Manchester City suffered their first Premier League loss since December as Bournemouth stunned the champions, while Arsenal were rocked by Newcastle and Liverpool seized top spot.
City were unbeaten in their previous 32 league games, dating back to a defeat at Aston Villa last year.
But Pep Guardiola’s second-placed side saw that streak came to an unexpected end in a 2-1 loss on England’s south coast.
The Cherries had never beaten City in their 21 previous meetings, losing 19 of those matches, yet Andoni Iraola’s team sprang a huge upset to derail the champions’ push for a fifth successive title.
Manchester City’s Swiss defender #25 Manuel Akanji reacts after Bournemouth’s Brazilian striker #09 Evanilson (not pictured) scores the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on November 2, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Source: AFP
Bournemouth recently damaged Arsenal’s title hopes with a 2-0 win at the Vitality Stadium and they inflicted pain on City as well.
Guardiola had claimed City faced an injury “emergency” after they suffered fitness problems in Wednesday’s League Cup defeat at Tottenham.
Exhausted or not, City were rocked in the ninth minute when Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo drilled Milos Kerkez’s cross past Ederson from inside the area.
Guardiola’s men were unable to muster a response to that blow and Evanilson doubled Bournemouth’s lead in the 64th minute with a composed finish from Kerkez’s cross.
Gvardiol’s header reduced the deficit in the 82nd minute, but it was too late to save City from a second defeat in four days.
“We have a lot of players with no minutes so the balance is a bit uncomfortable. Today we could not handle their intensity. That’s why we lost the game,” Guardiola said.
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“All the situations with the long balls, we couldn’t win it.
“And when you don’t win these types of balls to Semenyo and others, our central defenders and strikers have to defend deeper.
“We have players with rhythm and the other players have a lack of rhythm because we could not train due to injuries. But we knew it.”
Before the game, Guardiola urged his players to be inspired by tennis legend Rafael Nadal and push through the pain.
City were already missing Jack Grealish, Rodri and Oscar Bobb before Guardiola said in his pre-match interview that Rúben Dias and John Stones were also “ruled out for a little bit of long time.”
Captain Kyle Walker was one of several players who had not been expected to feature on Saturday but started, while Kevin De Bruyne was back on the bench after a lengthy injury layoff.
“Kyle in 16 days didn’t train one session with us, made an incredible effort,” Guardiola said.
“[But] it’s not just about that,” the City boss added. “[Bournemouth] were difficult to play in the first half; the second half we were much better.”
Newcastle put a huge dent in fourth-placed Arsenal’s title aspirations with a 1-0 win at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak netted in the 12th minute, heading home Anthony Gordon’s pinpoint cross.
Injury-hit Arsenal struggled to get out of first gear and produced just one shot on target in the entire game.
Mikel Arteta’s team, runners-up to City for the past two years, have taken just one point from their last three games.
“Today we weren’t our best version. It’s about how you react to that. We’re not going to find the right words or answers to describe how we feel,” said Arteta, whose side are seven points adrift of first place.
At Anfield, Liverpool were in danger of a surprise loss of their own before regrouping to take advantage of their rivals’ stumbles with a 2-1 win over Brighton.
Ferdi Kadioglu gave Brighton the lead in the 14th minute with a fierce strike that cannoned in off the post after Danny Welbeck flicked on Kaoru Mitoma’s cross.
But Liverpool had beaten Brighton in the League Cup last 16 in midweek and they repeated the trick thanks to a late revival.
Cody Gakpo bagged the equaliser in the 69th minute with a cross that looped straight into the net.
Three minutes later, Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead, the Egypt forward curling a fine finish into the top corner for his ninth goal this season.
Liverpool’s Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 2, 2024. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Source: AFP
In Arne Slot’s first season in charge, Liverpool are two points clear of City after their eighth win in 10 league games.
“More than the position we are in, if you face a team like this and are 1-0 down and can come back to a 2-1 win that gives me a lot of confidence,” Slot said.
Nottingham Forest are up to third place after beating 10-man West Ham 3-0 to make it three consecutive top-flight victories for the first time since 1999. It is their highest Premier League position for 26 years.
Chris Wood grabbed his eighth goal in 10 league games in the 27th minute and West Ham had Edson Alvarez sent off in first-half stoppage-time.
Callum Hudson-Odoi struck in the 65th minute and Ola Aina sealed the points 12 minutes from full-time at the City Ground.
Jordan Ayew’s stoppage-time equaliser denied third-bottom Ipswich their first top-flight win since 2002 as Leicester rescued a 1-1 draw at Portman Road.
Leif Davis’ 55th-minute volley put Ipswich ahead but the hosts had Kalvin Phillips sent off in the 77th minute.
Second-bottom Southampton earned their first league win this season as Adam Armstrong’s 85th minute strike sealed a 1-0 success against Everton.
Mohamed Salah rescued Liverpool as the Egypt star’s late equaliser earned a pulsating 2-2 draw against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side were on the brink of only their second defeat this season until Salah netted with nine minutes left at the Emirates Stadium.
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Liverpool had fallen behind to Bukayo Saka’s early opener and, although Virgil van Dijk equalised, Mikel Merino put Arsenal back in front before half-time.
Salah’s eighth goal in 13 games in all competitions this season was aided by Arsenal’s latest rash of injuries, with defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both forced off in the second half.
Manchester City were the real winners on Sunday as the draw in north London ensured they finished the weekend on top of the Premier League.
Unbeaten City, who beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday, are one point ahead of second-placed Liverpool, with third-placed Arsenal sitting five points adrift of top spot.
It was only the second time Liverpool had failed to win since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the close-season, starting his Anfield reign with 12 victories from 13 games in all competitions.
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Even so, Liverpool will be happier with the point after showing impressive resolve to twice come from behind against a fellow title contender.
Arsenal were left to lick their wounds after the defensive injuries that left them fatally exposed.
They were already without Riccardo Calafiori, sidelined by an injury suffered against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, while William Saliba served a suspension following his dismissal in last weekend’s loss at Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s side have now gone two league games without a win, leaving them with only three victories in their last seven top-flight matches in a major setback to their hopes of a first title since 2004.
– Saka’s perfect start –
Saka, back from two games out with injury, had given Arsenal the perfect start in the ninth minute.
Ben White’s sublime long pass sent Saka surging down the right flank before he deftly cut back into the Liverpool area, leaving Andrew Robertson trailing in his wake as he lashed a fierce close-range strike into the roof of the net.
Merino nearly gifted Liverpool an immediate equaliser when he carelessly let the ball run to Salah, who rifled his shot just wide from the edge of the area.
So often over the last two seasons, Arsenal have been dead ball masters thanks to their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, but for once they were exposed as Liverpool drew level in the 18th minute.
Luis Diaz beat Kai Havertz to flick on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner and Van Dijk got in front of Thomas Partey as the Dutch defender stooped to head home from close-range.
But Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces enabled them to regain the lead in the 43rd minute.
Declan Rice’s teasing free-kick arrowed into the Liverpool area and Merino was perfectly placed to thump his header past Caoimhin Kelleher from six yards.
A lengthy VAR check followed to confirm Merino was just onside as the Spain midfielder celebrated his first goal since his close-season arrival from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal keeper David Raya plunged to his right to keep out Alexis Mac Allister’s header on the final seconds of a thrilling first half.
Arteta’s already makeshift defence suffered another blow when Gabriel limped off with a knee injury after a challenge from Darwin Nunez early in the second half.
Without their first choice centre-back, Arsenal adopted a more cautious approach and Raya was booked for time-wasting with over 20 minutes to play.
But the Gunners lost Timber to an injury in the closing stages as their defensive issues reached crisis point and handed Liverpool a lifeline.
With just nine minutes left, Arsenal’s under-manned rearguard was ruthlessly exposed as Alexander-Arnold’s lofted pass sent Nunez clear of teenage substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Nunez slipped in the unmarked Salah and he slotted home as Arsenal slumped to the turf in frustration.
Defending champs fight back to 1-1 draw | 01:11
VAR FURY AS MAN U PLUMMET TO NEW LOWS
Manchester United’s under-fire manager Erik ten Hag said he could only fault his side’s finishing after a damaging 2-1 defeat for the Dutchman at struggling West Ham on Sunday.
United slipped to 14th in the Premier League table after Jarrod Bowen’s controversial stoppage time penalty winner handed the Hammers all three points.
Crysencio Summerville put West Ham in front against the run of play 16 minutes from time before Casemiro equalised.
Ten Hag was furious at the award of the spot-kick after VAR intervened when Matthijs de Ligt clashed with Danny Ings inside the box.
United captain Bruno Fernandes had a red card rescinded after being sent-off in a 3-0 defeat by Tottenham last month and Ten Hag highlighted the inconsistency of when VAR decides to challenge the referee’s on-field decision.
“Before the season they explained the process of VAR – only when (it is) clear and obvious they should interfere,” said Ten Hag.
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“What they didn’t do against Spurs, that was a wrong decision. Now they make a wrong decision interfering and both have big impact on the games. I don’t criticise the personnel, I criticise the process.” However, it was a familiar lack of wastefulness in front of goal that cost United a much-needed victory.
Diogo Dalot missed an open goal, while Alejandro Garnacho and Fernandes were also guilty of missing huge chances in a dominant first-half display.
“We created so many chances, played so good football, especially in the first half. How I want my team to play in and out of possession,” added Ten Hag.
“Six or seven 100 per cent chances we should have scored. That is a point of improvement. But overall I had not so many criticisms of my team, apart from not scoring.” United’s return of eight goals from their first nine games is their worst in the Premier League era.
Ten Hag’s men have won just three of those matches and drawn all three of their opening games in the Europa League to leave their manager clinging on to his job.
But he claimed to have seen positive signs in a 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend and a 1-1 draw at Fenerbahce prior to their visit to the London Stadium.
“At this moment the luck is definitely not on our side. Last season was not different and near the end we turned it around,” said Ten Hag.
“We are so determined it will be the same (this season). We have to turn this around and it will turn around if we keep playing like we are now.
“Brentford, Fenerbahce, today, we played really good football.”
Ten Hag doubled down on his feelings of being hard down by at the moment when speaking to the BBC’s Match of the Day.
The Dutchman is firmly pointing the finger at the referees for contributing to their lowly start to the season.
“Three times this season we feel injustice,” he said.
“We have to score, we created so many chances. We should’ve been two or three up. Second half we were forcing it but we allowed them into the game. When you are losing 1-0 you need big personality and character of the team and showed resilience to get back into it. Unfair and unjust the way we conceded the penalty.
“I spoke with them (the referees). But the decision is made. There’s no way back and that’s football. That’s a third time I have felt injustice in the season and it has a big impact on our team and on our scores and where we are in the table. It’s not right.”
The under-fire manager boss is feeling little sympathy from fans and the English press pack, however.
Many believe it is a matter of when, not if, he will be given his marching orders and the UK Telegraph columnist Jim White believes the loss to West Ham is the sort of game that could be Ten Hag’s curtain call.
“When the obituary of Erik ten Hag’s time in charge at Manchester United is written, this match might well serve as exhibit A,” White wrote.
“Quite how his team managed to lose here for the third time is indicative of his time in charge – if never quite in control – at Old Trafford. “For the first half United looked smart, together, organised. They passed quickly and imaginatively, Bruno Fernandes at his quick-witted best. And they carved out chances. Loads of them. The trouble was, they wasted the lot.
“Diogo Dalot was the most culpable, blasting over an empty net after dinking the ball over Lukasz Fabianski’s head. So bad was United’s finishing, it was only the manner of their misses that silenced the growing insurrection in the London Stadium stands: it is hard to be too revolutionary when you are smirking at others’ incompetence in front of goal.
“And woeful as West Ham had been for 45 minutes, there was time for Julen Lopetegui to make adjustments. He duly did. Tightening, sharpening, probably reading the riot act, he managed to make West Ham look competitive again. So, the inevitable happened.”
HOW $166M SUPERSTAR HAS REGRESSED TO ‘STUTTERING STOCK CAR’
Only England could go unbeaten and finish top of their group yet attract countless negative headlines.
Gareth Southgate’s side turned in three uninspiring performances against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia as the travelling support let the team know of their frustrations.
One play who hasn’t lived up to expectations is talismanic midfielder Jude Bellingham.
After scoring the only goal in England’s victory over Serbia, Bellingham’s performance levels dropped considerably in the final two group games.
For example, he had 93 touches against Serbia but then had 63 and 69 against Denmark and Slovenia respectively.
His attacking intent dropped too, with just 17 forward passes made in the final two games compared to 18 in the opener against Serbia.
Most worryingly, he became increasingly unsuccessful in duels: he won 63 per cent against Serbia, followed by 38 per cent and 22 per cent in the following group games.
Perhaps the 104 domestic and international games Bellingham has played in the last two seasons has finally caught up.
Even former England international Gary Lineker noted Bellingham looked like he was running on fumes.
Bellingham’s performance levels have considerably dropped in England’s past two games. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“Having had a great opening game, he’s struggled since,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast.
“I think he chases lost causes a lot. Sometimes, you can see him sprinting.
“I understand why because he’s so determined to help the team but I think sometimes you’ve got to reserve your energy a little bit.
“But that’s experience. He’s only 20.”
Yes, Bellingham may be young, but he’s also played over 100 games for club and country in the past two seasons.
For someone so young and with such an all-action style of play, that is a lot of football and minutes accrued.
Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett described Bellingham as, right now, “more like a stuttering stock car than a finely-tuned Formula One race machine.”
Some have called Southgate to rest Real Madrid’s $AUD166 million man for the Round of 16 clash against Slovakia, which would be one bold call.
But, if it helps Bellingham recharge the batteries and allows him to perform like he did against Serbia rather than Denmark and Slovenia, it might be the spark that ignites England’s charge.
Does Southgate make the drastic call to rest Bellingham? (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MAN UTD OWES EX-BOSS AN APOLOGY AMID DARK HORSE’S SURGE
Grouped alongside France and the Netherlands, many tipped Austria’s best chance of making the knockouts to be advancing as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Three games later and Ralf Rangnick’s side stunned just about everybody to finish first, as a 3-2 victory over the Dutch in the final group game secured top spot.
The victory vindicated Rangnick’s decision to turn down German giants Bayern Munich and also was the perfect middle finger to his many detractors from his time at Manchester United.
But what makes this Austrian team so successful?
Perhaps it comes from the Red Bull football group, which includes the likes of RB Leipzig in Germany and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
Red Bull’s philosophy revolves around high-pressing, high-intensity football along with vertical attacks.
Guess who was the architect for Red Bull’s philosophy? Yep, you guessed it: Rangnick himself.
Nine players in Austria’s Euro squad have either spent time at a Red Bull club or remain at one, making it easier for Rangnick to implement his tactics.
Rangnick has transformed Austria. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Austrian skipper Marcel Sabitzer, who played over 170 games for RB Leipzig, believes the shift in approach under Rangnick has been transformative and exactly what the team needed to thrive.
“It’s been almost two years since the coach and his team joined us, and since then we’ve seen a clear development,” Sabitzer said after beating the Netherlands.
“We were a bit passive against the ball before and we’ve definitely changed that. We’re strong against the ball now. Everyone knows that if they lose the ball, they have to immediately switch over and go on the chase.
“That’s probably the biggest difference but with the ball, we have a very good man (Rangnick) there who always gives us good input and creates spaces where we want to play.”
Austria now face Turkey in the Round of 16 and either Romania or the Netherlands in the quarterfinal, meaning they are a strong chance of going as deep a the semi finals.
Given how Rangnick was hounded out of United, perhaps there are some at Old Trafford who owe him an apology.
Sabitzer has thrived in the Austrian team under Rangnick. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP)Source: AFP
WORLD NO. 3’S EMBARRASSING TOURNEY FLOP … AGAIN
Belgium suffered a humiliating exit at the group stage of the 2022 World Cup and two years on, the vibes are not much better.
The Red Devils were dubbed heavy favourites to top Group E, which featured Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine.
However, Belgium ultimately scraped through to the knockout stage via goal difference and won just once (2-0 v Romania) as Romania, 47th in the FIFA rankings, took top spot.
It was a complete surprise given Belgium dominated in their qualifying group, winning six of eight games with 22 goals scored and just four conceded.
Belgian fans were furious after a disappointing goalless draw against Ukraine, with skipper Kevin De Bruyne escorting his team off the pitch after the final whistle after he initially went to applaud the supporters, only to be greeted with a chorus of boos.
“There is one minute left of the game, so you don’t want to take any risks,” De Bruyne said in defence of the team’s conservative tactics late in the game.
“I understand people want us to win but if we go for the corner, they win it back, then they score, then everyone will kill me.
“Sometimes you need to take certain risks and sometimes you need to be smart. Two minutes from the end you need to be smart, definitely.”
As a result of their weak group performance, they have now been pitted against tournament favourites France in the Round of 16.
Kevin De Bruyne did not want to acknowledge Belgium’s fans after the draw against Ukraine. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Despite the boos, De Bruyne called for the fans to get behind the team against the French.
“We just need [the fans], I don’t know what else to say,” De Bruyne said.
“We just need them, you know? We will need them against France like we needed them in the last three games.”
The scoreless draw against Ukraine also prompted criticism from England legend Wayne Rooney.
“Belgium were very poor,” Rooney told BBC.
“If that’s how they are moving forwards, then they have got no chance.”
Alan Shearer concurred with Rooney, branding Belgium “terrible”.
But if Belgium are to transform their fortunes, they desperately need star striker Romelu Lukaku to start burying his chances.
Per Opta, Lukaku has taken eight shots — the fourth-most of all players — with seven of those on target to register the third-highest xG (expected goals) figure of 1.67.
However, the hulking forward has failed to score once, with three potential goals ruled out via VAR.
It followed Lukaku’s performance against Croatia at the last World Cup where he registered an xG of 1.98 in the second half, a figure higher than Morocco’s xG for the entire group stage (1.35), but still failed to score.
Belgium desperately need Lukaku to find his scoring boots against France, otherwise it will be a disappointing early exit.
Lukaku has had countless chances but simply cannot score. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
HEAVYWEIGHT’S SURPRISE TACTICAL APPROACH PAYS DIVIDENDS
Yes, Spain were a pre-tournament favourite, but they weren’t the favourite.
But after the group stage, La Roja have cemented themselves as the team to beat.
Luis De La Fuente’s side was the only one to win all three group games, scoring five goals and conceding none.
What makes the feat even more impressive is that they were in the supposed group of death alongside Euro 2020 champions Italy and Croatia.
It’s also worth noting Spain’s 1-0 victory over Albania given De La Fuente made a whopping 10 changes to his line-up, emphasising how strong the team’s depth is.
Spain ended the group stage with the fourth-best xG figure (5.54) and with the second-most shots taken (37), highlighting their attacking brilliance.
One element of Spain’s play that is slightly surprising to neutral observers is that they haven’t dominated possession, which has often been a hallmark of previous teams.
SPAIN POSSESSION AT 2022 WORLD CUP
Spain 7-0 Costa Rica — Spain had 82 per cent possession
Spain 1-1 Germany — Spain had 65 per cent possession
Spain 1-2 Japan — Spain had 83 per cent possession
Spain 0-0 Morocco — Spain had 77 per cent possession
SPAIN POSSESSION AT EURO 2024
Spain 3-0 Croatia — Spain had 46 per cent possession
Spain 1-0 Italy — 58 per cent possession
Spain 1-0 Albania — 59 per cent possession
It’s a markedly different approach but, as Spain’s Euro 2024 results and attacking metrics have shown, it is an effective one.
Spain take on Georgia in the next round, with La Roja beating the world No. 74 7-1 and 3-1 in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Spain are in fine form. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)Source: AFP
THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED …
An unfortunate ending to Ukraine’s run who concluded Group E in fourth place.
Despite finishing on four points (enough to qualify in Group C), Ukraine’s frustrating draw to Belgium leaves them dumped from the competition.
Combined with the 1-1 result between Romania and Slovakia, Ukraine’s 3-0 loss in their first game may be looked back on with dismay.
The Golden Boot race has an unexpected leader in Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze.
With three goals thus far, the Georgian international’s efforts have led his nation to picking up a Round of 16 spot through 3rd place in Group F.
Own goals have been hogging the limelight of the tournament with a total of seven attempts into the wrong net in the group stages alone.
This isn’t a new trend to the tournament however, with 11 own goals coming in the previous tournament, eight of which came in the group stages.
The Premier League’s finish line is in sight, but we are no closer to finding out who will claim the league title as five teams jostle for position in pursuit of European football next season.
Liverpool have faded away from the title race, leaving Arsenal and Manchester City in a two-horse race that will go down to the final matchday.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham will also have a say on the battle between Arsenal and City for top spot as they look to leapfrog Aston Villa and secure Champions League football for next season.
Tottenham are also caught in a wild four-way tussle for Europa League and Europa Conference League qualification.
Foxsports.com.au breaks down EVERY scenario regarding the title race and European spots … along with the utterly unthinkable relegation scenario.
Remaining fixtures: Tottenham (a), West Ham United (h)
Well, isn’t this a bit exciting?
Both teams were neck-and-neck for so long last season before Arsenal simply ran out of gas as Manchester City went on to claim their third-straight league title.
But Mikel Arteta’s side now know what it takes to be a true title contender and remain firmly in the mix with a one point buffer going into the final game.
With a slightly superior goal difference and a solitary point advantage, the title is Arsenal’s to lose at the moment.
However, Manchester City have that all-important game in hand as Arsenal pray their arch rivals Tottenham can get a result against Pep Guardiola’s side.
The result of City against Spurs on Wednesday morning (AEST) will certainly set the mood around the title race, as both title contenders enjoy home games to finish off the season.
Arsenal have not won a Premier League title in a decade. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
How Arsenal win the title
– Arsenal defeat Everton; Manchester City defeat Tottenham and draw with West Ham (vice versa)
– Arsenal draw with Everton; Manchester City draw with Tottenham and West Ham
– Arsenal draw with Everton; Manchester City lose to Tottenham and draw with West Ham (vice versa)
– Arsenal lose to Everton; Manchester City lose to Tottenham and West Ham
How Manchester City win the title
– Arsenal defeat Everton; Manchester City defeat Tottenham and West Ham
– Arsenal draw with Everton; Manchester City defeat Tottenham and draw with West Ham (vice versa)
– Arsenal draw with Everton; Manchester City lose to Tottenham and defeat West Ham (vice versa)
– Arsenal lose to Everton; Manchester City draw with Tottenham and West Ham
– Arsenal lose to Everton; Manchester City defeat Tottenham and defeat/draw/lose to West Ham
Manchester City are aiming to win a fourth-straight Premier League title. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)Source: AFP
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
4th: Aston Villa (P36, 67 pts, +20)
Remaining fixtures: Liverpool (h), Crystal Palace (a)
5th: Tottenham Hotspur (P36, 63 pts, +12)
Remaining fixtures: Manchester City (h), Sheffield United (a)
To most neutral observers, Aston Villa have emerged as the surprise package of the season but the rise of the Midlands club is one that clued in fans will have seen coming.
Ever since Emery took over last year, Villa have become a fearsome outfit and they continued the momentum into this season despite losing star duo Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia before the season began.
However, a lack of depth, more injuries to key players and a run to the Europa Conference League semi finals has Emery’s troops running on empty and stumbling over the finishing line.
Tottenham have also suffered a major wobble as of late, losing four consecutive games to give Villa a leg up in the battle for the final Champions League spot.
A vital win over Burnley snapped that run, but a daunting challenge awaits against Manchester City who have their own title ambitions.
Champions League qualification would cap off a remarkable debut season for Ange Postecoglou as a Premier League boss, but could it be a bridge too far?
Unai Emery has overseen a remarkable season as Aston Villa manager. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP
How Aston Villa secure a Champions League spot
– Aston Villa defeat Liverpool, all other results irrelevant
– Tottenham lose to either Manchester City or Sheffield United
– Aston Villa draw with Liverpool and lose to Crystal Palace (vice versa); Tottenham defeat Manchester City and draw with Sheffield United (vice versa)
– Aston Villa draw with Liverpool and lose to Crystal Palace (vice versa); Tottenham defeat Manchester City and lose to Sheffield United (vice versa)
– Aston Villa lose to Liverpool and Crystal Palace; Tottenham defeat Manchester City and draw with Sheffield United (vice versa)
– Aston Villa lose to Liverpool and Crystal Palace; Tottenham draw with Manchester City and Sheffield United
– Aston Villa lose to Liverpool and defeat Crystal Palace; Tottenham’s result is irrelevant
How Tottenham secure a Champions League spot
– Tottenham must beat both Manchester City and Sheffield United
– Aston Villa cannot win any of their games against Liverpool and Sheffield United
– Aston Villa lose to Liverpool and draw with Crystal Palace (vice versa); Tottenham defeat Manchester City and Sheffield United
Postecoglou needs favours from Liverpool and Crystal Palace if Tottenham are to qualify for the Champions League. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BATTLE FOR EUROPE
5th: Tottenham Hotspur (P36, 63 pts, +12)
Remaining fixtures: Manchester City (h), Sheffield United (a)
6th: Newcastle (P36, 57 pts, +22)
Remaining fixtures: Manchester United (a), Brentford (a)
7th: Chelsea (P36, 57 pts, +12)
Remaining fixtures: Brighton (a), Bournemouth (h)
8th: Manchester United (P36, 54 pts, -14)
Remaining fixtures: Newcastle (h), Brighton (a)
OK, here’s where things get rather complicated so bear with us.
As it stands, fifth place receives direct entry to the Europa League while sixth qualifies for the Europa Conference League playoffs as the other Europa League spot goes to the winner of the FA Cup final.
Like last year, the FA Cup final is being contested between Manchester City and Manchester United.
City have already qualified for the Champions League, which means if they win the FA Cup final, the Europa League spot then goes to the team that comes sixth, allowing whoever finishes seventh a spot in the Europa Conference League.
That’s why it’s in Newcastle and Chelsea’s interest for Pep Guardiola’s side to win back-to-back FA Cup trophies.
As for United, they’d want to avoid the scenario of needing to win the FA Cup final just to make the Europa League, but to make the top six will prove extremely difficult.
All eyes on the fight for the top six will no doubt centre on Old Trafford on Thursday as United host Newcastle in a clash which has significant permutations in the fight for Europe.
Given Manchester United will qualify for the Europa League if they win the FA Cup final, let’s break down all the scenarios should they lose the final.
Chelsea have found form at the right time. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
How Tottenham secure a Europa League spot
– Tottenham draw with either Manchester City or Sheffield United; all other results irrelevant
– Newcastle and Chelsea fail to win either of their final games
How Newcastle secure a Europa League spot
– Newcastle defeat Manchester United and Brentford; all other results irrelevant
– Newcastle defeat Manchester United; Chelsea lose to either Brighton or Bournemouth
– Chelsea fail to match Newcastle’s points haul
– Newcastle lose to Manchester United and Brentford; Chelsea lose to Brighton and Bournemouth, Manchester United defeat Newcastle and lose to Brighton
How Chelsea secure a Europa League spot
– Chelsea defeat Brighton and Bournemouth; Newcastle defeat Manchester United and draw with Brentford (vice versa)
– Chelsea defeat Brighton and draw with Bournemouth (vice versa); Newcastle defeat Manchester United and lose to Brentford (vice versa)
– Chelsea draw with Brighton and Bournemouth; Newcastle lose to Manchester United and draw with Brentford (vice versa), Manchester United draw or lose against Brighton
– Chelsea draw with Brighton and lose to Bournemouth (vice versa); Newcastle lose to Manchester United and Brentford, Manchester United defeat Newcastle and draw/lose against Brighton
How Manchester United secure a Europa League spot
– Manchester United must defeat Newcastle, a draw will not suffice in any scenario
– Chelsea and Newcastle must lose both of their games
– Manchester United defeat Newcastle and draw with Brighton; Newcastle and Chelsea lose both of their games
– Manchester United defeat Newcastle and Brighton; Newcastle draw their final game and Chelsea take one point from their final two games
Erik ten Hag has overseen one of the most dismal Manchester United seasons in recent memory. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
BONKERS SCENARIO TO FLIP RELEGATION ON ITS HEAD
Burnley and Sheffield United are making an instant return to the Championship and it is all but confirmed Luton Town will join them.
But it’s not mathematically confirmed just yet.
So, how can the Hatters produce a FIFA-like miracle to stay in the Premier League?
As it stands, Luton are on 26 points with a goal differential of -31 while Nottingham Forest sit in 17th on 29 points and a goal differential of -19.
If Luton are to survive, they must beat Fulham on the final day of the season, hope Nottingham Forest lose to Burnley and, somewhere amid the madness, have a 12-goal swing.
It’s extremely unlikely, but it’s not over until it’s over.
Liverpool got back on track after a miserable week as a 3-1 win at Fulham kept their Premier League title bid alive, while Nottingham Forest launched an astonishing rant at the officiating in their 2-0 defeat against Everton on Monday (AEST).
Jurgen Klopp’s side crashed out of the Europa League quarter-finals against Atalanta on Thursday after suffering a damaging Premier League defeat at home to Crystal Palace last weekend.
The Reds’ hopes of giving Klopp a glorious farewell were dwindling but they climbed back into the title race with a much-needed first win in three league games.
Liverpool are now in second place, behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference and one point ahead of third placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand on their two title rivals.
Next for Liverpool is the Merseyside derby at Everton on Wednesday, while Arsenal host Chelsea on Tuesday and City travel to Brighton on Thursday.
“Fulham usually cause us more problems so it was a good performance at the right moment,” Klopp said.
“We want to stay in that race, that’s clear. Arsenal won yesterday, Manchester City will win their game in hand, so we have to win games and that’s what we’ll try.”
Klopp responded to signs of fatigue from his team in recent weeks by dropping Mohamed Salah to the bench among five changes.
And Liverpool took the hint with a more cohesive display by the banks of the River Thames in west London.
Trent Alexander-Arnold put Liverpool ahead in the 32nd minute with a superb free-kick that flashed into the top corner.
Fulham defender Timothy Castagne levelled from close-range after Liverpool failed to clear in first half stoppage-time.
Liverpool secured a vital win over Fulham to remain in the title race. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Ryan Gravenberch restored Liverpool’s advantage in the 53rd minute with a swerving blast from the edge of the area for his first Premier League goal.
Diogo Jota wrapped up the points in the 72nd minute, drilling a clinical low finish into the far corner.
Everton took a giant stride towards extending their 70-year stay in the English top-flight in a highly controversial victory over Forest.
Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil scored the goals that took the Toffees five points clear of the relegation zone.
Forest remain just one point above the bottom three and were left dismayed at being denied three strong penalty appeals.
The club’s official account on social media platform X called into question the Premier League’s integrity by claiming the VAR official is a fan of relegation rivals Luton.
“We warned the PGMOL (referees’ governing body) that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him,” Forest said in a statement said.
“Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.”
Aston Villa tightened their grip on Champions League football next season with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.
Forest manager Nuno Esperito Santo was left stunned as his side lost a highly controversial clash to Everton. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Villa shrugged off the exertions of having to go to extra-time and penalties in midweek to book their place in the Europa Conference League semi-finals against Lille.
Unai Emery’s men even had to come from behind after Dominic Solanke opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
Morgan Rogers’ fine finish just before halftime proved to be the turning point. Moussa Diaby slotted in from Ollie Watkins’ pass to put Villa in front. Watkins was the provider once more for Leon Bailey to tap in to seal the points 12 minutes from time.
Victory takes Villa six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham. Spurs have two games in hand but still have to play all of title challengers Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in their final six matches.
David Moyes’ future as West Ham manager looks more uncertain after they were thrashed 5-2 at Crystal Palace.
Michael Olise headed in the opener before Eberechi Eze’s spectacular acrobatic effort found the roof of the net.
Emerson Palmieri’s own goal made it 3-0 before Jean-Philippe Mateta struck twice for Palace either side of halftime.
Michail Antonio’s strike and a Tyrick Mitchell own goal was scant consolation for West Ham.
Arsenal shrugged off the disappointment of their Champions League exit to move back to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win at Wolves on Sunday (AEST).
Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard struck at the end of each half to take the Gunners one point clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Arsenal’s season was in danger of coming completely off the rails after a three-game winless run.
Mikel Arteta’s men lost in the Premier League for the first time in 2024 last weekend, 2-0 at home to Aston Villa, in between a Champions League quarter-final elimination by Bayern Munich.
However, they bounced back to keep the pressure on champions City, who beat Chelsea 1-0 to reach the FA Cup final earlier on Saturday.
Arteta made just three changes from the side that lost 1-0 in Munich on Wednesday and it took some time for the sluggish visitors to find their stride.
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil claimed his side have been struck by the worst injury crisis he has encountered in his professional career.
Yet, the undermanned hosts were nearly in front when David Raya was forced to turn Joao Gomes’ powerful effort onto the crossbar.
Arsenal had only fleetingly threatened before the break despite their dominance of possession.
But they got the slice of fortune they needed to kickstart their challenge for a first title in 20 years on 44 minutes when Trossard’s mis-hit shot clipped in off the far post.
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League thanks to a victory over Wolves. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)Source: AFP
There was little in the way of goalmouth action in the second period as fatigue took hold of Arsenal in their fourth game in 11 days.
However, shorn of the threat of the injured Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto, Wolves lacked the attacking inspiration to further dent their title aspirations.
Odegaard made the points safe five minutes into stoppage time by catching Jose Sa out at his near post.
Third-placed Liverpool can move level on points with Arsenal when they visit Fulham on Sunday.
At the bottom of the table, Luton’s hopes of survival were hammered by Brentford’s 5-1 rout at Kenilworth Road.
Luton’s heaviest home league defeat of the season leaves the Hatters still one point adrift of Nottingham Forest, who visit Everton on Sunday in a huge clash at the bottom of the table.
“Today was a bad day for us as a club but the teams directly above us play each other and we will not be out of it this weekend. It’s important we all remember that,” said Luton boss Rob Edwards.
Luton shipped five goals in the defeat to Brentford. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Brentford realistically secured their top-flight status with a dominant display despite missing England striker Ivan Toney through injury.
Yoane Wissa struck twice before halftime, while Ethan Pinnock, Keane Lewis-Potter and Kevin Schade were also on target for the Bees.
Burnley are now within two points of Luton and three of survival after cruising to a 4-1 victory at rock bottom Sheffield United.
Two of the Clarets’ five league wins this season have come against the Blades. Burnley scored twice in two minutes just before halftime through Jacob Bruun Larsen and Lorenz Assignon.
Gustavo Hamer pulled a goal back for the home side early in the second period. But United are destined to head straight back down to the Championship due to their woeful defending.
Lyle Foster and Johann Gudmundsson rounded off the scoring to leave Chris Wilder’s men 10 points adrift of safety with just five games remaining.
“I won’t name names, but I think there were a few players out there who wanted to get out of there pretty quickly after the fourth went in,” said Wilder.
Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League as lowly Luton were eased aside 5-1 at the Etihad, while Newcastle thrashed Tottenham 4-0 on Saturday.
Amid a gruelling schedule, Pep Guardiola could hardly have wished for a kinder fixture in between the two legs of his side’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Guardiola made six changes from a thrilling 3-3 draw in the Spanish capital on Tuesday and City seemed set for a stress-free afternoon from the moment they opened the scoring after just two minutes.
Erling Haaland’s shot deflected off the unfortunate Daiki Hashioka into his own net.
Yet the floodgates refused to open as the English champions had to wait until after the hour mark before making the points safe when Mateo Kovacic smashed in Julian Alvarez’s cross at the edge of the box.
City celebrate a big win.Source: Getty Images
Haaland scored five goals when the sides met in the FA Cup in February. The Norwegian had to settle for just one time this time when scored from the penalty spot for his 20th Premier League goal of the season.
Ross Barkley netted a late consolation for Luton but they have just five games left to save their top-flight status.
Jeremy Doku fired into the far corner after jinking through the Luton defence before Josko Gvardiol scored his second goal in a week after opening his City account in Madrid.
Victory takes City two points clear of Arsenal and Liverpool, who both have a game in hand, and are in action on Sunday.
Liverpool host Crystal Palace at Anfield looking to bounce back from their shock Europa League defeat to Atalanta.
Arsenal entertain Aston Villa, who moved back into the top four without kicking a ball on Saturday thanks to Tottenham’s trouncing at St. James’ Park.
“The only way is to win our games and put the pressure,” said Guardiola. “We have done our job and that is what we have to do.”
Tottenham had a howler.Source: Getty Images
NEWCASTLE DOMINATE
Alexander Isak scored twice, while Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar were also on target as the Magpies moved up to sixth and kept their slim chances of Champions League football next season alive.
Newcastle are 10 points adrift of Tottenham and Villa with six games remaining but have the far easier run-in.
“We’ve just got to keep doing our bit which is trying to win every game,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
“We’re hopefully returning to somewhere near our best and we’ve got to keep heading in that direction.”
It was Ange Postecoglou’s biggest defeat as Tottenham manager.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts on the sidelines during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on April 13, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
He said: “Newcastle were good, credit to them, I thought they were really good today.
“We just didn’t really get a grip of the game at all. Right from the start it felt like we allowed Newcastle to dictate the way the game was played, we never really wrestled control at any stage. We paid a price for that.
“It ended up being a transition game. A lot of it was self-inflicted by us. We were not brave on the ball. We have been really good this year at understanding that when we have the ball we can be a threat. We just shied away from that today.
“When you do that you allow the game to be played on Newcastle’s terms. When that happens especially away from home it is hard for us to then claw it back once it has got away from us.”
WILD VAR DRAMA FOR MAN UTD
Manchester United missed the chance to move back above Newcastle after a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Twice the Cherries led through Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert, but Bruno Fernandes struck twice to salvage a point for the Red Devils.
Bournemouth thought they had the chance to win the game deep into stoppage time when referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot.
But VAR intervened to determine Willy Kambwala’s foul on Ryan Christie had taken place just outside the box.
There was wild drama for Man United late.Source: Getty Images
At the bottom of the table, Nottingham Forest edged one point clear of the bottom three after a thrilling 2-2 draw against Wolves.
Matheus Cunha struck twice for the visitors at the City Ground to deny Forest a vital three points after goals from Morgan Gibbs White and Danilo had put them 2-1 in front.
Brentford’s first win in 10 games pulled the Bees seven points clear of the drop zone as Ollie Arblaster’s own goal and Frank Onyeka earned a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Burnley’s chances of survival are fading fast after a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton left them still second bottom, six points adrift of safety.
The Premier League title race took another twist as the run home intensifies, while Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham were handed a boost as Manchester United were struck down by the ‘football gods’.
And a Manchester City superstar copped a giant whack from a former great.
Here are all the big talking points out of the Premier League weekend.
Erling Haaland copped a bake from a former great, while Manchester United scraped a draw despite a horror performance.Source: Getty Images
HAALAND WHACKED AS CITY RECORD BROKEN
It was billed as a title six-pointer as Arsenal travelled to Manchester City. It fell flat, with Liverpool the biggest winner out of the 0-0 draw.
The Reds went two points clear of the Gunners and three ahead of City with their 2-1 comeback win over Brighton, with nine matches to play.
But at the Etihad, there were a mere three shots on target as Arsenal’s defence strangled the Cityzens, who failed to score in a home game for the first time in 58 games in all competitions.
This time last year, Arsenal struggled with the pressure of a title race, collapsing to hand City a fifth crown in six years. That included a 4-1 loss to City at the Etihad – their eighth loss in a row at that venue.
This time around, they showed plenty of added steel thanks to a more mature and battle-hardened side, with their league-best defence holding out a City team that had 72 per cent of possession.
“Defensively we were outstanding,” said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. “The next step is with the ball to have more composure to attack better.
“They are the best team in the world by far, best manager by far, and we have to catch up. That’s the challenge for us.”
It’s clear in the last 12 months they have been catching up.
Arsenal’s defenders had the better of Erling Haaland all night.Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Manchester City star Erling Haaland’s poor showing saw him come in for a brutal whack from the great Roy Keane.
Haaland has 18 goals from 24 league games this season, but didn’t trouble the keeper with any of his (game-high) four shots. But his build-up play remains a key weakness in his game, and Keane didn’t hold back.
“The level of his general play is so poor and not just today,” Keane said. “I think laying his stuff off, headers, whatever it might be …. In terms of in front of goal, he’s the best in the world.
“But his general play for such a player it is so poor. Not just today, he has to improve.
“He’s almost like a League Two player, that’s how I look at him. His general play has to improve and it will do over the next few years.
“Being a brilliant striker is fantastic, but he has to improve his all-round game.”
Klopp’s message to Reds after going top | 00:47
REDS NOW ‘FAVOURITES’ AS SALAH MAKES HISTORY
How fun is a genuine three-way title race?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, leaving at the end of the season, is determined to enjoy this final tilt.
Klopp said: “We have to get through this (and) we decide if we enjoy it or not, pretty much,” he said.
“It will be tough and yes, it is sometimes nerve-racking and the heart rate will be at 180 or 200 or whatever from time to time if you watch it or if you play in it.
“But if we all together enjoy this, then we have a chance. If we don’t, we still have a chance, it’s just really much more difficult and that’s why we try to stay positive in all these moments.”
He added: “But I decided I will really try hard to enjoy it.”
Liverpool fell behind to Brighton in the opening stages of the match but showed their mettle to claim a seventh comeback win this season – their most ever in a campaign.
They’ve picked up a whopping 26 points from losing positions in the league this year, three more than any club.
Luis Diaz hit the equaliser before Mohamed Salah struck the winner, the Egyptian having fluffed his lines plenty of times in the match before finally finding the net.
He took 12 shots in the game, the most of any player in the league in over seven years and an all-time Liverpool record in the Premier League era.
“Imagine Mo would have finished off all the situations in his career? That would be crazy, so it is absolutely fine,” said Klopp.
“We need him to try. Mo, like the others, was a bit in a rush to finish off situations and didn’t do like they can do it.
“But then being that calm in the decisive moment with the biggest chance we had from the best football we played, then that makes a real goalscorer so we are happy with everything.”
He was far from clinical, but Salah ensured another crucial win for the Reds.Source: Getty Images
According to Manchester City boss, the Reds are now favourites.
“Always who is first is favourite, second favourite is Arsenal,” said Guardiola. “It is not in our hands. All we can do is win against Aston Villa (next match).”
Liverpool also face fourth-place Villa in their run home, as well as fifth-place Tottenham and sixth-place Manchester United. Those matches might not just decide the title race, but could have a huge impact on who plays European football next year.
“That is the first of the last 10, let’s keep going,” Klopp said.
EPL Wrap: Spurs pull off comeback! | 02:24
ANGE’S HUGE BOOST AS ‘FOOTBALL GODS’ STRIKE
Do you believe in the football gods? Brentford boss Thomas Frank almost lost faith when his side fell a goal behind to Manchester United in the 96th minute through Mason Mount.
Brentford had dominated all game, taking a club-record 31 shots and hitting the woodwork four times.
But Kristoffer Ajer smashed the ball in the back of the net in the 99th minute to seal a point that was more than deserved for the Bees.
“There should have been only one winner in the game, that could only be us,” said Frank.
“Then you go 1-0 down in the 96th minute and you think football is brutal. I almost lost faith in the football God, but he gave a bit back.”
United were simply atrocious against a team that has won just twice in their last 16 Premier League matches.
“Brentford were better than us today. They showed more passion, desire and determination as we did,” said Man Utd boss Erik Ten Hag. “We have to show more.”
A win could have turned their season around and ignited a push for a top-four finish, but those hopes are dwindling. The Red Devils are now 11 points behind Villa in fourth (but have a game in hand) and eight behind Spurs in fifth.
Erik Ten Hag saw a potential season-defining win slip away.Source: Getty Images
The top four teams qualify for the Champions League, but that competitions’ expansion next season could see a fifth Premier League team given automatic qualification.
But United keeper Onana still believes they have a chance, saying: “I feel sad because we are Manchester United. Everywhere we go, we have to win. We gave away this game in the end.
“I know we will stick together because we did it in the last month. I hope we end in the top four.”
For Spurs, that last-gasp goal gave them more breathing room in fifth place – and now they’ll look ahead to Aston Villa’s clash with Manchester City on Thursday morning AEDT and hope that their top-four rivals drop points.
Having fought back to beat Luton Town 2-1 on the weekend, Spurs face West Ham on Wednesday morning AEDT but could be handed a crucial injury boost.
Fraser Forster (foot), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) and Manor Solomon (knee) are all still sidelined, but star defender Micky van de Ven could be set to start after being an unused substitute against Luton on his return from injury.
Postecoglou defends playing in Melbourne | 01:07
CHAOS IN THE RELEGATION RACE
This year’s relegation fight feels like a race to the bottom.
Of the bottom six teams – 15th placed Brentford and below – only Burnley have won a single match out of their last five! Crystal Palace in 14th also have one win from their last five, but the rest of the teams have gone totally winless of late.
Burnley are still second-bottom, three points ahead of last-placed Sheffield United who have just 15 so far (but have a game in hand).
Luton are on 22 points, level with 17th-place Nottingham Forest.
Everton have 25 points and a game in hand – but they haven’t won a game since before Christmas.
A Seamus Coleman own-goal in stoppage time saw Everton lose to Bournemouth.Source: Getty Images
With a second charge of breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR) hanging over their heads, a further points deduction could shake up the relegation race.
The deadline for a ruling on that charge is April 8, so we’ll find out in the next week whether they’ll cop a second points deduction after already being penalised six points for breaches regarding the 2021-22 season.
Even a three point deduction would send them back into the relegation zone – and breathe hope into the survival dreams of those mired at the bottom.
Of course, the priority for any of those teams down at the wrong end of the table is to win.
Given there’s been just one win from any bottom-six team in their last 30 games combined, statistics are showing a real gap between the strugglers and the rest of the division.
Socceroos legend Harry Kewell accused referees of “cheating” in a dramatic incident during his Yokohama F. Marinos team’s 2-1 defeat to Nagoya Grampus.
Defender Katsuya Nagato opened the scoring for Kewell’s Japanese side in the 54th minute, only for Nagoya to claim a controversial leveller.
In the 76th minute, Kewell was lining up a substitution when Kota Watanabe went down with injury, forcing the Australian to prepare a second player from his bench.
The opposition made a double change, but Kewell’s side bizarrely weren’t allowed to bring on their replacements before play restarted – leaving them a man down.
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Harry Kewell blew up at the officials in a controversial moment. Credit: Optus Sport.Source: Supplied
Nagoya immediately took advantage as Tsukasa Morishima raced onto a long ball over the top of the defence and scored a brilliant first-time chip.
Kewell screamed at the fourth official: “You’re a cheat, you’re cheating. Hey, hey, hey!”
“That is disgraceful,” Kewell raged at the referee after the goal. “That is a disgrace, that is a disgrace.”
Somehow Kewell avoided a card from the referee for his outburst.
But only after the goal was scored was Yokohama able to make their substitutions.
If Kewell’s frustration wasn’t bad enough, Nagoya’s own substitute Ryosuke Yamanaka then scored a stoppage-time free kick to claim a late victory.
Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mitch Langerak was between the sticks for Nagoya, who claimed their second win of the new season to move to 12th in the J1 League, one place behind Kewell’s Yokohama.
Yokohama have two wins and two losses from their first four games and are already seven points off the title pace, though they have progressed to the Asian Champions League semi-finals for the first time in club history.
Kewell only took over the former Ange Postecoglou team four months ago after another Australian Kevin Muscat quit the club for Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port.
But he was frustrated as ‘human error’ cost his side a chance at victory.
“From my team, like I said, we did exactly what we needed to do, we played the way we needed to play,” Kewell said post-match.
“Unfortunately, look in life, you control what you can control and we can only control up to about 80 per cent.
“Other stuff you can’t control is the weather and also human error, unfortunately we suffered today from human error but that’s not going to stop us, that’s not going to define us.
“We’re going to keep working hard and we’re gonna look forward to the game on Wednesday night.”
Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum is in “a stable condition” after collapsing during Sunday’s Women’s League Cup final win against Chelsea, where a trio of Matildas reigned supreme.
Paramedics and team medical staff raced onto the pitch to help Maanum when she suddenly fell to the turf off the ball in second-half stoppage time at Molineux.
The 24-year-old Norway international received oxygen through a mask and was eventually carried off on a stretcher after being treated for around seven minutes.
Both teams remained on the pitch and the match resumed, with Alessia Russo replacing Maanum.
“Frida is conscious, talking and in a stable condition. She will continue to be monitored closely by our medical team. We’re all with you, Frida,” an Arsenal statement said.
Arsenal went on to win the final 1-0 thanks to Stina Blackstenius’ 116th-minute goal.
It meant victory for Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross, all of whom were used as substitutes by Arsenal in their win.
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Arsenal players go to help Norwegian midfielder #12 Frida Maanum after she collapsed on the field.Source: AFPArsenal’s Norwegian midfielder #12 Frida Maanum is taken from the pitch.Source: AFP
But the match was also marred by a dramatic full-time incident between coaches Emma Hayes, who is leaving Chelsea to take over the US women’s team, and Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall. Hayes blew up after Eidevall confronted Chelsea captain Erin Cuthbert late in stoppage time as the Blues attempted to take a throw-in.
After the final whistle, Hayes pushed Eidevall before later accusing him of “male aggression” and claiming he should have been sent off.
WJonas Eidevall speaks at Emma Hayes.Source: Getty Images
She told BBC Sport: “I think there’s a way to behave on the side of the pitch and not for the first time, I’ve been in women’s football a long time and I don’t think we should tolerate male aggression like we did today.
“Fronting up or squaring up to a player is something that’s unacceptable. I’ve never been booked in 12 years of my career but I think there’s a way to behave on the touchline.
“He received a yellow card but perhaps should have been more.”
Emma Hayes walks away from Jonas Eidevall.Source: Getty Images
Eidevall told BBC Sport the throw-in issue was because Chelsea tried to switch to a multi-ball system late in the game when chasing a goal – despite his claim Chelsea had forced the match to be played in a single ball system.
A multi-ball system is where a number of different balls are kept around the pitch and can be used at any time when the original ball goes out, while a single ball means the original must be returned to the field and used for the entire match.
He told BBC Sport: “My word on what was happening would be that before the game we had a discussion between the clubs about whether to use one ball or multi-ball system.
“In this situation, Arsenal said multi-ball, Chelsea said one ball. The decision was to play the final on a one ball system.
“The ball goes out of play, the Chelsea player wants a new ball to take a quick throw-in and I said ‘we play with only one ball and you guys were the ones who decided that’.
“Obviously it drives all kinds of emotions in there, nothing more, nothing less. I can’t see that I did anything, had any form of contact with anyone – either a player or a coach. That was it.”
“To be honest I can’t really take it seriously [being called an ‘aggressor’].”
“I don’t see me as aggressive. She is irresponsible putting that label on it,” he added.
“There is a way you behave in the technical area. You need to be a good winner and a good loser. I am happy with the way I conduct myself. Others need to look at themselves in the mirror.”
Reds in top spot as City, Arsenal draw | 01:56
COLLAPSED STAR ‘CONSCIOUS’ AND ‘STABLE’
“It’s devastating to see one of your teammates go down like that,” Russo said. “We’re all wishing and praying that she’s OK. I think it was written in the stars that her best mate went and scored the winner for her.
“Frida is a massive player and plays with every bit of her body. She did that today. We just hope she’s OK.”
“She had a medical situation and possibly she could have carried on playing but it could have been borderline and risk-taking to do that,” Eidevall said. “Hopefully it’s nothing serious.”
