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The High-Stakes Showdown at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Oh Tottenham. How has it come to this? Champions League finalists in 2019, and Europa League winners just 12 months ago, one of the grandest clubs in England are now possibly 90 minutes plus fingernail-and-artery-bothering add-ons away from relegation to the second tier for the first time in nearly half a century. The Mathematics of Survival Ah but let's leave those questions for later. And they'll be a lot less pointed should Spurs escape the executioner this afternoon. The maths are simple: beat Everton and they stay up. A draw will almost certainly be enough, unless West Ham beat Leeds 12-0, which, given that scoreline would tie a top-flight record set 134 years ago* and matched only once since, 117 years ago†, is not going to happen. But a defeat … hoo boy. Spurs' Path to Safety The good news for Spurs: under Roberto de Zerbi, they've lost just one of their last five fixtures. And even if the worst was to happen, West Ham would still need to win to leapfrog them to safety. However, Spurs have only won two matches at home all season, against Burnley and Brentford, while Everton have the sixth-best away record in the division, winning seven of 18. Also in David Moyes, Everton have a manager who is on record saying he'd "love to keep West Ham in the league if I can", having previously managed them to European glory. The Tension Builds at N17 So imagine the tension in N17 should Everton score first this afternoon. But Spurs beat the Toffees 3-0 on their own patch last October, so glee is as likely an outcome for the hosts as misery. At least that's what they've got to tell themselves as they go into their most important game for a generation … and the bean counters will tell you that yes, that does include last year's Europa League final. Kick-off is at 4pm BST. It's on! *: West Bromwich Albion 12-0 Darwen (April 1892) †: Nottingham Forest 12–0 Leicester Fosse (April 1909)

The Final Day ShowdownHello, good morning and good day. We're back with another Matchday live for the final day of the Premier League season!After Arsenal wrapped up the title on Tuesday after Manchester City drew with Bournemouth, eyes turn to the bottom of the table where we'll finally discover who survives out of West Ham and Tottenham. There's also the small matter of who pinches the final Champions League spot between Liverpool and Bournemouth. All ten matches start at 4pm so set your watches.We'll also be covering the major stories of yesterday, including Hull's dramatic injury-time winner to seal promotion to the Premier League, as well as Celtic securing the domestic double, and Charlton beating Leicester on penalties to gain promotion to the WSL.And finally, if you weren't happy with England's World Cup squad, I've got good news. Pep Guardiola hasn't ruled out one day managing the national side. Stick with us for the latest updates and news from around the football world and send me an email with your thoughts.Today's Premier League FixturesBrighton v Manchester UnitedBurnley v WolvesCrystal Palace v ArsenalFulham v NewcastleLiverpool v BrentfordManchester City v Aston VillaNottingham Forest v BournemouthTottenham v EvertonSunderland v ChelseaWest Ham v LeedsKey Points to WatchOur writers have done the rounds on the ten things to keep an eye on during the final day of the season. Many things to keep an eye out for (ten, to be precise) but I'm with Will Unwin that the real jeopardy is to be found at Turf Moor where Burnley and Wolves will duke it out to see who finishes rock bottom of the table.

The Lead: Liverpool's Strategic Coaching Move Liverpool are closing in on the appointment of Etienne Reijnen to their coaching staff, a move that would underline the club's continued support for Arne Slot despite recent pressure on the manager. Slot's position remains under scrutiny with Liverpool yet to secure Champions League qualification, but the club is backing his request to strengthen his backroom team. The Coaching Partnership: Reijnen's Background with Slot Reijnen played with Slot at PEC Zwolle and became the Liverpool head coach's assistant at Feyenoord in 2023. Slot wanted to bring the 39-year-old with him when first appointed at Anfield but work permit issues scuppered the move. A deal to reunite Slot with his former assistant has not been completed but is progressing, with Feyenoord's technical director seemingly confirming Reijnen's exit this week. The Salah Situation: Manager-Star Relations Under Pressure Slot refused to confirm the move but acknowledged his high regard for Reijnen. He also addressed the ongoing situation with Mohamed Salah, who has posted critical social media comments about the team's performance. Slot agreed with Salah on the importance of Champions League qualification, insisting Liverpool's focus must be on securing a top-five finish. Everton's Ambition: Moyes Calls for Summer Investment David Moyes says Everton need "a big summer" when the club's owners must show the ambition to push the team forward. The Everton manager admitted he is despondent over a poor end to the season that has squandered the opportunity to qualify for Europe. Having competed at the right end of the table for the first time in several years, Moyes believes the Friedkin Group's next moves will determine how far the team can progress. Resource Constraints: Everton's Financial Strategy Moyes clarified that "a big summer" might mean making just one top-quality signing rather than multiple transfers. "We are not a club to go and spend, as some other clubs do, £200m-£300m. We don't have that. We will need to dodge and weave a bit and hopefully make the right choices," he said. Everton visit Tottenham on the final day needing a result to secure a top-half finish. Merino's Recovery: From Mobility Scooter to Potential Title Glory Arsenal's Mikel Merino feared he might never play again after sustaining a stress fracture in "a very strange part of the foot where not even the specialists had seen before" that left him needing a mobility scooter for two months. The Spain midfielder is expected to be named in Luis de la Fuente's World Cup squad next week after returning to training. Mental Fortitude: Coping with Injury During Title Race Merino admitted it has been difficult to watch from the sidelines as his team closed on their first title for 22 years. "At the beginning I was a little scared," he said. "We didn't know what to expect, what path to take during the recovery and if I was going to be able to play again." The midfielder maintained a positive attitude, using the mobility scooter as "a fun way to see the light of day and enjoy time with the dog." Burnley's Challenge: Rebuilding After Third Relegation Mike Jackson has warned there are no guarantees Burnley will immediately return to the Premier League following the club's third relegation in five seasons. Since a five-year stay in the top flight, the Clarets have experienced multiple promotions and relegations, highlighting the competitive challenges of maintaining stability in England's top division.

The Premier League Weekend Fixtures The upcoming Premier League matches feature several key teams vying for crucial points. Here are the predicted lineups and team news for the weekend action. Brighton v Manchester United Sunday, 4pm, Amex Stadium Brighton: Subs from: Steele, Veltman, Boscagli, Igor, Wieffer, Milner, Ayari, O’Riley, March, Kostoulas, Rutter Doubtful: Wieffer (ankle) Injured: Mitoma (hamstring), Webster (knee), Tzimas (knee) Suspended: None Form: WDWLWL Leading scorer: Welbeck 13 Manchester United: Subs from: Fredericson, Mee, Heaton, Obi, Bayindir, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Malacia, Mantato, Zirkzee, Lacey, Mazraoui, Mount, Yoro, Heaven, Sesko, Dorgu Doubtful: Sesko (calf) Injured: De Ligt (back) Unavailable: Casemiro (not in squad) Suspended: None Form: LWWWDW Leading scorer: Sesko 11 Burnley v Wolves Sunday, 4pm, Turf Moor Burnley: Subs from: Dubravka, Humphreys, Hartman, Laurent, Bruun Larsen, Amdouni, Foster, Broja, Ward-Prowse, Roberts Doubtful: Roberts (achilles) Injured: Beyer (hamstring), Cullen (knee) Suspended: None Form: LLLLDL Leading scorer: Flemming 10 Wolves: Subs from: Bentley, Gracey, Doherty, Tchatchoua, Møller Wolfe, A Gomes, Bellegarde, R Gomes, Arokodare, H Bueno, T Gomes, Lima Doubtful: None Injured: Johnstone (shoulder), Chiwome (knee), González (knee) Suspended: None Form: LLLDLD Leading scorers: Arokodare, S Bueno, Mané, R Gomes 3 Crystal Palace v Arsenal Sunday, 4pm, Selhurst Park Crystal Palace: Subs from: Benítez, Matthews, Cardines, Clyne, Umeh, King, Hughes, Sosa, Jemide, Agbinone, Lerma, Uche, Devenny, Drakes-Thomas, Johnson, Strand Larsen, Guessand Doubtful: None Injured: Richards (ankle), Nketiah (hamstring), Doucouré (knee) Suspended: None Form: DLLDLD Leading scorer: Mateta 11 Arsenal: Subs from: Arrizabalaga, Setford, Calafiori, Harriman-Annous, Jesus, Ibrahim, Trossard, Havertz, Saka, Timber, Merino, Trossard, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Rice Doubtful: Timber (groin), Merino (ankle) Injured: White (knee) Suspended: None Form: LLWWWW Leading scorer: Gyökores 14 Fulham v Newcastle Sunday, 4pm, Craven Cottage Fulham: Subs from: Lecomte, Tete, Reed, Cairney, Smith Rowe, Jiménez, Kusi-Asare, Wilson, Berge, Chukwueze Doubtful: None Injured: Sessegnon (hamstring) Suspended: Andersen (second of three) Form: LDWLLD Leading scorer: Not provided Newcastle: Subs and team news not provided in the source.

Welbeck and Seagulls Push for Europe Brighton must overcome Manchester United on the final day to secure a place in Europe for the second time in their history. Danny Welbeck could be key against his former club, having enjoyed his most prolific season with 13 league goals. The Battle for the Wooden Spoon Burnley and Wolves face off in a match that will determine which team finishes 19th and receives £2m in prize money. Both teams have had a disappointing season, but a win for either side could move them off the bottom of the table. A Carnival Atmosphere at Selhurst Park Crystal Palace host Arsenal in a match that promises to be a celebration of the Gunners' Premier League title. Manchester City's failure to beat Bournemouth means that Arsenal can now focus on their upcoming Conference League match. Fulham in Mendes Merry-Go-Round? Could this be Marco Silva's final match in charge of Fulham? The manager has been linked with Benfica, and his departure could trigger a series of moves involving other top players. Liverpool Exits and a Return Liverpool host Brentford in a match that will see several players say goodbye to Anfield. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are among those departing, while Jordan Henderson returns to the stadium with his new club. The Manchester City Farewells Manchester City's final match of the season will see Pep Guardiola and several key players say goodbye to the club. The team has dominated English football for over a decade, and their departure will be felt across the league.

Arsenal's Contract Offer to Mikel Arteta Arsenal will reward Mikel Arteta for ending Arsenal's 22-year wait to be champions by offering him a lucrative new contract that will cement the Spaniard's status as one of the best-paid managers in the world. Details of Arteta's Current Contract Arteta's contract is believed to be worth about £10m a season plus a £5m bonus for reaching the Champions League. However, he will be offered a large salary increase that some sources have predicted could come close to matching the Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone's wage of €30m (£26m) a year. Arsenal's Transfer Plans The club are also well advanced with plans to strengthen his squad. Eli Junior Kroupi, the Bournemouth striker whose goal against City helped Arsenal seal the title, is a target, although it is thought his club could value the 19-year-old at about £80m. Potential Departures Gabriel Martinelli could be allowed to depart if a suitable offer arrived. Ethan Nwaneri's future looks less secure after spending the second half of the season on loan at Marseille. Christian Nørgaard linked with Ajax after playing 56 minutes in the Premier League since his move from Brentford last year. Gabriel Jesus – among the club's top earners and with a year of his £250,000-a-week contract remaining – surplus to requirements. Future Outlook Arteta will resume talks after next Saturday's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. The co-chairs, Stan and Josh Kroenke, promised in their programme for Monday's win over Burnley that “there will be no standing still when the season ends”.

The Lead: Arsenal's Long-Awaited Triumph After an incredible 984 days at the top of the table without being champions, Arsenal Football Club has finally ended their 19-year Premier League drought. The club's faithful supporters, who have waited since the unforgettable 2003-04 season when Arsène Wenger's Invincibles went the top-flight campaign unbeaten, can now celebrate as Mikel Arteta's side has proven they are capable of holding their nerve when it matters most. The Event Details: Arteta's Transformation Journey The ever-meticulous Arteta arrived at the club a week before Christmas in 2019 on a mission to restore them to former glories. After spending his first three months talking to "everybody at the club with a lot of different roles," he introduced the olive tree dating back to 1886 when Arsenal was founded, symbolizing the roots of the club and the culture he was attempting to foster. After laying down a marker in December 2021 when the former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was jettisoned after one indiscretion too many, the manager has been allowed to build a squad in his image by American owners happy to trust in his expertise. The Data Analysis: Building a Championship Squad Arsenal's executives remained quietly convinced this would be their year after an outlay of £250m on eight arrivals, including Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace for £67.5m and Viktor Gyökeres for £64m. All but Christian Nørgaard have made an impact, although a defence that has largely been together for the past three seasons has formed the bedrock of Arsenal's title. Set pieces have played a massive role in their success, breaking the Premier League record for goals scored from corners against Chelsea on 1 March and extending it to 19 against Burnley. More than a third of their 69 goals – the fifth-lowest by the champions in Premier League history – came from set pieces. The Impact Analysis: Changing the Football Landscape Arsenal's triumph represents a significant shift in the balance of power in English football. After years of Manchester City and Liverpool dominance, Arteta's side has proven that financial resources alone don't guarantee success. The club's ability to respond to setbacks – particularly after their disastrous April when they lost twice to Manchester City in a run of four consecutive domestic defeats – demonstrates a newfound resilience. The appointment of Andrea Berta as the new sporting director last March proved a pivotal moment in the club's evolution, with considerable input from Arteta helping to assemble a squad capable of withstanding almost any injury crisis. The Prediction: The Future of Arsenal Football Club With Arsenal set to appear in their second Champions League final, the future looks exceptionally bright for the North London club. The Kroenkes, whose sports empire is estimated to be worth about $23bn (£17bn), have promised in their joint programme notes that "there will be no standing still when the season ends. We are always forward in our approach and relentless in the pursuit of progress." Arteta is poised to sign a lucrative contract extension that will reward his success, and the club's academy products like Bukayo Saka suggest sustainable success is on the horizon. Even if they can't join the elite group of clubs to have achieved the double by beating Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, Arsenal has firmly reestablished themselves as a force to be reckoned with in both English and European football.

The LeadArsenal are Premier League champions for the first time since Arsène Wenger's Invincibles in 2004 after Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth. It caps a remarkable achievement for Mikel Arteta in his first job in management, the Spaniard having transformed Arsenal into contenders since taking over from Unai Emery in December 2019.The Championship JourneyDespite carrying the scars of previous years, Arteta's side emerged strongest from what in effect became a five-game playoff between the two contenders. City blinked first when they drew against Everton, with Arsenal recording four successive wins without conceding a goal – culminating in Monday's 1-0 victory over Burnley.The Final CountdownArteta said he expected to find it hard to watch City's game against Bournemouth given its significance but Arsenal fans had gathered in the pubs near the Emirates in anticipation of Andoni Iraola's side securing a positive result and celebrated wildly on the final whistle, spilling on the street.The Road AheadArsenal will receive the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park on Sunday after they face Crystal Palace in their final game. Arteta will become the longest-serving manager in England's top four divisions when Guardiola's departure from City after 10 years is confirmed and has the chance to emulate his mentor by winning the Champions League when Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain on 30 May.Historic ContextOnly on five occasions have an English team won the top division and the European Cup in the same season, with City the last to accomplish that feat in 2023. Arsenal's triumph marks the end of a 19-year wait since their last title in 2004.

Lead: Arsenal close in on first league title since 2004Mikel Arteta admitted he will turn into the “biggest ever” Bournemouth fan after Arsenal’s 1‑0 win over Burnley, a result that leaves the Gunners level on goal difference with Manchester City and one point ahead in the Premier League race.Arteta’s public support for Bournemouth amid Arsenal’s title pushThe Arsenal manager praised Andoni Iraola and the Bournemouth squad, saying the club’s transformation deserves unwavering backing. He added he will watch the upcoming City‑vs‑Bournemouth match at home with his family, fingers crossed for a favorable outcome.Numbers shaping the title race: goals, clean sheets, and goal differenceKai Havertz scored Arsenal’s 18th goal of the season, a corner‑derived strike that secured the win.Arsenal have kept 19 clean sheets in the league and have not conceded since losing to City last month.Both Arsenal and City are now level on goal difference, making the final day decisive.What Arsenal’s victory means for the Premier League finaleThe win forces City to beat Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium to keep their title hopes alive. A City victory would set up a final‑day clash where City must also defeat Aston Villa while hoping Arsenal slip up against Crystal Palace. Conversely, if City falter, Arsenal could clinch the championship outright.Potential scenarios for the final matchdayIf City win and Arsenal lose, City claim the title.If both teams draw or lose, Arsenal secure the crown.A City win combined with an Arsenal win would leave the title undecided, likely decided on total points or further tie‑breakers.