Author: pedromilano

West Ham United ended their 47-year wait for a major European title, after defeating Italian Serie A side ACF Fiorentina 2-1 in the Final of the 2022/2023 UEFA Europa Conference League, which took place at Eden Park in Prague, Czech Republic. 

The opening period was evenly contested though the Hammers did a bit more defensively, in a bid to thwart the offensive tactics of Fiorentina.

The game was momentarily stopped for a while after the half-hour mark, when Fiorentina’s Cristiano Biraghi was injured in the head after the West Ham United supporters threw objects (plastic cups) onto the pitch.

The Italian side thought they had the lead when striker Luka Jovic found the back of the net, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside by the VAR.

In the second half, it was West Ham United who got their noses in front. Ranieri handled the ball in the area which led to the Hammers being awarded a spot-kick. Algerian international Said Benrahma stepped up and scored to give manager David Moyes’ side the advantage.

Their lead didn’t last long as Giacomo Bonaventura levelled for Fiorentina in the 67th minute, following a smart touch and finish. Bonaventura became the oldest Italian player to score in a major European Final, since Paolo Maldini last did so for AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final against Liverpool.

Just when it seemed the game was heading for extra-time, Englishman Jarrod Bowen raced clear to poke home on the stroke of 90th minute to win it for the Hammers and give David Moyes his first major piece of silverware.

West Ham United will be in next season’s UEFA Europa League, following their victory in the Conference League Final.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT EDEN ARENA: ACF Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham United

GOOOAAALLL!!! ACF Fiorentina 1-2 West Ham United (J. Bowen)

90′ MIN: Jarrod Bowen strikes home to hand the initiative back to the Hammers.

GOOOAAALLL!!! ACF Fiorentina 1-1 West Ham United (G. Bonaventura)

67′ MIN: Giacomo Bonaventura levels for the Viola, following a smart touch and finish.

GOOOAAALLL!!! ACF Fiorentina 0-1 West Ham United (S. Benrahma)

62′ MIN: Said Benrahma converts from twelve yards to put the Premier League side in front.

PENALTY!!! To West Ham United

After consulting with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the center referee awards a penalty to the Hammers following a handball by Ranieri in the box.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT EDEN ARENA: ACF Fiorentina 0-0 West Ham United

HALF-TIME AT EDEN ARENA: ACF Fiorentina 0-0 West Ham United

KICK-OFF AT EDEN ARENA: ACF Fiorentina 0-0 West Ham United

Both sides last won a major UEFA competition in the 1960s (Cup Winners Cup), and only one of them will end their long wait for a European title when they meet in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) final in Prague.

Also, both sides finished outside of the European qualification positions in their domestic leagues, so winning here is their only chance of getting back into Europe next season.

The Italian side have already made history by becoming the first team to reach the Final of all four major UEFA competitions and they will now attempt to improve their strike rate in UEFA Finals after lifting a European trophy just once in four prior attempts (W1, L3), an emphatic victory over Rangers in 1961.

The Violets have put their Coppa Italia disappointment against Inter Milan last month behind them, as they come into this showpiece event on the back of two successive Serie A wins to wrap up their domestic season.

They had to battle past Basel to get this far, winning their semi-final courtesy of a late extra-time winner after losing the first leg at home.

As for West Ham United, the European stage has been the clear highlight of their season, after ending the 2022/2023 PL campaign in 14th position, winning just two of their final seven league fixtures (L5). They’ve made easier work of their progress to the final than their opponents (W13, D1) but have historically struggled against Italian opponents, so they will have to break new ground to lift a second-ever European title.

Older Hammers fans will remember a brace of 1-0 H2H defeats in the 1975 Anglo-Italian Cup, the only occasions these two sides have ever met and it has been a similar story since as they lost twice to Palermo in the 2006/2007 UEFA Cup, their only other experience against an Italian outfit.

Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad have officially announced the signing of former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on a free transfer.

The Frenchman who ended a fourteen-year spell with Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid this week, joins the Saudi Arabian champions on a three-year deal and will wear the number nine shirt.

Official, confirmed. Karim Benzema joins Al Ittihad on two year deal with option for further season. 🟡⚫️🇸🇦 #AlIttihad

Benzema will earn almost €200m per season net salary, commercial deals included. pic.twitter.com/vSrkL4zjJI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023

“I am excited to experience a new football league in a different country. I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe,” Benzema said.

“It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project…I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels.”

The reigning Ballon d’Or winner becomes the latest big-name star to head to the Gulf State, and follows former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia after the Portugal forward signed a two-and-a-half-year contract estimated by media to be worth more than €200 million with Al Nassr last December.

Al-Ittihad last month clinched the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2009.

Manchester United attacker Antony has been accused of “domestic violence, threat and bodily injury” by a former partner in his native homeland of Brazil.

The 23 year-old was in a relationship with Gabriela Cavallin in 2022 and according to Brazilian publication Globo Esporte, it is reported that Gabriela Cavallin has filed a police report in Sao Paulo.

The report states that Antony assaulted Gabriela Cavallin on May 20th, a day on which the Brazil international featured for United in a Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The report also includes “photos of abrasions and threatening messages”, while Cavallin is said to have discussed previous aggressive behaviour from Antony.

Globo Esporte further reports that Antony had a relationship with the woman in question during 2022, with Cavallin revealing on social media in June 2022 that she had suffered a miscarriage when the pair were expecting their first child.

Cavallin is now calling upon authorities in Brazil to take “an urgent protective measure” while further evidence in the case is gathered.

No statement has been made by Antony, his camp or Manchester United.

Merseyside outfit Liverpool are set to sign midfielder Alexis Mac Allister on a five-year deal, after reaching an agreement with fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion.

The World Cup winner will become the first signing for Jurgen Klopp’s side this summer, after the Reds triggered the release clause in his contract at Brighton.

He is said to have agreed personal terms with the Reds and will see a big-money transfer pushed through once a medical has been completed.

Mac Allister who helped his country to World Cup glory at Qatar 2022 and the Seagulls to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, is poised to pen a long-term contract which will keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2028.

🚨 Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool, here we go! Full agreement completed on the contract — understand it will be valid until June 2028. Five year deal. #LFC

Liverpool will pay the buy out clause in the next days, way less than reported £60m fee.

Medical tests in 24/48h. Done. pic.twitter.com/r6Tk8TeQT9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2023

Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the fee involved is considerably less than the £60 million ($74m) fee that had been speculated previously.

Real Madrid skipper Karim Benzema’s time at the club will come to a close, as the Spanish giants revealed he will be leaving upon the completion of the 2022/2023 campaign.

The 35 year-old Frenchman will not have his contract renewed with Los Blancos for next season, amidst reports of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

The club said it reached an agreement with the former Les Blues hitman to “put an end to his brilliant and unforgettable” stint with the club”.

The announcement comes amid reports that Benzema will join Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, where he will earn a mammoth €400m Euros for two seasons.

Benzema has been with Real Madrid since 2009, when he made a summer move from French Ligue 1 side Lyon.

He featured in 14 seasons for the club, scoring 353 goals and winning 25 titles – a record for any player with the Spanish giants.

Among his titles were five UEFA Champions Leagues, five FIFA Club World Cups and four Spanish La Liga crowns.

Sevilla emerged champions of the 2022/2023 UEFA Europa League, after overcoming Italian Serie A side AS Roma 4-1 via penalties, following a 1-1 regulation time scoreline.

The Giallorossi who were making a second successive European Final appearance, struck first through Paulo Dybala in the 35th minute.

The Argentine who had been battling injury and fitness issues in recent weeks, returned to the Starting XI and made an immediate impact as his deft finish beat Yacine Bono in goal for Sevilla.

The Andalusians went close to getting the equalizer in first-half stoppage time, but Ivan Rakitic’s belter from outside the area struck the post as Roma went into the interval with the slender lead.

Upon resumption of the second period, Sevilla mounted the pressure in search of the leveller which paid off in the 55th minute as a cross into the box came off Gianluca Mancini and flew past Rui Patricio in goal for the Italian side.

The record holders thought they had a penalty after R. Ibanez had seemingly fouled in the box, but it was overturned when center referee Anthony Taylor consulted with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Soon after, it was the turn of Roma who felt they should have been awarded a spot-kick when a Sevilla defender handled the ball in the box but Anthony Taylor waved the Giallorossi’s calls away which infuriated Roma boss Jose Mourinho.

Sevilla went close in the dying stages but Youssef En-Nesyri’s headed effort went over the bar.

Extra-time went by but there was nothing to separate both sides, and it all came down to the lottery of a penalty shootout.

Lucas Ocampos, Erik Lamela, Ivan Rakitic and Gonzalo Montiel converted for Sevilla as the Andalusians preserved their record of having won every single Europa League Final they have been involved in.

For the Giallorossi, Bryan Cristante scored but Gianluca Mancini and Ibanez missed for AS Roma as Jose Mourinho finally lost a first European Final in his career.

🔴 Live Blog:

PENALTY SHOOTOUT SEQUENCE:

Sevilla: ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

AS Roma: ✅ ❌ ❌

END OF EXTRA-TIME AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

SECOND HALF OF EXTRA-TIME UNDERWAY AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

HALF-TIME IN EXTRA-TIME AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

FIRST HALF OF EXTRA-TIME UNDERWAY AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

END OF REGULATION TIME AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 1-1 AS Roma (Own Goal – Mancini)

55′ MIN: Sevilla grab the equalizer after Mancini turns the ball into his own net.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 0-1 AS Roma

HALF-TIME AT PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 0-1 AS Roma

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 0-1 AS Roma (P. Dybala)

35′ MIN: Paulo Dybala shoots the Giallorossi in front.

KICK-OFF AT THE PUSKAS ARENA: Sevilla 0-0 AS Roma

Both sides clash in what is the first European Final of the campaign, with the trophy and a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League group stages at stake.

Sevilla who have had a rocky campaign culminating in the dismissals of Julen Lopetegui and Jorge Sampaoli, have been on the mend since the arrival of Jose Luis Mendiliba. The former Athletic Bilbao boss has steadied the ship, resulting in their safety in La Liga and a place in the Final of European club second-tier competition.

The Andalusians come into this fixture off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid last time out, but have won each of their last six Final appearances in the UEFA Europa League too, so the omens are firmly stacked in their favour when they come up against the Italian side.

Spanish sides have claimed six of the last nine UEFA Europa League (UEL) titles – four of which were won by Sevilla. So Mendiliba has history to look up to for inspiration, and having shuffled his side in last weekend’s loss to Madrid, his troops should be fresh for their visit to Budapest.

As for Roma, they warmed up for this clash with a 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina in Serie A over the weekend. However, the Giallorossi know exactly what it takes to claim a European title themselves, having won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season.

Most especially, they have the experience of manager Jose Mourinho – who is marking 20 years since first appearing in the Final of a European competition, when his FC Porto side saw off Scottish opposition Celtic 3-2 after extra-time.

The Portuguese has won five European Finals with three teams (FC Porto, Inter Milan and Manchester United) in the course of his career, and if there’s anyone who knows how to overcome in a Final, Mourinho is that man.

Only four Italian clubs have won back-to-back major European crowns, and none since the turn of the century, so there is a small piece of history on the line here for the Giallorossi.

Both Sevilla and Roma are winless in four UEL games outside of Spain and Italy this campaign (D2, L2), with that run forming part of a 13-match winless run for the Andalusians outside of their home country in European competition, lifting another UEL trophy here is far from a foregone conclusion.

But for Roma, the fact that they failed to score across each of those games, will serve as a bigger cause for concern for boss José Mourinho. ‘The Special One’ will hope he can turn the tide in Roma’s first-ever UEFA game held in Hungary and Mourinho holds the added incentive of knowing if his side lift the trophy he will become the most decorated manager in the history of major European competition!

Chelsea have formally announced the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as their new permanent manager.

The 51 year-old Argentine will assume the role in time for the 2023/2024 season, and takes over from Frank Lampard who was at the helm on a temporary basis.

Pochettino was in pole position to become manager, after German tactician Julian Nagelsmann who was believed to be the first-choice candidate of senior members of the Blues hierarchy, pulled out of the race amid concerns over the recruitment process.

Talks and negotiations between the Blues and Pochettino accelerated in recent weeks, and the former Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspurs and PSG gaffer is set to become the fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era.

Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce Mauricio Pochettino as the club’s new head coach!

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 29, 2023

Pochettino previously held talks with the club’s American owners last year following the dismissal of Thomas Tuchel but Boehly and Eghbali opted to appoint Graham Potter instead. He has been out of work since leaving French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Pochettino will be bringing his own backroom staff consisting of long-serving assistants Jesus Perez and Toni Jimenez alongside his sports-scientist son Sebastiano with him to Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino’s previous stint in England saw him take charge at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspurs respectively. He guided the Lilywhites to the Final of the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and helped them compete regularly in the Top Four.

The strength of Chelsea’s squad despite their problems this season, and the club’s spending power on the transfer market should provide Pochettino with the foundations to win his first trophy in English football.

The curtains came down on the 2022/2023 Premier League season, as Manchester United earned a come-from-behind 2-1 win over visiting Fulham at Old Trafford.

The game got off to a frenzy and the visitors went in front through Kenny Tete who headed home in the eleventh minute.

The Cottagers had a perfect opportunity to double their advantage when they were awarded a penalty, but Serbian striker Alexander Mitrovic saw his effort from twelve yards saved by David de Gea.

The Red Devils levelled proceedings through Englishman Jadon Sancho and found the winner through Bruno Fernandes in the second period, as his dinked shot went past Bernd Leno in goal for Fulham.

Manchester United finished the campaign in third position, behind champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal.

The victory will serve as a morale booster for Erik ten Hag’s men, ahead of their FA Cup Final showdown against neighbours Manchester City next week.

In our second fixture of the day, Arsenal wrapped up their campaign with a resounding 5-0 trouncing of Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium.

Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka who will be leaving the North London outfit this summer, stepped up with a brace to mark his send-off in style while Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were also on the scoresheet.

January acquisition Kiwior who came on as a substitute in the second half, also netted his first goal for the club as the Gunners finished with a bang.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 5-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

FULL-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 2-1 Fulham

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 5-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Kiwior)

78′ MIN: Emile Smith Rowe chests the ball down in the area to see Kiwior smashes the ball underneath Sa.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 4-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (G. Jesus)

58′ MIN: Trossard with a lobbed cross sees Jesus leap and nod the ball home past Jose Sa.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 2-1 Fulham (B. Fernandes)

55′ MIN: Fred plays in Bruno Fernandes who delightfully dinks over Bernd Leno!

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 1-1 Fulham

HALF-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

HALF-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 1-1 Fulham

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (J. Sancho)

39′ MIN: Jadon Sancho levels things from close range after a surging run from Fred.

PENALTY MISSED!!!

26′ MIN: David de Gea does well to save Alexander Mitrovic’s spot-kick from twelve yards.

PENALTY!!! To Fulham

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (B. Saka)

27′ MIN: Bukayo Saka makes it three, cutting back on his left to curl round the goalkeeper.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 0-1 Fulham (K. Tete)

19′ MIN: Willian whips in a corner and Kenny Tete meets it at the near post to put Fulham in front!

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (G. Xhaka)

14′ MIN: Kilman misses a clearance from Odegaards backheel to see Xhaka tap the ball home for his second.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (G. Xhaka)

11′ MIN: Jesus whips in a wicked cross and Xhaka leaps highest to nod the ball home.

KICK-OFF AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

KICK-OFF AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 0-0 Fulham

Starting XI’S: Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Starting XI’S: Manchester United vs Fulham

Following nine months of action – filled with drama and excitement, the 2022/2023 Premier League season finally draws to a close as the full complement of ten fixtures shall be played simultaneously across ten match centers.

We already have a winner in Manchester City – who successfully retained their top-flight title, while Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United shall be in next season’s UEFA Champions League. The UEFA Europa League spots have gone to Liverpool and Brighton, while Southampton have been relegated to the Championship.

Today’s round of fixtures will see the last two relegation candidates confirmed, while a place into next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League shall be settled.

Our simultaneous coverage this afternoon shall be the ties involving Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford, and Arsenal taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates.

The Red Devils who saw off Chelsea 4-1 last time out, are bidding to end the campaign on a high in front of their fans while Fulham can eye a positive result at Old Trafford in what has been a credible season in which they’ll end up in the top half.

As for Arsenal, this is the perfect opportunity to end a run of two successive PL defeats, having fallen 1-0 to Nottingham Forest on Matchday 37. The Gunners can take pride in what has been their best season in recent years.

Their opponents Wolves are safe from relegation worries and will keep their top-flight status for another season. But with Financial Fair Play restrictions dangling, they enter into a period of uncertainty as the futures of several players and manager Julen Lopetegui remain unknown.

Manchester United sealed qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League in emphatic fashion, by thumping Chelsea 4-1 in a rescheduled Premier League fixture at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

The visitors had a great chance to take the lead as early as the fourth minute, but Mykhailo Mudryk could not beat David de Gea as the opportunity went begging.

Soon after, the Red Devils went in front through Brazilian international Casemiro who headed in a free-kick from Christian Eriksen in the sixth minute.

Erik ten Hag’s side later doubled their advantage in first half injury time after a beautiful team move saw Casemiro pass to Jadon Sancho. The winger then teed up Anthony Martial, who poked into an empty net as both teams went into the interval with the Red Devils holding the lead.

The second half saw a flurry of action on both ends of the pitch. First, it was Bruno Fernandes whose effort struck the post, then Mykhailo Mudryk’s lame shot was saved by David de Gea before Casemiro saw his effort saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The hosts put the tie beyond the reach of Chelsea when Bruno Fernandes converted a 73rd minute penalty, after Wesley Fofana had fouled in the area. Marcus Rashford who was a first half substitute for Antony, put the icing on the cake with a fourth in the 79th minute.

Chelsea got a consolation goal in the 89th minute through substitute Joao Felix, as the Blues endured yet another miserable outing.

The result saw the Red Devils return to the UEFA Champions League, after a season away and they join league champions Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United as England’s representatives in Europe’s elite club competition next season.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 4-1 Chelsea

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 4-1 Chelsea (J. Felix)

89′ MIN: Substitute João Felix scores a consolation for the Blues.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea (M. Rashford)

79′ MIN: Marcus Rashford wins the ball deep in the Chelsea half and pokes home his 17th Premier League goal of the campaign.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 3-0 Chelsea (B. Fernandes)

73′ MIN: Bruno Fernandes makes no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga the wrong way.

PENALTY!!! To Manchester United

72′ MIN: Referee Stuart Attwell points to the spot for a penalty, after a foul by Wesley Fofana.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea

HALF-TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea (A. Martial)

45+5′ MIN: The Red Devils double their lead on the cusp of half-time through Anthony Martial’s cool finish from Jadon Sancho’s delicate pass.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea (Casemiro)

6′ MIN: Casemiro scores for the second Premier League match in a row, heading in from Christian Eriksen’s pinpoint free-kick.

KICK-OFF AT OLD TRAFFORD: Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea

The Red Devils who are eyeing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, need only one point against Chelsea tonight in order to clinch the ticket. Erik ten Hag’s men could still aim for a win in their final home game of the current campaign, as they build momentum ahead of their FA Cup Final clash against neighbours Manchester City at Wembley next month.

As for the visitors, they are guaranteed to finish in the bottom half of the table following a disastrous campaign. But interim manager Frank Lampard could ruffle a few shoulders and aim to earn a famous win, which will set them up nicely ahead of the last Matchday of the season this weekend.

Manchester City celebrated their coronation as Premier League champions of the 2022/2023 season, by defeating visiting London outfit Chelsea 1-0 in their Matchday 37 clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Cityzens who were heavily rotated by manager Pep Guardiola following their confirmation as top-flight champions on Saturday when nearest challengers Arsenal failed to beat Nottingham Forest, began brightly and dominated proceedings.

It was only a matter of time before the opening goal came, which arrived courtesy of Argentine World Cup winner Julian Alvarez in the 12th minute. A pass from Cole Palmer was received by Alvarez on the edge of the area and his effort beat Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga to give the hosts the lead.

Pep Guardiola’s side had another opportunity to double their advantage just before the half-hour mark, but Phil Foden’s chipped effort went wide.

The second half saw the Blues assert themselves into the tie, with Enzo Fernandez firing a weak shot. The best chance for the visitors fell to Raheem Sterling, whose shot was cleared off the line by former teammate John Stones.

Manchester City soon scored a second through Julian Alvarez, who finished off a cross from Riyad Mahrez but his effort was chalked off by center referee Michael Oliver – who adjudged that the Algerian had handled the ball in the build-up.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevor Chalobah both came close to responding for the Blues, but the Cityzens defence could not be breached.

Pep Guardiola brought on his star players like Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland, though it had no bearing on the result as the Cityzens coasted to a comfortable victory in their last home fixture of the campaign.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea

On a day of celebration for Man City, Julian Alvarez’s fine finish has the champions in the lead at the break.

HALF-TIME AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea

GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (J. Alvarez)

12′ MIN: A dream start for the champions! Julian Alvarez receives the ball from Cole Palmer on the edge of the Chelsea area and finishes well across the goalkeeper.

KICK-OFF AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 0-0 Chelsea

This Super Sunday fixture is simply a heavyweight clash on paper, as there is absolutely nothing left for both teams to play for as the season draws to a close.

The Cityzens were confirmed champions of the 2022/2023 campaign with three games to spare, following closest challengers Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday night, which saw Pep Guardiola’s side do the three-peat and also racking up a fifth title in six seasons.

The changes have thus rung out for the Cityzens, who can afford to give a deserved rest to their key players after a great week that saw them seal passage to the UEFA Champions League Final, and clinching the PL title.

As for Chelsea, they will be looking to finish the campaign on a strong note by nicking a decent result in Manchester.