Manchester City won an unprecedented fourth straight English top-flight title with a 3-1 win over West Ham United on Sunday to pip rivals Arsenal on the final day of a thrilling Premier League season.
Two glorious early goals from league player of the season Phil Foden created a party atmosphere in the sunshine at the Etihad Stadium before a stunning bicycle kick from Mohammed Kudus before halftime brought West Ham briefly into the game.
But Rodri sealed the victory with a low 59th-minute shot from outside the area, giving Pep Guardiola’s side a phenomenal sixth title in seven years. Fans danced in their seats, belting out: “Champions again!” and “Are you watching Arsenal?”
In one of the closest title races in Premier League history, Arsenal could have taken the championship had City dropped points. But the Londoners’ 2-1 win in their game against Everton was in vain, leaving them two points behind.
Follow all the reaction below.
Premier League final day
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FT: Manchester City claim record fourth straight title after 3-1 win over West Ham
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Arsenal win 2-1 against Everton but fall short by two points
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GOAL! Rodri restores City’s two-goal lead (MCI 3-1 WHU)
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GOAL! Kudus scores spectacular overhead kick (MCI 2-1 WHU)
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GOAL! Foden doubles lead to put City in control (MCI 2-0 WHU)
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GOAL! Foden scores stunner to put City ahead (MCI 1-0 WHU)
Manchester City FC 3 – 1 West Ham United FC
Manchester City clinch fourth successive Premier League title with final-day win over West Ham
18:08 , Ben Fleming
And so, some 136 years after the foundation of the Football League, England finally has a team who have done the quartet. Manchester City are the first team to become champions in four consecutive seasons. Pep Guardiola has a historic achievement; another one, given the rare and unique distinctions he has engineered and amassed amid his own track record of unparalleled success.
There is a debate to be had if this City side are the greatest England has seen but they can claim to be the most relentless. Since the Club World Cup, they have taken 57 points from a possible 63. If Arsenal’s excellence left them with little room for error in the run-in, City made none, finishing with nine straight wins, each by at least two goals. They have turned winning into a routine: across games, months, seasons and an era.
While City have endured final-day drama before, Guardiola’s prediction that this would be like the nerve-shredding last game against Aston Villa in 2022 proved very wrong. Mohammed Kudus produced a late contender for goal of the season, but only when City were already up.
A goal ahead inside 80 seconds, two to the good within 20 minutes, this was a saunter in the sunshine. City were dominant, Foden rampant, his early double a further illustration of his capacity to score goals that are both important and excellent.
Read Richard Jolly’s full-time report from the Etihad:
Man City clinch fourth successive Premier League with final-day win over West Ham
Rio Ferdinand – Foden becoming a club legend
18:50 , Ben Fleming
Phil Foden collects his medal to huge applause from the stands and Rio Ferdinand.
“You have to respect it – the individuals there are fantastic. The top players have moments where you cement yourself as one of the club’s greats – I’m not going to go too early, but Foden has done that today,” the former Man United centre-back says on TNT Sports.
“It’s hard to explain how difficult winning a title again is – to continually reboot and go again. The daily pressure to get up and go every day is a relentless pursuit of elite performance.”
Gary Neville – Pep is a winning machine
18:46 , Ben Fleming
“Pep Guardiola has designed a style of football that is being copied not just around this country, but all around Europe.
“Most of all he is a winning machine that instils that in everybody who works with him.”
Here come the players
18:41 , Ben Fleming
Club legend Pau Dickov brings out the trophy and is followed soon after by the medical team and backroom staff.
And here comes the players, led out by Guardiola, to a rapturous reception in the Manchester sunshine. The Spaniard the first to receive his medal.
Trophy lift coming soon
18:39 , Ben Fleming
City fans stormed onto the pitch in celebration but are back in the stands now as we get ready for the trophy lift
Arsenal fall just short of Premier League glory — and it’s clear what they need to finally beat Man City
18:36 , Ben Fleming
As the Arsenal fans sang joyously, you wouldn’t necessarily have thought they’d just finished second. That could instead be seen on the dejected faces of the players, who didn’t even celebrate the Kai Havertz goal that gave them a 2-1 victory over Everton.
Arsenal had done what they needed, but it wasn’t enough. For their part, the one reason the fans were responding as they did was because of the long acceptance this had been the case, and pride in the team.
Any true hope really vanished after just 76 seconds, when news of that Phil Foden goal at Manchester City began to come true.
It symbolised how there was only ever the illusion of tension to this, and most of the title race. City have been too strong, winning too many matches of this run-in with ease. Arsenal just keep having to try to inch closer, as arduous as that is. They are gradually getting there.
The wonder is whether City, under Pep Guardiola in this idealised environment, will always have that bit more.
Miguel Delaney reports from a disappointing day for Arsenal fans at the Emirates:
Arsenal fall just short — and it’s clear what they need next to beat Man City
At the Emirates
18:32 , Ben Fleming
Captain Martin Odegaard addresses the crowd: “We have changed the club. I think you all believe in us now. I can’t wait to come back from the break. We’re on a good way. We’re stronger than last year and we have to come back even stronger and push all the way and win everything.”
Mikel Arteta also says a few words: “All this is happening because you started believing, you started to be patient, you started to see what we were trying to do. All credit to the players, this was tough, unbelievable.
“It’s time to have a break, think, reflect. Please keep pushing and inspiring this team. Don’t be satisfied. We want much more and we’re going to get it. Thank you so much.”
More from Walker
18:28 , Ben Fleming
“The support we also get from the Manchester City fans never ceases to amaze me. Week in, week out they are there, whatever the weather, supporting us all the way. Their passion and backing honestly means the world to me and all the players.
I hope that making history by winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title stands as a fitting way for us to say thank you to all our fantastic supporters.”
Kyle Walker, speaking via the club’s media
18:26 , Ben Fleming
“The last few years have been very special for everyone at Manchester City but to have captained this club to a fourth straight Premier League title is something I will cherish forever.
“The Premier League is the benchmark by which everyone is measured. It’s rightly renowned as the hardest and most competitive league in the world so to win four in a row, especially after last season’s Treble success, illustrates what we have collectively managed to achieve.
“There are so many people I would like to thank but I have to start with Pep, the backroom staff, my colleagues in the dressing room and everyone who works so hard across the club, day in and day out. There is no way we could have won this title without all their incredible work and efforts.”
Around the grounds
18:23 , Ben Fleming
Here is how the rest of the fixtures went today as Tottenham and Chelsea secured European football, Jurgen Klopp ended with a win and Luton’s relegation was made official:
Arsenal 2-1 Everton
Brentford 2-4 Newcastle
Brighton 0-2 Manchester United
Burnley 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 5-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool 2-0 Wolves
Luton 2-4 Fulham
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
Sheffield United 0-3 Tottenham
Manchester City are Premier League champions
18:18 , Ben Fleming
The trophy is being readied as we speak…
The winning goal
18:17 , Ben Fleming
It was Rodri’s second-half strike that put the result beyond doubt. Here it is:
More from Foden
18:13 , Ben Fleming
On his first goal: “Almost the perfect start. Sometimes I believe in scoring a bit too early. Luckily I got us the second and that settled us a bit. The sniper [celebration] is here to stay definitely.”
On winning his sixth title: “I never get bored of it, you want this feeling every time. When you win something there is no better feeling. I want to keep winning as much as I can.”
Phil Foden speaking to Sky Sports
18:12 , Ben Fleming
“It is so hard to put into words what we’ve done today. No team has ever done it [won four in a row], we have put ourselves into the history books. You see what it means to the fans and to us players working all year for this moment. A special moment to share it with the fans.”
On winning four in a row: “I think to win the Premier League four times, no team has ever done it before, so to do it means we are up there [with the best teams of all time]. I am just absolutely shattered to be honest.”
On pre-match nerves: “Not just me but all the lads have played in important games over the years and have got through this situation a few times as well so it certainly help with the nerves. I thought today we just looked confident and played out football. In the end, it paid off.”
Manchester City are Premier League champions
18:05 , Ben Fleming
It’s all over at the Emirates, too, and Arsenal have claimed a 2-1 win over Everton thanks to Havertz’s late winner.
It’s a great effort from Mikel Arteta’s side, who have pushed this City side all the way, but they fall just short of their first title in 20 years.
FULL-TIME! Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
18:01 , Ben Fleming
90+5 mins: Some City fans have already made their way onto the edge of the pitch but are gestured to get back in the stands by their own players.
But the full-time whistle goes now and they do storm onto the pitch because Manchester City are Premier League champions yet again!
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:58 , Ben Fleming
90+3 mins: West Ham pushing forward in the final few months but nothing threatening from the away side. City are moments away now…
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:54 , Ben Fleming
90 mins: Foden makes way to a hero’s reception as Kovacic comes on for the five minutes of added time here at the Etihad as City close in the title.
Over in north London, Arsenal have found what looks to be a late winner as the ball is bundled into the net by Havertz. The players don’t celebrate – they know they’re almost certainly going to fall just short.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:52 , Ben Fleming
88 mins: NO GOAL! Soucek has the ball in the back of the net but it’s quickly ruled out after it deflected in off the midfielder’s forearm.
Doesn’t look like we’ll be getting any late drama, here.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:50 , Ben Fleming
86 mins: Another late change for West Ham as Pacqueta is substituted for Ings.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:48 , Ben Fleming
84 mins: CLOSE! De Bruyne’s free-kick from the left is flicked on by Haaland at the near post but it just drifts wide with Areola rooted to the spot.
At the Emirates, it’s just not happening for Arsenal as Emile Smith-Rowe’s effort clatters off the crossbar.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:45 , Ben Fleming
81 mins: West Ham turn to their bench again as Earthy replaces Antonio up front.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:44 , Ben Fleming
80 mins: Into the final ten minutes we go and Arsenal, quite frankly, need a miracle. That game remains level, while City are in full cruise control in Manchester.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:40 , Ben Fleming
76 mins: Still no sign of an Arsenal goal to push them ahead. It almost certainly won’t matter now but they’ll surely want to end on a positive note.
Back at the Etihad, Alvarez is shown a yellow card for a cynical foul.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:38 , Ben Fleming
73 mins: A free-kick in a great area for City after Foden is bundled to the ground. Foden tries to bend his effort around the wall but it ends up in the side netting.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:34 , Ben Fleming
70 mins: Changes for both sides as Akanji departs for Ake, while Emerson is replaced by Alvarez.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:31 , Ben Fleming
67 mins: Haaland rises well at the back post from a corner, but Dias gets the slightest nick on the ball to divert it away from the striker.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:29 , Ben Fleming
64 mins: It’s a party atmosphere once again at the Etihad as City continue to knock the ball about and run down the clock.
It remains 1-1 in north London, with Raya making a smart save to keep his side level.
GOAL! Manchester City 3-1 West Ham (59 mins)
17:24 , Ben Fleming
A huge goal from the Spaniard! Out of nowhere, Rodri produces a moment of quality from the edge of the box to find the bottom corner and restore City’s two-goal lead.
The ground erupts with relief and Guardiola’s side surely have one hand back on the trophy now.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:23 , Ben Fleming
59 mins: Not much to report from the Emirates, where it remains 1-1.
And, quite frankly, not much to report from the Etihad where West Ham are camped on the edge of their box and trying to withstand City’s advances.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:17 , Ben Fleming
53 mins: Foden swings in a corner but it’s headed clear by Ward-Prowse.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:15 , Ben Fleming
51 mins: Foden is given far too much room on the edge of the box and lines up a curling effort from range. It has Areola worried but there’s not enough curl on it and it’s wide of the mark.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:13 , Ben Fleming
50 mins: A quiet start to this second half as De Bruyne’s half chance drifts comfortably wide of the post.
KICK-OFF! Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:09 , Ben Fleming
46 mins: And we’re back underway in the second half.
Don’t panic City fans
17:05 , Ben Fleming
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 64 English Premier League matches when leading at half-time (W57, D7) dating back to 18th May 2021 against Brighton & Hove Albion (L2-3).
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:02 , Ben Fleming
Work still to be done
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:58 , Ben Fleming
Let’s have a look at those three first-half goals:
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:55 , Ben Fleming
It’s also half-time at the Emirates, with Tomiyasu’s goal cancelling out Gueye’s deflected free-kick.
As things stand, City are still on course to win the league but it’s certainly not over just yet. Arsenal need to find a second goal and hope that their London rivals can do them a favour at the Etihad and grab another goal against the run of play.
Don’t go anywhere just yet…
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:53 , Ben Fleming
The half-time whistle goes and it’s a slightly tense atmosphere inside the Etihad.
It was all going so smoothly as Foden’s double put the hosts into a commanding 2-0 lead but Kudus’s late acrobatic finish has just made things a bit tetchy.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:52 , Ben Fleming
45+3 mins: West Ham, spurred on by that goal, push forward again towards the end of the half. Nothing comes of it but Moyes’s side are slowly growing into this game.
At the Emirates, Partey curls a long-range effort just over from the edge of the box.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:50 , Ben Fleming
45+1 mins: Four minutes of added time begins with yet another spurned chance from Haaland. City’s star striker has a number of great chances this half but can’t keep his latest effort down.
GOAL! Manchester City 2-1 West Ham (Kudus, 43 mins)
16:46 , Ben Fleming
Well, well, well…
You could hear a pin drop in the Etihad right now as, moments after Arsenal’s equaliser, West Ham pull a goal back in extraordinary fashion as Kudus scores a bicycle kick from the corner.
A superb strike from the Ghanian – perhaps goal of the season – and this title race is not over just yet.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:46 , Ben Fleming
42 mins: Walker gets back diligently to clear a cross behind for a corner while, at the Emirates, it’s a huge goal for Arsenal who equalise just minutes after going behind.
Tomiyausu has the goal, slamming home from the edge of the box.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:42 , Ben Fleming
39 mins: A huge goal at the Emirates… but it’s for Everton as Idrissa Gueye’s deflected free-kick wrongfoots Raya and flies into the back of the net.
The news is starting to reach the fans in the Etihad who break out into more celebration. They are in total control.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:39 , Ben Fleming
36 mins: City just taking their foot off the gas here in these last few minutes. West Ham aren’t offering a lot in terms of pressure on the ball so they can quite easily knock the ball about now they have a two-goal lead.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:34 , Ben Fleming
31 mins: Haaland with another great chance but his effort is partially saved by Areola before the ball trickles wide of the post. He looked offside, though, so it likely would have been ruled out.
Meanwhile, there’s a huge chance for Everton at the Emirates as Calvert-Lewin smashes the outside of the post with a right-footed effort. It remains goalless there.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:31 , Ben Fleming
27 mins: SAVE! De Bruyne with City’s latest effort but Areola, again, gets across superbly to tip the effort wide. Foden swings in the resulting corner but it’s headed wide by Gvardiol at the near post.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:28 , Ben Fleming
24 mins: CLOSE! City are rampant and are looking to put this game out of sight by half-time (if it isn’t already).
Mavrapanos does superbly to deny Haaland from close range before Foden’s latest effort stings the palms of Areola.
Still goalless at the Emirates, meanwhile.
GOAL! Manchester City 2-0 West Ham (Foden, 18 mins)
16:21 , Ben Fleming
City have a second and could that be the title race done and dusted?
Doku has made a bright start to this game and finds Foden with a pinpoint cutback from the left wing. The Englishman makes no mistake, sweeping home past Areola to put his side in total control.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:20 , Ben Fleming
17 mins: CLOSE! De Bruyne finds Rodri’s surging run into the area but the Spaniard’s toe-poked effort can only brush the side-netting. A good chance for Rodri who perhaps had more time over the finish than he thought.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:18 , Ben Fleming
15 mins: SAVE! A rifling effort from Doku requires a great diving save from Areola to tip the ball over the bar.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:17 , Ben Fleming
14 mins: West Ham launch their first attack of the game as Emerson bursts through the middle of the pitch. In the end, though, Coufal’s cross is hacked away by Walker and the home fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
At the Emirates, the hosts are in full control but a great stop from Pickford denies the Gunners’ latest effort from Martinelli.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:13 , Ben Fleming
10 mins: Gvardiol wins a free-kick on the left edge of the penalty area which is whipped in from De Bruyne but punched well clear by Areola.
At the Emirates, Rice has a good chance as the ball falls to him on the edge of the box, but Pickford gets down well to make a smart save.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:10 , Ben Fleming
6 mins: It’s all City so far. They’ll want to grab a second as soon as possible to try and put this beyond doubt.
At the Emirates, Tomiyasu went close with a header but news of the goal has reached Arsenal fans as well as a delighted set of Everton fans in the away stand.
GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 West Ham (Foden, 2 mins)
16:05 , Ben Fleming
The perfect start for Man City!
Foden was voted the league’s player of the season and it’s easy to see why. A delightful turn as he receives the ball from Silva before smashing a left-footed effort past Areola and into the far corner.
Advantage City.
KICK-OFF! Manchester City 0-0 West Ham
16:03 , Ben Fleming
1 min: A bit later than expected but at last we are underway here at the Etihad stadium.
Here come the players
15:58 , Ben Fleming
Out come the Man City and West Ham players at the Etihad – the atmosphere is palpable.
What has the next 90 minutes or so got in store for us?
Closing in on kick-off
15:52 , Ben Fleming
Just under ten minutes to go until kick-off. Our main focus today will be the action at the Etihad but we’ll also be keeping an eye on Arsenal’s game versus Everton. Here’s a reminder of all the fixtures:
Arsenal vs Everton – live on TNT Sports 1
Brentford vs Newcastle
Brighton vs Manchester United
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest
Chelsea vs Bournemouth – live on Sky Sports Arena/Football
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Wolves – live on Sky Sports Premier League
Luton vs Fulham
Manchester City vs West Ham – live on Sky Sports Main Event
Sheffield United vs Tottenham
The task awaiting West Ham
15:47 , Ben Fleming
Pep Guardiola’s side have not lost a single home match all season, while Man City are unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League games against West Ham (W13 D3), since a 2-1 home loss in September 2015.
It’s looking ominous if you’re an Arsenal but pressure does weird things to people…
Premier League LIVE
15:42 , Ben Fleming
The atmosphere building nicely outside the Etihad and the Emirates…
Premier League 2023/24 awards: Best player, signing and moments of season
15:37 , Ben Fleming
Manchester City and Arsenal have battled to the finish line in another compelling Premier League season.
Pep Guardiola’s side can win a record fourth-successive Premier League crown at the Etihad on Sunday.
While Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton have all gone straight back down following promotion last year to somewhat reduce the final-day drama.
There are still European places to play for though, with Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United eyeing up Europa League or Europa Conference League action next term – although Erik ten Hag’s side can still qualify through the FA Cup should they defeat Man City in next week’s final.
Ahead of final day, Indy Sport picks through the campaign and hand out our 2023/24 awards:
Premier League 2023/24 awards including best player and moment
15:32 , Ben Fleming
Premier League Golden Boot standings: Can anyone challenge Erling Haaland?
Erling Haaland is set to win a second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot award as the title race goes down to the final day.
Manchester City will be champions for the fourth year in a row should they beat West Ham United at home, giving Haaland further incentive to bolster his tally.
Ahead of the final day, Haaland has scored 27 goals in just 30 Premier League appearances – putting the Norwegian five goals clear of his closest challenger, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is on 20 Premier League goals, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke are on 19.
Haaland scored a record 36 goals in his debut Premier League campaign last season. In total, Erling Haaland has scored 63 goals in his first 65 Premier League games – the most of any player in his first two seasons in the division.
And barring a remarkable haul of goals elsewhere, a second Premier League Golden Boot award is set to Haaland’s as well.
Premier League Golden Boot standings: Can anyone challenge Erling Haaland?
Premier League LIVE
15:27 , Ben Fleming
They won’t have a say in the title race but it’s still a huge day at Anfield as Liverpool prepare to bid Jurgen Klopp farewell. The scenes outside Anfield earlier as the team bus arrived were quite something:
Final-day permutations
15:20 , Ben Fleming
We’ve got around 40 minutes to go until kick-off, so here’s a quick reminder of how each team can win the title.
If Man City lose, Arsenal will instead win the title if they earn victory against the Toffees, finishing top by a point. Given Guardiola’s side have not lost a single home match all season, though, that seems an improbable outcome at the last.
But they have drawn five of their 18 home league games so far though, and two of their last five at the Etihad in all competitions – and a draw for Man City against West Ham on the final day combined with an Arsenal win would see both teams at the top tied on 89 points.
That would mean the title goes to goal difference, which would see the north London club celebrating a first league championship in 20 years, their last coming in 2003-04, as they currently hold a goal difference one better than City, which would in turn improve with a victory. City’s, naturally, would remain as it is now with a draw.
Saka misses out for Arsenal
15:18 , Ben Fleming
There is injury problems for Arsenal, too as Bukayo Saka misses out on today’s squad entirely due to a ‘slight muscle issue’.
It’s a straight swap as Gabriel Martinelli comes in to replace the Englishman, while there is a spot on the bench for Jurrien Timber after his long spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
For Everton, meanwhile, it’s an unchanged team from their 1-0 win against Sheffield United.
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz.
Everton XI: Pickford, Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young, Garner, Gueye, Onana, McNeil, Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin.
West Ham team news
15:13 , Ben Fleming
Two changes for West Ham but there’s a big blow as Jarrod Bowen misses out, reportedly through illness.
With Bowen out, David Moyes looks to have moved to a back five, with Creswell coming into defence and Mavropanos preferred to Ogbonna.
West Ham XI: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Cresswell, Emerson, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Paqueta, Kudus, Antonio.
Subs: Fabianski, Johnson, Alvarez, Cornet, Ings, Earthy, Casey, Mubama, Ogbonna.
Man City team news
15:08 , Ben Fleming
Two changes for Man City from their 1-0 win over Tottenham as Doku is preferred to Kovacic, while the injured Ederson is replaced by Ortega in goal. There’s a huge boost, too, as De Bruyne is passed fit to start.
Walker makes his 300th appearance for the club.
Man City XI: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Carson, Stones, Ake, Kovacic, Grealish, Alvarez, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis.
And here’s the Arsenal vs Everton lineups
15:04 , Ben Fleming
Team news is in!
15:01 , Ben Fleming
First up, Man City vs West Ham
Team news coming shortly
14:55 , Ben Fleming
Team news for all of today’s ten games should be coming shortly. We’ll keep our eyes out for any surprises from those two title-deciding fixtures.
The legacy of Pep Guardiola’s Man City – and why they may never be truly loved
14:50 , Ben Fleming
Pep Guardiola is on the brink of history. “One game, destiny in our hands,” he said, relishing the scenario rather than deflecting attention from it. A fourth consecutive English title would be an unparalleled achievement. It would also be a very popular one; within the Manchester City fanbase, anyway.
And in the wider world? “F***, I don’t know,” replied a dismissive Guardiola. “I don’t go knocking on doors asking people what they think. I don’t know, honestly.”
And if he is sufficiently busy that he scarcely had time to double up as a pollster, canvassing opinions, if many people in football are insulated from the outside world, there is a broader question of how City are viewed. As a great team? Definitely, and they will be even if they lose to West Ham on Sunday and Arsenal supplant them at the top of the table. As the best side in Europe? They were last season but, however often they are described as such, that status surely belongs with either the relentless Real Madrid or even Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, based on the evidence of the current campaign. As a side whose achievements often come with a caveat? For now, certainly, given that 115 Premier League charges still hang over City. That said, if the eventual verdict is that City breached regulations for years to create the conditions for their current era of dominance, the fundamental fault for that was not committed by Guardiola or his players.
Richard Jolly examines the Spaniard’s legacy ahead of final day
The legacy of Guardiola’s Man City – and why they may never be loved
The Premier League has a title race problem – but Arsenal can fix it
14:40 , Ben Fleming
As Mikel Arteta addressed the Arsenal squad on Wednesday morning, the message was the same. That was to keep focusing on what they must do and forget about Manchester City.
It wasn’t quite predecessor George Graham ahead of Arsenal’s famous last game in 1988-89, when he came in the morning after title rivals Liverpool thumped West Ham United 5-1. “Best thing for us, they’ll think they have it won,” was the message before that historic title showdown at Anfield.
This season’s final day obviously doesn’t have those dimensions, where the top two directly met, but also feels unlikely to reach the heights of previous Premier League climaxes.
This is the ninth time the title has gone down to the final day since the competition was founded in 1992, but it feels illusory, closer to 2010 or 2014 rather than 1995 or 2012.
Let’s face it, does anybody seriously think Man City are going to slip up at home to West Ham United? Far more likely is that they beat them easily, just as they did on that last day in 2014 and just as Chelsea did against Wigan Athletic in 2010. It’s why Arteta has to tell the Arsenal players to simply concentrate on their own jobs.
Read Miguel Delaney’s final-day preview:
The Premier League has a title race problem – but Arsenal can fix it
Juventus target Roberto De Zerbi ahead of Brighton exit
14:30 , Ben Fleming
Jurgen Klopp and David Moyes are not the only Premier League managers taking charge of their final games at their respective clubs today.
That’s after Brighton confirmed that Roberto De Zerbi would be leaving the club at the end of the season. The Italian guided the Seagulls to European football for the first time in the club’s history last season and is now the subject of interest from Serie A giants Juventus.
Roberto De Zerbi in line for top European job ahead of Brighton exit
Yesterday in the WSL
14:20 , Ben Fleming
It’s the turn of the Premier League today, but, on Saturday, the WSL came to a thrilling conclusion as Emma Hayes’ Chelsea captured their fifth league title in a row after a thumping 6-0 win away against Manchester United.
Read Jamie Braidwood’s recap of all the action from Old Trafford:
Chelsea and Emma Hayes find a stunning new way to celebrate the inevitable
Premier League LIVE
14:10 , Ben Fleming
As well as a dramatic title race, the Premier League is heading for a frantic late scramble to decide the final European places this season – with several spots still up for grabs ahead of the final day.
Aston Villa have secured the fourth Champions League place, in a stunning achievement for Unai Emery’s side.
Tottenham Hotspur had hoped to challenge for that spot, but a poor run of form for Ange Postecoglou’s side has Spurs looking over their shoulders to hold on to a Europa League place.
Manchester United, meanwhile, suddenly dropped away in the race for sixth, with Chelsea enjoying a resurgent end to an otherwise difficult campaign.
But Erik ten Hag’s side did beat Newcastle, their fellow challengers for the European places, to build some late momentum ahead of the FA Cup final against Man City. So, with a single game to go, here’s how the battle for the final European places is shaping up.
Which Premier League sides qualify for Europe this season?
Premier League LIVE
14:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Man City vs West Ham pre-match stats, via Opta
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Manchester City are unbeaten in 16 Premier League games against West Ham, winning 13 and drawing three.
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West Ham have lost 15 of their 17 top-flight visits to the Etihad Stadium, drawing one and winning the other.
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City are on a club-record run of 43 successive home games without defeat in all competitions (W36, D7)
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They are also the only side yet to lose a Premier League home game this term, winning 13 and drawing five.
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West Ham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their past 17 league outings, their worst run since they went 24 matches without a shutout in 2008.
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David Moyes is winless in 15 games against Pep Guardiola in all competitions, drawing four and losing 11.
Premier League LIVE
13:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal vs Everton pre-match stats, via Opta
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Arsenal have set a club record of 27 Premier League victories in a season. They have only twice fared better, with 29 wins in 1970-71 and 28 in 1930-31.
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The Gunners have won their final league fixture in each of the past 12 seasons, more than any other team.
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William Saliba is one of two outfield players in the Premier League to play every minute for his club so far this season, alongside Max Kilman of Wolves. No Arsenal player has ever achieved this feat for the side.
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Since the start of April, only Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea have earned more points in the division than the 17 by Everton.
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However, the Toffees are without an away win in 11 matches in all competitions since beating Burnley 2-0 in December.
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And Everton have won just twice in 31 Premier League away games at Arsenal, in 1996 and 2021 (D5, L24).
Premier League LIVE
13:20 , Jamie Braidwood
Team news – Arsenal vs Everton
Arsenal will have to check on Bukayo Saka after he was taken off against Manchester United with a minor injury but Mikel Arteta has no other fitness concerns.
Premier League LIVE
13:10 , Jamie Braidwood
Team news – Man City vs West Ham
Manchester City will be without Ederson, who fractured his eye socket against Tottenham. Stefan Ortega will deputise having produced a couple of key saves in that game having been introduced from the bench.
Nayef Aguerd and Konstantinos Mavropanos could miss out for West Ham, perhaps leaving Angelo Ogbonna to partner skipper Kurt Zouma again in what could be the Italian’s final appearance for the club. Kalvin Phillips would have been ineligible against his parent club, but the midfielder is already back at Manchester City with his season curtailed by injury.
Premier League 2023/24 awards: Best player, signing and moments of season
12:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Manchester City and Arsenal have battled to the finish line in another compelling Premier League season.
Pep Guardiola’s side can win a record fourth-successive Premier League crown at the Etihad on Sunday.
While Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton have all gone straight back down following promotion last year to somewhat reduce the final-day drama.
There are still European places to play for though, with Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United eyeing up Europa League or Europa Conference League action next term – although Erik ten Hag’s side can still qualify through the FA Cup should they defeat Man City in next week’s final.
Here, Indy Sport picks through the campaign and hand out our 2023/24 awards:
Premier League 2023/24 awards including best player and moment
Premier League Golden Boot standings: Can anyone challenge Erling Haaland?
12:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Erling Haaland is set to win a second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot award as the title race goes down to the final day.
Manchester City will be champions for the fourth year in a row should they beat West Ham United at home, giving Haaland further incentive to bolster his tally.
Ahead of the final day, Haaland has scored 27 goals in just 30 Premier League appearances – putting the Norwegian five goals clear of his closest challenger, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is on 20 Premier League goals, while Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke are on 19.
Haaland scored a record 36 goals in his debut Premier League campaign last season. In total, Erling Haaland has scored 63 goals in his first 65 Premier League games – the most of any player in his first two seasons in the division.
And barring a remarkable haul of goals elsewhere, a second Premier League Golden Boot award is set to Haaland’s as well.
Premier League Golden Boot standings: Can anyone challenge Erling Haaland?
David Moyes ‘will do everything to beat us’, says Pep Guardiola
12:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Pep Guardiola expects David Moyes to “do everything” to spoil Manchester City’s party on his West Ham swansong.
“It’s curious. My first game in the Premier League was against Sunderland and David Moyes was there. Now, another important game, he will be there.
“Always it is an honour to see him. When I’m there, he’s always so kind. He’s a lovely person, his experience speaks for itself.
“But he will do everything to beat us.”
David Moyes determined to beat Man City – but not for Declan Rice
12:15 , Jamie Braidwood
David Moyes is determined to sign off at West Ham with a victory – but not as a favour to former captain Declan Rice.
The Hammers could swing the title race the way of Rice’s current side Arsenal if they can pull off a shock win in Moyes’ final match in charge of the club at Manchester City on Sunday.
“Everybody here loves Declan, everybody will remember him, but we’re not doing it for Declan,” Moyes said.
“We’re fully focused on ourselves. We’re not playing to make Manchester City lose the Premier League or for Arsenal to win the league, we’re playing for West Ham and we’re trying to win the game for our supporters.
“It’s difficult to beat Manchester City at any time, especially when they know they’ve got to win a game to secure the championship. That puts us under pressure because of what Manchester City can do, but it also puts them under a bit of pressure.
“Football is a strange game, and you never know what moments you’re going to have to win games. We have to try and take those opportunities when they arrive.”
Mikel Arteta reacts to Son Heung-min’s miss against Man City
11:55 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta admitted Son Heung-min was the one player in the Premier League he would have wanted on the end of the opportunity that could have put Arsenal in pole position to win the Premier League title.
The Gunners head into the final weekend of the campaign relying on West Ham to take points off Pep Guardiola’s side if they are to end a 20-year wait to win the league.
But it could have been City needing help from Arsenal’s opponents Everton on Sunday had Tottenham captain Son not been denied an 86th-minute equaliser by substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega when clean through on goal on Tuesday.
“If I had to pick a player in the Premier League for that moment then it would have been him,” Arteta said.
“Michael Jordan explained it many times, how many times you have the winning shot and how sometimes he didn’t always manage to do it.
“This is the beauty of the sport too, so what can you do?”
Mikel Arteta ‘optimistic’ about Arsenal’s title chances
11:35 , Jamie Braidwood
If Arsenal are to snatch the title on the final day then Arteta will need a helping hand from his former Everton manager David Moyes, who will take charge of his last game in charge of West Ham at the Etihad Stadium.
Arteta said of Moyes: “He’s been instrumental in my career so he could help us to fulfil our dream and my personal dream to win the Premier League.
“That would be unbelievable and it would be in my memory that’s for sure.
“For that dream to happen we have to win. We also have to hope that West Ham can help us achieve that dream so that part is on us and that’s the only thing we can focus on.”
Mikel Arteta ‘optimistic’ about Arsenal’s title chances
11:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal’s “dreams are still alive” ahead of their final-day bid to win the Premier League. The Gunners, who sit two points behind leaders Manchester City, will need to beat Everton and for Pep Guardiola’s men to drop points against West Ham if they are to lift their first league title since 2004.
City are favourites to claim a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League crown but Arteta remains optimistic ahead of what could be a dramatic last day of the season.
“I’m really excited and I can’t wait for Sunday to be in front of us,” Arteta said. “Obviously I’m very optimistic as well with the possible outcome.
“The hope is there. It didn’t happen (on Tuesday), we have to do our job. We will have to prove again that we are better than our opponent and we have to wish that West Ham have a really good day and help us to fulfil our dream.
“We have the possibility to live a beautiful day on Sunday where the dream is still alive and it’s still possible. It’s football, we have to live the moment.”
Guardiola warns players to expect tense day
10:55 , Lawrence Ostlere
City put themselves in position to defend their crown as they overcame Tottenham in a hard-fought contest in midweek to move back above Arsenal at the top.
Guardiola, who is without first-choice goalkeeper Ederson but hopes Kevin De Bruyne will recover from a blow to the ankle, now has a plan to rouse his players for the final challenge.
He said: “I saw perfectly the reaction in the locker room at Spurs away a few days ago. They were relieved, they were ‘wow’, but they were not extra celebrations or something like that.
“They were happy but incredibly calm, it was nothing more special than another game in the Premier League.
“They know there is still a lot of work to do. And today, they will feel it. What I’m going to show them, they will feel there is a lot of work to do.”
Asked for further details, Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference: “It is something that belongs to us.
“I’m going to show them how good they are and what they have to do. As simple as that. It’s nothing special.”
Guardiola warns players to expect tense day
10:34 , Lawrence Ostlere
“I have the feeling it will be an Aston Villa game. We would love to be 3-0 up after 10 minutes – but it isn’t going to happen,” Guardiola added.
“We’ve seen enough West Ham games (to know) they have a few things we have to control. They will be ready to beat us. That happened with Aston Villa – they didn’t play for anything – in the same position, two years ago.
“I know what happened, it’s going to happen the same. Ourselves and our people have to come here to be ready from the first minute, to do it together.”
Guardiola warns players to expect tense day
10:15 , Lawrence Ostlere
Pep Guardiola is preparing his Manchester City players for another nerve-shredding finish to the title race.
The champions will secure an unprecedented fourth-successive Premier League crown – and a sixth in seven seasons – if they beat West Ham in their final game at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Yet any slip-up would offer Arsenal the chance to seize top spot at the last moment, as the Gunners head into their clash with Everton, trailing by just two points.
Such finishes are hardly unfamiliar to City. Guardiola remembers well how his side needed to recover from 2-0 down against Aston Villa to see off Liverpool’s challenge on the closing day two years ago.
Then, of course, there was City’s dramatic last-gasp success in 2012, when Sergio Aguero scored deep into injury time to snatch the title from Manchester United.
City manager Guardiola said: “If you ask all the Premier League teams at the start of the season, what would be the best position for the last game of the season – we are in the best position. That’s for sure.
“One game left, destiny in our hands, we need to win one game to be champions. Everyone would love to be in our position.
“But it won’t be easy. It’s win or win, otherwise Arsenal will be champions. It is not more complicated than that.”
The legacy of Pep Guardiola’s Man City – and why they may never be truly loved
10:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Pep Guardiola is on the brink of history. “One game, destiny in our hands,” he said, relishing the scenario rather than deflecting attention from it. A fourth consecutive English title would be an unparalleled achievement. It would also be a very popular one; within the Manchester City fanbase, anyway.
And in the wider world? “F***, I don’t know,” replied a dismissive Guardiola. “I don’t go knocking on doors asking people what they think. I don’t know, honestly.”
And if he is sufficiently busy that he scarcely had time to double up as a pollster, canvassing opinions, if many people in football are insulated from the outside world, there is a broader question of how City are viewed. As a great team? Definitely, and they will be even if they lose to West Ham on Sunday and Arsenal supplant them at the top of the table. As the best side in Europe? They were last season but, however often they are described as such, that status surely belongs with either the relentless Real Madrid or even Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, based on the evidence of the current campaign. As a side whose achievements often come with a caveat? For now, certainly, given that 115 Premier League charges still hang over City. That said, if the eventual verdict is that City breached regulations for years to create the conditions for their current era of dominance, the fundamental fault for that was not committed by Guardiola or his players.
By Richard Jolly
The legacy of Guardiola’s Man City – and why they may never be loved
The Premier League has a title race problem – but Arsenal can fix it
09:40 , Jamie Braidwood
As Mikel Arteta addressed the Arsenal squad on Wednesday morning, the message was the same. That was to keep focusing on what they must do and forget about Manchester City.
It wasn’t quite predecessor George Graham ahead of Arsenal’s famous last game in 1988-89, when he came in the morning after title rivals Liverpool thumped West Ham United 5-1. “Best thing for us, they’ll think they have it won,” was the message before that historic title showdown at Anfield.
This season’s final day obviously doesn’t have those dimensions, where the top two directly met, but also feels unlikely to reach the heights of previous Premier League climaxes.
This is the ninth time the title has gone down to the final day since the competition was founded in 1992, but it feels illusory, closer to 2010 or 2014 rather than 1995 or 2012.
Let’s face it, does anybody seriously think Man City are going to slip up at home to West Ham United? Far more likely is that they beat them easily, just as they did on that last day in 2014 and just as Chelsea did against Wigan Athletic in 2010. It’s why Arteta has to tell the Arsenal players to simply concentrate on their own jobs.
Final day preview, by Miguel Delaney
The Premier League has a title race problem – but Arsenal can fix it
Premier League LIVE
09:20 , Jamie Braidwood
As well as a dramatic title race, the Premier League is heading for a frantic late scramble to decide the final European places this season – with several spots still up for grabs ahead of the final day.
Aston Villa have secured the fourth Champions League place, in a stunning achievement for Unai Emery’s side.
Tottenham Hotspur had hoped to challenge for that spot, but a poor run of form for Ange Postecoglou’s side has Spurs looking over their shoulders to hold on to a Europa League place.
Manchester United, meanwhile, suddenly dropped away in the race for sixth, with Chelsea enjoying a resurgent end to an otherwise difficult campaign.
But Erik ten Hag’s side did beat Newcastle, their fellow challengers for the European places, to build some late momentum ahead of the FA Cup final against Man City. So, with a single game to go, here’s how the battle for the final European places is shaping up.
Which Premier League sides qualify for Europe this season?
Premier League LIVE
09:10 , Jamie Braidwood
If Man City lose, Arsenal will instead win the title if they earn victory against the Toffees, finishing top by a point. Given Guardiola’s side have not lost a single home match all season, though, that seems an improbable outcome at the last.
But they have drawn five of their 18 home league games so far though, and two of their last five at the Etihad in all competitions – and a draw for Man City against West Ham on the final day combined with an Arsenal win would see both teams at the top tied on 89 points.
That would mean the title goes to goal difference, which would see the north London club celebrating a first league championship in 20 years, their last coming in 2003-04, as they currently hold a goal difference one better than City, which would in turn improve with a victory. City’s, naturally, would remain as it is now with a draw.
City won the title by five points last year, but in 21/22 were made to wait until the final day as they edged out Liverpool by just one point – and on that occasion needed to come from 2-0 down in the final 15 minutes to claim a 3-2 win and take the points they needed to celebrate.
Premier League LIVE
09:05 , Jamie Braidwood
Both Arsenal and Man City are at home on the final day, making them heavy favourites to win each match, but Mikel Arteta knows he needs a favour from David Moyes if it’s to be celebrations at the Emirates instead of the Etihad come 6pm on Sunday.
The equation for how the Gunners can win the title is fairly routine from their perspective: they must first of all win against Everton, thus moving themselves to 89 points for the campaign.
Then it’s over to West Ham, and the hope that they can rouse themselves for a final-day upset against last year’s treble-winners.
Naturally, a Man City win would mean they stay a minimum of two points clear and, regardless of Arsenal’s result, would be once again crowned champions.
Premier League LIVE
09:02 , Jamie Braidwood
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Premier League LIVE
09:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Final day Premier League fixtures, all 4pm BST kick-off
Arsenal vs Everton – live on TNT Sports 1
Brentford vs Newcastle
Brighton vs Manchester United
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest
Chelsea vs Bournemouth – live on Sky Sports Arena/Football
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Wolves – live on Sky Sports Premier League
Luton vs Fulham
Manchester City vs West Ham – live on Sky Sports Main Event
Sheffield United vs Tottenham
Premier League LIVE
Friday 17 May 2024 16:37 , Lawrence Ostlere
Follow all the latest updates from the Premier League’s final day.