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    Liverpool’s post-Jurgen Klopp exodus begins with TWO stars released including Premier League and Champions League winner

    LIVERPOOL have announced that popular duo Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara will be leaving the club amid Jurgen Klopp’s departure.The Reds were rocked in January when their German manager announced that he would be leaving Anfield after nine years in charge.Joel Matip is leaving Liverpool this summer when his contract expiresCredit: PAThiago Alcantara will also become a free agent in JuneCredit: GettyCameroon defender Matip lifted the Champions League in 2019 with the RedsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe star was one of Klopp’s first signings at LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – GettyNow the Cameroon defender, 32, will follow him out of the exit door along with the 33-year-old Spanish midfielder when their contracts expire in June.Matip was one of Klopp’s first signings when he arrived as a free agent following a spell at Schalke 04.And he played a key role under the German in securing a number of trophies, including the Premier League title, for the club during his eight years.Led by the boss, Matip helped Liverpool to end their three decade wait to be champions as they lifted the Premier League in 2020.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat came 12 months after he had lifted the Champions League.Thiago joined the summer after the title triumph for £20m from Bayern Munich, and both he and Matip were celebrating double cup joy in the 2020/21 campaign as the Reds won the League and FA Cups – although the Spaniard missed the first of those finals through injury.Matip suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Fulham in December that has sidelined him since.Thiago’s own injury issues have restricted him to just 28 appearances last season and he has only featured once this term due to fitness issues – meaning both missed out on collecting another League Cup medal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOn Matip, who will exit with 201 appearances, 11 goals and seven winner’s medals to his name, Klopp said: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip.“I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined. I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly.“Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.”Matip said: “It has been eight wonderful years here in Liverpool.“I was allowed to be part of an exciting history with a great coach and an astonishing team in an extraordinary club. We have achieved great titles and have the best fans in the world.Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool after Sunday’s match against WolvesCredit: PA“I am full of gratitude for the wonderful time I was able to experience with these unique people supporting the club and the fans who love Liverpool FC.“My wife and I have felt welcomed and supported from day one and together with the kids we had the best imaginable time here.“We will always keep it in special memories.”On Thiago, who added FA Cup and FA Community Shield medals to his collection while on Merseyside, Klopp said: “Before he even came to Liverpool I believed that if you really love football it would make a lot of sense if you watched Thiago Alcantara play.“Technically, he is so, so good. A talent who could play in any team in the world and it was a privilege to have him with us.Arne Slot is set to replace him in the Anfield dug-outCredit: Getty“I already knew a lot about him as a footballer before he got here – what he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, how could you not? – and I could not have been happier when he decided to take on a new challenge with us.“From that point on I got to see him up close and all I can say is ‘Wow’. Most importantly, he was part of a new story and helped us develop as a team because of his special qualities.“I know injuries have been a frustration for him and also for us but the level that he was able to play at when he was available was incredible. This is what I will remember.“Now he will go in a new direction with his family and we can only wish them well. Wherever he plays next I would be happy to watch. An artist of the game who will only ever paint the most beautiful pictures.”THIAGO’S FAREWELL STATEMENTThe Spanish midfielder has released his own goodbye:
    “Appreciation and gratitude. They are two words that come to mind on the day I have to say goodbye to all of you, Reds.
    “Thankful, too. Thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this city, this club and this community,” he wrote.
    “The continuous support I have received since day one has been incredible. Anfield cheering, The Kop chanting… amazing, overwhelming.
    “A very unique fan base for a unique club.
    “These past four years have been a time of learning for me and my family.
    “Some wins, some defeats, but without a doubt, a life-changing experience.
    “Team mates, coaches, staff, and club employees: you were all part of it. And to the fans, I don’t have the words.
    “Just know you will have my deepest gratitude forever.
    “Thank you, it was an honour. All the best always, Liverpool FC.”

    While the two players and Klopp will make an emotional farewell to the Kop against Wolves in his final game on Sunday, two of his staff members are looking forward to an exciting new challenge.His assistant Pepijn Lijnders will take over as Red Bull Salzburg manager after he departs Liverpool.And he will be joined at the Austrian Bundesliga giants by fellow Anfield coach Vitor Matos, who will go as his No.2.READ MORE SUN STORIESFeyenoord manager Arne Slot, 45, is widely-believed to have already agreed to become Liverpool’s new boss for next season.And fans are just waiting for the formalities to be completed and an official announcement to be made with the Dutchman set to move into Klopp’s house on Merseyside.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

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    Man Utd transfer target’s team ‘hint at doubts over Erik ten Hag’s future as signings hang in the balance’

    MANCHESTER UNITED currently remain undecided about Erik ten Hag’s future, according to reports.The Dutchman could be sacked this summer amid his team’s poor run of form and fractured relationships behind the scenes.Erik ten Hag’s future is in doubtCredit: GettyTosin Adarabioyo has emerged as a transfer target, but his representatives have been given no guarantees Ten Hag will remain in chargeCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe is set to make a decision about Ten Hag’s future after the FA Cup finalCredit: PADespite the doubts surrounding his future, Ten Hag has allegedly been involved with planning ahead for the transfer window.Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has emerged as a top target, with the Red Devils convinced he will be an ideal replacement for Raphael Varane.The 26-year-old is expected to leave Craven Cottage on a free transfer when his contract expires next month.However, talkSPORT claim his advisers have been offered no guarantees that Ten Hag will be in charge of Man Utd come the start of next season.Read More on FootballUnited’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to make a decision about the Dutchman’s future after the FA Cup final.England boss Gareth Southgate is among the candidates being considered for the job should Ten Hag leave.Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who has been out of work for over a year, is also on the shortlist.And Thomas Tuchel is another name that has been linked with the job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel was set to leave Bayern Munich this summer after failing to win a trophy with the Bundesliga giants.However, he is now in talks to sign a new contract.Erik ten Hag’s press conference after Man Utd’s 3-2 win against NewcastleTen Hag addressed Man Utd fans following the club’s final match of the season at Old Trafford on Wednesday.He said: “It wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and it was the backing of you for the team.”The season is not over yet. Now, first we will travel to Brighton for three points and then we go to Wembley.”And I promise you that those players will give everything, to get that cup, to win the cup, and bring it to Old Trafford.”And be assured, you will be there supporting us. Thank you, you are the best supporters in the world, thank you.” More

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    AI predicts post-apocalyptic Old Trafford if Sir Jim Ratcliffe fails to fix Man Utd problems in time

    OLD TRAFFORD could become more suitable for zombies than Red Devils within just two decades.That’s the post-apocalyptic vision predicted by AI images – unless Manchester United fix all their creaky, leaky stadium problems.Man Utd’s stadium could get a scary look without a revampCredit: OLD TRAFFORD AIImages of a famous venue can’t get much more bleak than thisCredit: OLD TRAFFORD AIThis future vision might help spark United into urgent actionCredit: OLD TRAFFORD AILuckily, United’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified the issue as a vital part of his plans for a massive revamp on and off the pitch.But the “Old Trafford falls” – the taunting new moniker for the club’s sieve-like roof – has symbolized the Red Devils’ plight this season.”You must be soaking” might be another way of expressing the damp squib of a campaign for Erik ten Hag’s squad.And Arsenal fans chanted “Old Trafford is falling down” as the Gunners triumphed 1-0 in a stormy deluge last Sunday – with water cascading through the roof at what could now be called the Theatre of Streams.READ MORE TOP STORIESAI’s doom-laden vision of how the country’s second-largest stadium could look in the mid-2040s is the worst case scenario – and surely unlikely.Nonetheless, the images are another alert for Ratcliffe of how dramatic, expensive – and arguably urgent – the refurbishment must be.The pictures look like scenes from a horror movie – perhaps to be titled “The Night of the Living Red”.Despair and disrepair dominate the gloomy representation of a do-nothing nightmare future.Most read in FootballHere’s how it looked after a soggy Sunday in the Prem vs ArsenalCredit: PAGunners’ supporters taunted United when this leak eruptedCredit: PABEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe patchy roof has gone to rack and ruin in the desolate depiction, and the pitch is littered with debris.Meanwhile, the surroundings of the stadium look more like a bleak industrial site than the setting for one of football’s most grandiose venues.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson However, before any stadium re-build, Ineos CEO Ratcliffe and United’s new board must decide whether to keep under-fire manager Ten Hag.So for now the priority is sorting out the reign rather than the rain.United’s short-term priority might be deciding Erik ten Hag’s futureCredit: RexSunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.

    Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
    Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
    Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
    Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
    Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
    Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
    Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
    Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
    Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
    Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
    Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
    Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
    Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
    Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
    Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
    Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
    Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
    Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
    Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
    Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
    Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
    Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
    Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
    Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
    Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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    Man Utd fans in fresh Bruno Fernandes fears as captain waits until almost midnight with supporters outside Old Trafford

    MANCHESTER UNITED fans fear Bruno Fernandes will leave after what he did after the Newcastle win.SunSport revealed that Fernandes, 29, is considering a move away from United ahead of next season even though his contract runs until 2026.Manchester United fans fear Bruno Fernandes is leaving after the clubCredit: X @RichFayFernandes didn’t appear to greet the fans until midnight after Man Utd’s win over NewcastleCredit: GettyIt comes after the playmaker hinted earlier this month that he could quit for a fresh challenge after Euro 2024.And now some Red Devils fans worry the Portugal international hinted at an exit once more after Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford.Fernandes didn’t come out to meet the supporters until around midnight after the game ended at 10pm.One fan tweeted: “He’s going isn’t he.”Read More on Man UtdAnother commented: “It’s a sign.”A third said: “He definitely leaving.”This fan posted: “Hes leaving.”And that one stated: “He should go and rest.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNevertheless, Fernandes was in a great mood and was very kind with the United fans.The Portuguese star didn’t show any concrete sign that he is leaving as he signed every autograph and took selfies.Awkward moment Erik ten Hag drags Bruno Fernandes out of interview live on Sky Sports when grilled about Man Utd futureThe ex-Sporting Lisbon star has stood out for Erik ten Hag’s side during a turbulent campaign with 15 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances. More

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    Tottenham star Brennan Johnson looks loved up as he’s pictured with stunning model Tilde Cilla Syah

    TOTTENHAM ace Brennan Johnson appears to have gone out on a date with a model.Johnson, 22, was pictured with Tilde Cilla Syah who has a large following on social media.Tottenham ace Brennan Johnson went out on a date with model Tilde Cilla SyahCredit: BackGridJohnson and Tilde looked loved up while having lunch in LondonCredit: BackGridThe pair looked so affectionate that Tilde even fed Johnson foodCredit: BackGridTilde and the ex-Nottingham Forest star looked loved up in the streets of London.The pair also looked rather affectionate at a restaurant where they sat on the terrace for lunch with big smiles on their faces.At one point the model even grabbed him round the neck and fed him food.Not much is known about Tilde except that she is a model who shares plenty of glam pics on Instagram where she has amassed almost 15,000 followers.Read More on FootballHer audience has grown significantly over the last couple of years.Johnson joined Tottenham last summer following a £47.5million deal with Forest.The winger excelled at the City Ground as he helped the Tricky Trees return to the Premier League in 2022 after a 23-year absence and also played a vital role in last season’s successful relegation scrap.The Wales international has so far amassed a total of five goals and nine assists in 37 appearances during his maiden campaign with Spurs.Most read in FootballJohnson is set for his European debut next season with the North Londoners sealing Europa League qualification.However, the forward missed out on Champions League football as his team couldn’t finish fourth.Meet Jude Bellingham’s glam new WagTottenham’s fate was sealed after losing 2-0 to Manchester City on Tuesday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.Scroll down for more from Tilde Cilla SyahTilde is a model who shares a lot of glam pics on InstagramCredit: instagram @tildesyahTilde has amassed almost 15,000 followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @tildesyahTilde’s audience keeps growingCredit: instagram @tildesyahIt now appears like Tilde is dating Tottenham ace JohnsonCredit: instagram @tildesyahTilde has shared a series of photos from her travels on social mediaCredit: instagram @tildesyahTilde also shares a number of swimsuit photos on InstagramCredit: instagram @tildesyah More

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    Premier League final day TV fixtures CONFIRMED with four games to be shown live in blockbuster Super Sunday

    FOUR Premier League matches will be shown live on UK TV this Sunday.The Prem final day is set to be action packed as Manchester City and Arsenal duke it out for the title.Erling Haaland bags for City against West Ham earlier this seasonCredit: GettyArsenal will take on Everton at the EmiratesCredit: GettyReigning champions City are in the driver’s seat after beating Tottenham 2-0 on Tuesday night.Erling Haaland’s double saw Pep Guardiola’s men climb two points above the Gunners going into the final day.City take on West Ham at the Etihad, with the match to be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event.Arsenal, meanwhile, will host Everton, hoping to pounce on any potential City slip-up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould City fail to win, the Gunners will win the title by beating the Toffees.Fans wanting to watch Arsenal will be able to tune in to TNT Sports 1 and Discovery Plus.Should the title race not interest some fans, they will have alternatives.Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool farewell against Wolves at Anfield will be screened on Sky Sports Premier League.Most read in FootballPrem final day TV scheduleAll matches will kick off at 4pm

    Manchester City vs West Ham – Sky Sports Main Event
    Arsenal vs Everton – TNT Sports 1/Discovery Plus
    Liverpool vs Wolves – Sky Sports Premier League
    Chelsea vs Bournemouth – Sky Sports Football/Sky Sports Arena

    Elsewhere, the race for European spots remains alive.Aston Villa sealed a top four finish courtesy of City’s win at Spurs.But places in the Europa League and Europa Conference League remain up for grabs.Chelsea can still overtake Tottenham, should they beat Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge and hope that Spurs slip up at Sheffield United.The Blues could still be caught by Newcastle, however, if they lose to the Cherries and the Toon win at Brentford.Fans hoping to tune in to the European race can watch Chelsea vs Bournemouth on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Arena.Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool farewell will be live on TNT SportsCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino will try to guide his side into the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty More

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    Ederson ruled out of Man City title decider after suffering horror injury and being taken off in Tottenham clash

    EDERSON has been ruled out of Manchester City last two matches of the season after scans revealed a fracture to his eye socket.The Brazilian keeper was forced off during Tuesday night’s tense 2-0 win at Tottenham after a sickening collision with Cristian Romero.Ederson collided with Spurs’ Cristian RomeroCredit: GettyHe will miss City’s final Premier League game against West HamCredit: GettyEderson reacted angrily to being taken off, booting a crate of drinksCredit: RexEderson was seen with bruising around his eye at the end of the gameCredit: AlamyHe had scans back in Manchester and they have shown a small crack just below the right eye.That means he will miss the final Prem match of the season at home to West Ham on Sunday – when his team will look to clinch a fourth straight title.And he will also not be available for the FA Cup final six days later – although his deputy Stefan Ortega was expected to face Manchester United anyway.City were criticised by brain injury charity Headway for not taking off their goalkeeper straight away after the collision.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe played on for a few minutes before Ortega – who turned into the hero of the night – replaced him.However, Etihad sources have insisted the former Benfica keeper was not knocked out during the clash with Romero.The club are sure all medical protocols their team carried out were done correctly.The reason he was subbed was the club doctor had spotted the eye injury and was concerned he could suffer blurred vision.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEderson reacted angrily to Pep Guardiola’s decision to sub him, kicking out at equipment in the City dugout.But it proved to be the right one as Ortega made huge saves to deny Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski.Man City’s five key moments this seasonGuardiola will not be too worried about not having Ederson against the Hammers when his team need a win to be sure of lifting the title.He said recently he sleeps well at night knowing he has two goalies of such high qualify in his squad.Stefan Oretga will play in City’s final two games against West Ham and Man UtdCredit: Getty More

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    Reason Arsenal won’t wear new home shirt against Everton revealed even if Premier League rules had let them

    ARSENAL released their new home kit this morning.However, the Gunners will NOT wear it when they face Everton on Sunday.Arsenal’s new home kit was released this week – featuring a major change to the badgeCredit: Arsenal FCThe Gunners will NOT wear the new kit against Everton on SundayCredit: Arsenal FCSunSport understands Arsenal have decided against using the new strip because they are still fighting for the title – even if the Premier League rules had allowed them to.Mikel Arteta’s side go into Sunday’s match two points behind Manchester City.That means they need to beat Everton and for City to drop points against West Ham on the final day.Like Arsenal, the Sky Blues will not wear their new home kit at the weekend.Read More on FootballMan City debuted this season’s home kit on the last day of the 2022-23 campaign, but by that point they had already secured the league title.Premier League rules state that any side mathematically able to win the title on the final day must wear their kit from that season.This weekend marks the 10th time the title is decided on the final day.Arsenal revealed a major change to their new kit when it was released this week.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe iconic cannon symbol has replaced the club crest on the front of the shirt.It is the first time in 35 years it features on the home shirt.Arsenal’s five season-defining momentsArsenal Women will debut the kit when they face Brighton on Saturday.The Gunners’ away kit and third kit, due to be unveiled this summer, will also include the cannon. More