Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, you’re very welcome along to our coverage of the final day of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
Well, it all comes down to this. With all three relegation victims confirmed, the top four all but sewn up barring an Arsenal miracle and the Europa League spots complete, too, all of the focus is on the title race.
We all know the lay of the land at this stage. Manchester City will secure their sixth title with a win away to Brighton at the AMEX this afternoon, regardless of the result at Anfield as Liverpool host Wolves.
However, should Pep Guardiola’s men fail to win, combined with a victory for the Merseyside’s, well then that famous shiny trophy will be taking a historic helicopter ride through the May sunshine into Anfield for the very first time in 29 years.
It has been one of the most gripping, dramatic and exciting title races in the history of English football. Both Man City and Liverpool have been elite competitors from start to finish and it seems a cruel fate that one will not be rewarded for their exploits.
AFP7
AFP7
Let’s not beat around the bush here. All logic points towards a win for Guardiola’s men to wrap up the title, meaning Liverpool could end the season on 97 points and still finish second.
Looking at the history books, 97 points would be the third-highest ever finish in Premier League history and never before has such a tally not yielded the title.
It’s been a season of fine margins, intense drama and lots of absolutely brilliant football. We will miss the 2018/19 Premier League season and hope to salute it and see it off with a bang here this afternoon.
The question that hangs on everyone’s lips, though, is will there be one final twist? In a week which saw Liverpool and Tottenham show us in the Champions League that it’s not over until it’s over, you’d imagine this season could very well go down to the last possible second.
Stick with us, kick-off across all 10 of today’s Premier League fixtures is coming up at 3pm.
TEAM NEWS: Ireland underage international Jayson Molumby has been named on the bench for Brighton this afternoon at the AMEX.
Riyad Mahrez is handed a rare start for Manchester City, lining up alongside Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling.
For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is named in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI despite being battered and bruised against Barcelona midweek.
Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita both remain ruled out, with Divock Origi given the nod up top alongside Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
There’s another start for Kildare goalkeeper Mark Travers today against Crystal Palace, while fellow Ireland international Matt Doherty takes up his usual spot at right wing-back for Wolves too.
The title race trumps all else this afternoon in the Premier League, but there are plenty of talking points from across the eight remaining fixtures.
We bid farewell to Huddersfield, Fulham and Cardiff today. All three just have not been good enough to beat the drop and will spend next season in the Championship after being given their send-off this afternoon.
Let’s not forget that Arsenal theoretically still can finish in the top four, but boy oh boy is it a long shot. Having failed to win a single league game in their last four, Unai Emery’s men lie in fifth spot.
The Gunners trail city rivals Tottenham by three points, meaning they will have to beat Burnley at Turf Moor, hope Spurs lose at home to Everton and manufacture an eight-goal swing all the while.
John Walton
John Walton
At Old Trafford it’s the Ole Gunner Solskjaer derby as the Norwegian faces his old employers, Cardiff. It has been a woeful end to the season for United, with nothing but a Europa League spot to cling to after a four-game winless run over the last month.
Chelsea completed an all-English Europa League final earlier this week after seeing off Frankfurt on penalties at Stamford Bridge. All in all it’s actually been a decent enough first season in charge by Maurizio Sarri, but for many supporters it just doesn’t feel that way.
A League Cup final, a Europa League final and a top four finish hasn’t been a bad return for the ex-Napoli boss and Sarri will hope to end his debut campaign on a high away to Leicester City at the King Power.
Like I said, plenty of talking points beyond the title race. But really, it’s all about the title race today. Let’s not kid ourselves here.
12 May 2019
2:29PM
It all comes down to this. It’s been a gripping title race from start to finish between two truly epic sides in Liverpool and Manchester City.
It’s the nature of sport, isn’t it? For one to succeed, another has to suffer the awful feeling of defeat. It’s so often not fair, but it’s why we love it.
Who’s going to be crowned champions this afternoon? Let us know what you’re thinking below.
Jurgen Klopp: “It’s a long season. It you felt extremely fresh that would not be normal. We have to fight, we have to create, because Wolves are so good. They play different to every other team in the Premier League. Everyone talks about the City game, the final day, but we have to win the game.”
Pep Guardiola: “One more game. We will try to do our best, and the players will decide what we deserve. We are here to try to win the title. [Why did you pick Riyad Mahrez, Pep?] His quality, his personality, his lack of fear. We know Brighton will defend deep so we will need quality in small spaces. If we score four goals in the first 10 minutes it would be incredible. I don’t know, honestly, what is going to happen.”
KICK-OFF: We’re underway across all 10 games for the first half!
12 May 2019
3:03PM
Sadio Mane is leading the charge right from the off for Liverpool as Klopp’s men push bodies forward in search of an early goal to settle some nerves. The Reds enjoying all of the ball inside the opening couple of minutes at Anfield.
12 May 2019
3:04PM
A first sight at goal for Man City at the AMEX. The ball falls invitingly for Ilkay Gundogan to strike, but the German’s shot on the edge of the area is blocked down and cleared away.
Close again for Man City. Back in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI ahead of Leroy Sane, Riyad Mahrez charges into the penalty area dodging and weaving past challenges before the ball is forced clear for a corner kick.
Nick Potts
Nick Potts
12 May 2019
3:08PM
We have the first goal of the afternoon, but it’s not in Liverpool or out by the seaside in Brighton. It’s in London, where Tottenham have gone 1-0 ahead against Everton. Eric Dier breaks the deadlock with just three minutes on the clock with a powerful finish following an Erik Lamela ball into the box.
12 May 2019
3:10PM
A big, big chance for Brighton at the AMEX. Alireza Jahanbakhsh sprints clear on his own down the left wing, exposing space left behind by Kyle Walker. The winger cuts inside onto his stronger right boot and whistles a dangerous shot just inches wide of Ederson’s goal.
Over at Anfield Liverpool are continuing to toy with Wolves on the edge of their box. The ball is worked over to Jordan Henderson, he whips a cross into the box, but neither Mo Salah nor Divock Origi is there to get a head on it.
Peter Byrne
Peter Byrne
12 May 2019
3:12PM
Over ten minutes on the clock across the Premier League and just the one goal to speak of courtesy of Eric Dier. Tottenham will be guaranteed a top four finish unless Arsenal beat Burnley, Spurs lose to Everton and the Gunners manufacture an eight-goal turnaround.
12 May 2019
3:13PM
No goals at Anfield or up in Brighton so far. The camera pans to Pep Guardiola sitting in his dugout and he looks a little bit stressed. It’s a bit early to be getting stressed with only 13 minutes gone, but to their credit Brighton have held their own so far and have had the game’s best chance via Jahanbakhsh.
Out of no-where Newcastle have struck twice in quick succession to go 2-0 ahead. Jonjo Shelvey broke the deadlock at Craven Cottage against Fulham, before Ayoze Perez doubled their side’s advantage less than a minute later Incredible scenes.
PA Wire / PA Images
PA Wire / PA Images / PA Images
12 May 2019
3:17PM
Meanwhile over at Vicarage Road, West Ham have taken the lead against Watford. Mark Noble on target to make it 1-0 after being set up by Michail Antonio.
Liverpool take the lead! It’s another goal for Sadio Mane and another assist for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England right back peels away down the right wing, sends a low cross into the danger zone and Mane is completely unmarked and happy to slot the ball into the back of the net with the side of his right foot. Composed finish.
Dave Thompson
Dave Thompson
12 May 2019
3:20PM
It’s all going according to plan for Liverpool so far. Jurgen Klopp’s men ahead and Manchester City still 0-0 at the AMEX with 20 minutes on the clock sees the Reds into top spot as things stand. A long, long way to go still.
12 May 2019
3:24PM
Close yet again for Man City to breaking the deadlock. Riyad Mahrez prods and probes at the back post with a dangerous overlapping run. He fizzes a dangerous low ball into the middle of the box, but goalkeeper Mathew Ryan springs from his line to stop the chance.
12 May 2019
3:26PM
This end to the season goes from bad to worse for Manchester United. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has given Cardiff a 1-0 lead after 23 minutes at Old Trafford from the penalty spot after he was brought down inside the area. Grim times for Ole.
Brighton have taken the lead! Glenn Murray pops up at the front post and heads past Ederson with precision to stun Manchester City. Pep Guardiola looks dismayed and takes his coat off, as his side have a massive job on their hands now.
Gareth Fuller
Gareth Fuller
12 May 2019
3:29PM
GOAL! BRIGHTON 1-1 MAN CITY (AGUERO 28)
We’re all square! Man City provide the perfect response straight from tip-off. David Silva finds Sergio Aguero inside the box and the clinical Argentine slips a brilliant low finish underneath Ryan to make it 1-1. What a game.
12 May 2019
3:32PM
The cameras at Anfield cut to Kenny Dalglish checking his phone hearing about Murray’s initial header, however just a few moments later those same cameras were panning to Liverpool supporters with their head in their hands after hearing about Aguero’s equaliser. Two goals in two minutes at the AMEX, while Liverpool still lead Wolves 1-0.
It’s been a tough opening half for Mark Travers at Selhurst Park meanwhile. Goals from Michy Batshuayi and Michy Batshuayi again have put Crystal Palace 2-0 ahead against Bournemouth after half an hour.
12 May 2019
3:36PM
Liverpool have had five attempts on goal to Wolves’…. zero. It’s been completely one-way traffic at Anfield but still Sadio Mane’s close-range finish is all that stands between the sides with ten minutes to go before half-time.
12 May 2019
3:37PM
Man City come agonisingly close to taking the lead. Mahrez peels away unmarked, this time on the right flank. He fires a low strike at goal, but goalkeeper Ryan stands his ground and puts the ball out for a corner kick.
It’s there for Man City! From the resulting corner Aymeric Laporte rises like a fish out of water to head into the top corner past Ryan. It was a completely free header for theFrench defender and now this game has been turned on its head.
Nick Potts
Nick Potts
12 May 2019
3:41PM
Meanwhile West Ham have doubled their advantage away to Watford thanks to Manuel Lanzini, putting his side 2-0 to the good. Crystal Palace have also grabbed a third against Bournemouth — centre back Jack Simpson converting into his own goal.
12 May 2019
3:43PM
That Laporte goal could be a hammer blow for Liverpool. It all seemed to be going perfectly for Jurgen Klopp’s men with that Glenn Murray header, however Brighton have really struggled ever since and now find themselves behind as the interval approaches.
Nathan Redmond on target for Southampton at St Mary’s. Danny Ings worked hard to venture through midfield before finding Redmond, and the forward rifled a stunning effort over goalkeeper Joel Coleman.
Mark Kerton
Mark Kerton
12 May 2019
3:45PM
Off the crossbar! Ireland defender Matt Doherty nearly grabs an equaliser for Wolves on a rare attack for the visitors to Anfield. He found space down the right wing and let fly from distance, however his effort could only smash the woodwork before flying over the bar.
12 May 2019
3:47PM
Close! The last kick of the first half at the AMEX almost sees Brighton make it 2-2. Lewis Dunk with an excellent free kick from considerable distance which looked like it might dip into the back of the net. However Ederson stood his ground and managed to tip the ball over the bar.
A first 45 minutes full of twists and turns and emotional beats. Liverpool got off to the perfect start when Sadio Mane converted from close range thanks to another pinpoint Trent Alexander-Arnold delivery.
Things went from good to great for the Merseysiders when Glenn Murray’s header at the front post saw Brighton take a shock 1-0 lead against Manchester City. Sergio Aguero equalised a minute later, though, before Aymeric Laporte put City ahead with a precise header of his own.
A massive 45 minutes ahead this season’s title race. More action to come very shortly!
12 May 2019
4:03PM
SECOND-HALF: We’re back underway across all 10 Premier League games!
Manchester City applying pressure straight from the get-go. Anthony Knockaert with a dreadful back pass which lands right at the feet of David Silva. He tries to pick out Raheem Sterling inside the box, but the forward’s touch let’s him down and Brighton breath a sigh of relief.
Nick Potts
Nick Potts
12 May 2019
4:07PM
Watford have halved the deficit at Vicarage Road. They were 2-0 down at the break against West Ham, however their FA Cup semi-final hero Gerard Deulofeu pops up with a goal to give his side a way back into the game after 46 minutes.
12 May 2019
4:09PM
Trent Alexander-Arnold tries his luck with a free-kick from distance having set up Sadio Mane to break the deadlock earlier in the first half. The young defender hit his free well, but it fails to bend enough to hit the target and test Rui Patricio, instead flying wide.
Shane Duffy is lumping everything that comes his way a million miles away from danger. The Ireland centre back has a tough task on his hands to try and keep Sergio Aguero quiet here, but Duffy is holding his own with a commanding presence at the back so far in the second half.
Steven Paston
Steven Paston
12 May 2019
4:12PM
It’s gone from bad to worse for Manchester United at Old Trafford. Nine minutes after the break Nathaniel Mendez-laing grabs his second of the afternoon to put already-relegated Cardiff City 2-0 ahead. Incredible.
Bournemouth are coming back from the dead against Crystal Palace, meanwhile. The Cherries were 3-0 down shortly before half-time, but goals either side of the break from Jefferson Lerma and Jordan Ibe makes it 3-2. The comeback is on.
12 May 2019
4:18PM
Matt Doherty causing one or two issues for Liverpool at Anfield. Another fruitful attack sees him pick out Johnny in attack, but the forward’s shot on goal was blocked down.
12 May 2019
4:19PM
Half an hour to go in the title race now. Pep Guardiola’s men are bossing possession and unlike in odd moments throughout the first half, Brighton are completely devoid of any sort of attacking threat. If a goal is to come, you’d have to feel it would be another set piece for Chris Hughton’s men.
Man City grab another! The title looks to be on it’s way back to Manchester as Riyad Mahrez puts considerable distance between the sides now. He takes possession outside the box, beats Shane Duffy with a brilliant dummy, and slams a precise effort into the top corner.
Nick Potts
Nick Potts
12 May 2019
4:24PM
Elsewhere Arsenal have doubled their advantage away to Burnley. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with both goals as he ends a brilliant season on a high to put the visitors 2-0 up.
12 May 2019
4:29PM
Wolves are really pushing Liverpool here searching for an equaliser. Doherty picks out Raul Jimenez, but Alisson races from his goal-line to gather possession and end the danger. A Liverpool win won’t be enough as things stand with 20 minutes to go.
12 May 2019
4:30PM
Goals flying in left, right and centre now. Burnley have pulled one back against Arsenal, Ashley Barnes making it 2-1. Everton are level at home to Tottenham thanks to Theo Walcott, while Huddersfield have also made it 1-1 against Southampton courtesy of Alex Pritchard.
Manchester City are romping to the title in fine style now, as they grab another to surely put this game to bed. Ilkay Gundogan curls a sensational free-kick beyond the fingertips of goalkeeper Ryan and into the top corner. That should be it.
Gareth Fuller
Gareth Fuller
12 May 2019
4:34PM
While the title race looks all but done and dusted, there’s a cracker of a game unfolding late on at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Cenk Tosun initially put Everton 2-1 ahead having trailed for so long, however Christian Eriksen levelled three minutes later. Currently 2-2 as it stands.
12 May 2019
4:36PM
Ten minutes to go across the final round of Premier League games. Shockingly, Manchester United still trail relegated Cardiff 2-0 at Old Trafford as this frustrating season stutters to a close for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
12 May 2019
4:39PM
Wolves have been this a much more even contest at Anfield. Nuno Espírito Santo won’t know how his side haven’t drawn level with the chances and possession his side have enjoyed since the break.
Just as I say that, Liverpool grab a second and surely wrap up another three points. Sadio Mane with his 22nd Premier League goal of the season, steering the ball home with precision inside the box after a long cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Mane is now level with Mo Salah for the Golden Boot.
Peter Byrne
Peter Byrne
12 May 2019
4:43PM
Andros Townsend with another goal for Crystal Palace to make it 5-3 against Bournemouth with a smart finish following some good work by Wilfried Zaha. A tough day at the office for Ireland goalkeeper Mark Travers between the sticks.
12 May 2019
4:47PM
Almost a fifth for Manchester City, but Sergio Aguero’s left-footed shot from inside the box is blocked away. Currently it’s a three-way battle for the Golden Boot between Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. They all boast 22 goals, while Aguero lags behind in fourth spot with 21. He wants another.
12 May 2019
4:48PM
Just stoppage time to go around the grounds now. Manchester City will secure back-to-back Premier League titles, as Liverpool’s impending win at home to Wolves is not enough to get them over the line. 97 points, but no title for the Reds is a cruel way to end their domestic campaign.
12 May 2019
4:50PM
FULL-TIME: Here are today’s results from around the grounds as Man City secure the title.
It’s all over as Manchester City wrap up the title with an impressive 4-1 win away to Brighton. When Glenn Murray put the Seagulls ahead in the first half it looked like we might have a massive upset on our hands.
However, four unanswered goals from Sergio Aguero, Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan sees Pep Guardiola’s men secure back-to-back Premier League titles in swash-buckling fashion.
Liverpool held up their end of the bargain with a 2-0 victory at home to Wolves thanks to a double from Sadio Mane, however with City failing to drop a single point in 15 games the Reds have to settle for second place on an incredible 97 points.
There’s plenty of reaction to come but for now, thanks a million for joining us for the ride this afternoon. Cya soon!
Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
65 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
As it happened: Brighton v Man City, Liverpool v Wolves, Premier League final day match tracker
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, you’re very welcome along to our coverage of the final day of the 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
Well, it all comes down to this. With all three relegation victims confirmed, the top four all but sewn up barring an Arsenal miracle and the Europa League spots complete, too, all of the focus is on the title race.
We all know the lay of the land at this stage. Manchester City will secure their sixth title with a win away to Brighton at the AMEX this afternoon, regardless of the result at Anfield as Liverpool host Wolves.
However, should Pep Guardiola’s men fail to win, combined with a victory for the Merseyside’s, well then that famous shiny trophy will be taking a historic helicopter ride through the May sunshine into Anfield for the very first time in 29 years.
It has been one of the most gripping, dramatic and exciting title races in the history of English football. Both Man City and Liverpool have been elite competitors from start to finish and it seems a cruel fate that one will not be rewarded for their exploits.
Let’s not beat around the bush here. All logic points towards a win for Guardiola’s men to wrap up the title, meaning Liverpool could end the season on 97 points and still finish second.
Looking at the history books, 97 points would be the third-highest ever finish in Premier League history and never before has such a tally not yielded the title.
It’s been a season of fine margins, intense drama and lots of absolutely brilliant football. We will miss the 2018/19 Premier League season and hope to salute it and see it off with a bang here this afternoon.
The question that hangs on everyone’s lips, though, is will there be one final twist? In a week which saw Liverpool and Tottenham show us in the Champions League that it’s not over until it’s over, you’d imagine this season could very well go down to the last possible second.
Stick with us, kick-off across all 10 of today’s Premier League fixtures is coming up at 3pm.
Today’s final round of fixtures in the Premier League:
TEAM NEWS: Ireland underage international Jayson Molumby has been named on the bench for Brighton this afternoon at the AMEX.
Riyad Mahrez is handed a rare start for Manchester City, lining up alongside Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling.
For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is named in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI despite being battered and bruised against Barcelona midweek.
Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita both remain ruled out, with Divock Origi given the nod up top alongside Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
There’s another start for Kildare goalkeeper Mark Travers today against Crystal Palace, while fellow Ireland international Matt Doherty takes up his usual spot at right wing-back for Wolves too.
The title race trumps all else this afternoon in the Premier League, but there are plenty of talking points from across the eight remaining fixtures.
We bid farewell to Huddersfield, Fulham and Cardiff today. All three just have not been good enough to beat the drop and will spend next season in the Championship after being given their send-off this afternoon.
Let’s not forget that Arsenal theoretically still can finish in the top four, but boy oh boy is it a long shot. Having failed to win a single league game in their last four, Unai Emery’s men lie in fifth spot.
The Gunners trail city rivals Tottenham by three points, meaning they will have to beat Burnley at Turf Moor, hope Spurs lose at home to Everton and manufacture an eight-goal swing all the while.
At Old Trafford it’s the Ole Gunner Solskjaer derby as the Norwegian faces his old employers, Cardiff. It has been a woeful end to the season for United, with nothing but a Europa League spot to cling to after a four-game winless run over the last month.
Chelsea completed an all-English Europa League final earlier this week after seeing off Frankfurt on penalties at Stamford Bridge. All in all it’s actually been a decent enough first season in charge by Maurizio Sarri, but for many supporters it just doesn’t feel that way.
A League Cup final, a Europa League final and a top four finish hasn’t been a bad return for the ex-Napoli boss and Sarri will hope to end his debut campaign on a high away to Leicester City at the King Power.
Like I said, plenty of talking points beyond the title race. But really, it’s all about the title race today. Let’s not kid ourselves here.
It all comes down to this. It’s been a gripping title race from start to finish between two truly epic sides in Liverpool and Manchester City.
It’s the nature of sport, isn’t it? For one to succeed, another has to suffer the awful feeling of defeat. It’s so often not fair, but it’s why we love it.
Who’s going to be crowned champions this afternoon? Let us know what you’re thinking below.
Poll Results:
Some pre-game reading material ahead of kick-off:
What the managers have said before kick-off…
Jurgen Klopp: “It’s a long season. It you felt extremely fresh that would not be normal. We have to fight, we have to create, because Wolves are so good. They play different to every other team in the Premier League. Everyone talks about the City game, the final day, but we have to win the game.”
Pep Guardiola: “One more game. We will try to do our best, and the players will decide what we deserve. We are here to try to win the title. [Why did you pick Riyad Mahrez, Pep?] His quality, his personality, his lack of fear. We know Brighton will defend deep so we will need quality in small spaces. If we score four goals in the first 10 minutes it would be incredible. I don’t know, honestly, what is going to happen.”
KICK-OFF: We’re underway across all 10 games for the first half!
Sadio Mane is leading the charge right from the off for Liverpool as Klopp’s men push bodies forward in search of an early goal to settle some nerves. The Reds enjoying all of the ball inside the opening couple of minutes at Anfield.
A first sight at goal for Man City at the AMEX. The ball falls invitingly for Ilkay Gundogan to strike, but the German’s shot on the edge of the area is blocked down and cleared away.
Close again for Man City. Back in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI ahead of Leroy Sane, Riyad Mahrez charges into the penalty area dodging and weaving past challenges before the ball is forced clear for a corner kick.
We have the first goal of the afternoon, but it’s not in Liverpool or out by the seaside in Brighton. It’s in London, where Tottenham have gone 1-0 ahead against Everton. Eric Dier breaks the deadlock with just three minutes on the clock with a powerful finish following an Erik Lamela ball into the box.
A big, big chance for Brighton at the AMEX. Alireza Jahanbakhsh sprints clear on his own down the left wing, exposing space left behind by Kyle Walker. The winger cuts inside onto his stronger right boot and whistles a dangerous shot just inches wide of Ederson’s goal.
Over at Anfield Liverpool are continuing to toy with Wolves on the edge of their box. The ball is worked over to Jordan Henderson, he whips a cross into the box, but neither Mo Salah nor Divock Origi is there to get a head on it.
Over ten minutes on the clock across the Premier League and just the one goal to speak of courtesy of Eric Dier. Tottenham will be guaranteed a top four finish unless Arsenal beat Burnley, Spurs lose to Everton and the Gunners manufacture an eight-goal turnaround.
No goals at Anfield or up in Brighton so far. The camera pans to Pep Guardiola sitting in his dugout and he looks a little bit stressed. It’s a bit early to be getting stressed with only 13 minutes gone, but to their credit Brighton have held their own so far and have had the game’s best chance via Jahanbakhsh.
Out of no-where Newcastle have struck twice in quick succession to go 2-0 ahead. Jonjo Shelvey broke the deadlock at Craven Cottage against Fulham, before Ayoze Perez doubled their side’s advantage less than a minute later Incredible scenes.
Meanwhile over at Vicarage Road, West Ham have taken the lead against Watford. Mark Noble on target to make it 1-0 after being set up by Michail Antonio.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 1-0 WOLVES (MANE 17)
Liverpool take the lead! It’s another goal for Sadio Mane and another assist for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England right back peels away down the right wing, sends a low cross into the danger zone and Mane is completely unmarked and happy to slot the ball into the back of the net with the side of his right foot. Composed finish.
It’s all going according to plan for Liverpool so far. Jurgen Klopp’s men ahead and Manchester City still 0-0 at the AMEX with 20 minutes on the clock sees the Reds into top spot as things stand. A long, long way to go still.
Close yet again for Man City to breaking the deadlock. Riyad Mahrez prods and probes at the back post with a dangerous overlapping run. He fizzes a dangerous low ball into the middle of the box, but goalkeeper Mathew Ryan springs from his line to stop the chance.
This end to the season goes from bad to worse for Manchester United. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has given Cardiff a 1-0 lead after 23 minutes at Old Trafford from the penalty spot after he was brought down inside the area. Grim times for Ole.
GOAL! BRIGHTON 1-0 MAN CITY (MURRAY 27)
Brighton have taken the lead! Glenn Murray pops up at the front post and heads past Ederson with precision to stun Manchester City. Pep Guardiola looks dismayed and takes his coat off, as his side have a massive job on their hands now.
GOAL! BRIGHTON 1-1 MAN CITY (AGUERO 28)
We’re all square! Man City provide the perfect response straight from tip-off. David Silva finds Sergio Aguero inside the box and the clinical Argentine slips a brilliant low finish underneath Ryan to make it 1-1. What a game.
The cameras at Anfield cut to Kenny Dalglish checking his phone hearing about Murray’s initial header, however just a few moments later those same cameras were panning to Liverpool supporters with their head in their hands after hearing about Aguero’s equaliser. Two goals in two minutes at the AMEX, while Liverpool still lead Wolves 1-0.
It’s been a tough opening half for Mark Travers at Selhurst Park meanwhile. Goals from Michy Batshuayi and Michy Batshuayi again have put Crystal Palace 2-0 ahead against Bournemouth after half an hour.
Liverpool have had five attempts on goal to Wolves’…. zero. It’s been completely one-way traffic at Anfield but still Sadio Mane’s close-range finish is all that stands between the sides with ten minutes to go before half-time.
Man City come agonisingly close to taking the lead. Mahrez peels away unmarked, this time on the right flank. He fires a low strike at goal, but goalkeeper Ryan stands his ground and puts the ball out for a corner kick.
GOAL! BRIGHTON 1-2 MAN CITY (LAPORTE 38)
It’s there for Man City! From the resulting corner Aymeric Laporte rises like a fish out of water to head into the top corner past Ryan. It was a completely free header for theFrench defender and now this game has been turned on its head.
Meanwhile West Ham have doubled their advantage away to Watford thanks to Manuel Lanzini, putting his side 2-0 to the good. Crystal Palace have also grabbed a third against Bournemouth — centre back Jack Simpson converting into his own goal.
That Laporte goal could be a hammer blow for Liverpool. It all seemed to be going perfectly for Jurgen Klopp’s men with that Glenn Murray header, however Brighton have really struggled ever since and now find themselves behind as the interval approaches.
Nathan Redmond on target for Southampton at St Mary’s. Danny Ings worked hard to venture through midfield before finding Redmond, and the forward rifled a stunning effort over goalkeeper Joel Coleman.
Off the crossbar! Ireland defender Matt Doherty nearly grabs an equaliser for Wolves on a rare attack for the visitors to Anfield. He found space down the right wing and let fly from distance, however his effort could only smash the woodwork before flying over the bar.
Close! The last kick of the first half at the AMEX almost sees Brighton make it 2-2. Lewis Dunk with an excellent free kick from considerable distance which looked like it might dip into the back of the net. However Ederson stood his ground and managed to tip the ball over the bar.
HALF-TIME: We’re halfway there on the final day of the Premier League.
A first 45 minutes full of twists and turns and emotional beats. Liverpool got off to the perfect start when Sadio Mane converted from close range thanks to another pinpoint Trent Alexander-Arnold delivery.
Things went from good to great for the Merseysiders when Glenn Murray’s header at the front post saw Brighton take a shock 1-0 lead against Manchester City. Sergio Aguero equalised a minute later, though, before Aymeric Laporte put City ahead with a precise header of his own.
A massive 45 minutes ahead this season’s title race. More action to come very shortly!
SECOND-HALF: We’re back underway across all 10 Premier League games!
Manchester City applying pressure straight from the get-go. Anthony Knockaert with a dreadful back pass which lands right at the feet of David Silva. He tries to pick out Raheem Sterling inside the box, but the forward’s touch let’s him down and Brighton breath a sigh of relief.
Watford have halved the deficit at Vicarage Road. They were 2-0 down at the break against West Ham, however their FA Cup semi-final hero Gerard Deulofeu pops up with a goal to give his side a way back into the game after 46 minutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold tries his luck with a free-kick from distance having set up Sadio Mane to break the deadlock earlier in the first half. The young defender hit his free well, but it fails to bend enough to hit the target and test Rui Patricio, instead flying wide.
Shane Duffy is lumping everything that comes his way a million miles away from danger. The Ireland centre back has a tough task on his hands to try and keep Sergio Aguero quiet here, but Duffy is holding his own with a commanding presence at the back so far in the second half.
It’s gone from bad to worse for Manchester United at Old Trafford. Nine minutes after the break Nathaniel Mendez-laing grabs his second of the afternoon to put already-relegated Cardiff City 2-0 ahead. Incredible.
Bournemouth are coming back from the dead against Crystal Palace, meanwhile. The Cherries were 3-0 down shortly before half-time, but goals either side of the break from Jefferson Lerma and Jordan Ibe makes it 3-2. The comeback is on.
Matt Doherty causing one or two issues for Liverpool at Anfield. Another fruitful attack sees him pick out Johnny in attack, but the forward’s shot on goal was blocked down.
Half an hour to go in the title race now. Pep Guardiola’s men are bossing possession and unlike in odd moments throughout the first half, Brighton are completely devoid of any sort of attacking threat. If a goal is to come, you’d have to feel it would be another set piece for Chris Hughton’s men.
GOAL! BRIGHTON 1-3 MAN CITY (MAHREZ 64)
Man City grab another! The title looks to be on it’s way back to Manchester as Riyad Mahrez puts considerable distance between the sides now. He takes possession outside the box, beats Shane Duffy with a brilliant dummy, and slams a precise effort into the top corner.
Elsewhere Arsenal have doubled their advantage away to Burnley. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with both goals as he ends a brilliant season on a high to put the visitors 2-0 up.
Wolves are really pushing Liverpool here searching for an equaliser. Doherty picks out Raul Jimenez, but Alisson races from his goal-line to gather possession and end the danger. A Liverpool win won’t be enough as things stand with 20 minutes to go.
Goals flying in left, right and centre now. Burnley have pulled one back against Arsenal, Ashley Barnes making it 2-1. Everton are level at home to Tottenham thanks to Theo Walcott, while Huddersfield have also made it 1-1 against Southampton courtesy of Alex Pritchard.
GOAL! BRIGHTON 1-4 MAN CITY (GUNDOGAN 72)
Manchester City are romping to the title in fine style now, as they grab another to surely put this game to bed. Ilkay Gundogan curls a sensational free-kick beyond the fingertips of goalkeeper Ryan and into the top corner. That should be it.
While the title race looks all but done and dusted, there’s a cracker of a game unfolding late on at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Cenk Tosun initially put Everton 2-1 ahead having trailed for so long, however Christian Eriksen levelled three minutes later. Currently 2-2 as it stands.
Ten minutes to go across the final round of Premier League games. Shockingly, Manchester United still trail relegated Cardiff 2-0 at Old Trafford as this frustrating season stutters to a close for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
Wolves have been this a much more even contest at Anfield. Nuno Espírito Santo won’t know how his side haven’t drawn level with the chances and possession his side have enjoyed since the break.
GOAL! LIVERPOOL 2-0 WOLVES (MANE 81)
Just as I say that, Liverpool grab a second and surely wrap up another three points. Sadio Mane with his 22nd Premier League goal of the season, steering the ball home with precision inside the box after a long cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. Mane is now level with Mo Salah for the Golden Boot.
Andros Townsend with another goal for Crystal Palace to make it 5-3 against Bournemouth with a smart finish following some good work by Wilfried Zaha. A tough day at the office for Ireland goalkeeper Mark Travers between the sticks.
Almost a fifth for Manchester City, but Sergio Aguero’s left-footed shot from inside the box is blocked away. Currently it’s a three-way battle for the Golden Boot between Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. They all boast 22 goals, while Aguero lags behind in fourth spot with 21. He wants another.
Just stoppage time to go around the grounds now. Manchester City will secure back-to-back Premier League titles, as Liverpool’s impending win at home to Wolves is not enough to get them over the line. 97 points, but no title for the Reds is a cruel way to end their domestic campaign.
FULL-TIME: Here are today’s results from around the grounds as Man City secure the title.
It’s all over as Manchester City wrap up the title with an impressive 4-1 win away to Brighton. When Glenn Murray put the Seagulls ahead in the first half it looked like we might have a massive upset on our hands.
However, four unanswered goals from Sergio Aguero, Aymeric Laporte, Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan sees Pep Guardiola’s men secure back-to-back Premier League titles in swash-buckling fashion.
Liverpool held up their end of the bargain with a 2-0 victory at home to Wolves thanks to a double from Sadio Mane, however with City failing to drop a single point in 15 games the Reds have to settle for second place on an incredible 97 points.
There’s plenty of reaction to come but for now, thanks a million for joining us for the ride this afternoon. Cya soon!
Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Liveblog Liverpool Manchester City Match Tracker Minute-by-Minute