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For Roberto Firmino, an Anfield farewell included a presentation by Sir Kenny Dalglish and a guard of honour from his teammates, with Cody Gakpo bowing in salute to Liverpool’s definitive false nine. Anfield sang his song – Si Senor – for one last time; or, at least, a final occasion with Firmino in the team, on the pitch. Even as fine a servant as James Milner also said goodbye, he was overshadowed by Firmino, which the self-effacing Yorkshireman may prefer. But, even at the end, Firmino offered more evidence to illustrate why he is among the most popular Liverpool players of his generation; perhaps of any. This was not the perfect goodbye; not without victory, not as Liverpool’s last ambition for a dispiriting season became still more remote. But there was a perfection of sorts for Firmino; the rousing ovation when he came on was far from the loudest of the afternoon, because Liverpool still had a last goal from him to celebrate. Firmino’s indefatigable approach is a reason why he was indispensable and integral. If there was no such thing as a lost cause for him, he ensured he did not finish off with a defeat. Aston Villa were leading at Anfield, and deservedly so. But Firmino and Milner entered with 20 minutes to go – though Villa’s timewasting meant their cameos lasted for half an hour – and as injury time beckoned, as it seemed Liverpool’s band of Champions League winners would see their faint hopes of a top-four finish disappear altogether, the former had one last service to perform. Firmino has created many a goal for Mohamed Salah over the years. A favour was returned, the Egyptian bending in a cross with the outside of his left foot, the Brazilian timing his run to volley it in. Selfless for so long, Firmino has become more potent this season; a 12th goal of an injury-hit campaign gives him a total he has not topped since 2018-19. If Liverpool will miss his incessant running, if they will miss his capacity to create goals for others, they will also miss his ability to find the net himself. It was his 110th and potentially last goal for them; the 109th was a dramatic late equaliser at Anfield, too, frustrating Arsenal. He has altered the title race and the battle for Europe: in eight days’ time, it may have a greater effect on Villa. Liverpool’s fate is almost sealed; denied an eighth successive win, they have prolonged the fight for the Champions League places, but only mathematically. It may be a formality for Manchester United and Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League now but, until Firmino intervened, they would be there already. It prolongs the top-four battle but it has altered, shifting the balance still further in the favour of the two Uniteds. An inability to find a winner in added time means that Liverpool’s season will end in anti-climax. Firmino at least ensured it did not finish in Anfield failure. Only Leeds have won here in the Premier League this season; indeed only they have claimed three points in front of a crowd in six years. It has been a fortress for most of Firmino’s time; disappointing as drawing with Villa was, home form is not the principal reason why Liverpool will be condemned to the Europa League. Villa may yet join them in Thursday night action. They were agonisingly close to a 15th win in 24 league games under Unai Emery, and perhaps a best, too. “If it wasn’t for [Steven] Gerrard we’d be top,” their fans chorused, barracking their previous manager and Liverpool’s former captain, and, if not quite true, theirs has been a stunning turnaround; they are ahead of Tottenham now, in the top seven, their fate in their own hands. Yet it probably should have been victory. Ollie Watkins, Liverpool’s nemesis when he scored a hat-trick against them in Villa’s 7-2 win in 2020, offered them respite. He rolled a penalty wide as his goal drought extended to six games. He had earned it himself when fouled by Ibrahima Konate and after racing on to John McGinn’s pass. Villa nevertheless led. Jacob Ramsey met Douglas Luiz’s cross with a low half-volley as Liverpool, who had kept three clean sheets in a row, struggled defensively. They lacked cohesion and chemistry going forward, too. With Gakpo having a goal disallowed when Virgil van Dijk was adjudged offside, They mustered only two shots on target in the first 88 minutes. Klopp may have rued his own indiscipline, confined to the stands by a touchline ban, struggling to alter events. But his assistant Pep Lijnders sent for Firmino and Milner. And, as he has done so many times over the last eight years, Firmino sent Anfield into raptures. Read More Liverpool vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League updates Roberto Firmino would knock down Klopp door to secure start on Anfield farewell Roberto Firmino interview: ‘What we achieved was beautiful – but it is time to go’

Joel Ward’s late equaliser ensured the points were split as Crystal Palace salvaged a 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Odsonne Edouard opened the scoring for the Eagles in the first half but Aleksandar Mitrovic’s spot kick in stoppage time ensured the sides were level at the break. The Serbian striker, who had returned to the Cottagers’ starting line-up for the first time since his eight-match ban, then looked to have ignited a comeback win when he fired in his 14th of the season. The hosts, however, were denied a final home victory of the campaign when Ward levelled from his own rebound to send the Eagles back to Selhurst Park with a point. Roy Hodgson was without the services of Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha, who is out of contract at the end of this season and might have played his last game as an Eagle after aggravating an injury last time out. Palace defender Joachim Andersen collided with Mitrovic soon after kick-off, leading to a bloody nose for the Cottager who was deemed fit to continue after swapping for a blank shirt. Kenny Tete lifted a cross well above the woodwork and his side failed to make anything of two free-kicks, both from dangerous positions, as the first period ticked past its halfway point. Palace remained in search of their first shot after Joao Palhinha’s well-timed tackle broke up Eberechi Eze’s threatening run, while Issa Diop’s clearance ended a scramble from Jordan Ayew’s cross at the back post. Though Fulham seemed likelier to break the deadlock it was the visitors who took the lead on 34 minutes. Eze’s lovely through ball to Edouard, starting in place of the injured Zaha, set up the opener, the Frenchman clipping the underside of the crossbar as he finished. Palace looked to be taking the 1-0 lead into the break before Tyrick Mitchell was punished for fouling Harry Wilson late in three minutes of added time and the referee pointed to the spot. Mitrovic stepped up and gave Sam Johnstone no chance as he fired in the equaliser to ensure it was all to play for after the break. He somehow missed making it two to start the second half, collecting Harrison Reed’s cross at the left post but sent his effort from six yards out wide before Willian saw a shot picked out of the air by the Palace keeper. The Eagles had not registered a second shot by the time Fulham took the lead through Mitrovic, ensuring the hosts finally made the most of a set piece when he nodded Willian’s free-kick past Johnstone’s right post. It took a fine save from the Eagles keeper to ensure his side did not fall further behind when he just managed to tip Willian’s curled effort over the bar. Everything looked to be going Fulham’s way until Palace won a free-kick. Olise’s initial delivery bounced around the box before landing at the feet of Joel Ward. Leno stopped the initial effort, but the Palace skipper was alert to his own rebound and equalised with a left-footed effort to seal the result. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Callum McGregor rescues point for Celtic from dramatic draw with St Mirren Casemiro goal puts Manchester United on verge of Champions League qualification Yerry Mina’s last-gasp equaliser at Wolves gives Everton hope of survival

Robin Lod has been ruled out for an extended period after suffering a meniscus tear in his right knee during Wednesday’s 1-0 home-win over the Houston Dynamo.

Captain Callum McGregor rescued Celtic with a late leveller as the Hoops twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with St Mirren in a pulsating encounter at Parkhead. Buddies boss Stephen Robinson had promised to have a go at the cinch Premiership champions and striker Curtis Main gave the visitors a shock lead after four minutes. Hoops attacker Kyogo Furuhashi levelled with a powerful drive in the 15th minute only for Main to restore the visitors’ lead five minutes from the interval. Main should have added to his tally on three occasions after the break and the Buddies were made to pay when McGregor equalised with nine minutes remaining to avoid a successive league defeat after losing 3-0 to Old Firm rivals Rangers last week. St Mirren beat Celtic 2-0 last September but had suffered three heavy defeats by the Hoops subsequently, although they were well worth their point on this occasion. It was Celtic’s first home game since they clinched the title against Hearts at Tynecastle two weeks ago and Greg Taylor, Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda came back in, along with Tomoki Iwata who was playing in a more unfamiliar centre-back role in place of Yuki Kobayashi. Midfielder Keanu Baccus and defender Thierry Small started for the visitors, who got off to a stunning start. Following a long clearance from Buddies goalkeeper Trevor Carson, a mix-up between Iwata and right-back Anthony Ralston allowed the ball to drop to Main inside the box and he turned inside the latter before shooting low past keeper Joe Hart. However, the lead evaporated when midfielder Reo Hatate took a pass from Iwata and slipped in Furuhashi to slam the ball high past Carson from 12 yards for his 31st goal of the season. Hatate soon thundered a shot just over the bar and midfielder Matt O’Riley’s drive deflected off Baccus and almost sneaked in at the near post before Carson turned it behind for a corner which came to nothing. Saints passed up a great chance when Hart parried Greg Kiltie’s cross straight to Ryan Strain and he knocked it past a post from just a few yards out. However, there was even more drama moments later when Main headed into the net from eight yards out after latching on to a Mark O’Hara header as Celtic struggled to clear their lines. After a long VAR check for offside, referee David Munro confirmed the goal put an unusual sheen on Ange Postecoglou’s half-time team talk. Three minutes after the restart Strain stood a cross up to the back post and Main leapt highest only to head past a post. Celtic were rattled again but came back and, in the 54th minute, from Jota’s cross, Maeda lifted the ball over the bar from six yards before Main, again, headed a Strain cross wide at the other end. Maeda prodded the ball wide from close range before O’Reilly, Hatate and Maeda were replaced by Sead Haksabanovic, Liel Abada and Oh Hyeon-gyu as Postecoglou re-energised his side. The Paisley side were having to hold on, desperately at times but in a breakaway, Main beat Hart with a drive only to see the ball rebound off a post, with Oh striking the goalframe at the other end seconds later. With time running out for the home side it was McGregor who came to the rescue when he curled the ball past Carson from the edge of the box to cheers of relief, and the Buddies had to withstand late pressure to emerge with a point. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Joel Ward’s late equaliser earns Crystal Palace draw with Fulham Casemiro goal puts Manchester United on verge of Champions League qualification Yerry Mina’s last-gasp equaliser at Wolves gives Everton hope of survival

Yerry Mina’s last-gasp leveller at Wolves earned Everton a priceless point in their fight for Premier League survival. The defender struck with seconds left to grab a 1-1 draw to give the Toffees hope after Hwang Hee-chan had given Wolves a first-half lead. Their 69-year stay in the top flight remains in doubt and Sean Dyche’s side could still find themselves in the drop zone before next week’s finale. Leeds go to West Ham on Sunday before Leicester’s trip to Newcastle on Monday and victory for both would lift them above Everton. As it is, they sit two points above the Premier League’s bottom three ahead of the visit of Bournemouth next Sunday. Dyche had told his players to ignore the noise but they struggled for long spells and again lost Dominic Calvert-Lewin to injury. It will spawn a nervous Goodison Park, which saw its last relegation from the top flight in 1951. Wolves’ own season of struggle – they were bottom at Christmas – will ultimately end in mid-table comfort, mainly thanks to what stands as seven home wins from 10 games since the turn of the year. Julen Lopetegui had stressed the importance of the Premier League’s integrity, insisting his team would not roll over with matters at the bottom to be settled. It was, though, understandable that Everton made the better start as Calvert-Lewin brushed the side-netting before nodding Alex Iwobi’s cross over. The Toffees needed that urgency and, against a Wolves side containing six changes, they were the aggressors, although they lost Nathan Patterson to injury after 29 minutes. Mina headed over after Daniel Bentley missed a corner and Everton were on top only to be caught on the break for the opener after 34 minutes. The visitors were pressing on the edge of Wolves’ box but Abdoulaye Doucoure’s loose pass fell to Adama Traore who turned on the afterburners. The forward launched into an unstoppable 70-yard dash, brushing off Amadou Onana, and when his shot was saved by Jordan Pickford, Hwang stroked in the rebound. It was harsh on Everton but it got worse in first-half stoppage time when Calvert-Lewin, who came off in last week’s defeat to Manchester City with a groin problem, limped off. Demarai Gray replaced him but there was no focal point and any second-half response was limited. Gray highlighted their lack of presence up front when his wicked cross through the six-yard box was missed by everyone. Wolves had slowly gained control and Pablo Sarabia curled wide before Daniel Podence volleyed off target. A wayward Iwobi strike was all Everton could muster until Bentley pushed Gray’s drive behind with 21 minutes left but, as time began to run out, there were few signs of a recovery. Iwobi’s shot deflected wide and the Toffees needed Pickford to deny Matheus Nunes late on. But they snatched an unlikely point in the ninth minute of stoppage time when Mina bundled in from close range following Michael Keane’s knockback. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Callum McGregor rescues point for Celtic from dramatic draw with St Mirren Joel Ward’s late equaliser earns Crystal Palace draw with Fulham Casemiro goal puts Manchester United on verge of Champions League qualification

By Andrew Osborn LONDON Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Saturday that his Wagner fighters had completed

Manchester United moved a step closer to playing in the Champions League next season as Casemiro’s brilliant overhead kick earned a 1-0 win away at Bournemouth. Victory on the south coast, together with Liverpool’s failure to beat Aston Villa, strengthened United’s grip on a top-four spot with two games to play and meant Erik ten Hag is close to achieving his primary objective in his first season in charge. This was not Ten Hag’s side at their best, but once they were in front they limited a spirited and organised Bournemouth to a handful of chances, with David de Gea in form to deny Gary O’Neil’s side whenever they threatened. A point against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday will ensure the team go into the final day with the top-four job complete. United took the lead after nine minutes, partly through good fortune, but the goal owed much to the quick thinking and improvisational brilliance of Casemiro. Christian Eriksen’s floated ball into the box was flicked on inadvertently by the boot of Marcos Senesi. The defender’s intervention played Casemiro onside and in one movement he swivelled acrobatically and whacked an effort on the turn past Neto to give United the perfect start. The game settled down, United largely controlling the ball and probing for gaps in behind Bournemouth, most of which were plugged well by O’Neil’s side. The next real chance fell to Dominic Solanke. A long, reaching pass arrived invitingly at his feet, though the opportunity looked to have gone when Aaron Wan-Bissaka hustled him off the ball. But Solanke would not be deterred and, winning it back, he cut inside United and made space for a low drive which De Gea turned aside brilliantly. Casemiro tried once again to execute the spectacular when he hit a thumping drive first time from 35 yards which Neto got down well to and held. On the whole, though, the first half ended with Bournemouth in the ascendency, Solanke reminding United once again of his and his team’s threat by planting a header fractionally over with the last action before the break. David Brooks, making his first start since being diagnosed with cancer in 2021, tested the reflexes of De Gea minutes after the restart, the goalkeeper throwing up an arm to turn a fizzing drive over the bar. Brooks was substituted shortly afterwards and left to a standing ovation from the Vitality Stadium. United were without top scorer Marcus Rashford, out with an unspecified illness after also missing the previous victory against Wolves, and their attack lacked a focal point in his absence. A goalscorer of Rashford’s instincts might have brought Bournemouth an equaliser when Solanke ran the ball to the byline and sent over a cross that rolled inches in front of the goal. No one in red and black had kept pace with the forward and the ball drifted to safety. Illya Zabarnyi was in the right place at the right time to turn Bruno Fernandes’ first-time effort over the bar from Wan-Bissaka’s cut-back as United probed for a second. Fernandes stung the palms of Neto with a volley from outside the box, the keeper requiring two strong palms to beat it away. Dango Ouattara came off the bench and caused problems down United’s left, bursting past Luke Shaw and crossing one moment, linking up well with Solanke the next. If Bournemouth were going to find a way back, it looked likely that it would be via the substitute. Instead it was another of O’Neil’s replacements, Kieffer Moore, that spurned the hosts’ best chance. Moore’s movement was clever to run in behind, but, with only De Gea to beat, his shot was straight at the keeper, who saved with his leg. United hearts were in mouths when Senesi volleyed on to the roof of the goal in added time. But the visitors saw the job out and one more point will ensure Ten Hag can turn attentions to an FA Cup final meeting with Manchester City at Wembley. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Callum McGregor rescues point for Celtic from dramatic draw with St Mirren Joel Ward’s late equaliser earns Crystal Palace draw with Fulham Yerry Mina’s last-gasp equaliser at Wolves gives Everton hope of survival

Ryan Mason played down fears about the future of Tottenham vice-captain Harry Kane after a disappointing 3-1 home loss to Brentford. Kane’s 30th goal in all competitions put Spurs ahead after eight minutes, but the visitors turned the game around after the break through Bryan Mbeumo’s double and Yoane Wissa’s late goal. It ensured Tottenham suffered a 14th defeat of a poor campaign in their final home fixture, which ended with the players doing a lap of honour in front of largely empty seats. Vice-captain Kane waved to the fans who had stayed and uncertainty remains over his future with only one more year left on his deal at Spurs. But Mason insisted: “He waves at the crowd every season. “I remember sitting here two years ago and you guys were convinced he was leaving, saying the same thing. “It’s the last home game of the season so he wants to show his appreciation to the support he’s received and we’ve all received this season.” Spurs had impressed during the opening 45 and Son Heung-min, Emerson Royal, Arnaut Danjuma and Dejan Kulusevski all went close before half-time. No second goal occurred for the hosts and Mbeumo’s quickfire brace after the break proved crucial. Mason added: “This is the Premier League. You have to be ready for the whole game. “I thought the first half we played a very good match, had a few opportunities to score a couple more, but of course in the second half the intensity dropped and we were punished.” Back-to-back defeats have damaged Tottenham’s hopes of securing European football next season and there were further chants for chairman Daniel Levy to leave during his latest loss. Mason admitted it hurt to see so many fans depart before the lap of honour but urged the club to commit to a philosophy this summer in its search for a new head coach and managing director of football. “Of course (it hurts). It is understandable because of how probably the second two-thirds of the season have gone on and off the pitch but ultimately we know the fans will be there next season,” Spurs’ acting head coach insisted. “This club will keep moving forward and now is the time where we need to be stronger than ever and believe in what we’re going to do, commit to it and have people that are committed to it. “And I always say in football things can change very quickly and the energy can change quickly. “There are many different conversations that need to happen, but ultimately, I have said it quite a bit, we need to commit to something and be consistent with it. “Then have people, staff and players here who are committed to it too and I think that transfers to everyone else. That is what we need.” Brentford were able to toast a milestone victory that means they have now defeated each member of the ‘big six’ during their first two seasons in the Premier League. This fine win also ensured the Bees’ finished a difficult week on a high note after 20-goal forward Ivan Toney was hit with an eight month ban from all football activity on Thursday for repeated betting breaches. “I think it is unbelievable and remarkable,” Frank said of Brentford’s top-six feat. “For a newly promoted team over two seasons to beat all of the top-six teams must be quite unique so yes, of course we’re proud of that. “We’ve already talked about (Ivan). To replace 20 goals in the Premier League is not easy but we actually have good players in the squad that can score goals and every single time Wissa is playing instead of Ivan he scores goals. “He did that today and Kevin, he will score goals because he is such a threat going in behind. “Of course the big praise is to Bryan today. He is growing more and more to be a key player for us.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jon Rahm struggles in heavy rain at start of third round of US PGA Championship Cecilia Braekhus pulls out of Terri Harper fight through illness Emma Hayes won’t spend sunny Sunday evening watching potential WSL title decider

The British army veteran says his aim was to inspire others and change perceptions of disability.

The chief of the Russian private military group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, claimed Saturday that his forces have taken complete control of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut after months of brutal fighting.

Ghana’s public debt declined by a quarter at the end of December from the previous month as the

Tottenham’s disappointing campaign took another turn for the worse after Bryan Mbeumo’s second-half brace earned Brentford a fine 3-1 win at their London rivals. Harry Kane’s early opener gave Spurs the perfect start in their quest to stay in the hunt for Europa League football, but the visitors turned the tables with an impressive display after the break. Mbeumo grabbed a quickfire brace to help fill the void of Ivan Toney, who on Thursday received an eight-month ban from all football activities from the FA for betting breaches. Yoane Wissa then sealed the victory late on for Thomas Frank’s side with Spurs suffering a 14th defeat of the Premier League season and leaving the pitch to boos after another match with more chants for chairman Daniel Levy to leave the club. Tottenham’s loss at Aston Villa last weekend had added to the glum mood around club, but the sun was shining for this final home fixture of the season and Ryan Mason rung the changes. Attackers Arnaut Danjuma and Dejan Kulusevski earned recalls while the fit-again Yves Bissouma made his first start since January with Spurs’ acting head coach reverting to the 4-2-3-1 formation he used in 2021. Chairman Levy used his programme notes to acknowledge the season struggles but promised to bring “on-pitch success” after a chaotic campaign. One of Levy’s many key decisions this summer – alongside hiring a new head coach and managing director of football – is to try and convince Kane to commit his long-term future to Spurs. After eight minutes Tottenham’s vice-captain provided yet another reminder of his importance. Oliver Skipp, another academy graduate, won a free-kick around 25-yards out and Kulusevski teed up Kane to curl over the wall and beyond David Raya for his 30th goal in all competitions. It was the perfect start for the hosts and Son Heung-min was the next to go close but Raya denied him after Kane’s pass. The strong opening period by Tottenham was not enough to prevent the first round of ‘Levy out’ chants from the South Stand with 23 minutes played to mark his number of years at the club. A second goal for the hosts should have followed immediately after but Emerson Royal’s header was brilliantly cleared off the line by Rico Henry after good work by Kulusevski and Son. Mathias Jensen side-footed over for Brentford minutes later but Spurs remained in the ascendancy and Danjuma headed wide before Ben Mee thwarted Son with a vital block. Kulusevski, impressive in the number 10 role, ended the half with a firm near-post effort that Raya pushed over to ensure it stayed 1-0 at the break. Bees boss Frank had seen enough and introduced Mikkel Damsgaard for the second half, which paid dividends straight away. It was Damsgaard who fed the ball into Yoane Wissa and he passed into the path of Mbeumo, who cut inside from the right and curled into the bottom corner to level in the 50th minute. While Kane blazed over after another Kulusevski through ball minutes later, Brentford had their tales up now and grabbed a second with 62 on the clock. Aaron Hickey played a superb ball down the right and Mbeumo raced away and dribbled into the area before side-footing into the bottom corner for his ninth goal of the campaign. More chants for chairman Levy to leave the club followed but only after Lucas Moura had been introduced for his farewell appearance. Mason turned to Pedro Porro and Richarlison next with the latter having half-hearted penalty appeals waved away before Wissa wrapped up the points. Shandon Baptise robbed the ball off Skipp and Mbeumo teed up Wissa, who curled home for his seventh goal this season. There was still time for nine minutes of stoppage-time and Raya to produce two outstanding saves to deny Richarlison before the full-time whistle was met with boos before chants urging Kane to stay amid uncertainty over his long-term future. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Cecilia Braekhus pulls out of Terri Harper fight through illness Emma Hayes won’t spend sunny Sunday evening watching potential WSL title decider Daniel Levy pledges to bring success to Tottenham