Tag: English Premier League

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CHELSEA SECURE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOT DESPITE DEFEAT TO ASTON VILLA

Chelsea qualified for next season’s Champions League on Sunday despite a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa as Leicester’s loss against Tottenham saved the Blues’ top four place in a thrilling end to the Premier League season. Thomas Tuchel’s side were 14 minutes away from missing out on a top-four finish when they trailed at Villa Park while Liverpool and Leicester were both winning. Bertrand Traore put Villa ahead late in the first half before the former Chelsea winger won a penalty that was converted by Anwar El Ghazi.

Ben Chilwell got one back for Chelsea, but at that stage the Blues were still heading out of the top four.

An own goal from Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel was followed by two late Gareth Bale strikes, condemning the Foxes to a 4-2 loss as Chelsea received an unexpected favour from bitter London rivals Tottenham.

That Harry Kane, linked with a close-season move to Chelsea after declaring his desire to quit Tottenham, was also on the scoresheet at the King Power Stadium was an added layer of irony.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta was sent off in the final minute after clashing with Jack Grealish.

But the Blues finished one point above fifth-placed Leicester, illustrating the slender margins at play in a pulsating conclusion to the top four race.

It was a huge escape for Chelsea as they enjoyed a significant measure of revenge for their FA Cup final defeat against the Foxes last weekend.

They can now concentrate on Saturday’s Champions League final against Manchester City without the extra pressure of knowing they have to win in Porto to qualify for next season’s tournament.

But Tuchel has plenty of work to do to get Chelsea in shape for their first Champions League showpiece since 2012 after they were beaten for the third time in their last four games in all competitions.

Adding to Tuchel’s problems, Edouard Mendy may be a doubt for the final after Chelsea’s keeper was unable to play the second half, having collided with the woodwork in a failed attempt to keep out Traore’s goal.

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WOLVES TO PART WAYS WITH BOSS NUNO ESPIRITO AFTER END OF SEASON

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo will leave the club after the final game of the season on Sunday, the Premier League team announced on Friday.

Nuno led Wolves to promotion from the Championship and established them in the top-flight during his four seasons at Molineux.

“Wolves can confirm head coach Nuno Espirito Santo will leave the club, by mutual agreement, after Sunday’s match against Manchester United,” a club statement said.

With Tottenham still looking for a new manager after Jose Mourinho’s sacking in April, it has been reported that Nuno is among the contenders to take charge of the north London side.

Under Nuno’s management, Wolves secured consecutive seventh-placed finishes in the Premier League and reached the Europa League quarter-finals.

This season has proved more difficult and Wolves can do no better than a 12th-placed finish depending on Sunday’s result in his farewell match against United at Molineux.

There had been reports for several weeks that Wolves were considering parting ways with the 47-year-old, who only signed a new deal with the club 12 months ago.

Both Nuno and the club insisted the decision for the Portuguese coach to leave had been made by mutual consent.

“We achieved our goals, we did it with passion and we did it together. Firstly, I want to thank the supporters, who have all played such an important part in helping us reach new heights for Wolves, and the people of the city, who embraced us and made us feel at home,” Nuno said.

“I, of course, want to thank all of the staff at Wolves, for their support and total commitment, every single day.

“Most importantly, I want to thank each and every player that we’ve worked with since the day we started, for their loyalty, their dedication, hard work and talent. They are the ones who have made this amazing journey possible for us.

“Sunday will be a very emotional day, but I am so happy that the fans will be back in Molineux and we can share one last special moment together, as one pack.”

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LEICESTER TITLE WINNING CAPTAIN, WES MORGAN TO RETIRE THIS SUMMER

Leicester’s Premier League title winning captain Wes Morgan will retire at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old defender made 324 appearances and scored 14 goals in his nine years at the King Power Stadium and is assured of legendary status after lifting the Premier League trophy following their shock triumph in 2016.

Morgan also came on as a sub last weekend during Leicester’s victory over Chelsea which sealed their maiden FA Cup success. He could make a final appearance for the club on Sunday when they take on Tottenham on the final day of the Premier League season.

The Jamaica international won the Championship with the Foxes and was named on the Football League’s Team of the Decade, the Championship Team of the Year three times, as well as the PFA Team of the Year in 2015/16.

“Wes has been one of Leicester City’s greatest servants, leading the team through the club’s most successful era and helping to set the standards that have pushed the club forward,” Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said of Morgan’s retirement.

“A big brother to everyone he has played with, a strong representative of the squad and a valuable source of counsel to managers and senior executives in the club, his contribution has been enormous.

“Wes has shown throughout his Leicester City career that he has a great deal to offer away from the pitch. I’m excited to see how we can help him shape his career after football and how the club can continue to benefit from his experience, knowledge and passion for the game.”

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DAVID BECKHAM VOTED INTO PREMIER LEAGUE HALL OF FAME

David Beckham has been confirmed as the final Premier League Hall of Fame inductee of 2021.

The former Manchester United midfielder helped the club win six Premier League titles with his unrivalled passing ability, pinpoint crosses and 18 goals from trademark free-kicks, a total to which no player has come close.

He follows Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in receiving the League’s highest individual honour.

“It’s an honour to be inducted into the inaugural Premier League Hall of Fame alongside these legends of the game and league,” Beckham told newmen

“The Premier League was such an important part of my career and life and I’m delighted to be recognised alongside these icons who I played with, competed with and looked up to.

“This is made even more of an honour for me knowing that it was down to the fans. This past year or so has shown just how important fans are to the game and it’s so great to see them slowly being able to come back to stadiums because they make football truly special.

“I’ve always said that throughout my playing career and beyond, I’m so lucky to have incredible fans who support me no end so thank you to everyone who voted.”

Beckham announced himself on the Premier League stage on the opening weekend of the 1996/97 season, scoring from inside his own half for Man Utd away to Wimbledon.

While he brought fame and glamour to the League, he was also a fearless competitor and established himself as a mainstay in Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd side, claiming his six titles across eight full seasons.

Only eight players have beaten Beckham’s total of 80 PL assists, while just three have surpassed his combined tally of 142 goal involvements for Man Utd in the competition.

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CHELSEA AND LEICESTER CITY CHARGED AFTER STAMFORD BRIDGE FRACAS

Chelsea and Leicester have been charged by the English Football Association following the ugly scenes towards the end of their match at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Players and staff from both teams squared up to each other after Ricardo Pereira’s challenge on Ben Chilwell.

An FA statement read: “Chelsea FC and Leicester City FC have both been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

“It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or club officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour during the 93rd minute.

“Chelsea FC and Leicester City FC both have until Tuesday, May 25, 2021 to provide their respective responses.”

Chelsea won the match 2-1 to boost their Champions League bid and knock Leicester out of the top four.

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GERRARD INDUCTED INTO PREMIER LEAGUE HALL OF FAME

Steven Gerrard is the latest former player to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

As the driving force in Liverpool’s midfield for 17 years, Gerrard inspired his team-mates with surging runs, pinpoint passes, talismanic tackles and spectacular strikes, scoring 120 goals and providing 92 assists in the competition.

The former Liverpool captain joins Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard and Dennis Bergkamp in receiving the League’s highest individual honour.

Gerrard made 504 PL appearances between 1998 and 2015, all for Liverpool, and is one of only two players to make at least 500 appearances for the club in the competition, along with Jamie Carragher (508).

The midfielder’s qualities were highlighted by the fact he won the Premier League Player of the Month award six times.

Gerrard is one of six players from a 23-man shortlist inducted into the Hall of Fame after receiving the most combined votes from the public and the Premier League Panel.

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RUBEN DIAS WINS FWA PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Manchester City’s Ruben Dias has won the prestigious Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award, beating Tottenham’s Harry Kane and City teammate Kevin De Bruyne.

Centre-back Dias has enjoyed a fine debut season at City following his move from Benfica last summer, becoming an integral figure in Pep Guardiola’s title-winning team. He becomes the first defender to win the award since Liverpool’s Steve Nicol in 1989.

Overall, nine City players received votes which accounted for over 50% of those cast and FWA chair Carrie Brown said: “Ruben Dias turned heads soon after his arrival in Manchester, a 23- year-old belying his age with fortitude, steel, a relentless drive for perfection and an almost superhuman ability to read and anticipate phases of play.

“This, while commendable, would not alone qualify a player to win the FWA Footballer of the Year award. One of our founding members, Charles Buchan, prescribed the award to recognise and celebrate a player who ‘by precept and example’ is considered to be the footballer of the year.

“Pep Guardiola improves players, shapes them but at no point, has a new signing arrived into one of Pep’s already trophy-laden teams and exerted such influence.

“Dias has demanded the highest standards which have resulted in the swiftest of upturns in fortune not solely for Dias himself, but team-mates to his left, right, front and centre.

“Ruben Dias is our Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for his leadership on and off the pitch as much as for the infectious joy he derives from executing the art of defending to perfection.”

Dias, 23, started in City’s Carabao Cup final win over Tottenham on April 25, and will look to feature in the club’s first-ever Champions League final against Chelsea on May 29. The Portugal international has made 61 appearances for club and country so far this season.

He signed for City from Benfica for £68 million plus add-ons and quickly imposed himself at the heart of Guardiola’s defence.

“He’s not just a player who plays good, he’s a player who makes the other guys play good too,” the City manager said in February.

“It’s 90 minutes talking, 90 minutes communicating, 90 minutes saying what they have to do in every single action. When that happens, [he is] undroppable.”

Voted for by the FWA members since 1947, the first recipient of the award was Sir Stanley Matthews. Dias succeeds last year’s winner, Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson.

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SAM ALLARDYCE TO STEP DOWN AS WESTBROM MANAGER AT THE END OF THE SEASON

Sam Allardyce said he will step down as West Bromwich Albion manager at the end of the season after Wednesday’s 3-1 home defeat by West Ham United in the Premier League.

Allardyce took charge in December after Slaven Bilic was sacked, but Allardyce was unable to save the Midlands club from an immediate return to the Championship.

It is the first time the much-travelled Allardyce has been in charge of a team relegated from the top-flight.

“West Bromwich Albion made me a generous offer to stay at The Hawthorns that shows the commitment of an ambitious club,” Allardyce said in a statement.

“After serious consideration I have decided not to accept that offer.”

Allardyce, who has a reputation for guiding teams to safety, took charge with West Brom already in deep trouble, having won only one of their opening 13 games.

He improved performances, and in April, after back-to-back wins including an incredible 5-2 victory over Chelsea, it seemed that Allardyce might manage a great escape for West Brom.

But a 3-1 defeat by Arsenal on May 9 condemned them to a second relegation from the top-flight in four seasons.

“The club have asked for my opinion on the qualities my successor will require, and I have been more than happy to offer my thoughts,” Allardyce said.

“The search for my replacement starts after the final game of the season at Leeds United.

“In the meantime, we will be concentrating fully on the preparation for that game and will do everything we can to finish the season with as many points as possible.”

Allardyce’s longtime assistant Sammy Lee and first team coach Robbie Stockdale will also depart the club.

Interviewed by Sky Sports after the defeat by his old club West Ham, an agitated Allardyce offered a rather ironic take on his decision to step aside.

“You all know I am a short-term manager, you have all seen me like that for the last six years,” he said. “That is me, that is where I lie and that is what you continue to think.

“I haven’t been more than that [a firefighter] for the last six or seven years because that is all you lot talk about.”

He also took offence at West Ham striker Michail Antonio’s description of West Brom’s style as direct.

“If you thought that was long ball today then somebody is deluded,” Allardyce said.

Sporting and technical director, Luke Dowling, said: “Sam, Sammy and Robbie came in at a really difficult time for the football club and worked tirelessly in their efforts to keep the club in the Premier League.

“Ultimately, we were unable to accumulate the points total required to keep us here, but Sam certainly restored pride with a number of resilient displays.”

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LIVERPOOL WIN AT BURNLEY TO STAY IN CONTROL OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFICATION

Liverpool head into their final Premier League match exactly where they need to be with their Champions League destiny in their own hands after a 3-0 victory over Burnley lifted them back into the top four.

It was far from pretty – their encounters against the Clarets rarely are – but it was essential as the result put them ahead of Leicester on goal difference.

And with a four-goal cushion Jurgen Klopp’s side know if they match the Foxes’ result against Tottenham in their final home match of the season against Crystal Palace they will have pulled off an impressive comeback from two months ago when, for a time, any European football looked beyond them.

Even third place may be up for grabs should Chelsea stumble at Aston Villa, whose victory earlier in the evening had guaranteed Liverpool Europa League football at the very least.

But they were indebted to Roberto Firmino’s strike late in the first half, back-up central defender Nat Phillips’ first senior goal early in the second and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first goal of the season to put a place among Europe’s elite back on the table.

Winning a fourth successive league match for the first time this season means they go into the final day as the Premier League’s most in-form team with 23 points from the last 27 available.

Back in January Burnley ended Liverpool’s 68-game unbeaten home league run with their first win at Anfield since 1974 but the visitors would have fancied their chances against goalkeeper Will Norris, making his Premier League debut for the club.

With Nick Pope failing to recover from a knee injury, Sean Dyche decided to drop Bailey Peacock-Farrell as he had conceded 14 in four league matches this season.

Norris’ only previous top-flight appearance was as an 89th-minute substitute for Wolves two years ago and he spent last season on loan at League One Ipswich but the visitors were criminally wasteful and he barely touched the ball never mind making a save.

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino all had early sight of goal, Mane’s miss the most embarrassing as he bundled wide from close range from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross.

Thiago Alcantara, the only Liverpool player seemingly not panicked by Burnley’s in-your-face approach, then joined the ranks of missed chances when his angled shot flew across the face of goal.

Salah (again), Alexander-Arnold and Phillips all shot over while Mane was blocked by the sliding James Tarkowski as the visitors racked up 11 shots without one on target.

Conversely, a Dwight McNeil drive had forced Alisson Becker to palm behind while Chris Wood fired into the side-netting after a long ball caught both Rhys Williams and Alisson in two minds.

The hosts had been so successful in disrupting the former champions’ rhythm that there was an air of desperation building right up until the moment Firmino struck two minutes before the break.

Andrew Robertson was again the provider with his low cut-back met first time by the Brazil international who in going past Fernando Torres’ club total of 65 became the first Liverpool player to score on three successive visits to Turf Moor.

One goal never seemed likely to be enough and Salah firing into the side-netting soon after the restart did little for the nerves and when the crucial second did come it was an unlikely source.

Phillips, so good in the air at the other end, rose highest to plant a header past Norris from Mane’s cross and then proved his worth under his own crossbar by heading Tarkowski’s effort of the line.

They avoided one or two anxious moments as Burnley stepped up the pressure before Oxlade-Chamberlain drilled home in the 89th minute to lift them back into the top four for the first time since February.

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OGBONNA, ANTONIO MOVE WESTHAM UP TO SIXTH AFTER THRASHING WESTBROM 3-1

Late goals by Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio sealed a 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion to edge West Ham United closer to UEFA Europa League football next season.

West Ham made a bad start to the match as Declan Rice missed a penalty before Matheus Pereira gave West Brom a 27th-minute lead, scoring directly from a corner for his sixth goal in eight matches.

But Tomas Soucek equalised in first-half stoppage time when he tapped in Said Benrahma’s low cross at the far post.

Aaron Cresswell then struck a post before the left-back’s corner kick set up Ogbonna to put West Ham ahead on 82 minutes.

Antonio added a third on the counter-attack with two minutes left after being played in by Jesse Lingard.

It means West Ham need only a point at home to Southampton on Sunday to guarantee a sixth-placed finish.

Relegated West Brom stay 19th on 26 points and have announced Sam Allardyce will step down from his position as head coach at the end of the season.