Premier League: 10 things to keep in mind on the last day of the season | first division
1
Arsenal must focus on doing their part
Only the bleakest would refuse to acknowledge the progress Mikel Arteta's outstanding Arsenal side have made this season. The mere fact that a title win is on the table this weekend says more than enough and they must now ensure that, in case West Ham make a big splash. at the Etihad, they do not contaminate it with unnecessary regrets. When Everton played in London on the final day two years ago, the home team claimed a 5-1 victory; Nostalgic fans among the fans might prefer the 4-3 of 2002 that sealed the double-winning season and ended with the presentation of the Premier League trophy. Even if the latter scenario is an outside bet this time, Arteta will expect his players to block out any noise, including deliveries from Manchester, and put an opponent to the sword one last time, ensuring they at least do their bit. The opportunity to make dreams come true may still present itself. Nick Ames
2
Could Hall sneak into Southgate's plans?
England have a problem at left back. While currently not suitable, Luke Shaw is still hoping to make Gareth Southgate's squad, with the manager admitting in March that he considers the 28-year-old “one of the best left-backs in world football.” So who else is in the fight to step up or be the backup? Ben Chilwell is injured, Kieran Trippier is aging but has worked on the left, Tyrick Mitchell is making the case for him at Crystal Palace and Joe Gomez is a stable if slightly boring choice. Could Newcastle's Lewis Hall make a late surge? The limitless teenager has impressed in Eddie Howe's starting XI of late and scored a brilliant goal at Old Trafford in midweek. Newcastle's trip to Brentford is Hall's last chance to make his mark before Southgate names his preliminary squad. michael butler
Whisper it, but Casemiro had a brilliant game as a centre-back for Manchester United against Newcastle. The Brazilian was probably the second best player on the pitch behind Bruno Fernandes, who later took to Instagram to congratulate Casemiro, who kept Alexander Isak extremely quiet. The 32-year-old has received criticism lately, most of it justified, but he responded here with some crucial tackles, interceptions, a goal-line clearance and the calm and intelligence that has defined his career. Casemiro's future is not in central defence, and probably not even at United, but he showed it – unlike Jamie Carragher's claim –Football has not abandoned him. Saudi Pro League clubs are reportedly interested in him and while such a deal could suit all parties, don't be surprised to see European clubs also expressing interest in him. MEGABYTE
4
Theoretical mathematics is only a threat to Forest
It would take a Luton win, a Forest defeat and a 13-goal swing in Luton's favor to put a hint of danger in the relegation battle on the final day. It has been a difficult season for Nuno Espírito Santo and a club that has gained few friends along the way, but that would be taking it too far. A third in a row first division The campaign offers Forest the opportunity to build the stable foundation they have lacked since returning to the top flight. For Burnley, on the other hand, an immediate return to the Championship will test Vincent Kompany's appetite for another promotion push. His team dominated the division two seasons ago, racking up 101 points as champions, but his improvement this season came too late. Kompany has undoubtedly made mistakes in his debut season as a Premier League manager, but the Burnley board were firm in their support and hope for their money back. andy hunter
5
Nkunku's rare start may help Europe's chase
At the start of the season it was common to hear Chelsea people describe Christopher Nkunku as the club's most talented player. That view has probably changed since the signing of Cole Palmer, but the broader point is that things could well have been different if Nkunku hadn't spent so much time in the treatment room. The striker, who joined from RB Leipzig last summer, was sidelined for four months after suffering a knee injury during pre-season and had another long absence after the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in February. However, when he was fit, the Frenchman's abilities came into focus. Nkunku is a great finisher and will be desperate to move on after scoring in Chelsea's win over Brighton. With Mykhailo Mudryk unavailable, Nkunku could make just his third start of the season as Chelsea look to secure a Europa League place by winning. Bournemouth. Jacob Steinberg
6
How well rested are Aston Villa?
How much high intensity training has been done this week at Bodymoor Heath, Aston Villa's training ground? They secured qualification for the Champions League on Tuesday after fifth-placed Tottenham failed to win. city of manchester, and the match was screened at the club's end-of-season awards ceremony. It will surprise no one that Emi Martínez was at the center of the action, spraying champagne left and right, especially drenching Unai Emery. There will be plenty of headaches for him on Wednesday and possibly even Thursday with fourth place secured. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a lethargic performance against Crystal Palace, who at least have the carrot of a first-half finish to play for and have a few players (Marc Guéhi, Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton and Dean Henderson) competing for a place in Euro 2024 with England. MEGABYTE
after newsletter promotion
7
An emotional end is approaching for Klopp
It's the end of an era Liverpool While Jürgen Klopp leads for the last time a club he has revitalized over the last eight and a half years. The Liverpool manager has kept emotions in check so far but, having spent time this week alone on the Kop and enjoying the view from the center circle, they are likely to boil over against Gary O'Neil's side . He won't be alone in that regard, as Liverpool fans will pay thousands of dollars to attend the Anfield farewell. Perhaps, privately, fans of other clubs will also regret his departure. The Premier League will be a much duller place without Klopp, whose teams have done more than most to break the monotony of the title race in recent years. He deserves all the adulation he will receive on Sunday. andy hunter
8
Once again for Kenilworth Road
Which stadium is Kenilworth Road. In a league full of steel and glass, it has been brilliant to have a ground with some old-school charm in the top flight this season. Luton received planning permission for a new stadium back in 2019, but “judicial reviews, council reshuffles, Covid, a financial crisis, massive increases in steel and concrete prices, excesses in the labor market” have slowed any progress. since then, according to Luton chief executive Gary Sweet. The new site used to have two cooling chimneys and still has a river running through the middle that needs to be discovered, so the club is still waiting for preliminary work and does not expect to have a brick in the ground in 2024. If that It's frustrating news For Sweet and co, it at least means we may still see Kenilworth Road in the big time in 2025-26 if Luton can bounce back straight from the Championship. MEGABYTE
9
Ruthless City aims to extend its career with the title
Here we are again, as the ruthless Rolls-Royce that is Manchester City have made it eight straight wins in a 22-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League. City look to West Ham for their ninth victory and a historic fourth consecutive English title. This is David Moyes' swan song as visiting coach and the Scot will warn his men to go out and try to ruin the day for Pep Guardiola's team. However, City will surely not capitulate and allow Arsenal the opportunity to take his crown. Jaime Jackson
10
Melbourne madness attracts Spurs
Once the final whistle blows at Bramall Lane, Tottenham will race to board a bus that will take them to an airport from where they will take off for Australia. On Wednesday, Spurs face Newcastle in an exhibition match in Melbourne. It's billed as a “welcome home” game for Ange Postecoglou, the London team's Australian coach, but when the players are physically and mentally exhausted it's also crazy. Postecoglou is concerned about Tottenham's “fragile foundation”, but this does not help to reinforce the solidity of his team. Footballers may receive stratospheric salaries, but they are also human and their bodies can only handle so much. Flying first class will certainly help, but there will still be two very jet-lagged teams in the field on Wednesday. Louise Taylor
