retired in 2006 after scoring a record 260 Premier League goals and has since become a beloved Match of the Day pundit, alongside a brief stint as Newcastle caretaker manager in 2009.Peter SchmeichelAnother title winner, Peter Schmeichel remains the only goalkeeper to win the award.Most read in FootballThe legendary Manchester United keeper won two more titles and the Champions League before leaving the club in 1999.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollowing spells with Sporting, Villa and City, he retired in 2003.JuninhoJuninho claimed the Player of the Year award despite Middlesbrough’s relegation in 1997 and was subsequently sold to Atletico Madrid.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-classHe returned for two more spells at the club before retiring in 2010 aged 37 and most recently worked as a coach for the Brazilian national team.Michael OwenMichael Owen won his only award in 1998 aged just 18 after claiming the golden boot, which he secured again the following season before winning the Ballon d’Or in 2001.The former England international went on to play for Real Madrid, Newcastle, United and Stoke prior to becoming a pundit after retiring in 2013.Dwight YorkeUnited’s treble-winning campaign included Dwight Yorke claiming the Premier League Player of the Year after scoring 18 league goals.Yorke has had just one managerial role since retiring in 2009, though, spending eight months in charge of Australian side Macarthur.Dwight Yorke won the award in 1999 as Manchester United completed the trebleCredit: GettyKevin PhillipsSunderland striker Kevin Phillips scored 30 goals for the promoted side in 1999/2000 to pick up the award.As well as winning eight England caps, he also represented Southampton, Birmingham, Villa and Crystal Palace in the Premier League before retiring in 2014 aged 40.Now 50, Phillips left his role as Hartlepool manager last weekend after his contract with the National League side expired.Former winner Kevin Phillips recently left his role as Hartlepool managerCredit: GettyPatrick VieiraLike Phillips, former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has yet to match his playing success in the manager’s dugout.The Frenchman is currently in charge of Ligue 1 side Strasbourg after spells with New York City, Nice and Palace.Patrick Vieira is currently managing Strasbourg following his Crystal Palace exitCredit: AFPFreddie LjungbergFreddie Ljungberg was rewarded in 2002 for his role in Arsenal’s title triumph.He has also gone into coaching since retiring in 2015, with spells as assistant and caretaker manager at the Gunners in the past.Ruud van NistelrooyRuud van Nistelrooy spent a further three years at United after winning the award in 2003.He went on to play for Real Madrid, Hamburg and Malaga before embarking on a managerial career.Van Nistelrooy won the Dutch Cup with PSV last season but has been out of work since his departure in the summer.Thierry HenryOne of four players to win the award twice, Thierry Henry was honoured in 2003/04 and 2005/06.A member of Arsenal’s Invincibles, Henry has balanced coaching and punditry since his retirement in 2015.Following spells in charge of Monaco and Montreal, he has been France under-21 boss since August last year.Frank LampardFrank Lampard won the first of his three league titles as he picked up the award in 2005.He later made a strong start to his managerial career with Derby but has since been sacked by both Chelsea and Everton before returning to Stamford Bridge as caretaker boss last season.Frank Lampard has struggled as a manager after a glittering playing careerCredit: GettyCristiano RonaldoA two-time winner alongside Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo won back-to-back awards in 2007 and 2008.Still playing aged 39 with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d’Or winner after a glittering nine-year spell with Real Madrid and even returned to United in 2021.Cristiano Ronaldo is one of four players to twice be named Player of the YearCredit: GettyNemanja VidicUnited’s dominance of the award continued with Nemanja Vidic as he claimed the title in 2009 and 2011.The Serbian defender left the club in 2014 after winning five Premier League titles. He retired two years later aged 34.Wayne RooneyWayne Rooney won his only award in between Vidic’s double as United players claimed the honour five years in a row.The forward retired in 2021 as United and England’s record goalscorer, although Harry Kane has since overtaken him for the Three Lions.Alongside appearing as a pundit, Rooney has also managed Derby, DC United and Birmingham, who sacked him in January after just three months.Vincent KompanyCity’s title-winning captain in 2012, Vincent Kompany won the league three more times in his 11 years at the Etihad Stadium.Since retiring, Kompany managed Anderlecht before switching to Burnley in 2022 and winning promotion to the Premier League last season. He will be looking to bounceback next season after getting relegated.Gareth BaleGareth Bale earned a move to Real Madrid off the back of his stunning 2012/13 season with Tottenham.The Welsh talisman won 16 trophies in Spain, including five Champions Leagues, but retired last year aged 33 after years of injury woes.Dave Kidd: Why I’ve voted for Cole Palmer to be Footballer of the Year despite Chelsea woesBy Dave Kidd
THE voting for the Footballer of the Year award closes on Tuesday and, unlike many, I’ve gone for Cole Palmer.
Most Football Writers’ Association members vote by starting with the likely Prem champs and work backwards. So the winner will be Phil Foden, Rodri, Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard.
There is dissent if a player from a less successful team wins, like David Ginola from mid-table Spurs in Manchester United’s ’99 Treble- winning year.
But enjoying a superb individual season in a poor team is a greater achievement.
And for Palmer — just 21 and in his first season as a regular starter — to have chalked up 23 goals and 13 assists in such a basket-case team as Chelsea, makes him this season’s outstanding player.
Read Dave Kidd’s full column here
Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.

Luis SuarezLuis Suarez also left the Premier League after winning the award as he swapped Liverpool for Barcelona in 2014.He formed a formidable attack with Lionel Messi and Neymar at the Nou Camp and reunited with the former at Inter Miami in January.Eden HazardChelsea’s 2014/15 title win owed much to Eden Hazard’s performances, with the Belgian becoming a beloved figure by fans across seven years in West London.Hazard joined Real Madrid in 2019 but was hampered by injuries across his four years in Spain and retired in October aged just 32.Jamie VardyJamie Vardy and Leicester shocked the Premier League by winning the title in 2016.The former non-league striker is celebrating again this season after helping the club secure an immediate return to the top-flight in his 12th season with the Foxes.N’Golo KanteN’Golo Kante was also a part of Leicester’s title-winning squad before lifting the trophy again with Chelsea the following season.The midfielder later won the Champions League with the Blues and the World Cup with France.Kante is now playing in Saudi Arabia after joining Al-Ittihad last summer.N’Golo Kante was honoured after helping Chelsea win the title in 2017Credit: PA:Press AssociationMohamed SalahMohamed Salah won the first of his three golden boots in 2018/19 alongside the Player of the Year trophy.He has not won the award since but finished as Premier League top scorer again in both 2018/19 and 2021/22.Virgil van DijkDespite narrowly missing out on the title, a Liverpool player won the award again in 2019 as Virgil van Dijk starred in defence.The Dutchman remains at Anfield and is the current club captain, having won both the league and Champions League during his six-year stay.Kevin De BruyneLiverpool’s run of winners ended in 2019/20 despite their title triumph, with Kevin De Bruyne winning his first of two awards.The City star repeated the feat in 2022 and, despite missing four months injured, ended with four goals and ten assists in the league this term.Ruben DiasCity players have now claimed the last five awards thanks to Foden’s win, with Ruben Dias the recipient in 2020/21.His successful debut season in England has been followed by six more trophies, including last year’s historic treble and this year’s title.READ MORE SUN STORIESErling HaalandFoden follows directly in the footsteps of Haaland, who broke multiple records with his 36 league goals after signing for City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.Despite not reaching the same heights this season, the Norwegian still plundered 27 goals. In doing so, he made history as the first player to win back-to-back Golden Boots in his first two Premier League seasons.Foden succeeds his Manchester City team-mate Erling Haaland by winning the awardCredit: AFP More

THE PREMIER LEAGUE “Big Six” table since Pep Guardiola joined Manchester City has been revealed.Guardiola has been in charge at the Etihad Stadium since 2016.The Premier League ‘Big Six’ table since Pep Guardiola joined Manchester City has been revealedCredit: ReutersThe rankings are damning for Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: AlamyHis side have gone on to win six league titles during his eight seasons as manager.City clinched their latest title on Sunday, winning the league for the fourth year in a row.Their dominance under Guardiola has now been highlighted by the combined “Big Six” table across the last eight seasons.Guardiola’s side have won 29 more matches and picked up 59 more points than any other club during that period.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHere is how the “Big Six” rank since 2016.6th – Manchester United – 549 pointsDespite two second place finishes since 2016, Manchester United have the joint lowest points tally of the “Big Six” clubs.The Red Devils recorded their lowest ever finish of eighth this season.United have also won the least amount of matches with 158 victories during Guardiola’s time at City.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS5th – Chelsea – 549 pointsChelsea have won the league and finished in the bottom half across the last eight seasons.Since winning the league in 2016/17 the Blues have not finished higher than third.Man City WIN the Premier League for record fourth time in a row as they see off Arsenal on tense final dayChelsea are level with United with 161 wins, 66 draws and 77 defeats, but have a +36 goal difference.Chelsea have picked up the joint lowest points of ‘Big Six’ clubs since 2016Credit: Rex4th – Tottenham – 552 pointsTottenham are just three points ahead of United and Chelsea, having lost the most matches of any club with 84.This season’s fifth place finish is an improvement on last term, when Spurs ended the campaign in eighth.However, they have finished in the top four just once since 2019, despite finishing as runners-up in Guardiola’s first season.3rd – Arsenal – 567 pointsGuardiola’s protégé Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into title challengers during his tenure.Back-to-back second place finishes have seen the Gunners earn 567 points across the last eight seasons.The Gunners have also picked up 171 wins, but their 79 losses are only lower than Spurs’ tally from the same period.Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into title contenders since his appointmentCredit: Rex2nd – Liverpool – 657 pointsBefore Arsenal’s emergence, Liverpool pushed City all the way for three consecutive seasons.The rivalry between Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp also saw Liverpool win the title in 2020, the only time City have missed out since their first title under the Spaniard.Liverpool have lost just one more game than City over the last eight years and also rank second for wins, goals scored and goal difference.1st – Manchester City – 716 pointsCity’s six titles in eight seasons have seen them win 225 matches and score 755 goals.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuardiola’s side are also now the first English club ever to win four consecutive league titles.Even in the two seasons City have missed out on top spot, they have finished third and second.Guardiola has won six league titles across his eight seasons as City bossCredit: Reuters More

PEP GUARDIOLA led Manchester City to a historic fourth Prem crown in a row — then hinted next season could be his last.Guardiola’s City slickers became the first team to achieve the feat with victory over West Ham as two-goal Phil Foden, 23, labelled his team-mates the best Prem side ever.Pep Guardiola openly admitted he might leave Manchester City at the end of next seasonCredit: PAYet after winning a sixth crown in his eight seasons in Manchester, their Spanish manager admitted he may call it a day when his contract expires 12 months down the line.And Guardiola, 53, revealed he spent last summer wondering whether he had the motivation to go again after City had won the Treble.Asked about his future amid Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool exit, said: “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club — my feeling is that I want to stay now.“So I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years? We will see.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere has become an unspoken acceptance among fans that Guardiola will NOT sign another contract when this one has run its course.The eight years he has been in Manchester is already DOUBLE his previous longest reign as boss of Barcelona.And he did reveal there were moments following the Champions League win over Inter Milan last term when he doubted if he could lift himself again.After pipping Arsenal to this year’s title by two points, Guardiola added: “I had that feeling last year, thinking, ‘It’s over, I am finished, what is left?’Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Then I thought, ‘I am here, OK’ and we started playing and winning games, there were new players and I started thinking of four in a row.“Now four in a row is done so I think, ‘What next?’ Well no team has done back-to-back league and the FA Cup.Inside Man City’s wild title celebrations as Jack Grealish gets back on the beer and loses fight with confetti cannonMan City’s five key moments this seasonA look at the five key moments in Man City’s title winning campaign…

Luton 1 – 2 Man City: City bounce back from a run of four games without a win to kick-start their unbeaten run.
Newcastle 2 – 3 Man City: Kevin De Bruyne returns from injury to come off the bench and inspire a late turnaround against the Magpies.
Man City 3 – 1 Man Utd: Phil Foden puts on a masterclass as City lay down a marker on their title ambitions and breeze past their local rivals in the process.
Man City 0 – 0 Arsenal: A goalless draw that, although disappointing, meant City were still keeping pace with the teams around them and could maintain their spot in the title race. A loss could have put Arsenal out of sight of the Cityzens.
Man City 4 – 1 Aston Villa: Following consecutive draws against title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, City bounce back with a thumping of Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa to keep the pressure on the Gunners.

“But next season I do not exactly know what will be the motivation — it is difficult to know until everything is done.”City’s dominance has come alongside being hit with 115 Financial Fair Play charges with the hearing still to be heard.Player of the Season Foden, who hit two to KO West Ham, has no doubts.He insisted: “Definitely. This means a bit more because no team has ever done it before — now we can say we are the first.“It’s so hard to put into words what we’ve done. We have put ourselves in the history books.”But next season I do not exactly know what will be the motivation — it is difficult to know until everything is done.Pep GuardiolaWhile Guardiola is seen as the world’s best coach, David Moyes, leaving after three years as Hammers chief, reckons his man management merits just as much praise.Moyes said: “Everyone in football is in awe, I was going to say about his coaching, but it’s more than that.“What a good man-manager he must be — either that or he’s got a hair-dryer in the background no one talks about! It looks like he has them on a string here.READ MORE SUN STORIES“His ability to manage is unbelievable.“This guy has just gone four in a row, and the myth about not ­winning it back-to-back has been blown sky-high.”Guardiola has got the best out of Phil Foden this seasonCredit: APThe Spaniard has now collected six Premier League winner’s medalsCredit: Reuters More

JURGEN KLOPP’S wife Ulla was in tears as her husband’s Liverpool tenure came to an emotional halt.The German, 56, saw his side beat Wolves 2-0 to bring the curtain down on a glittering nine years in charge.Jurgen Klopp’s wife Ulla could be seen wiping away a tearVan Dijk emotional embrace with Klopp after final game of Premier League seasonCredit: Sky SportsVan Dijk emotional embrace with Klopp after final game of Premier League seasonCredit: Sky SportsKlopp shares a hug with Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: RexAlexander-Arnold was later in tears as the crowd sang You’ll never Walk AloneDuring the final minute of stoppage time, the TV coverage showed a live image of Klopp’s wife Ulla.As the game neared its end, Ulla could be seen wiping away a tear.When the final whistle went, Klopp received an incredible ovation from his adoring Anfield faithful.As the tributes continued after the match, Ulla wasn’t the only person at Anfield to be visibly moved.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith fans singing their anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone, Trent Alexander-Arnold could be seen crying.The full-back, 25, has only known life at Liverpool under Klopp, having been given his senior debut by the former Dortmund boss in 2016.Skipper Virgil van Dijk also welled up after sharing a touching hug with his manager.Having cleared out his office during the week, Klopp saw his side win 2-0 courtesy of goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJurgen Klopp’s emotional speech in fullKlopp addressed the adoring Anfield crowd
“I’m surprised. I thought I’d already be in pieces but I’m not.
“I’m so happy about you all, the atmosphere, the game, being a part of this family and about us, how we celebrate this day.
“It doesn’t feel like an end. It just feels like a start. Today I saw a football team play full of talent, youth, creativity, desire, greed. That’s one part of development, that’s what you need obviously.
“In these few weeks where I have had too much attention, I realised a lot of things. People say I turned them from doubters into believers.
“That’s not true. You did it. Nobody tells you to stop believing. This club is in a better moment than a long time.
“We have this wonderful stadium, training centre and you – the superpower of world football. Wow.
“We decide if we are worried or excited. We decide if we believe. We decide if we trust or don’t trust. Today I am one of you and I keep believing. I stay believing 100 per cent.
“Obviously I saw a lot of people crying and I will tonight too because I will miss people but change is good. Everything will be fine because the basics are 100 per cent there.
“You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me. You go all in from the first day. You keep believing. You push the team. I’m one of you now. I love you to bits.
“Thank you. You are the best team in the world. Thank you!”

Klopp has been married to Ulla since 2005Credit: RexThe couple have been together throughout Klopp’s time at LiverpoolCredit: RexAfter fist pumping for the Kop one last time, Klopp took to the microphone to address the crowd.He said: “I’m surprised. I thought I’d already be in pieces but I’m not.Jurgen Klopp bids emotional farewell to Anfield on final day as drops huge hint he might RETIRE after leaving Liverpool”I’m so happy about you all, the atmosphere, the game, being a part of this family and about us, how we celebrate this day.“It doesn’t feel like an end. It just feels like a start. Today I saw a football team play full of talent, youth, creativity, desire, greed. That’s one part of development, that’s what you need obviously.“In these few weeks where I have had too much attention, I realised a lot of things. People say I turned them from doubters into believers.”That’s not true. You did it. Nobody tells you to stop believing. This club is in a better moment than a long time.Thank you. You are the best team in the world. Thank you!Jurgen Klopp“We have this wonderful stadium, training centre and you – the superpower of world football. Wow.“We decide if we are worried or excited. We decide if we believe. We decide if we trust or don’t trust. Today I am one of you and I keep believing. I stay believing 100 per cent.“Obviously I saw a lot of people crying and I will tonight too because I will miss people but change is good. Everything will be fine because the basics are 100 per cent there.“You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me. You go all in from the first day. You keep believing. You push the team. I’m one of you now. I love you to bits.“Thank you. You are the best team in the world. Thank you!”’I’VE GOT NO WORDS’Klopp, charismatic to the last, then started a chant for his successor, Feyenoord boss Arne Slot.Van Dijk, 32, then told Sky Sports: “I’ve got no words.“It’s been an emotional day. It was always going to be a tough afternoon.“You can’t prepare for these situations, these moments. He deserves every bit of the love that he is getting at the moment.”Having grown jaded by management, Klopp is now ready for, at least temporary, retirement with Ulla in their luxurious new pad in Mallorca.The £3.5million property boasts 5,000sqm and was previously owned by Swiss businessman and artist Rolf Knie.After today’s Liverpool swansong Klopp hinted that he could retire from management altogether – and that he will definitely never return to the Premier League.He said: “It will be a long break, for sure. It might even be it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”My time in England is definitely over because I will not coach another team here.”If I manage again, it will not be around the corner.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
Klopp got it wrong.
Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More