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Manchester City win the Premier League 2023/24 season - 1st ever team to win 4 PL titles in a row

Oh for fiddly sticks. Fulham have equalised, going to be between Arsenal and City for the title.
 
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Aston Villa came from behind to beat Bournemouth and keep their bid for a top-four finish and Champions League football on track

Just three days after booking their place in the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League with a penalty shootout win against Lille, Villa had to refocus as they push for their highest Premier League finish in 28 years.

It did not begin well, though, as Bournemouth were handed the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot when Matty Cash brought down Milos Kerkez, and top-scorer Dominic Solanke made no mistake from 12 yards.

But Villa remained positive and got their reward on the stroke of half-time when January signing Morgan Rogers fired into the roof of the net.

Despite playing 120 minutes in Europe on Thursday, Villa showed no signs of fatigue and actually seemed to get stronger as the game went on.

Winger Moussa Diaby put Villa in front in the 57th minute to cap a lovely team move before Leon Bailey gave the hosts breathing space 20 minutes later.

Villa stay fourth and have opened up a six-point gap to Tottenham in fifth, although Spurs have two games in hand, while Bournemouth are 13th.

It has been a celebratory seven days for Aston Villa, after the month started with just one point from two league outings.

Last Sunday they beat Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal, on Thursday they saw off Lille on penalties to reach a first major European semi-final since 1982 and it was another routine performance at Villa Park to stay in the driving seat for a top-four berth.

Villa were calm and composed from the outset, controlling possession and making steady progress up the field, although they struggled to create any meaningful openings.

It was not until Rogers' equaliser as the first half ticked into injury-time that Villa registered a shot on target.

Rogers has settled well at Villa Park since signing for £8m from Middlesbrough in January and he grabbed his second league goal for the club in very mature fashion, coolly evading the challenge of Adam Smith before carefully picking his spot high above the head of goalkeeper Neto.

Villa settled into their groove as the second half began, with Ollie Watkins attempting two shots at goal but he was the provider, teeing up Diaby, to get the hosts in front.

Unai Emery's side continued to press for a third and their endeavour paid off in the 78th minute when Watkins, who leads the way for assists in the Premier League with 12, broke into the area, squared the ball and Bailey had a simple finish.

Despite being without the ball for long periods in the first half, Bournemouth were efficient when they did get possession.

Justin Kluivert tested Emiliano Martinez with a stinging effort from the edge of the box, before Dango Ouattara threatened the Argentina international's goal when he met a cross at the far post - but the angle was too acute and he could only find the side-netting.

Bournemouth's penalty was as clear-cut as it comes, with Cash wrong-footed by a turning Kerkez, and Solanke fired beyond Martinez with the confidence of a man who now has 18 league goals to his name.

Shortly after Villa had taken the lead Ouattara was denied from point-blank range by Martinez, in a moment that could have turned the game back in Bournemouth's favour.

Substitute Enes Unal had the ball in the back of the net for the visitors, after Bailey had given Villa a two-goal cushion, but that was swiftly ruled out for offside.

It may not have been an enjoyable trip to the Midlands for the south coast club but their season, which has five games left to run, could still end on a positive note.

Bournemouth are just five points shy of achieving a club record tally in the Premier League, despite failing to win any of their opening nine games under Andoni Iraola.

www.bbc.com

Aston Villa 3-1 Bournemouth: Come-from-behind win keeps Villa's top-four bid on track

Aston Villa come from behind to beat Bournemouth and keep their bid for a top-four finish and Champions League football on track.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Kroll said:
Oh for fiddly sticks. Fulham have equalised, going to be between Arsenal and City for the title.
Click to expand...

Liverpool playing much better but Fulham look dangerous too . All to play for , Liverpool have to go for it .

Meanwhile Coventry v Utd is funny 😄
 
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Crystal Palace hit four goals in the first 31 minutes as they thrashed sorry West Ham at Selhurst Park

Michael Olise opened the scoring when he rose highest to convert Joachim Andersen's lofted ball into the box.

Eberechi Eze then netted a superb bicycle kick from close range and Emerson Palmieri turned into his own net under pressure from Daniel Munoz for Palace's third of the afternoon.

Olise turned provider, squaring the ball across goal for Jean-Philippe Mateta to sidefoot home.

Michail Antonio got in behind his man and poked past home goalkeeper Dean Henderson for a Hammers consolation towards the end of the first half.

But Oliver Glasner's side continued to dominate after the break and Mateta scored again for his ninth league goal of the campaign in an excellent performance from the Eagles.

West Ham pulled another back, making it 5-2, when Tyrick Mitchell fired back towards his own goal without looking and the ball Henderson's scuffed clearance went into the net.

Palace dominated proceedings from start to finish and could have scored even more against a West Ham side who played in Europe on Thursday and looked defeated once they conceded the first goal.

Eze's acrobatic goal came after Mateta's effort across Fabianski was saved by his right foot, with the England international firing in the rebound.

Eze skewed a few efforts wide of the post after scoring his goal and fired another shot high over the bar from just inside the box as the Hammers struggled to contain the former QPR man.

Apart from Antonio's goal, West Ham created few chances of note and were thoroughly outclassed in yet another away performance to forget.

It is only the second time Eze and Olise have started together this season and when they do, the improvement in Crystal Palace's performances is clear to see.

Both players scored and provided an assist as they danced through the West Ham defence at will.

Olise, at 22 years and 131 days old, is the youngest player to have been directly involved in 10 or more goals in each of the past two Premier League campaigns (13 in 2022-23 and 11 in 2023-24).

Eze nutmegged the unfortunate Kurt Zouma to set up Mateta for his second goal and will be disappointed he only scored once.

Mateta was also in fine form and now has nine goals for the season, more than in his first three campaigns in the competition combined (eight).

Olise and Eze were taken off in the 67th and 81st minute respectively, receiving rapturous applause from the home support for their superb performances in Palace's biggest win of the season.

 
KingKhanWC said:
Liverpool playing much better but Fulham look dangerous too . All to play for , Liverpool have to go for it .

Meanwhile Coventry v Utd is funny 😄
Click to expand...
Kroll said:
Wow, last time I looked it was 1-0 Man Utd 🤣
Click to expand...
Hahaha, Coventry 3-0 down as well with 20 mins to play. Put that game on the background, got Liverpool, Pak v NZ and now United game on.
 
Nunez on and snatching again as usual, come on big man, show a bit of composure.
 
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Liverpool put a frustrating fortnight behind them to reignite their Premier League title bid with a welcome win at Fulham.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, making a first league start in more than two months following a knee injury, curled a fabulous first-half free-kick into the top corner to put them ahead.

Timothy Castagne steered Fulham level before the break but Ryan Gravenberch's perfectly-measured 20-yard effort flew in off the post to restore the Reds' advantage.

Diogo Jota sealed the points with an accurate low finish past Bernd Leno from Cody Gakpo's through ball and the margin of victory could arguably have been greater.

Regardless, it was an accomplished and largely trouble-free display from Liverpool that will reassure boss Jurgen Klopp they could yet end his nine-year reign with a second Premier League crown.

Dropped points in a draw at Manchester United and a shock Anfield defeat by Crystal Palace - with a disappointing Europa League exit to Atalanta sandwiched in between - had threatened to derail hopes of further trophies to add to the Carabao Cup they have already collected this season.

But victory at Craven Cottage lifts Liverpool back up to second in the table, level on points with leaders Arsenal - but behind the Gunners on goal difference - and a point above third-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
 
Wolves are considering Arsenal's 25-year-old England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, Liverpool's 25-year-old Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, and Sunderland's 23-year-old English goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as replacements if Portugal goalkeeper Jose Sa, 31, leaves the club this summer.

Source: The Sun
 
Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.

The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents - Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).

We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.

www.nottinghamforest.co.uk

Club Statement

The Official Website of Nottingham Forest Football Club: get the latest news, highlights, fixtures and results, tickets and more.
www.nottinghamforest.co.uk www.nottinghamforest.co.uk
 
FearlessRoar said:
Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.

The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents - Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).

We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.

www.nottinghamforest.co.uk

Club Statement

The Official Website of Nottingham Forest Football Club: get the latest news, highlights, fixtures and results, tickets and more.
www.nottinghamforest.co.uk www.nottinghamforest.co.uk
Click to expand...
https://twitter.com/x/status/1782447202817687689
 
FearlessRoar said:
Nottingham Forest has today submitted a formal request to the PGMOL to release into the public domain the audio recordings between officials during yesterday’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.

The club has requested this be shared for three key match incidents - Ashley Young’s challenge on Giovanni Reyna (24th minute), Ashley Young’s handball (44th minute) and Ashley Young’s challenge on Callum Hudson-Odoi (56th minute).

We firmly advocate for the broader football community and supporters to have access to the audio and transcript for full transparency, ensuring the integrity of our sport is upheld.

www.nottinghamforest.co.uk

Club Statement

The Official Website of Nottingham Forest Football Club: get the latest news, highlights, fixtures and results, tickets and more.
www.nottinghamforest.co.uk www.nottinghamforest.co.uk
Click to expand...

Nottingham Forest will be offered the chance to privately hear VAR audio from three penalty claims in their match against Everton last Sunday.

BBC
 

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea - MATCH REPORT​

Arsenal moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League and made a potentially significant improvement to their goal difference with a crushing victory over Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners backed up their win at Wolverhampton Wanderers with an emphatic performance helped by a dreadful display from a Chelsea side who looked like they wanted the season to end now after their FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City.

Arsenal suffered last week with a home Premier League defeat by Aston Villa and a Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich but the manner of this win demonstrated the title momentum is now back with Mikel Arteta's team.

Leandro Trossard settled any early nerves when he beat Chelsea keeper Djordje Petrovic at his near post and while the visitors occasionally threatened in the first half, Nicolas Jackson missing a clear headed chance, Arsenal simply ran riot after the break.

The second goal Arsenal craved came as Ben White turned in after Chelsea failed to clear a corner before former Stamford Bridge forward Kai Havertz struck twice in eight minutes, the second a quite sumptuous finish from Martin Odegaard's magnificent pass.

As Chelsea subsided in embarrassing fashion, White looped his second over Petrovic. It pushed their goal difference up to +56 - 13 better than Liverpool's and 12 ahead of Manchester City - on what was pretty much the perfect night for Arsenal.

Source: BBC
 
Last edited:
Updated Points Table (23-04-2024)​

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Premier League pair are arrested over rape: Football stars, both aged 19, are questioned by detectives who raided team's stadium after alleged offence reported to police

A pair of Premier League footballers have been arrested after a rape was reported to police.

The two unnamed footballers are from the same club and were arrested at the weekend.

One player, 19, was reportedly spoken to by police on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape at the club stadium before he was formally arrested after leaving the grounds.

He was detained over night and was later questioned by police under caution.

The other player, who is also 19, was arrested the day after and was later quizzed by officers on suspicion of rape.

Both players have reportedly now been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The alleged rape reportedly took place on Friday night, with the alleged victim contacting police and filing a formal complaint hours later.

A police spokesperson told The Sun: 'Officers have arrested two men following a report of a rape.

'A 19 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and aiding and abetting a rape. A second 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.

'Both men have since been released on police bail.'

A source also told The Sun that police arrived at the stadium and spoke to one of the players in 'a private room within the ground'.

They added that he left the club with 'another individual' and was formally arrested later that night.

A club spokesman told The Sun: 'As the matter is now in the hands of the police, the Football Club will not be making further comment at this stage.'

It is not the first time the Premier League has been at the centre of a police investigation over an alleged rape.

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, 22, was charged with attempted rape, assault and coercive behaviour in October 2022.

The case against him was subsequently dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew. Greenwood denied all the allegations against him.

After an internal club investigation, the decision was taken to send Greenwood out on loan to Spanish club Getafe.

The expectation at the time was that Greenwood would never play for United again, but new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe opened the door for a potential return.

Reports in late February suggested Greenwood has 'no great desire' to play for United again and is 'reluctant' to return to Old Trafford. It was said Greenwood feels the club 'could have supported him better' over his case.

SOURCE: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...t-rape-outside-clubs-stadium-police-raid.html
 
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Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal as 10-man Bournemouth beat Wolves at Molineux to move into the top half of the Premier League table, despite having Milos Kerkez sent off.

Semenyo marked his return to the starting line-up with the opening goal, taking his tally to eight for the season when he slotted in from close range after Wolves failed to clear.

It was no less than the visitors deserved as they employed a positive approach from the outset.

Bournemouth created a plethora of chances with top scorer Dominic Solanke, Alex Scott, Kerkez and Justin Kluivert all testing home keeper Jose Sa, who performed admirably in the face of constant pressure.

The Cherries' profligacy in front of goal looked like it was going to be punished when Hwang Hee-chan looked to have equalised in the second half, but his effort was ruled out after the video assistant referee (VAR) asked on-field official Stuart Attwell to check the pitchside monitor for a foul in the build-up.

Attwell, who was at the centre of a VAR storm after Nottingham Forest's defeat by Everton on Sunday, deemed that Wolves substitute Matheus Cunha had caught Kluivert in the face with a swinging arm in the moments before Nelson Semedo delivered the cross for Hwang.

The game immediately fell back into its original pattern in the aftermath of that incident, with Bournemouth probing without finding any success in the final third, until they were reduced to 10-men for the final 10 minutes of regulation time after Hungary left-back Kerkez was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Matt Doherty.

Andoni Iraola's side hung on throughout the closing stages - including 12 minutes of stoppage time - for a win that moves them up to 10th, two points behind eighth-placed West Ham, while Wolves drop to 12th.
 
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A double from Jean-Philippe Mateta saw Crystal Palace beat Newcastle at Selhurst Park to guarantee Premier League football for another season.

The Frenchman scored his first 10 minutes into the second half as he exchanged passes with Jordan Ayew before sliding the ball past Martin Dubravka.

He sealed the victory two minutes from time, converting from a Will Hughes cut-back for his 11th league goal of the season.

Newcastle had their best chance when Alexander Isak was sent through on goal in the first half but Dean Henderson raced out of the Palace goal to smother the shot.

Newcastle also thought they should have had a penalty late in the second half when Sean Longstaff went down after a challenge from Will Hughes but after a VAR check, nothing was given.

The victory is the Eagles third in the row and they can start looking up the table as they start to plan for a club record 12th season in the Premier League rather than worrying about the relegation battle below.
 
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Everton moved closer to Premier League survival and put a huge dent in Liverpool's Premier League title challenge with an outstanding win at a thunderous Goodison Park.

Jarrad Branthwaite's first-half goal and a towering header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the break gave Everton their first Merseyside derby win at home since October 2010 in a victory that could assume huge significance.

Liverpool knew a win over the rivals they have dominated so often would put them level on points with leaders Arsenal but Jurgen Klopp's side never recovered from an opening period when they were overpowered by Everton, Branthwaite's close-range finish a deserved reward.

Everton then needed England keeper Jordan Pickford to keep them ahead as he saved from Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Andy Robertson - but on this night, in a fiercely hostile atmosphere, the Toffees were not to be denied.

And victory was effectively sealed when Calvert-Lewin, a constant threat, rose at the far post to head home from Dwight McNeil's corner at the far post, just before the hour.

Liverpool had plenty of possession but, with Everton's defence resolute and Pickford so impressive, there was no way back as Klopp tasted defeat at Goodison Park in his final Merseyside derby.
 
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Manchester United's chaotic high-scoring form continued at Old Trafford as they twice came from behind to overcome spirited Sheffield United at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund struck in the final nine minutes to ensure the win.

Manchester United captain Fernandes followed up an excellent pinpoint 25-yard drive by hooking back the cross five minutes from time that allowed Hojlund to score his first goal since February.

As in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Coventry, it was a favourable outcome in the end for under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag.

But there are some staggering statistics to go with their recent results. In total, 27 goals have now been scored in their past five games. They have conceded and scored at least two in all of them.

In entertainment terms, it is sensational. However, there is zero sense of structure and it can only be wondered what new technical director Jason Wilcox made of it as he watched his first game in the Old Trafford directors' box since his appointment was confirmed last week.

After railing against the media the day before the game, labelling coverage of the Coventry match "embarrassing" and "a disgrace", Ten Hag's team failed to follow up by convincing on the pitch.

Without a win since February and with only three in the league all season, Sheffield United led twice, through Jayden Bogle in the first half and Ben Brereton Diaz in the second.

The home side levelled each time, courtesy of Harry Maguire's deft header and Fernandes' penalty.

And Manchester United eventually claimed the points to move back into sixth spot.
 

Crystal Palace put £60m price tags on Olise and Eze​


Crystal Palace will only entertain offers for star forwards Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise that start at £60m or more for each player.

The Eagles are safe from relegation having secured a club-record 12th season of Premier League football, and financially do not need to sell either player.

However, given some of the praise for 25-year-old Eze in particular in recent weeks and the form of Olise, 22, they accept that bids are highly likely to come this summer.

And Palace feel that £60m per player is the starting price for interested teams if they want to enter negotiations.

Both Olise and Eze signed long-term deals this season so Palace are in a strong negotiating position.

Neither contract contains a straightforward release clause and any deal will be complex with percentages due to the player's former club, the players themselves and Crystal Palace.

Last summer Eze was the subject of interest from Manchester City but the champions signed Wolves' Matheus Nunes instead, while Chelsea unsuccessfully attempted to sign Olise for a fee in the region of £35m, thinking they had activated his release clause.

The players are happy at Palace and are keen to make sure that any potential move is one that benefits them, with a particular focus on picking a team that will allow them to show their ability on the ball and demonstrate their attacking flair.

Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy said Eze was "on a different planet" in their 5-2 win over West Ham on Sunday, adding: "He is a Champions League player - I'm sorry, Palace fans. He will not be there next season. This is an unbelievable talent.

"There are going to be so many clubs after him because he can do the lot. A wonderful, wonderful player."

There is a noticeable difference in the way Crystal Palace play when neither Olise or Eze are in the side and the pair have started just six Premier League games together.

They have scored or assisted 13 of the 14 goals in those six games.

Olise and Eze are two of the success stories Palace have signed from the Championship under sporting director Dougie Freedman.

In addition to Olise and Eze, they have also signed Marc Guehi after his spell at Swansea (on loan from Chelsea) and most recently Adam Wharton.

Wharton has already impressed many inside Selhurst Park since his £18m move from Blackburn and he has also caught the eye of other teams in the Premier League.

Wharton’s passing has shone playing in the centre of midfield and his vision has allowed Eze and Olise to get on the ball in dangerous areas.

Another player who could be the subject of transfer bids this summer is England international Guehi.

The 23-year-old has been excellent for the Eagles since signing in 2021 and has gone on to establish himself in the England set-up.

The defender has a good chance of making Gareth Southgate’s squad this summer for the Euros and is entering the last two years of his contract.

www.bbc.com

Eberechi Eze & Michael Olise transfer news: Crystal Palace will entertain £60m bids

Crystal Palace will only entertain offers for Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise that start at £60m or more for each player.
www.bbc.com
 
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Manchester City moved smoothly to within one point of Premier League leaders Arsenal with a game in hand after a routine victory over Brighton at the Amex Stadium.

What threatened to be a dangerous fixture was effectively over by the interval as City romped into a three-goal lead, moving ahead of Liverpool into second place and closing ominously on Arsenal.

Kevin de Bruyne's first header in his 68 Premier League goals, a magnificent flying effort into the top corner, set City on their way before Phil Foden controversially doubled the advantage nine minutes layer.

Referee Jarred Gillett awarded City a free-kick despite Foden only appearing to slip, Brighton seeing insult added to injury as his resulting set-piece strike took a deflection off Pascal Gross to wrong-foot keeper Jason Steele.

Any hope of a Brighton comeback was extinguished after 34 minutes by a smooth Foden finish into the bottom corner.

It was then simply a case of damage limitation for Roberto de Zerbi's side but City extended their lead just after the hour when the ball ran away from Steele as he went into a challenge with Kyle Walker and Julian Alvarez was on hand to pounce.
 
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Liverpool's Premier League title hopes seem all but over as Michail Antonio scored to rescue a point for West Ham at London Stadium

Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring just before the break when he rose highest to meet Mohammed Kudus' cross into the area as Liverpool showed little evidence that their Merseyside derby loss in midweek had done much in the way of spurring them on.

But the visitors were much improved in the second half and Andy Robertson equalised when he scored from Luis Diaz's low pass into the penalty area.

They were then rewarded for their pressure when Cody Gakpo's effort from a corner bounced off Angelo Ogbonna, Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola before finding the back of the net.

It looked like they were on their way to bouncing back from back-to-back defeats in the league until Antonio's thumping header put the Hammers back on level terms.

Liverpool sit third in the table with three games remaining, two points behind leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham on Sunday, while Manchester City are second but have two games in hand.

Liverpool's title hopes appear to be all but over, with the Reds relying on both of their title rivals to slip up to get back in the race.

www.bbc.com

West Ham 2-2 Liverpool: Michail Antonio equaliser dents Reds' title hopes

Liverpool's slim Premier League title hopes take another hit as Michail Antonio rescues a point for West Ham at London Stadium.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Liverpool bottling title in klopps last season, fitting end to his reign 🤣🤭
 
If Villa beat Chelsea, that means they would be 6 points behind Liverpool, both sides still have play each other 👀
 
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Jeffrey Schlupp hit a 25-yard stunner as Crystal Palace salvaged a Premier League point at Fulham

Adam Wharton's pass found Schlupp outside the box in the closing stages, with the substitute's powerful effort arrowing into the top corner to leave goalkeeper Bernd Leno helpless.

Rodrigo Muniz's thumping header had put Fulham in front shortly after the break.

The Brazilian got on the end of Timothy Castagne's pinpoint cross as he continued his fine form since the end of January.

But Palace, now four matches unbeaten in the league, showed fighting spirit to come back with minutes left to play, after being the better team in the first half.

Michael Olise, starting in place of the injured Eberechi Eze, had a promising chance for Palace early on but shot wide of the post.

It looked like the visitors could end up punished for their profligacy in front of goal when Chris Richards headed an Olise free-kick over the bar, while in-form Jean-Phillipe Mateta volleyed high over the bar from close range.

Fulham's best chances before the break came when Muniz almost caught Dean Henderson out at his near post and Issa Diop headed over from the resulting corner.

Marco Silva's side had a record of eight home wins from eight in the Premier League when scoring the opening goal this season before Schlupp stunned Craven Cottage late on.

The hosts took the lead against the run of play and a draw was a fair result for two sides who are safe in the league for another season.

Andreas Pereira played a ball across the box into the path of Bobby Decordova-Reid but the forward shot high over the bar as the home side tried to build on Muniz's opener.

Alex Iwobi, who became the fourth Nigerian player to make 250 top-flight appearances, provided a cutback for Harrison Reed who fired over the bar as Fulham missed a chance to double their advantage before Palace's leveller.

 
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Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana cost his side victory as Zeki Amdouni converted a late penalty to grab a priceless point for relegation-threatened Burnley in the Premier League at Old Trafford

Despite another unconvincing display from Erik ten Hag's men, they did look set for victory thanks to Antony's well-taken 79th-minute effort.

But, just as he did on the opening day against Wolves, Onana recklessly charged from his line in an attempt to punch the ball clear but hit an opposition player instead.

Although referee John Brooks missed the incident in real time, unlike against Wolves the video assistant referee, Peter Bankes, stepped in. Substitute Amdouni recovered from being on the wrong end of Onana's fist to send the keeper the wrong way.

The result moved Burnley to within two points of fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest, whom they play at Turf Moor on the final day of the season.

It means United are still to win successive league games since February and, with new technical director Jason Wilcox watching on, boos from the home fans greeted the final whistle, although they were not as loud as the ones triggered by Ten Hag's decision to take off teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after 65 minutes.

This result - and the overall performance - was not a powerful argument in the debate raging outside Old Trafford about Ten Hag's future.

That conversation includes the Dutchman's transfer dealings.

It was the Ten Hag who pushed for Antony in the last days of the 2022 summer transfer window.

United eventually paid Ajax £82m for the 24-year-old, making him the second most expensive player in the club's history behind Paul Pogba. The return of five league goals and three assists does not reflect well on anyone who sanctioned the move.

There was a feeling in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time that the winger was worth pursuing but only if the transfer fee was around £30m.

Ten Hag defended Antony for his cupped-ears celebration in the FA Cup semi-final win against Coventry, claiming his player had been provoked. Nevertheless, given it was 3-0 when he made his introduction, Antony might have been wise to keep his counsel.

He had plenty of chances to increase his tally in this game.

An early shot from the edge of the area went straight to Arijanet Muric. Another beat the Burnley keeper and the far post. In between that and another long-range effort, Antony laid a pass of to Aaron Wan-Bissaka with his shoulder as he decided that was the most efficient way of deal with a 70-yard pass dropping into his path.

Under the circumstances, you have to admire that self-belief.

Nevertheless, assessment of the player should be reserved for tangible output. After Alejandro Garnacho's forceful run had taken him to the goal-line, from six yards, Antony should have done more than prod the ball to Muric.

His goal was worthy of positive assessment, though. He reacted fastest to Sander Berge's errant pass and, although the Burnley man looked like he was shoving Antony over in his desperation to make amends, Anthony kept his balance long enough to find the net.

It was Onana's attack on Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic that sparked the scores of controversial VAR incidents this season.

Referees' chief Howard Webb can at least be thankful that, at the same end of the same ground, this time the technology worked as it should.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany will also be happy about it.

His side have now lost only once in eight games. The galling thing for the Lancashire outfit must be that there have been far too many draws in that run and the one game they lost was their most important, at Everton.

Burnley could have got more from this one. Onana denied Lyle Foster with a brilliant reaction save in the first half and the Burnley striker was denied again by the United keeper when he ran past Harry Maguire and straight on the home goal.

Given they have not kept a clean sheet in 17 games now, Kompany's side knew a goalless draw was unlikely. The fact they had the spirit to recover says a lot about the positivity within the Clarets camp.

Yet, however they manage it, they will need to rely on the failings of Forest and Luton over the next three weeks to get them to that final-day encounter with Nuno Espirito Santo's men with a chance of staying up.

 
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Sheffield United's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed as Newcastle recovered from a sluggish start to thrash Chris Wilder's side at St James' Park

Anel Ahmedhodzic gave the visitors a deserved early lead, nodding home Gustavo Hamer's inswinging cross from close range.

The Blades carved out several opportunities to double their advantage as Newcastle struggled to gain a grip on proceedings, but the home side were level when Alexander Isak drilled home from Jacob Murphy's pass in the 26th minute.

Ben Brereton Diaz had a goal-bound shot blocked by Dan Burn and Mason Holgate headed against the woodwork on the half-hour mark, but the visitors fell behind early in the second half when Bruno Guimaraes steered Lewis Hall's delivery into the far corner.

Isak registered his 23rd goal of the season from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down by Holgate, before the unfortunate Ben Osborn bundled into his own net for Newcastle's fourth.

Callum Wilson came off the bench for the hosts to score his first top-flight goal since October.

Sheffield United were awarded a late penalty, but the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee who ruled Magpies substitute Alex Murphy had won the ball in a challenge with Jayden Bogle.

The defeat leaves the Blades 10 points adrift of safety with only three games remaining, while Newcastle stay seventh and are well placed to secure a spot in Europe next season.

The writing has been on the wall for quite some time for Wilder's side, who started brightly on Saturday but fell to pieces after Guimaraes gave Newcastle the lead.

The Blades have been stuck in the bottom three since late September, when they were thrashed 8-0 by Eddie Howe's team at Bramall Lane in their record league defeat.

Only Swindon Town have conceded more goals in a single Premier League season than the Blades, who have now shipped 97 goals in 35 games.

The visitors enjoyed plenty of early possession and could have doubled their lead after Ahmedhodzic's early opener, with Cameron Archer having a shot deflected wide following a mazy run.

Archer then had another effort blocked by Burn, who was in the right place at the right time to prevent Brereton Diaz putting the visitors back in front after Isak's leveller.

Holgate was denied by the frame of the goal and Andre Brooks skewed a long-range effort wide early in the second half, but Newcastle never looked back after Guimaraes' header.

Referee Tony Harrington awarded the visitors a late spot-kick after Bogle went down under pressure from Alex Murphy, but Wilder's team were denied a late consolation after VAR ruled the Newcastle defender had got his toe to the ball.

If the home supporters were expecting a fast start from the Magpies after Wednesday's limp defeat at Crystal Palace, they were left disappointed.

Howe's team are aiming to secure European qualification for the second season in succession but started the game as if they had little to play for, with the visitors dominating possession and first to every loose ball.

Newcastle failed to kick on after Isak's equaliser but very nearly completed the turnaround on the stroke of half-time, but Wes Foderingham got a strong left hand to Hall's low drive from the edge of the box.

However, the hosts finally took control after Guimaraes' fifth goal of the campaign and could have added even more gloss to the scoreline after Wilson made it 5-1.

Newcastle have scored 13 league goals against the Blades this season - the most one team has registered against another in a single Premier League campaign.

In-form Isak has found the net in his past seven appearances at St James' Park - only Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer have enjoyed longer streaks for the club.

Newcastle are now four points clear of eighth-placed West Ham with a game in hand and just a point behind Manchester United in sixth, after the Red Devils conceded a late equaliser at home to Burnley on Saturday.

 
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Wolves ended a six-game winless run in the Premier League and piled pressure on relegation-threatened Luton with victory at Molineux

Hwang Hee-chan scored his first club goal since 27 December to put Wolves in front late in the first half after both sides had struggled to find a way out of midfield.

The South Korea forward netted with the help of a deflection off defender Teden Mengi just 18 seconds after Carlton Morris was unable to convert Luton's best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes, heading straight at Jose Sa.

Wolves showed intent after the break and it took just five minutes to double their advantage when Toti Gomes found space to head in at the far post.

Gary O'Neil's side dominated the second half with Boubacar Traore, Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri spurning good opportunities to make life even more comfortable.

Morris gave Luton hope of a grandstand finish when he volleyed in from six yards, but they could not find any further joy.

The win moved Wolves up to 10th and just three points behind eighth-placed West Ham, with Luton remaining 18th and one point - plus a hefty goal difference deficit - shy of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

O'Neil described the 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Wednesday as Wolves' "worst performance" of the season as they struggled to create openings and lacked energy.

It looked like this could be a long afternoon at Molineux as Wolves failed to register a shot until the 21st minute when Hwang beat the offside trap before firing straight at Thomas Kaminski.

Hwang went on to break the deadlock in the 39th minute when his deflected shot left Kaminski unable to react quickly enough, the forward taking his tally for the season in the league to 11 goals.

Gomes put Wolves in the driving seat with a stooping header at the back post as he met Mario Lemina's cross following a short corner.

Ait-Nouri should have put the game to bed with just under 20 minutes to play when he failed to make a clean connection with Hwang's cross, despite being completely unmarked and just six yards from goal.

Morris' strike in the 81st minute was the only real negative of the afternoon for Wolves, who could not achieve their first clean sheet in the Premier League since 25 February.

Manager Rob Edwards will want to see a lot more from Luton in the final three games of the season if they are to earn a second successive season of Premier League football.

Hard work and endeavour have been staples of Luton's game over the majority of the season, but the rigours of top-flight football might just be taking their toll. This was a 10th defeat from their last 13 league outings, with the Hatters winning just once during that stretch.

Morris was Luton's only real threat, making runs off the shoulder of defenders and trying to work the channels, but a lack of service left him isolated.

After his header was saved in the 38th minute, prior to Hwang scoring the opener at the other end, Luton did not attempt another shot until Morris scored in the 81st minute.

After chastening back-to-back 5-1 losses against Manchester City and Brentford coming into this fixture, Luton's goal difference has taken a major dent and that could prove to be the difference in their bid to stay in the Premier League.

Luton are only one place and one point behind Forest, who hold down the last safe position, but their goal difference is 11 worse than that of Nuno Espirito Santo's team, who were due to play Manchester City on Sunday.

 

Everton 1-0 Brentford - MATCH REPORT​

In-form Everton guaranteed their Premier League survival with three games to spare by edging to victory over lacklustre Brentford.

Sean Dyche's side benefited from Luton losing at Wolves earlier on Saturday, and this result at Goodison Park allowed Everton to leapfrog Brentford into 15th place - 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

Idrissa Gueye was the surprise match winner, smashing home a first-time finish into the top corner on the hour mark after reacting quickest to Brentford's defenders failing to clear the ball.

A first half severely lacking in quality was summed up by neither side being able to find a shot on target. Home midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure should have done better with a volley which he screwed wide from 10 yards.

The contest improved in the second period and Everton's England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made an excellent stop to deny the returning Ivan Toney.

At the other end, Everton were inches away from breaking the deadlock when Dwight McNeil's thunderous drive from long range rattled the crossbar, before Gueye's goal ensured the Blues maintained their proud top-flight status.

Source: BBC
 
Axel Disasi had a stoppage-time winner disallowed but Chelsea came from two goals down to dent Aston Villa's top-four hopes in Birmingham.

Disasi thought he had sealed victory after he nodded home Benoit Badiashile's cross but the video assistant referee (VAR) recommended an on-field review and referee Craig Pawson decided the latter had barged a Villa defender before the cross.

Chelsea's players were incensed and crowded Pawson at the full-time whistle, while manager Mauricio Pochettino had a passionate discussion with Villa defender Ezri Konsa.

Villa, whose top-four hopes are now not in their hands as a result of the dropped points, had taken an early lead after John McGinn's miscued effort deflected off Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella and into the bottom corner.

The visitors responded well with Nicolas Jackson having an effort disallowed by the video assistant referee for offside, before the Senegal international planted a header against the base of the post.

Morgan Rogers doubled the home side's lead after finding space on the left and tucking the ball into the near post through the legs of Trevoh Chalobah.

Chelsea found a route back into the game after catching Villa in possession high up the pitch, with Noni Madueke sliding a clever finish into the far corner.

The visitors pressed for an equaliser without creating too many opportunities, until Gallagher worked a shooting opportunity on his left foot and curled into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Both sides had chances to win the game before the disallowed goal, with Ollie Watkins slicing a cutback over the bar and Cole Palmer having a shot saved when dribbling through one-on-one.

Unai Emery's side are seven points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham, but Ange Postecoglu's side have three games in hand, starting with Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal.

There was further concern for Villa too, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez withdrawn at half-time after appearing to struggle with a thigh injury in the first period, and any period of absence could damage them with their Europa Conference League semi-final this week.

This was a positive result for Chelsea, especially after going two goals down, and they showed an abundance of character and resolve in the second half.

It was a vast improvement from being called "so soft" by Pochettino after their 5-0 defeat by Arsenal on Tuesday.

There were familiar issues in the first half though as Villa scored two soft goals, and Chelsea have now gone 14 games on their travels without a clean sheet.

Jackson should have scored the header that hit the woodwork, and while the finish was taken beautifully, he should have timed his run better with the speed he possesses.

They had more than 70% possession in the second half and had 13 efforts to Villa's four.

Madueke is continuing to grow as a player and has scored three goals in the past six away games, while Gallagher has been one of Chelsea's more impressive players this season.

They were furious with the disallowed goal but should gain belief that they were able to fight back at a side that occupy a Champions League spot and have the fifth-best home record in the league.

Villa collapse but Rogers impresses again

It is hard to know how this result will affect Villa's top-four hopes, but with a home game against Liverpool sandwiched between trips to Brighton and Crystal Palace it may be damaging.

They were unusually soft in the second half, and failed to really lay a glove on Chelsea, apart from Watkins' late effort.

The loss of Martinez was a blow, with his presence huge for Villa.

Emery will look at positives though, and Rogers is undoubtedly one of those.

They had to be patient to get his signature in January but were persistent, with Emery a huge fan of the 21-year-old.

The former Manchester City man has now scored in his past three games at Villa Park, and has an assist in the past five games too, having failed to register any goal involvements in his first five appearances.

His finish was superb, taken quickly and placed brilliantly in the bottom corner, out of reach of a fully-stretched Djordje Petrovic.

Source: BBC
 
Burnley condemn tragedy chanting at Old Trafford

Burnley have condemned "tragedy chanting" that took place during their 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Clarets, who are second-bottom in the Premier League, scored a late equaliser on Saturday to grab a vital point.

But following the match the club issued a statement after "offensive footage" was posted online showing offensive "gesturing and chanting" in the away end.

"We are aware of offensive footage currently circulating on social media from the away end of today’s fixture at Old Trafford," the club said.

"Tragedy related gesturing and chanting is completely unacceptable, and Burnley Football Club take a zero-tolerance approach.

"We will continue to work with Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police and Manchester United to help identify and prosecute the individuals responsible."

Last month two men were arrested on suspicion of tragedy chanting during the Manchester United v Liverpool FA Cup match at Old Trafford.

BBC
 
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Enes Unal scored on his first Premier League start for Bournemouth as the Cherries beat below-par Brighton to reach their highest top-flight points total

Marcos Senesi's 13th-minute header gave Andoni Iraola's side the lead, nodding in from three yards after the visitors failed to clear a corner.

Turkey striker Unal dragged wide in the first half, but scored his second goal since joining on loan from Getafe in January when he cleverly headed Dango Ouattara's cross into the far corner after the break.

The impressive Justin Kluivert sealed the win when he drove at the Brighton defence late on and drilled home a left-footed strike for his third goal in three home games.

Brighton were lacklustre throughout and failed to create many meaningful chances - coming closest when Simon Adingra's effort was tipped over the bar by Mark Travers.

The victory moves Bournemouth to 48 points - two more than their previous best top-flight haul in 2016-17.

Brighton remain 12th and have now won just six of their past 28 league games.

Their season is in danger of petering out in a campaign that has bucked the trend of their recent impressive progress.

 
Forest unlucky not to be level really

City flat as owt, based on that first half there is a result in this game for Forest
 
Forest well on top in this game, creating all the chances

So far Wood has been having a stinker, he'll need to take the next chance he gets

City have been poor, Forest need to take advantage of this
 
Haaland gets city's second, they always just get the job done
 
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Arsenal overcame the hurdle of a north London derby and an anxious finale to maintain momentum in the Premier League title pursuit with a vital victory at Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta's side moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with second-place Manchester City, who have two games in hand, playing in the later kick-off at Nottingham Forest (16:30 BST).

The Gunners' meeting with their bitter rivals was seen as arguably the most treacherous of their remaining fixtures, but they took ruthless advantage of Spurs' defensive flaws to establish a three-goal lead by half-time.

Arsenal were then thrown off course when a dreadful clearance by goalkeeper David Raya presented Cristian Romero with a goal after 64 minutes, the nerves really jangling when Heung-min Son scored from the spot three minutes from the end of normal time after Declan Rice fouled Ben Davies.

Spurs, who saw Micky van de Ven's goal ruled out for a marginal offside with the score 1-0, were infuriated as they claimed Leandro Trossard had fouled Dejan Kulusevski before Saka scored, and were even more frustrated when the unmarked Kai Havertz headed in Arsenal's third from another corner seven minutes before the break.

Arsenal were then content to see out the victory, only for Raya to give Spurs hope by sending a clearance straight to Romero.

An unlikely comeback seemed on when Son scored from the spot but Arteta's side were able to close out the game, denting their arch-rivals' hopes of a top-four finish.

Spurs remain in fifth place in the Premier League, seven points behind Aston Villa with two games in hand.
 
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Erling Haaland marked his return with a goal as Manchester City kept up the pressure on leaders Arsenal with victory over Nottingham Forest.

The Norwegian striker missed two games through injury but came off the bench in the 62nd minute at the City Ground.

He slotted into the left corner nine minutes later to wrap up the points and move City back to a point behind Premier League front-runners Arsenal, who won at Tottenham earlier on Sunday.

City went ahead 32 minutes in as Josko Gvardiol scored with a powerful near-post header from Kevin de Bruyne's inswinging corner.

That came while Forest's Neco Williams was off the pitch receiving treatment for an injury, which subsequently forced his substitution.

Pep Guardiola's City have a game in hand over Arsenal but may still need to win all of their games between now and the end of the season to secure a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.

This was a far from comfortable afternoon for the visitors as Forest disrupted their flow and created a number of good opportunities.

Based on this performance, it is hard to believe Nuno Espirito Santo's side are in a relegation fight, but they remain just one point above the drop zone.

After a tumultuous time off the pitch in which they have criticised refereeing standards, this was a determined display from Forest but they ultimately paid the price for missed chances.
 
Great win for Arsenal at arch rivals Spurs. At one point they were leading 3-0 ever so easily. Too bad that Man City don't look like losing any match either. Only hope for Arsenal is praying Spurs can do them a favour with City visit them. Arsenal are having an awesome season by winning nothing!! :p :p :p :love: :love: :love: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :ROFLMAO: :klopp :klopp :klopp
 

Premier League clubs vote in favour of spending cap​


A majority of clubs voted in favour of the spending cap, which will be determined by the amount of money earned in television rights by the lowest-earning club in the Premier League.

If approved at June's AGM, the new model will replace the Profit and Sustainability Regulations presently used from the 2025-26 season onwards.

The league's current financial rules, which have seen Everton and Nottingham Forest penalised six and four points respectively this season, have been criticised for favouring clubs with the highest revenue.

The new model is being referred to as "anchoring".

www.bbc.com

Premier League spending cap: Clubs vote in favour of developing plans

Premier League clubs vote in favour of developing plans to introduce a spending cap in England's top flight.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
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Fulham have been fined £75,000 by the Premier League and given a suspended six-month ban "from registering any academy players currently or previously registered with another club".

The punishment, external relates to a payment made by the Cottagers to Balham Blazers FC following Fabio Carvalho's move to Liverpool.

Attacking midfielder Carvalho joined Fulham's academy from Balham Blazers in December 2014.

The Premier League said, external Fulham "accepted breaches of the Premier League rules in relation to player registrations".

The judgement about the issue added the London club "has accepted that the payment of the settlement sum pursuant to the Carvalho agreement and/or settlement agreement are breaches of rule U.38".

The club's ban is suspended for one year and started on 15 April, 2024

Source: BBC
 
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Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to keep them in the hunt for European football - and deal a massive blow to their London rivals' hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Trevoh Chalobah opened the scoring when the defender rose to meet a Conor Gallagher free-kick with a powerful header mid-way through the first half.

There was a lengthy video assistant referee check for a possible block by Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella on Brennan Johnson in the build-up, but the goal was given.

Spurs did not create many chances and Cristian Romero had their best opportunity when he headed wide inside the six-yard-box in the first half.

But Chelsea took control in the 71st minute when Cole Palmer's free-kick from the edge of the area struck the bar and Nicolas Jackson headed the rebound into an empty net.

Victory sent Chelsea into eighth place, just two points behind Newcastle in seventh and a possible European spot.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are seven points behind Aston Villa with a game in hand in their battle for fourth place.
 
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has confirmed he has resigned from his role as a refereeing consultant to Nottingham Forest

The 48-year-old became the first official to be appointed to such a role back in February.

The decision to appoint Clattenburg was reportedly made by Forest in order to 'improve understanding and relationships' with match officials.

Since then, Forest have been involved in a number of significant controversies involving referees, not least during the 2-0 defeat to Everton last month.

In an unprecedented club statement posted on social media, Forest were heavily critical of the officiating team for not awarding them what they perceived to be three penalties.

They also called into question the appointment of VAR official Stuart Attwell, on the basis that he is a supporter of their relegation rivals Luton Town.

In a column written for the Daily Mail, Clattenburg labelled the decision a 'hat-trick of howlers' - words that reportedly did not go down well with his former employers.

Now, the veteran Premier League referee has announced his resignation - and outlined his reasons for doing so.

www.sportbible.com

Mark Clattenburg confirms he has resigned from Nottingham Forest role as 'hindrance' claim made

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has confirmed he has resigned from his role as a refereeing consultant to Nottingham Forest.
www.sportbible.com www.sportbible.com
 
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Luton Town missed the chance to move out of the Premier League's relegation places as they were held to a draw against Everton at Kenilworth Road.

Everton, safe from the drop before kick-off, went ahead from the penalty spot after 24 minutes.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin coolly converted after Luton defender Teden Mengi was penalised for hauling down Jarrad Branthwaite following an intervention from the video assistant referee.

Elijah Adebayo showed exactly what Luton have been missing as the striker marked his first start since early February with the equaliser seven minutes later, the big forward proving too strong for Ashley Young before shooting low past Jordan Pickford.

Both sides had opportunities after the break with Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski saving well from Jack Harrison's deflected shot and Calvert-Lewin's header but the stalemate was not broken.

The draw leaves Rob Edwards' side in the bottom three, level on points with Nottingham Forest but having played a game more.
 
HALF-TIME

Arsenal 1-0 Bournemouth

Arsenal dominated and finally got the goal they were searching for when Bukayo Saka slotted it in from the penalty spot.
 
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Arsenal cruised past Bournemouth to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League before Saturday's later games

The Gunners dominated the opening 45 minutes and took the lead just before half-time from the penalty spot.

Kai Havertz was brought down by Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers and Bukayo Saka coolly rolled the ball into the net from the resulting spot-kick.

Arsenal doubled their lead in the 70th minute when Declan Rice won the ball on the edge of the box and teed up Leandro Trossard, who curled the ball home from inside the area, before Rice scored in added time to boost the Gunners' goal difference.

Bournemouth threatened a lot more in the second period and Dominic Solanke forced David Raya into a save in the second half before Justin Kluivert flashed a shot wide.

The Cherries thought they had pulled a goal back through Antoine Semenyo but his strike was ruled out for a foul on David Raya by Solanke in the build up.

Arsenal centre-back Gabriel also had a goal ruled out late on for offside after he smashed a volley into the top corner.

The victory means Arsenal are clear at the top but their four-point lead may only last a few hours as title rivals Manchester City play later this afternoon.

During the match, Arsenal and their fans paid tribute to 14-year-old supporter Daniel Anjorin, who was killed in a sword attack on Tuesday.

Arsenal keep pressure on City in title race​


The Gunners started the game extremely quickly and had Bournemouth under pressure for the majority of the first half.

Mikel Arteta's side had 11 shots in the opening 20 minutes of the match - the joint-most by a Premier League side this season - but for a while it looked as though it might not be their day.

William Saliba had a shot well saved by Travers after he exchanged passes with Saka, before the England winger himself had an effort saved by the Bournemouth keeper.

Rice had a good chance to open the scoring in the first half but he shot just wide from a Havertz knock down.

Trossard, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu all had further opportunities before Saka finally made the breakthrough from the spot.

The tension eased when Trossard finished well to double the lead, and Rice's strike in added time added further gloss to the scoreline.

The victory is Arsenal's fourth win on the bounce as they keep the pressure on Manchester City and hope the champions drop points in the title race.

Bournemouth second half shows why they are improving​


The Cherries are having their best ever season in the top flight and their points tally of 48 is a club record.

However, they were pinned back for most of the first half as they struggled to deal with Arsenal's quality and had only one shot before the break, which came in the opening minute of the match.

Eighteen-goal striker Solanke was well marshalled by the Arsenal defence and will be disappointed he did not take full advantage of a Gabriel mistake.

But manager Andoni Iraola will be pleased with how his side improved in the second half and they gave Arsenal a scare before the second and third goals went in.

The visitors will feel they should have had a goal through Semenyo, but VAR Peter Bankes agreed with on-field referee David Coote that Raya was pushed in the build-up to the goal.

Bournemouth can still finish in the top half of the table but they did not come too close to picking up any more points in this match.

www.bbc.com

Arsenal 3-0 Bournemouth: Premier League leaders move four points clear

Arsenal cruise past Bournemouth to go four points clear at the top of the Premier League before Saturday's later games.
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Ipswich Town soared back into the Premier League for the first time since 2002 by cruising to a 2-0 victory over relegated Huddersfield at an ecstatic Portman Road.
 
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Ivan Toney's struggles in front of goal continued as Brentford played out a goalless Premier League draw with Fulham

England striker Toney registered just one shot on target - and two in total - as he drew a blank for the 10th Premier League game in succession.

Raul Jimenez had Fulham's best chance when he was picked out by Adama Traore's low cross but contrived to miss the target from close range.

Bryan Mbeumo hit the crossbar for the Bees who also had a decent shout for a penalty turned down after Yoane Wissa appeared to be bundled over by Sasa Lukic.

Fulham moved up to 12th spot ahead of Brighton on goal difference, although the Seagulls have two games in hand, while Brentford remain 16th.

Quiet day for Toney​


Brentford's top-flight status had already been secured while Fulham's bid to finish in the European places was over.

It meant there was little to play for at the Gtech Community Stadium beyond three points and bragging rights for two clubs situated only a handful of miles apart in west London.

That allowed both sides to play with a level of attacking freedom, and there was a degree of intensity to the contest.

However, there was also lack of quality in and around the penalty box and among those to have a subdued afternoon in that regard was Toney.

The 28-year-old scored four goals in the first five games when he returned to action at the end of January following an eight-month suspension for betting offences.

Since he scored in a 4-1 defeat by Liverpool on 17 February there has been a goal for England in a mid-March friendly international against Belgium, but nothing for the Bees.

He is now on his joint longest run without a goal having also gone 10 games without finding the net between February and April 2019 while at Peterborough United.

In truth, Toney saw little of the ball against Fulham and, starved of service from his team-mates, largely coasted through a game with little at stake.

It remains to be seen whether Toney shows enough in Brentford's remaining two games to squeeze into Gareth Southgate's 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.

www.bbc.com

Brentford 0-0 Fulham: Ivan Toney's goal drought increases to 10 Premier League matches

Ivan Toney's struggles in front of goal continue as Brentford play out a goalless draw with Fulham.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
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Burnley are staring at a second Premier League relegation in three seasons after being humbled at Turf Moor by a rampant Newcastle United

Vincent Kompany's men won the Championship last term and had a glimmer of survival hope before Saturday's game, but following this wretched collapse at home and Nottingham Forest's 3-1 win at Sheffield United, they sit five points from safety with two games remaining.

The Clarets started brightly but could not capitalise as Jacob Bruun Larsen's effort in the third minute was smothered by Martin Dubravka, while Kompany was left incensed after referee Anthony Taylor did not award a penalty for Bruno Guimaraes' shove on Lorenz Assignon in the box.

The visitors took the lead with their first attack of the game as Callum Wilson reacted quickest to slot in after Arijanet Muric parried Alexander Isak's effort back into the danger area.

Eddie Howe's men looked devastating each time they poured forward and took total control by netting twice more before half-time courtesy of first-time finishes by Sean Longstaff and Guimaraes.

Josh Brownhill tugged Anthony Gordon's shirt in the box in the second half and though Isak's penalty was saved by Muric, the Swede lashed in soon after for his 20th league goal of the campaign.

Burnley crumble on home soil​


Some Burnley supporters had started to believe the great escape was on after a run of one defeat in eight games clawed their side to within two points of safety.

But as the story has been time and again this season, Burnley got off to an upbeat start yet could not find the breakthrough before crumbling at the other end of the pitch.

Burnley head to Europe-chasing Tottenham next Saturday and host Forest on the final day of the season, but it is a big ask now for them to take it to the wire in the unlikeliest of survival stories.

The Clarets needed to win on Saturday and the result may have been different if Larsen had been able to convert early on or official Taylor had pointed to the spot when Assignon went down in the box.

The French full-back was in the thick of the action and nearly gave his side the breakthrough, cutting on to his left foot and firing a shot at goalkeeper Dubravka.

Newcastle, though, kept their composure and took their opponents apart with some incisive play which puts them in the mix for Europa League football next season.

Striker Wilson, who scored twice at Turf Moor to send Burnley down two seasons ago, may well have contributed to doing the same this time with an opportunistic effort on 19 minutes.

Full-back Tino Livramento forced Muric into a full-stretch save but they did not have to wait much longer for more goals with Longstaff and Guimaraes finding space in the box before converting clinical finishes.

Burnley were woeful and provided more joy for the elated visiting supporters in the second period as Isak punished slack defending following his penalty miss to become Newcastle's fifth player to reach the 20-goal milestone in the top-flight.

Newcastle embarrassed Sheffield United 8-0 earlier this season and could have run riot once more, but Guimaraes' curling shot was tipped wide by Muric while the livewire Gordon dragged off target late on.

 
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Callum Hudson-Odoi scored twice as Nottingham Forest took a big step towards Premier League survival by beating already-relegated Sheffield United

Ben Brereton Diaz's penalty put the home side ahead at Bramall Lane before Hudson-Odoi's superb curling effort brought Forest level midway through the first half.

The Blades responded well but missed a host of first-half chances and were punished when Ryan Yates put the visitors ahead with a thumping effort six minutes after the break.

Hudson-Odoi then made sure of a vital three points for Nuno Espirito Santo's side when he cut inside and bent the ball past Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham into the far corner.

It was the 100th Premier League goal conceded by Sheffield United this season, equalling the record set by Swindon Town in 1993-94.

A frustrating day for the hosts was compounded when Anel Ahmedhodzic was sent off for a second bookable offence seconds before the full-time whistle.

With just two games remaining, Forest are now three points ahead of Luton Town in 18th and have a significantly better goal difference than Rob Edwards' team.

Forest ride their luck but earn crucial win​


Given the position Forest found themselves in before this game, winning was all that mattered and having secured the victory, they won't care that they were distinctly second best in the first 45 minutes.

Forest could have been in front less than two minutes in when Chris Wood was left unmarked but he volleyed wide from Morgan Gibbs-White's cross.

Sheffield United soon had the upper hand, though, and after he was brought down by a sliding Gonzalo Montiel in the box, Brereton Diaz got back to his feet and powered the spot-kick down the middle.

Hudson-Odoi caressed a bouncing ball into the net from the corner of the penalty area 10 minutes later but given the Blades barrage that followed, it was a wonder how Forest remained level at half-time.

Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer both spurned very presentable chances and Forest keeper Matz Sels was called into action time and again.

Wood hit the bar with a header late in the half to provide a reminder of the threat posed by the visitors and soon after the break, with United players calling for a foul by Murillo as a free-kick came in, Anthony Elanga put the ball back across goal, Willy Boly nodded it down and Yates smashed it in.

Although the home side still looked dangerous on occasion, that goal appeared to settle Forest and Hudson-Odoi clipped the post with what became a practice effort for the near identical shot he fired in soon afterwards.

They could have made it an even more emphatic victory in the last 25 minutes but three goals proved to be more than enough. It took some good fortune and while the job is not done yet, Forest have kept their fate in their own hands.

Four points from their last two games will make absolutely sure but, if results go their way, safety could be achieved next weekend when they host Chelsea.

 

Manchester City 5-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers - MATCH REPORT​

Erling Haaland's first four-goal haul in the Premier League left Manchester City three wins away from an historic fourth successive English league title.

With no margin for error following Arsenal's earlier victory over Bournemouth, City delivered the perfect response.

City were given a helping hand they did not need thanks to a favourable 12th-minute penalty decision from referee Craig Pawson.

Haaland sent Wolves keeper Jose Sa the wrong way, then beat the Portuguese from the spot again just before the break after he had been brought down by Nelson Semedo.

In between, the striker had scored with a superb far-post header, climbing to an amazing height unchallenged at the far post, to send Rodri's cross back across goal and into the corner.

A minute after Hwang Hee-chan had pulled one back for the visitors, Haaland struck again, powering onto Phil Foden's brilliant lofted pass.

It took the Norwegian onto 25 Premier League goals for the season and five clear of Alexander Isak and Cole Palmer in the Golden Boot standings.

Julian Alvarez finished off the scoring five minutes from time to leave City a point behind Arsenal, but now with three games remaining to the Gunners' two.

Source: BBC
 
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