Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea: The Cityzens seal final home win of the Season, Julian Alvarez on target for the Champions-Elect>>>

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.

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Manchester City clinch third consecutive Premier League title after Arsenal fall to Nottingham Forest

In a thrilling encounter at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal. The result proved to be a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, as Manchester City were crowned champions due to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners suffering back-to-back defeats. Taiwo Awoniyi’s solitary goal for Nottingham Forest secured the vital three points, delivering the title to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Despite falling behind, Arsenal responded with vigour, desperately seeking an equalizer before halftime. They applied relentless pressure on the Nottingham Forest defence, launching a series of attacks. However, the Forest backline, organized and resolute, held firm until the referee blew the final whistle.

The result confirmed Manchester City as the champions of the Premier League for the third consecutive season. Although Forest’s victory played a significant role in City’s triumph, it was only a small part of an outstanding season for Guardiola’s men.

As Manchester City prepares for their upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, they will be given a guard of honour at the Etihad Stadium to celebrate their remarkable achievement. With an FA Cup final against Manchester United and a UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan on the horizon, the treble is still within their grasp.

🔴 Live Blog

Full Time

It is over for Arsenal, stellar season but no title to show for it.

Second half

And we are back for probably the most important second 45 minutes of the season for Arsenal.

Half-time

There is half-time! Forest on course to stay in the Premier League, Arsenal on track to officially hand the title to Manchester City. Much, much more needed from the Gunners.

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal

Odegaard gives the ball with a terrible pass and Forest are away. Gibbs-White drives forward, slides the pass through to Awoniyi and he beats Ramsdale to give Forest the deal.

Kick Off!

And we are off to a start!

Starting XI

No real surprise that Cooper has gone with the same side that earned a point at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Awoniyi once again leading the line, and he’s a man very much in form.

For Arsenal, Xhaka starts at left-back as Tierney drops to the bench, with Partey and Jorginho starting alongside each other in midfield for the first time. Trossard in for the injured Martinelli.

Bournemouth 0-1 Man United: Casemiro score stunning goal to give Red Devils narrow win at Vitality Stadium >>>

In a highly anticipated clash between Bournemouth and Manchester United, the Red Devils emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win against Bournemouth edging them towards their dream of a return to Champions League football.

The game kicked off with a flurry of action, and it didn’t take long for Manchester United to stamp their authority on the proceedings. In the 9th minute, Victor Lindelof displayed his defensive prowess by stepping forward to intercept a Bournemouth attack. Showing their quick transition play, United swiftly launched a counter-attack.

Christian Eriksen, who had been pulling the strings in midfield, demonstrated his vision and passing ability as he expertly clipped the ball over the top of Bournemouth’s defense. Sensing an opportunity, Casemiro made a well-timed run into the box, latching onto Eriksen’s delicate pass.

Bournemouth’s defense struggled to cut out the pass, and Sensi’s attempted interception fell short. Seizing the moment, Casemiro displayed incredible athleticism and technique, acrobatically volleying the ball into the back of the net. The Bournemouth goalkeeper had no chance as the ball sailed past him, giving Manchester United a crucial early lead.

The final whistle blew, and Manchester United celebrated their hard-fought 1-0 triumph.

🔴 Live Blog

Full time

That would be game over!

Second half

A huge second-half awaits!

Half-time

As it stands, Manchester United are bound for a return to the Champions League.

Goal! Bournemouth 0-1 Manchester United

Lindelof stepped forward to intercept, Eriksen clipped the ball over the top, Sensi couldn’t cut it out and Casemiro acrobatically volleyed it in.

https://twitter.com/F4STHD/status/1659924523607629831?s=20

Kick Off!

We’re off and running on the sunny south coast as Manchester United look to avoid a club-record ninth away defeat in a season. A huge game in the race for the top four!

Starting XI

A big blow for the away side, who desperately need to win to hold off the late surge of Liverpool in the race for the top four.

Sevilla (3) 2-1 (2) Juventus: Suso & Lamela earn Andalusians come-from-behind win as Vlahovic nets for the Old Lady, Bayer Leverkusen (0) 0-0 (1) AS Roma: Back-to-back European Finals for Mourinho >>

The 2022/2023 UEFA Europa League Final will be contested by Italian Serie A outfit AS Roma and Spanish La Liga side and six-time champions Sevilla at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, following victories in their respective semi-final second-leg encounters on Thursday night.

The opening half began with end-to-end action, with Moise Kean’s shot shaving the post in an early chance for Juventus while Ivan Rakitic fired over a minute later for Sevilla.

Several half-chances came by for both teams though the scores remained deadlocked at the interval, but it only served for what was to come in the second half.

Dusan Vlahovic who came off the bench, made an immediate impact when he fires the Old Lady ahead in the 65th minute.

The hosts were not deterred however, as they went in search of the equalizer which arrives six minutes later. Federico Chiesa lost the ball and he was dispossessed by Erik Lamela, who also momentarily lost the ball. It fell kindly to former AC Milan star Suso, who fired from outside the area with his left foot to level proceedings.

Juventus shot-stopper Wojcech Szcezny was called into action late on. He made a brilliant stop to parry away Youssef En-Nesyri’s header in the 90th minute.

Both sides could not be separated during regulation time, so extra-time was required.

Sevilla stepped up through the combination of Bryan Gil and Erik Lamela. The former Tottenham Hotspurs duo made the link-up after Bryan Gil’s cross from the left flank was met with a powerful header by Erik Lamela in the 95th minute.

Marcos Acuna was sent off for Sevilla in the 116th minute following two bookings, and he will miss the Final against AS Roma on May 31st as a result.

Juventus tried to force an equalizer but their efforts were futile. The win sees the Andalusians heading to the Ferenc Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary to take on Italian Serie A side AS Roma in the Final of the Europa League on May 31st.

In our second fixture of the night, AS Roma made it back-to-back European Finals with manager Jose Mourinho at the helm, after playing out a goalless draw with German Bundesliga side Bayer 04 Leverkusen in their return leg clash at the Bay Arena.

The 1-0 aggregate result sees Roma boss Jose Mourinho reach a sixth European Final with four separate teams (FC Porto, Inter Milan, Manchester United and AS Roma).

🔴 Live Blog:

END OF EXTRA-TIME AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 2-1 Juventus (Agg. 3-2)

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 2-1 Juventus (E. Lamela, Agg. 3-2)

95′ MIN: Bryan Gil’s cross from the is headed home by Erik Lamela.

EXTRA-TIME UNDERWAY AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 1-1 Juventus (Agg. 2-2)

FULL-TIME AT THE BAY ARENA: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-0 AS Roma (Agg. 0-1)

END OF REGULATION TIME AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 1-1 Juventus (Agg. 2-2)

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 1-1 Juventus (Suso, Agg. 2-2)

71′ MIN: Federico Chiesa loses the ball and Erik Lamela retrieves it. The loose ball reaches Suso, who curls in a beauty from outside the area.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Sevilla 0-1 Juventus (D. Vlahovic, Agg. 1-2)

65′ MIN: Dusan Vlahovic opens the scoring for the visitors.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE BAY ARENA: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-0 AS Roma (Agg. 0-1)

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 0-0 Juventus (Agg. 1-1)

HALF-TIME AT THE BAY ARENA: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-0 AS Roma (Agg. 0-1)

HALF-TIME AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 0-0 Juventus (Agg. 1-1)

KICK-OFF AT THE BAY ARENA: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0-0 AS Roma (Agg. 0-1)

KICK-OFF AT ESTADIO RAMON SANCHEZ PIZJUAN: Sevilla 0-0 Juventus (Agg. 1-1)

Starting XI’S: Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs AS Roma

Starting XI’S: Sevilla vs Juventus

What all four teams are battling for is a ticket to the Final of the 2022/2023 UEFA Europa League, which will take place later in the month.

Record-holders Sevilla were held to a 1-1 with Juventus last week, with Federico Gatti netting a 97th minute equalizer for the Old Lady, while AS Roma pipped German outfit Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico, courtesy of an Edoardo Bove effort.

Juventus come into this fixture off the back of a win over Cremonense in the Italian top-flight, and will be looking to get past the Andalusians as they seek a first European Final since 2017.

As for Roma, another goalless draw last time out means they have placed all their eggs in one basket, with the hope of reaching the UEFA Champions League for next season.

Manchester City Crush Real Madrid 4-0 to Reach UEFA Champions League Final, Bernado Silva Scores Brace >>>

Manchester City produced a scintillating performance at the Etihad Stadium, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie. The win propelled Pep Guardiola’s side into the final, where they will face Inter Milan, after eliminating the defending champions.

Right from the kickoff, Manchester City showed their intent to take control of the match. The Citizens dominated possession and applied relentless pressure on the Real Madrid defense. Their persistence paid off in the 23rd minute when they broke the deadlock. It was a goal that had been coming, as City had been exceptional throughout the game. Kevin De Bruyne played a perfectly weighted pass to Bernardo Silva, who made no mistake in smashing the ball past Thibaut Courtois, sending the Etihad Stadium into raptures.

Real Madrid, who needed a comeback, were left reeling by City’s early goal. They struggled to create clear-cut chances as their opponents maintained a strong defensive shape. City continued to dictate the proceedings, and in the 37th minute, they doubled their advantage. Ilkay Gundogan’s effort was initially blocked, but Bernardo Silva was in the right place at the right time to head the ball into the net, leaving Courtois with no chance. Moments earlier, Toni Kroos had struck the crossbar for Real Madrid, highlighting their frustrations in front of goal.

The second half saw Manchester City maintain their dominance and control of the game. Real Madrid tried to mount a comeback, but their efforts were stifled by City’s organized defense. In the 67th minute, Jack Grealish was brought down by Eder Militao, who vehemently protested against the decision. However, the referee awarded a free-kick and showed Militao a yellow card for his challenge.

With the match seemingly settled, Manchester City put the icing on the cake in the 79th minute. A ball was swung into the box, and Manuel Akanji rose highest to meet it. His header took a massive deflection off Militao, leaving Courtois helpless as the ball nestled into the net. The goal was eventually credited as an own goal. It didn’t stop there, Julian Alvarez came on in the 89th minute and he made it 4 on the night to put more salt in Los Blancos’ injury.

The final whistle confirmed Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Real Madrid and their progression to the ultimate stage of the competition. The Citizens will now face Inter Milan in the Champions League final, setting up an enthralling clash between two European powerhouses.

🔴 Live Blog

Goal! Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid

Foden slides in Alvarez to make it four, a lovely finish!

Goal! Manchester City 3-0 Real Madrid

Grealish brought down by Militao this time, he’s adamant it wasn’t a foul. Wrong. Yellow card.

And that settles it once and for all! Ball swung into the box, Akanji goes up for it in the middle and Courtois unable to keep it out! Took a huge deflection off Miltao.

Second Half

Back underway! Up and running again at the Etihad. Real need something very, very special

Half-time

Well that was extraordinary. As good a half as you’ll ever see from City. Complete dominance, Real torn apart. The visitors look stunned, can’t get anything going and they’re fortunate to be only two goals down. They need a miracle.

Goal! Manchester City 2-0 Real Madrid

Bernardo heads in a second after Gundogan effort blocked, just moments after Kroos hit bar at other end

Goal! Manchester City 1-0 Real Madrid

To say that’s been coming would be a serious understatement. City have been incredible and they have their reward. De Bruyne slides a lovely pass through to Silva, and he slams the finish past Courtois.

Kick Off!

And so it begins!

Starting XI

Same team, but something a bit different from Guardiola tonight? The City boss has hinted at a change, though joked he was not overthinking things in a big game, as he has been accused of doing in the past.

“I have an idea to do something differently, just to be more fluid in attack,” Guardiola said. “It’s nothing special. I’m not overthinking, don’t worry guys! Nothing different to what we have done in the past.”

Such a big call from Ancelotti in defence. Rudiger was really impressive a week ago, with Haaland barely in the match as Real kept him very quiet.

The former Chelsea man drops out of the side though despite that display, with Militao straight back in after suspension. We shall see if that proves to be the right decision.

Inter Milan (3) 1-0 (0) AC Milan: Lautaro Martinez Sends the Nerazzurri to a first UCL Final since 2010>>>

Inter Milan reached a first UEFA Champions League Final in thirteen years, after defeating city rivals AC Milan 1-0 for a 3-0 aggregate scoreline in their semi-final second-leg encounter at the San Siro on Tuesday night.

The first half saw the Rossonerri attempt to assert dominance in a bid to get back into the fixture. Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana made a fine stop to deny the returning Rafael Leao, while loanee Brahim Diaz also had a half-chance.

Milan’s number one Mike Maignan was also called to action in the 39th minute to keep the scores level, though his team were trailing on aggregate.

In the second period, gaffer Simone Inzaghi made several substitutions as he sought more control and it was one of such changes in the person of Romelu Lukaku who was instrumental in the opening goal.

The Belgium international held up play before teeing up strike partner Lautaro Martinez, and the Argentine made no mistake as he beat Mike Maignan in his near-post to give the Nerazzurri the advantage.

The game finished with Inter Milan getting the win on the night, while grabbing the first ticket to the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League Final set to be played in Istanbul, Turkey. They will face the winner between Manchester City and Real Madrid in the second semi-final fixture on Wednesday night.

Inter Milan’s victory over AC Milan has seen them beat their city rivals four times, out of the five fixtures played between themselves this campaign.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE SAN SIRO: Inter Milan (3) 1-0 (0) AC Milan

GOOOAAALLL!!! Inter Milan 1-0 AC Milan (L. Martinez, Agg. 3-0)

74′ MIN: Lautaro Martinez scores a huge goal for the hosts, who are now heading to the Final.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE SAN SIRO: Inter Milan 0-0 AC Milan (Agg. 2-0)

HALF-TIME AT THE SAN SIRO: Inter Milan 0-0 AC Milan (Agg. 2-0)

KICK-OFF AT THE SAN SIRO: Inter Milan 0-0 AC Milan (Agg. 2-0)

These Italian heavyweights will be contesting for a ticket to the Final, set to hold next month (June 10th) in Istanbul, Turkey, with the winner primed to take on the victor in the other semi-final fixture involving Manchester City and Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

This is the fifth time both sides will be battling each other in the Derby Della Madonnina or the Milan Derby this season. The Nerazzurri have had the better of their city rivals, beating them in the last three meetings and they won the first-leg by a 2-0 scoreline.

They also won their Serie A clash 4-2 against Sassuolo last weekend heading into this tie. No doubt, Simone Inzaghi’s side will be looking to finish off the job at home as Inter bid to reach the UCL Final for the first time since 2010.

As for AC Milan, a first UCL Final since 2007 is looking unlikely, following their first-leg defeat. Though, one could argue they were without playmaker Rafael Leao who returns for tonight’s reverse clash following a muscle problem.

The Rossonerri who are stuck in fifth position in Serie A after suffering a 2-0 loss to Spezia last weekend, know that winning the UCL might be their best route into the competition next season, judging by how things stand. A fast start from manager Stefano Pioli’s side might turn their fortunes around in quick fashion.

Leicester 0-3 Liverpool: Salah with a hattrick of assists, Trent Alexander-Arnold with stunning goal as Reds cut top 4 margin >>>

🔴 Live Blog

In a thrilling encounter at the King Power Stadium, Liverpool emerged victorious with a resounding 3-0 win over Leicester City. The visitors dominated proceedings from start to finish, showcasing their attacking prowess and leaving the Foxes struggling to keep up.

A superb combination between Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones resulted in the breakthrough. Just minutes later, Liverpool struck again in a quick-fire double that left the home crowd stunned. Trent Alexander Arnold made it 3 in the final quarter of the game putting it beyond the Foxes.

Full Time

That’s it!

Goal! Leicester 0-3 Liverpool

That is pure beauty! Mo Salah flicks the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold who scores a sensational goal from the free-kick

Second half

We are back out for the second 45!

Half-time

Goal! Leicester 0-2 Liverpool

Quick-fire double from the Reds! Curtis Jones has the ball in the back of the net for a second time tonight

Goal! Leicester 0-1 Liverpool

The visitors have the opener! Mohamed Salah finds Curtis Jones at the back post who finishes past Iversen

Kick Off!

Away we go!

Starting XI

Leicester will need to be weary from the off as Liverpool have scored 11 goals in the first 15 minutes of matches, with only Aston Villa starting matches faster. Leicester are also most likely to concede in the first 15 minutes of matches, having conceded 12 times in the opening 15 minutes already this season, the 3rd highest in the Premier League, behind Tottenham and Bournemouth.

Arsenal 0-3 Brighton: Julio Enciso, Undav and Estupinan SHATTER the Gunners Title Hopes>>>

Arsenal’s title aspirations suffered a big blow on Sunday evening, as they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in North London.

The best chance of the game in the first half arrived in the 42nd minute. Japanese star Kaoru Mitoma eased past Ben White and found Julio Enciso, but the teenager turned his effort over.

The Seagulls didn’t have to wait much longer for the breakthrough, as they got on the scoresheet in the 51st minute. The impressive Pervis Estupinan raced clear and delivered a cross into the box, which was headed in by Julio Enciso.

The game was effectively put to bed in the 86th minute, as a defensive mix-up from the Gunners saw Undav pounce and benefit to score the second for Brighton and Hove Albion.

Brighton still had time for a third, as Colombian international Pervis Estupinan scored late in injury time to seal the points for the visitors.

The Gunners laboured to find an equalizer, which failed to come as their lingering hopes to claim the 2022/2023 PL title may have finally been extinguished.

Mikel Arteta’s men remain four points behind table-toppers Manchester City, and have played a game more than the reigning champions. Only a miracle at this point can see Arsenal win the Premier League crown.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-3 Brighton

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 0-3 Brighton (P. Estupinan)

90+3′ MIN: An initial shot is kept out by Aaron Ramsdale, but Pervis Estupinan fires home the rebound.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 0-2 Brighton (Undav)

86′ MIN: Aaron Ramsdale dallies on the ball too long and substitute Undav capitalizes on the Gunners’ defensive mix-up to seal the win for the Seagulls.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Arsenal 0-1 Brighton (J. Enciso)

51′ MIN: Brighton have the opener as Pervis Estupinan volleys a cross into the ground and Julio Enciso is unmarked to head in from a few yards out.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

HALF-TIME AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

KICK-OFF AT THE EMIRATES STADIUM: Arsenal 0-0 Brighton

The Gunners continue their quest for an unlikely Premier League title, as they welcome the Seagulls to North London. Mikel Arteta’s side impressed last time out with a 2-0 win away to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, and a lot will be expected from the boys as they chase table-toppers Manchester City (who had won their fixture 3-0 earlier in the day away at Everton).

As for the visitors, a shocking outing saw them crumble 5-1 at the Amex Stadium to Everton. Manager Roberto de Zerbi revealed that his team would give the Gunners a big fight, as they continue their quest for a continental slot in Europe for next season.

Everton 0-3 Manchester City; Brace from Ilkay Gundogan plus Erling Haaland effort push the Cityzens Closer to PL Title>>>

Manchester City maintained their grip on top spot in the Premier League standings, after dismantling relegation strugglers Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

The opening period which had seen the Cityzens produce little output, burst into life in the 37th minute as skipper on the day Ilkay Gundogan fired home a improvised effort, after being teed up by a cross Riyad Mahrez.

Pep Guardiola’s side doubled their advantage two minutes later, as top scorer Erling Haaland netted his 36th strike of an impressive debut campaign in the English top-flight.

The Cityzens made it three shortly after the restart, as Ilkay Gundogan fired home a free-kick to all but seal the points for the reigning PL champions.

Manchester City now turn their attention to their UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg clash against visiting Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in midweek.

🔴 Live Blog:

FULL-TIME AT GOODISON PARK: Everton 0-3 Manchester City

GOOOAAALLL!!! Everton 0-3 Manchester City (I. Gundogan)

51′ MIN: Illay Gundogan curls home a free-kick which beats Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT GOODISON PARK: Everton 0-2 Manchester City

HALF-TIME AT GOODISON PARK: Everton 0-2 Manchester City

GOOOAAALLL!!! Everton 0-2 Manchester City (E. Haaland)

39′ MIN: Man City hit a quick double! Ilkay Gundogan turns provider with a delightful floating cross, which Erling Haaland gladly heads home.

GOOOAAALLL!!! Everton 0-1 Manchester City (I. Gundogan)

37′ MIN: Riyad Mahrez floats a cross in from the right and it’s Ilkay Gundogan with a moment of magic, taking the ball down with his thigh before flicking past Jordan Pickford to score.

KICK-OFF AT GOODISON PARK: Everton 0-0 Manchester City

The Toffees who are aiming to beat the drop, come into this clash of the back of an impressive 5-1 away win over Brighton and Hove Albion last time out. Coach Sean Dyche will be demanding a lot from his wards, as they chase another famous result in front of their fans.

As for the defending champions, they followed their 2-1 win over Leeds United at the Etihad with a credible 1-1 draw with Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter in midweek.

The Cityzens who are in the hunt for an unprecedented treble, are targeting a victory which will keep them at the top of the PL standings ahead of nearest challengers Arsenal. A win will also put Pep Guardiola’s side in confidence mode ahead of their return leg fixture against Real Madrid in the UCL this week.

Chelsea ‘agree terms’ on Mauricio Pochettino appointment hours after latest Lampard misery

Chelsea have settled on Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager for next season and are working with him on player recruitment, the only consideration now being when exactly to make the announcement.

Pochettino will bring assistant Jesus Perez with him as well as his usual coaching team but will not start officially in the role until the end of the season.

Pochettino and the club’s sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are discussing the squad improvements that need to be made, with a striker, midfielder and a goalkeeper to be signed in the summer, despite the need also to sell surplus players to balance the books.

Argentina and Inter’s Lautaro Martinez is the most likely centre forward target. Like many clubs, Chelsea are interested in Victor Osimhen, though getting him out of Napoli will be problematic. Chelsea have already signed Christopher Nkunku for £63m from RB Leipzig.

Chelsea still want Declan Rice but they will face competition with Arsenal for his signature and also with Liverpool to sign Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister. Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez would be a goalkeeping option.

Pochettino wants to persuade Mason Mount to stay, the Chelsea player having only one year left on his contract and is yet to agree to Chelsea’s offer of extension, while he will talk with returning Romelu Lukaku, currently on loan at Inter, to ascertain whether he can be part of Chelsea’s team next season.

Pochettino’s son Sebastian, goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez and assistant coach Miguel D’Agostino are all expected to join the coaching team.

Talks have been extensive and detailed over past days and are now at a developed stage of refashioning the squad for next season after what is on course to be Chelsea’s worst season since 1994 but Pochettino is now the choice of owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali and the board, following the recommendation of Stewart and Winstanley.

Pochettino has a shown a willingness to be engaged across the club, as the owners want, communicating with Stewart and Laurence and technical director Christoph Vivell as well across the academy and other departments.

This fits with their vision of a joined-up club rather than a manager only concerned with the first team and the short term. They are said to be on the same page regarding the areas in which the team needs strengthening, on outgoing players and all want Mount to stay.

There are no fears over a clash of personalities, which led to Thomas Tuchel being dismissed. The Chelsea owners are said to welcome being challenged by Pochettino and his staff.

The issue with Tuchel was that they perceived that he was brooding on issues, seemingly resenting questions and yet not challenging the owners openly.

Pochettino was considered in September as Tuchel’s replacement but at that point, as new owners in the English game, there was a reluctance to appoint an ex-Spurs manager to the job, given the historic rivalry between the clubs.

That view has softened, seemingly with fans as well, partly due to the failure of Graham Potter’s style and a feeling that a more forceful presence is needed.

Chelsea’s owners are reflective about their first season in charge, recognising that they made mistakes.

However, the effect on sanctions on the Roman Abramovich regime was more debilitating than has been commonly appreciated, directly led to the departure of Antonio Rudiger and left the club playing catch up in many areas.

Though the new owners were criticised for dismissing Abramovich’s transfer negotiator Marina Granovskaia, it became apparent it was politically impossible to keep an executive so closely tied to sanctioned Abramovich, given the war in Ukraine.

Petr Cech might have stayed but made it clear he wished to leave when Granovskaia was going.

An early approach to have former Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards in charge for the summer fell through because of family commitments, meaning they were initially left without expertise.

It is insisted the Boehly never wished to step into that breach as interim sporting director and is now delighted to have stepped back to allow Stewart and Winstanley to lead.

Though the relationship with Tuchel was never going to work long term, in retrospect it is accepted that it might have been better to retain the German coach for a season for a more orderly transition.

But as new owners, they wanted to get on with a fresh era as quickly as possible.

Having dismissed Tuchel, with relations pretty bruised on both sides, there is a feeling that they overcompensated in appointing Graham Potter because he was so adept at working the executives and owners.

Chelsea’s owners are said to still rate Potter and feel he may yet prove himself at a top club but the team’s form ultimately had become so bad they felt they had to intervene and change track.