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Ξ Barclays Premier League Season 2015-16 Ξ

Jurgen

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Chelsea feeling 'empty' with no silverware to play for, admits Hiddink

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By Harry West
Apr 15, 2016 20:07:47

The Dutch coach says his side must still show what they are capable of both for the club and for the players who hope to be heading to Euro 2016 in the summer

Guus Hiddink admits Chelsea are feeling "empty" as they enter the final weeks of the season with nothing left to play for after a disappointing campaign.

With six league games to go, the 10th-placed Blues have only pride to play for in the remainder of the season, and the Dutchman says the lack of silverware on offer makes motivation difficult.

But Hiddink has warned his side can ill-afford to take it easy, with Manchester City visiting Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday.

"After the defeats suffered in the FA Cup and Champions League, then there's a little bit of emptiness," he told reporters. "You are empty - there is no silverware to go for.

"We knew it would be a difficult season, and we managed to get away from the relegation zone, but at the end you hope to get silverware as the next step.

"You feel, hey, nothing is left at stake. But you have to regather. You have seen a bit of reaction going into injuries, but you can let that happen one or two days then we get you back on the team.

"That's what is going on now - the team is back, they must show what they are capable of. You can mourn a few days, you can be sad, whatever.

"Now, for the rest of the season it is important to show what they can do - for themselves, as an obligation for the club, and also beneficial for Chelsea.

"And there is a side obligation of playing in the summer at the Euros."
Hiddink also says he will be happy to advise new coach Antonio Conte should the Italian need it.

"To get the force back in the club is the aim," he added.

"It's the end of the season, analysis will be made, and recharge with fresh energy.

"At the end, If I am asked, I am available for this club, no matter who knocks on the door.

"One can make analysis, but It is not for me to do it in front of the press."



 

Lallana

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Anfield hosts final Hillsborough memorial service


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By Russell Greaves
Apr 15, 2016 19:44:11

Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool players were all in attendance at the 27th anniversary of the disaster which, as previously agreed, will be the last to be held at the ground

Anfield held its final Hillsborough memorial service on Friday in honour of the victims of the 1989 tragedy.

The event has been held each year since 96 people lost their lives during the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Relatives of the victims announced in January that it had been "unanimously agreed" this year's service would be the last at Liverpool's home ground.

Each of the deceased's names was read to the assembled crowd, who fell silent at 15:06 BST to mark the time at which the match was abandoned 27 years ago.

Among those to address the crowd was club legend Kenny Dalglish, who was in charge of the side on the day of the tragedy and read from the Bible a passage that included the words: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."



 

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WWE great Ric Flair revs up Leicester

20 April 2016

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Leicester City have received some title-winning advice from the most unlikely of sources - professional wrestling great Ric Flair.

Claudio Ranieri's Leicester were rated a 5000-1 shot at winning the Premier League title at the start of the season but are now just three wins away from doing just that.

Their fairy-tale story has made headlines all around the world, and it seems even the professional wrestling circuit has caught wind of the storyline - one which would not be out of place in the fantasy world of WWE.

Flair is a two-time WWE Hall-of-Famer and a 16-time world champion and offered some timely advice for Leicester in a rev-up that could have been delivered in the middle of the squared circle.

"I heard it's 5000-1 if you win [the Premier League]," Flair begun.

"You've come this far, you've walked that aisle.

"You've beaten the best.

"Just bring it. Don’t look back, just look forward."

And looking forward, one of Leicester's next tests comes against none other than the Premier League's most successful club, Manchester United.

And Flair had a message for them too.

"Manchester United, you're up next. You've got no game guys," Flair taunted.

"Leicester City, all the way. Whoo!"



 

Giroud

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Mourinho to manage England against Ranieri


20 April 2016

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After almost taking the reins nine years ago, Jose Mourinho will finally manage England, all in the name of charity.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho, who came close to replacing Steve McClaren in 2007, will join forces with Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce in Unicef's Soccer Aid match against Claudio Ranieri's Rest of the World side at Old Trafford on June 5.

Mourinho will attempt to get one over high-flying Ranieri, who is on the cusp of a remarkable Premier League triumph with Leicester.

"I want to be the first one to win the Soccer Aid trophy for both teams, England and the Rest of the World," Mourinho said.

"Sam and I will make a very good partnership and it will be a great feeling for Claudio to finally lose a match!

"I hope the organisers can help me now with an English passport!"

Ranieri added: "Soccer Aid is a fantastic event, raising money for an amazing children's charity in Unicef.

"For Soccer Aid's 10th anniversary, it is a great honour that Robbie Williams has asked me to manage the Rest of the World XI and I'm looking forward to helping them defend their title."



 

Jurgen

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Klopp confirms Origi did not break ankle

20 April 2016

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed Divock Origi did not suffer an ankle break in the side's 4-0 win over Everton on Wednesday.

Origi was taken off on a stretcher early in the second half at Anfield after a crunching tackle by Ramiro Funes Mori, which saw the Everton defender receive a straight red card.

It was initially feared Origi had suffered a serious injury, but Klopp revealed the Belgian's ankle is believed to be just twisted and not broken.

"I would like to say yes, I am delighted [about the win], but the injury to Divock Origi has cost me some joy," the German said.

"I can't say too much about Origi but they say it is disgusting, awful pictures.

"But it's not broken, it is a twisted ankle, he is on crutches walking around so we will have to see.

"When you want to have success you need luck with injuries. Seeing him on the floor is not too nice so I couldn't enjoy the second half too much."

Origi opened the scoring in the 43rd minute to score his fifth goal in as many games, with Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho rounding out the result.

Klopp added: "Beating Everton is a special thing. Four-nil against Everton, if you told me before the game I would take it but now it is spoiled by the injury."

Liverpool host Newcastle United on Saturday before travelling to Spain for their Europa League semi-final first leg against Villarreal.


 

Moyes

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Relegated Aston Villa handed award for best pitch

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By Tom Beck
Apr 20, 2016 17:05:00

The West Midlands club leave the top-flight of English football for the first time in 28 years at the end of the season but they can at least be proud of their playing surface

Villa Park: the sight of many a bad pass, a lazy tackle and error-strewn performance this season.

It's been a disastrous term for Aston Villa in the Premier League as their relegation to the second tier was confirmed with four games still to play.

And the Villa players received some even worse news on Wednesday, as their ground staff showed them up by winning the coveted Premier League Grounds Team of the Year award.

That means they can't even blame their touch on the playing surface, because it's the best in the country. Just one more kick in the jaw before being hurled out the division.

To be fair to the West Midlands team, their staff have done a pretty good job considering the circumstances.

During the Autumn, they were faced with hosting back-to-back fixtures during the Rugby World Cup in September - and we all know how those boys love to mess up the grass.

Grounds manager Paul Mytton told the club's official website: "We are overjoyed to get this award. It's a reward for the amount of time, dedication and attention to detail from the team, for which I would like to thank them."

Shame the players couldn't do Mytton and his team's hard work justice throughout the campaign, treating the supporters to just one home win all season.


 

Lallana

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Aguero second-fastest player to 100 Premier League goals

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By Chris Davie
Apr 20, 2016 18:00:00

The Argentine reached the milestone against Newcastle United on Tuesday but Alan Shearer managed to hit the same figure in fewer games

Sergio Aguero became the latest player to score 100 Premier League goals with his effort against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening.

But the Argentine has been beaten by a Newcastle legend in the race to reach the milestone.

Aguero managed to reach 100 goals in 147 appearances, but Alan Shearer, in his four seasons at Blackburn Rovers, hit the same figure in just 124 games.

Aguero, who has spent five seasons at Manchester City, has become the 25th player to score 100 Premier League goals in his career.

While Shearer was the fastest to reach 100 Premier League goals, the slowest was Ryan Giggs, as he needed 534 appearances for Manchester United to hit the same total.

Aguero is also the ninth non-English player to score 100 Premier League goals after Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Robin van Persie, Didier Drogba, Robbie Keane, Dwight Yorke and Giggs.


 

Jurgen

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Davids: Second place is good for Tottenham... it means they're looking down on Arsenal!


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By Jack O'Toole
Apr 25, 2016 17:50:00

The ex-Spurs midfielder hopes his former paymasters land the Premier League title this term but insists their season will still be a success if they finish as runners-up

Edgar Davids hopes Tottenham can pip Leicester to the Premier League title this season but believes a second-place finish would still represent a strong campaign as they will finally be able to look down on rivals Arsenal.

Spurs are hoping to cut the deficit between themselves and leaders Leicester to five points when they play hosts to West Brom at White Hart Lane on Monday.

Tottenham are vying for their first league title since 1961 and to also rank above Arsenal, who currently sit fourth and as many points behind their north London foes, for the first time in Premier League history.

And Davids believes finishing above Arsenal would transform the mentality around his former club, even if they don't manage to get their hands on the league title in the process.

“I feel it’s very important for a club like Tottenham right now to stay on top,” said Davids.

“To win the title would be absolute incredible but to finish second would be also nice. Why? Simply because they can establish something and say let’s go for the top team and no longer be looking forward to Arsenal but now looking backwards.

“I think it’s important for them to finally overcome that brilliant end and create a winning culture that you are seeing with other teams.

“If you are at Man City, if you are with Chelsea, you definitely have to create a winning culture and I think it’s important for Tottenham to stay in the top three for a couple of years to challenge them.”



 

Moyes

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Drop it like it’s hot! Liverpool lose the MOST points from a winning position

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By Melissa Reddy
Apr 25, 2016 17:00:00

The Reds have a record in the division, which they will not want and which Jurgen Klopp will quickly look to rectify as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge

Liverpool have dropped a massive 19 points in the Premier League from winning positions this season, which is the most in the top-flight and would have seen them challenge Leicester City for the title.

The Reds are currently seventh in the standings, on a total of 55, but had they seen out all of the clashes they struck first in, they’d be sitting pretty on 74 points.

That is just two less than the pacesetting Foxes, who have played a game more.

Four of the 19 points were surrendered under Brendan Rodgers’ charge at the start of the campaign, with leads being squandered against both Norwich and Everton before his sacking in October.

The latest example of Liverpool's inability to close out games came in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle.

Comfortable at 2-0 up heading into the interval, they gifted Rafael Benitez’s relegation-threatened side a way back into the encounter, which was happily accepted by the visitors at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp cited that game as well as the matches against Sunderland and Southampton in particular when bemoaning his side’s wastage of winning positions. “Seven points more and we are challenging for something,” he said.

Aside from those fixtures the German mentioned, the Merseysiders have also conceded points to West Brom, Arsenal and Tottenham from a winning platform under his tutelage.

The only time the Reds have lost a game this season when being ahead on the scoreboard was at St Mary’s against Southampton on March 20.

They were cruising at 2-0 up at the break, before capitulating in the second half.

An outside chance to secure a top-four finish is now buried, with Liverpool needing to win the Europa League if they wish to be involved in next season’s Champions League.

The Reds travel to Villarreal on Thursday for the first leg of their semi-final, before hosting the La Liga outfit a week later.



 

Sterling

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Other players must do Fabregas´ defensive work - Hiddink


25 April 2016

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Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink feels Cesc Fabregas is at his best when he does not have to worry about his defensive duties and can solely focus on creating chances for his team-mates.

The Spain midfielder put in a superb performance in the 4-1 win over AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, setting up three goals to take his all-time assist tally in the Premier League to 95.

Hiddink was impressed with Fabregas' performance at the Vitality Stadium and believes it is key to the former Arsenal captain's success that his team-mates look after his defensive work.

"It was a perfect performance from Cesc," Hiddink said.

"It is important that he is surrounded by players who can help him out in his defensive work so he can focus on creating things.

"He has that at Chelsea now and when he is in a more advanced position, he doesn't have to do that much defensive work and can concentrate a bit more on his speciality."

Fabregas sits third in the all-time Premier League assist ranking following this weekend's match.

Ryan Giggs made 162 assists during his 22 seasons in the Premier League with Manchester United, while Chelsea legend Frank Lampard holds second place with 102.


 

Schweinsteiger

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Di Francesco and Sassuolo want to become Italy´s Leicester


25 April 2016

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Leicester City's remarkable Premier League title challenge has Eusebio Di Francesco's Sassuolo dreaming big in Serie A.

Having defied the odds throughout the season, Leicester are now just three matches away from hoisting the trophy aloft after routing Swansea City 4-0 on Sunday.

The rest of the world have stood up and taken notice of Champions League-bound Leicester, none more than Sassuolo, who are seventh in Serie A this term, having finished 12th in 2014-15.

"It's a utopia [doing the same as Leicester], it's difficult, but we're getting closer," Di Francesco told Sky Sport Italia.

"However, why can't we dream an Italian team repeating such a fairytale? That is something we can look to do."

Di Francesco - who signed a contract extension last week having established Sassuolo in the Serie A following their promotion to Italy's top flight for the first time in 2013 - was speaking after Sunday's 3-1 win at Torino.

The win, which ended a run of three games without victory, maintained Sassuolo's quest for Europa League qualification, with the club a point behind sixth-placed AC Milan after 35 rounds.



 

Baines

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Alli charged by FA


26 April 2016

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Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been charged by the Football Association for "an alleged act of violent conduct" during Monday's 1-1 draw with West Brom in the Premier League.

The incident between Alli and Claudio Yacob came in the 26th minute of the clash at White Hart Lane, and although it was not spotted by the match officials, it was caught on video.

Alli could now be punished retrospectively by a panel of three former elite referees, who will review the footage. A potential three-match ban would see the 19-year-old miss the remaining games of Tottenham's campaign.

The charge is an added blow for Spurs, who saw their title hopes suffer a major hit when Craig Dawson cancelled out his earlier own goal to earn West Brom a point.

The draw left Tottenham seven points adrift of leaders Leicester City with three games to play, giving Claudio Ranieri's side the chance to win the title away to Manchester United this weekend.

Alli has until 6pm on Wednesday to reply to the charge.



 

Aubameyang

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RB Leipzig rejected Vardy for being ´too old´ at 27

27 April 2016

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RB Leipzig rejected the chance to sign Jamie Vardy two years ago because the Leicester City striker was deemed "too old".

Vardy has scored 22 Premier League goals this season, inspiring Leicester to the brink of a stunning title triumph, while his form has also earned him a place in Roy Hodgson's England plans.

Leipzig coach and sporting director Ralph Rangnick has now revealed that he passed on the opportunity to bring the forward to the second tier of German football in 2014 because of his stance on only recruiting players under the age of 24.

"We desperately wanted to sign Joe Gomez, who later chose Liverpool, and we were flying back from London to Leipzig with his agent," Rangnick told Sport Bild magazine.

"On the plane, the agent said to me: 'Mr Rangnick, it's a crying shame that you are so radical about who you sign and only go for players who are under 24 because I've got somebody who would be just perfect for you. I can guarantee he would become a national team player under you, but he's already 27.' It was Jamie Vardy."

Rangnick says he responded: "No, he's 27 - we're not doing it."

Leicester could be crowned champions on Sunday with a win over Manchester United, though Vardy – now 29 - is suspended for the clash at Old Trafford.



 

Moyes

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Liverpool ordered to pay record tribunal fee to Burnley for Ings


28 April 2016

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Liverpool will pay Burnley £6.5million for forward Danny Ings, with a possible £1.5m in add-ons following a decision by the Professional Football Compensation Committee.

Ings moved to Anfield from Turf Moor when his contract expired at the end of last season, but Burnley were entitled to compensation as the England international is under 24.

The fee due from Liverpool is a record for one ordered by an English tribunal, surpassing the £3.5m plus a further £3m based on future appearances that Chelsea had to pay Manchester City for Daniel Sturridge in 2010.

Burnley will also benefit from a 20 per cent sell-on clause should Liverpool profit from any future move made by the player.

A statement from the Premier League club read: "Liverpool Football Club would like to thank the PFCC panel for their time and diligence in deciding this matter.

"We believe the process was conducted fairly and we respect the outcome.

"We are pleased for Danny Ings, in particular, that this chapter is now complete and he can look forward to a long and successful career at Liverpool."

Ings scored three goals in eight appearance for Liverpool this season and earned an England debut in October's Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania.

It proved to be his final senior appearance of the campaign after the 23-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury in his first training session under Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.



 

Jurgen

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Alli banned for the rest of Spurs' season by FA


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By Dom Farrell
Apr 28, 2016 17:38:51

The England international clashed with West Brom's Claudio Yacob at White Hart Lane, and the punishment will see him out until England's Euro 2016 campaign

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli will miss the rest of the Premier League season after being handed a three-match suspension for violent conduct by the Football Association.

The ban relates to an incident between Alli and West Brom's Claudio Yacob during the 26th minute of Monday's 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.

The clash between the two players was not spotted by the match officials but caught on camera and resulted in England international Alli being charged with violent conduct by the FA.

Alli accepted the charge, although he failed in his attempt to contest the automatic three-match penalty at an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing.

A statement released by the FA on Thursday read: "Dele Alli will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after he committed an act of violent conduct which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.

"The player accepted The FA's charge but contested that the automatic penalty of a three-match suspension would be 'clearly excessive'.

"This claim, however, was rejected following an Independent Regulatory Commission hearing today [Thursday 28 April 2016]."

The punishment means Alli will not be available for Tottenham's final three matches of his breakthrough season against Chelsea, Southampton and Newcastle United, with the likelihood that his next competitive action will be for England at Euro 2016.

Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs are seven points behind leaders Leicester City in the table and victory at Manchester United on Sunday would secure the Premier League title for Claudio Ranieri's team.


 

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Martinez: Judge me over three seasons, not two or three months


28 April 2016

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Roberto Martinez understands the scrutiny surrounding his position as Everton manager but wants to be judged for his work over three seasons and not the past few months.

Martinez has overseen a disappointing campaign at Goodison Park, with Everton 11th in the Premier League having gone their last seven league games without a win.

Everton finished fifth in Martinez's first season in charge before ending up 11th last term, although they did reach the last 16 of the Europa League.

Having lost to Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals earlier this campaign, Everton suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the last four of the FA Cup at Wembley last Saturday.

That loss did not help Martinez's cause and, asked about the speculation over his future in his pre-match media conference ahead of the visit of AFC Bournemouth, the Spaniard said: "I understand it completely because I never felt being Everton manager is a manager to be judged by being in an average position.

"I always encourage huge expectations and I think as a football club we have to drive to challenge for silverware, we have to drive to get into the top four positions so, when you're not in those positions, the scrutiny has to be there.

"There shouldn't be any scrutiny over the last two months or three months, it should be scrutiny over the three seasons, it should be about taking a squad and the team that we've put together and the team that we've developed since I've been at the football club and the type of performance that we had in the second half [against United], a team that can perform against anyone with a very clear idea of how to play and how to be successful.

"That's scrutiny I welcome and I accept. I wouldn't want to be judged on being the manager of the ninth budget of the league, I want to be under the scrutiny of being very proud of being the Everton manager, Everton is a huge football club and I expect to be challenging with silverware and being in the top positions."

Pressed on what he would say to those fans reportedly planning protests this weekend, Martinez replied: "The message is that we're all hurting together, I understand their passion and they [the fans] make us what we are.

"Football without passion makes no sense. I would say to those fans that it is only when you get through these difficult experiences and painful moments that you get a renewed drive. I'm ready to fight more than ever and probably closer to finding the way of challenging for silverware."

Martinez was also asked for his reaction to the news earlier this week that an inquest had ruled the 96 Liverpool fans who perished in the Hillsborough disaster were unlawfully killed.

He said: "It was incredible boost to the city and humanity in general. The Hillsborough Family Support Group showed us all the way how to fight in life and persevere in that incredible battle, finding the truth, finding fairness and finding justice.

"We're extremely proud of them and what they achieved for the city has been magnificent. We hope they can have a little bit of closure and everyone can feel a little bit of peace of that incredible tragedy that has been holding on for 27 years until the truth came out."



 

Moyes

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Burnley earn promotion back to the Premier League


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By Tom Webber
May 2, 2016 18:52:35

Sam Vokes scored the only goal in a closely-fought 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers which secured the Clarets' return to the top flight for the 2016/17 season

Burnley achieved promotion back to the Premier League with a 1-0 Championship victory over Queens Park Rangers at Turf Moor on Monday.

Sean Dyche's men are the first side to achieve automatic promotion this season, bouncing straight back into the top flight having been relegated last term, courtesy of Sam Vokes' second-half header.

Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton was the busier of the two goalkeepers during the first half, but the hosts stepped up their efforts following the interval.

Scott Arfield and Andre Gray went close soon after the restart, but Vokes made the breakthrough when he nodded home from David Jones' free-kick in the 61st minute.

Alejandro Faurlin rattled the upright from 20 yards but QPR were unable to spoil the party for Burnley, with the home faithful invading the pitch following the final whistle.

Middlesbrough and Brighton, who drew 1-1 with Derby County earlier on the same day, are locked level on 88 points in second and third place respectively, with both teams set to play on the final day of the season to determine who will join Burnley in securing automatic promotion.



 

ArseneWenger

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Pellegrini doubts longevity of Leicester´s credentials


2 May 2016

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Leicester City will not be able to maintain their place at the top of the Premier League long term because they do not have enough money, says Manuel Pellegrini.

Having narrowly escaped relegation last season, a dramatic turnaround has seen Leicester move to the brink of the title, which they will claim if second-placed Tottenham fail to beat Chelsea on Monday.

However, Manchester City boss Pellegrini, who will be replaced by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium next season, believes Leicester's success may turn out to be a mere flash in the pan as he does not believe they have the financial muscle to continue challenging at the top.

"I do not think [Leicester being top] is a lesson. They are a very well-organised team with very few injuries," Pellegrini said in an interview with El Mundo.

"They have great merit, but I do not think they will remain at the top for eight or 10 years. All big teams have money at their base.

"What Leicester have done, I think, is similar to what we did with Villarreal when we finished second [in La Liga in 2007-08]."

Pellegrini believes the Premier League sets an example in a number of areas that La Liga could follow, namely in greater equality in the distribution of revenue from television rights.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid afforded the bulk in Spain, the City coach feels the league has become less competitive.

"[The Premier League] is an experience that no major coach should miss. The organisation is perfect, a show for the fans and for television, and the support of the people is impressive: all the stadiums are always full, in any competition," Pellegrini continued.

"Stadium attendance [could be replicated in Spain]. Real Madrid and Barcelona fill theirs, but people here support their club a lot more, no matter how the team is doing.

"It could also take a better distribution of television rights - here all clubs have money to buy. When I arrived in Spain, there were seven very important clubs, the league was much more competitive."



 

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Wenger anticipated worse from protests


1 May 2016

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expected much worse from the fans' protests at another trophy-less campaign for the club.

Supporters held 'Time for Change' banners during Arsenal's 1-0 win over Norwich City in the Premier League on Saturday.

Reports suggested only 200 fans took part in the protest at the Emirates Stadium, where Danny Welbeck scored a 59th-minute winner to boost his side's Champions League qualification chances.

Wenger said he anticipated much worse – with fears the entire stadium would be holding the white signs with red writing calling for his dismissal.

"I think I can take that. I am in a public job and I have to live with judgement as long as it is respectful," the Frenchman said.

"Did I think it would be worse? Yes. From what I was told, I thought the whole stadium would be white."

Wenger has been in charge at Arsenal since 1996, winning nine major trophies – but the last league title came 12 years ago.

The 66-year-old is unsure how long he will remain at the helm, but Alex Ferguson's 26 years at Manchester United is of no concern.

"I give my best for this club," Wenger said.

"You don't spend so many years at a club – like Sir Alex Ferguson spent 26 – without every minute of your time, you give your whole life for that and try to do as well as possible.

"One target is to keep 100 per cent of people happy. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do that this season."



 
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