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Nobody thought Arsenal would be here at this stage of the season, but that doesn’t make missing out on a first Premier League crown in 19 years, having exceeded all manner of expectations, any easier to take. Brighton had played their part in finishing Arsenal’s title aspirations off last weekend, but it is Manchester City who ultimately ensured the Gunners finally raised the white flag at the City Ground on Saturday, by doing what they do best – crushing the dreams of teams who dare to even attempt to go toe-to-toe with a force never seen before on our shores. Knowing even victory at Nottingham Forest would surely only delay the inevitable, Arsenal slumped to another defeat with a whimper, gifting City a third title in a row, a fifth in six years, without needing to kick a ball. The fact Arsenal got so close should be a real badge of honour. It just won’t feel like that right now. There were contrasting emotions among home supporters, however, as the win secured Forest’s Premier League survival with one game to spare, proving that holding your nerve and sticking with a manager you believe in, even when results are not going your way, can pay dividends in the end. The walk to the City Ground pre-match was more akin to a red-themed royal regatta than a football match, with supporters lining the River Trent as if waiting for their favourite crew to come rowing past. But a city expected. One more win would do. Home form has been crucial to giving Forest any hope of survival this season and supporters were going to make sure they did all they could to inspire an eighth home league victory – two more than Chelsea – on the waterfront. There were tifos that would have made the Yellow Wall blush and a rendition of Mull of Kintyre from deep within their souls to rouse the troops – the fans were ready. And, crucially, so were the players. It helped that Arsenal were a shadow of the high-octane force that threatened to end City’s stranglehold of the English top flight. Other than a Keylor Navas save at the feet of Gabriel Jesus and efforts from distance, the visitors did not really threaten to drag the title race out for another day in the first half, with motivation ostensibly in short supply. Win, the Labrador, had not worked his magic yet it seemed. The goal that eventually settled the contest, one that nearly lifted the roof of the rickety old stadium, was created by a familiar source, as the ever-excellent Morgan Gibbs-White slid the ball into the path of Taiwo Awoniyi, who benefitted from a poor slide-tackle attempt from Gabriel to divert the ball past Aaron Ramsdale and into the net. The Forest hitman has now scored five goals in his last three Premier League appearances, one more than he had in his first 23 games in the competition combined. There was still hope for the travelling Gunners faithful going into the second half, given their side had previously won three league matches this season when trailing at the break – a division high – but they remained shorn of ideas and belief. A smart save from Navas to deny Bukayo Saka after the interval threatened to raise hopes of another rousing recovery, but although the home nerves were jangling, Forest could see out the win that secured another top-flight campaign in relative comfort. Any other era and Liverpool would have three titles in the last five seasons, and Arsenal’s 19-year wait for another Premier League crown could well have been sealed at the City Ground in the Saturday sun. Instead, despite holding an eight-point lead over City as recently as the morning of April 8, with the Gunners having been top of the Premier League table for 248 days this season – the most days at the summit of the English top flight without having won it – Arsenal have nothing to show for a season of incredible progress. The fact of the matter is, City in beast mode with their inhumane hunger for glory simply cannot be tamed. The foundations have been well set by Mikel Arteta. But even given all they have done this term, Arsenal now have a summer to somehow take their game to another level, and some. The master, Pep Guardiola, will be waiting for his apprentice. Read More Nottingham Forest upset Arsenal to clinch safety and hand Manchester City title Manchester City win fifth Premier League in six seasons after Arsenal falter No celebrations planned if Man City win title without playing, Guardiola says Nottingham Forest upset Arsenal to clinch safety and hand Manchester City title Manchester City win Premier League after Arsenal lose at Nottingham Forest Roy Hodgson humbled by response of Fulham and Crystal Palace supporters

Manchester City are celebrating their third successive Premier League title and a fifth in six seasons. Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the key games in their successful campaign. October 2, Man City 6 Man Utd 3 City did not really hit their stride or find consistency until the spring but there were still some awesome demonstrations of their firepower – and particularly that of Erling Haaland – in the opening months. Their thrashing of arch-rivals United was especially sweet. Haaland helped himself to a hat-trick, his third treble in successive home games and one of six he notched in a record-breaking campaign, while Phil Foden also hit three in an emphatic display. January 19, Man City 4 Tottenham 2 Pep Guardiola let his anger at his side be known after they rallied from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Spurs with goals from Julian Alvarez, Haaland and Riyad Mahrez (two). After defeats in the previous two games, the City boss felt the first-half showing was another indicator his players – who he labelled ‘happy flowers’ – were not fully focused. It did not mark a turning point in terms of results, as City were beaten at Spurs a few weeks later, but perhaps in attitude. February 15, Arsenal 1 Man City 3 Fixture disruption in the autumn meant the two leading title contenders were kept apart until February and it was City who landed the first blow when they eventually met. Kevin De Bruyne’s opener was cancelled out by a Bukayo Saka penalty but City upped the tempo in the second half to win comfortably with goals from Jack Grealish and Haaland. The win took City above the Gunners to the top, albeit only on goal difference and having played a game more at that stage, but it was psychologically important and key in the final reckoning. April 1, Man City 4 Liverpool 1 Despite the win over Arsenal, City had still not hit their fluid best and there remained doubts about their consistency. They started to show they really meant business when they put Liverpool, their chief title rivals in recent years, to the sword at the Etihad Stadium. Mohamed Salah put the Reds ahead with a thumping finish but City’s response, without injured top-scorer Haaland, was determined and impressive. Alvarez, De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Grealish all scored in a convincing win. April 26, Man City 4 Arsenal 1 City outclassed the Gunners to take firm command of the title race. Just weeks earlier, Arsenal had been in control of their destiny but their advantage was eroded by three successive draws prior to their trip to the Etihad. It was clear the momentum was with City and they emphasised that with a dominant display in which Haaland and De Bruyne ran riot. De Bruyne scored two, both from Haaland passes, and the Norwegian inevitably got on the scoresheet himself. John Stones scored their other goal in an unexpectedly one-sided clash. Arsenal remained two points clear but, with two games in hand, City held the upper hand and did not relinquish it. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live A look at Pep Guardiola’s 10 major trophies as Manchester City manager Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne lead key men in Manchester City title triumph Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool have not been good enough for top-four finish

Manchester City have won the Premier League for a third successive year and a fifth time in six seasons. Here, the PA news agency looks at the key players in their latest triumph. Erling Haaland The Norwegian has been an absolute sensation, scoring a record – and scarcely believable – 36 goals in City’s successful campaign. People doubted whether he would be able to maintain the phenomenal scoring rate of his early career once he arrived in the Premier League following his £51million move from Borussia Dortmund but he quickly dispelled their reservations. He formed a potent partnership with Kevin De Bruyne and bagged four hat-tricks along the way. City had to adjust their playing style to accommodate him, and this was seen as a factor in their early to mid-season inconsistency, but things had truly clicked by the run-in as City reeled in, then stormed past, Arsenal. Kevin De Bruyne It may not have been a vintage De Bruyne season, and some of Guardiola’s comments about him at times suggested the manager was not entirely satisfied with the Belgian, but he still produced another highly effective campaign. He truly got going and delivered when it really mattered as City entered the run-in, with his statistics again impressive. He contributed 16 assists, and while that figure is also testament to the brilliance of Haaland’s finishing, it is five more than anyone else in the competition. He also weighed in with seven goals. Jack Grealish It has taken time for Grealish to live up to his £100million billing but his second season at the club has been a considerable improvement on his first. There were some impressive performances in the early part of the campaign and since the World Cup he has reached that level on a consistent basis. He now seems more confident on the ball and has been harder for defenders to knock off it, while also showing a greater ability to pick out his team-mates. His progress has been good and City will hope there is more to come. John Stones The second half of the season saw Stones successfully combine all facets of his game. The England centre-back’s defending has improved considerably in recent years and, now comfortable in that role, he is confident enough to step into midfield when City are in possession. With his ball-playing ability, this defence-midfield hybrid role has added an extra dimension to the team’s play. Rodri The Spaniard’s influence in the City midfield has grown steadily since his arrival in 2019 and this season has seen him come of age. Physically strong and highly energetic, Rodri has been City’s driving force. He reads the game superbly, breaks up opposition attacks and powers forward. His passing ability and vision have been excellent with the likes of Haaland, De Bruyne and Grealish all benefiting enormously. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

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Manchester City became Premier League champions after Arsenal lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest, who secured their top-flight status in style. The Gunners, who were insatiable for most of the campaign, had spent 248 days on top of the table and held an eight-point lead over City in March, but an alarming slide saw them overtaken by Pep Guardiola’s relentless juggernaut. And Taiwo Awoniyi’s first-half goal for Forest at a raucous City Ground ensured Guardiola’s side will lift the title for a fifth time in six seasons with three games to spare. City’s champagne has been on ice for a couple of weeks as the Gunners, who also wilted badly at the end of last campaign, have won just two of their last eight Premier League games. However, they are confirmed runners-up going into their final game of the season next week. For Forest, this was a real red letter day as they secured their survival against the odds. For large parts of the season, which began with more than 20 new signings, they looked destined to return straight back to the Championship, not least when they were on an 11-game winless run going into the end of April. But Awoniyi’s hot streak, with five goals in three games, helped Steve Cooper’s side lift themselves out of the bottom three and they can no longer be caught by Southampton, Leicester or Everton. It completes an impressive job by Cooper, who repaid Forest for the faith they showed when backing him amid their poor run, and his stock continues to rise. Everton’s draw at Wolves earlier in the day meant Forest came into the game knowing a win would guarantee their safety. And backed by a vociferous home crowd, desperate to see their side secure survival at the place where they have won so many of their points this season, they made a strong start as Arsenal’s defence survived some early pressure. The Gunners began to assert some level of control and Gabriel Jesus was denied by Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who came out quickly to smother the ball, while the Brazilian nodded over at the far post. But the City Ground exploded in the 19th minute as Forest punished their visitors with a lightning counter-attack. Martin Odegaard loosely passed straight to Morgan Gibbs-White who surged forward at pace before feeding Awoniyi, who enjoyed a bit of fortune as Gabriel’s challenge bobbled against his leg and he scuffed past Aaron Ramsdale. Arsenal had plenty of possession but lacked the creativity and guile to break Forest down in the first half, with Leandro Trossard and Jesus sending efforts tamely off target. Forest vitally ensured they took their lead into the interval and could have doubled it soon after the restart. After recycling a free-kick, Renan Lodi’s ball back in found Felipe and his shot from close range was blocked. It was more of the same for the Gunners, who had plenty of the ball but did little with it. Bukayo Saka did have a moment of promise when he was played in but he fired straight at Navas. Instead it was Forest who were pushing for a second and Gibbs-White squandered a good chance when he found the side-netting after taking advantage of Ben White’s slip, before Lodi drilled wide. As the game entered the final 15 minutes with the holy grail of survival in touching distance, Forest began to sit deep and invite pressure on themselves. It is unsurprising that nerves were so fraught as no side have conceded more goals in the final 15 minutes of matches than Forest’s 17 and every tackle, block and clearance was greeted with cheers as loud as a goal. Gibbs-White fired straight at Ramsdale as Forest looked to make it a less tense ending for them, but Arsenal’s poor attacking display meant they were able to hold on to spark mass scenes of celebration. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool have not been good enough for top-four finish Ollie Robinson becomes latest injury worry for England ahead of summer Tests Manchester City win Premier League after Arsenal lose at Nottingham Forest

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp accepted his side have not been good enough to qualify for the Champions League this season. A 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa not only ended a nine-match winning run but also made their outside hopes of making the top-four even more remote. They would have to win their final match at Southampton and rely on Newcastle or Manchester United not picking up another point from their remaining two games, an outcome Klopp admits is not going to happen. “I think the whole season is rather a season where we qualify for Europa League than for Champions League,” he said. “We were for too long not good enough or ourselves.” While the draw was a disappointment there was, at least, a memorable end as Roberto Firmino, who is leaving the club after eight influential years, came off the bench to score at the Kop end in the 89th minute to cancel out Jacob Ramsey’s first-half effort. Firmino was not the only one saying goodbye to Anfield as James Milner and fellow midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, who were not in the matchday squad, are also departing when their contracts end next month and it added to an emotional but frustrating afternoon. “This day was not an easy day for us – no excuse for anything, it just was not easy because we all love these four boys,” added Klopp. “The first half was not great I would say. We were too much in a rush in both departments, with the ball, without the ball. We were for too long not good enough or ourselves Jurgen Klopp “Our pressing was not good, you could see we wanted but the timing was ‘Wow. ‘Who is where?’ That was not helpful. “They (Villa) had moments in the game and they are a good football team obviously. “It was clear in the second half we have to calm down, increase the pressure but calm down in the right areas, and that’s what we did and then you could see the whole game was for Aston Villa super-intense as well.” Villa boss Unai Emery was satisfied with the performance, despite the late disappointment of conceding an equaliser. His side moved above Tottenham and will secure European football with victory over Brighton in their final match next week. “You can analyse 90 minutes in different ways,” Emery said. “I think the first half we played very well but we played well because to play to avoid the high press is not easy and to play with the personality we did is not easy. “To have got three points would have been fantastic, we defended very well and our commitment was fantastic. “I’ve played here before and I know what a difficult match it is here at Anfield. They were in their best moment of the season, confident, trying to get top four.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Nottingham Forest upset Arsenal to clinch safety and hand Manchester City title Ollie Robinson becomes latest injury worry for England ahead of summer Tests Manchester City win Premier League after Arsenal lose at Nottingham Forest

Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions after Arsenal lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening. The Gunners needed to win to delay City’s title celebrations ahead of their home match against Chelsea on Sunday. City had overhauled Arsenal’s eight-point lead as Mikel Arteta’s side faltered, winning 11 Premier League games in a row including a 4-1 victory over their rivals at the end of April. Pep Guardiola’s team are unbeaten in their last 23 games through all competitions, having also reached the finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League final. Forest’s victory also secured their own Premier League status again next season. City have won the Premier League for the third successive campaign and a fifth in the past six years.

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Erik ten Hag says Casemiro has exceeded expectations since arriving at Manchester United after his goal to beat Bournemouth took the team to within a point of Champions League qualification. The 1-0 win puts United on the brink of a return to Europe’s top club competition next season, with Liverpool’s draw against Aston Villa meaning Ten Hag’s side need only a draw from their final two games. Casemiro’s brilliantly improvised strike was the difference at the Vitality Stadium, the Brazilian finishing off Christian Eriksen’s cross with a wonderful overhead volley after nine minutes. United were not at their best but did enough to contain Bournemouth, who went close to levelling late on through Kieffer Moore after David De Gea had denied them with a string of reflex saves. Ten Hag’s team need only to avoid defeat against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday to ensure they will go into the final game with their objective in the league this season secured before turning attentions to the FA Cup final. The manager singled out match-winner Casemiro’s contributions as being key on the south coast and throughout his time at the club. “He keeps surprising us, Casemiro,” said Ten Hag. “He’s such a brilliant football player. We know him as very good (at) organisation, positioning, anticipating, intercepting a lot of balls, winning duels, a fighter. Also in possession, his passing and distribution, but also finishing. Just a great football player. We’re happy we found him and his contribution is massive Erik ten Hag on Casemiro “Absolutely (he has exceeded expectations), by far. One of the things that came when we analysed, we missed a player in the midfield. We searched and it was not easy because there are not many in the profile whose standard fits the standard of Manchester United. We’re happy we found him and his contribution is massive.” United had been within minutes of wrapping up their place in the top four with two games to spare, only for a late equaliser for fifth-placed Liverpool against Villa at Anfield to ensure that, mathematically at least, Jurgen Klopp’s side remain in the hunt. But it would take a total collapse from United during the Premier League’s final week to deny them from here. If they take a point at home to Frank Lampard’s side it will render the result of the meeting with Fulham on the final day irrelevant and mean preparations can begin for the showdown with Manchester City at Wembley on June 3. Ten Hag said he had not been aware of the score at Anfield but stressed their goal had been in their own hands all along. “It’s not important, I’m telling you already for weeks it’s not about our opponents,” he said. “We are in the lead, it’s only up to us, we have everything in our hands, we don’t have to look behind. We have to make our performance. It’s nothing to do with any other team. It’s to do with the opponent on the day. “Very happy. First 25 minutes was a very good performance from our team, maybe one of the highest levels this season. It’s the way we want to play football. “Pin the opponent back, good on the ball, a lot of movements, good counter-press. Against a good team, Bournemouth, they can really play very good structures, I like them and their way of play. “You can see they’re already safe two games before the end. They didn’t have any chance to play out because we dominated them totally. We created chances and we scored a brilliant goal.” Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil, whose team went into the game already secured of their top-flight status for next season, felt the Cherries matched United on the day and reflected on his side having beaten the drop with room to spare. “I was pleased, I thought it was a good performance,” he said. “United are full-throttle at the moment and we were obviously understrength. Five key players missing, a little bit short today. I didn’t think there was much in it, our chances were as good as theirs. I don’t think anyone could have complained if Kieffer Moore had scored and it had finished 1-1. “I think everyone felt the Everton game (next week) would be pivotal. The fact that it isn’t shows what a big achievement it’s been from the players to stay up with four games to spare.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sean Dyche calls for one final push from Everton in Premier League survival bid Dean Smith turns to ‘big influence’ Jonny Evans to help Leicester’s survival bid Ryan Mason encourages little to be read into Harry Kane’s wave to Spurs fans

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49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is walking back an earlier comment he made about his ex-team -- probably for the good karma.San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey appears to be enjoying life on his new team, but he doesn't want to seemtoohappy about it.The star running bac...

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson admitted to feeling ‘humbled’ by the tributes paid by both sets of fans following his side’s 2-2 draw with Fulham. Aleksandar Mitrovic’s first-half stoppage time spot kick cancelled out Odsonne Edouard’s opener and the Serbian handed the hosts the lead after the break, but Joel Ward’s late equaliser denied Fulham a final home victory of the campaign. And it seemed warm sentiments toward Hodgson, who managed Fulham from 2007-2010, were as evenly shared as the final result at Craven Cottage. “That was incredible,” said Hodgson. “I’m humbled by that, really. I can’t express how grateful I am. Both sets of fans treating me so well today and both cheering my name, because I had a wonderful time at both clubs. “It was a wonderful time here at Fulham and it’s been a wonderful time at Palace, two spells now. “So it’s really nice to see two sets of fans recognising that and giving you the sort of accolade that you could only dream or hope to get, so it’s going to be a big day in my memory I think, whatever happens, to have come here today, to have gone away with a well-earned point and to have both sets of fans cheering my name as I came off the field. “That’s something not many managers get and I consider myself honoured and flattered that it’s happening to me.” Hodgson has just next Saturday’s home clash with Nottingham Forest remaining on his current contract, and once again shut down a query about his next steps amidst swirling speculation he could be kept on. The 75-year-old simply stated: “There’s no update on my future, other than that it will be a very good future.” Wilfried Zaha’s future at Selhurst Park also remains a question mark. The Palace talisman likely played his final match of the season after pulling up with injury last weekend against Bournemouth. Fans fear it could have also marked his last appearance as an Eagle, with the 30-year-old, like his manager, out of contract at the conclusion of this campaign. On Saturday Hodgson turned to Edouard in Zaha’s absence, which proved prescient when the Frenchman latched onto Eberechi Eze’s through ball and gave the visitors the lead on 34 minutes. It was all square at the break, however, after Mitrovic converted in his first game back in Marco Silva’s starting line-up since he was handed an eight-match ban. Mitrovic headed home his 14th of the season after the break, but Ward was alert to his own rebound from a set piece and bundled home the equaliser on 83 minutes. Silva’s side, who remain 10th, paraded around the pitch post-match to thank their fans for what their boss believes was a thoroughly satisfying season. Silva, who acknowledged last season’s Championship winners at times felt “flat” on Saturday, said: “The game was not at our best level and when this happens we have to analyse and prepare for the next one. “[It was] a very, very good, to not say great, great season. No one expected for us to be where we are right now. Everyone predicted for us to be the first ones to go down, all the things I don’t want to repeat again. “The season has been brilliant, this group of players has been unbelievable, they work right, they try, they do every single day. They come with the right mindset to learn and to improve. “This is the main thing. I have to congratulate them again. Of course we didn’t finish yet, next week we can talk a little bit more, but I want to congratulate them for everything they have been doing this season so far.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Wrist injury has cost me a few shots – Jordan Spieth Heartache for Leinster as La Rochelle fightback secures Champions Cup trophy Erik ten Hag hails Casemiro’s ‘massive’ contribution to Manchester United cause