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Hello!
Today we are at the weekend – and at the conclusion of the Premier League – like Ilia Gruev. . .
On the way:
4️⃣ Manchester City, the and this number
? Messi’s mind-blowing salary
? What makes Klopp, striker of his last Liverpool game, unique
? Which of the club’s fans will leave the VAR?
The glorious Manchester City team and the 115th, can the two be separated?
The Premier League is an undisputed division: 20 teams chase the ball for 38 games and in the end Manchester City wins.
There’s a hint of danger this season with the race for the name until the final day, but this is rarely City’s first rodeo, and every time they found themselves in that situation, they emerged victorious.
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City are back in form, but as Pep Guardiola pointed out this week, when looking to win Wimbledon, the last serve is the hardest part. A resounding ace is expected, however, given that West Ham’s warring teams have conceded 10 goals in their last two away games.
Winning three titles in a row has been achieved five times (City’s rivals United have done it twice) and no one has ever won four in a row.
For what? It’s very difficult. There are disturbances on the bench and on the pitch: “Hey, we’re going to win the cup”, which causes more distractions and the other groups improve.
But City have the wealth, the players and Guardiola. This cocktail will allow them to make history on Sunday.
? Manchester City vs. West Ham, Sunday, 11 a. m. ET/p. m. United Kingdom – NBC, Sky Sports main event
Speaking of improving teams, Arsenal are probably on a continuous upward curve. If Mikel Arteta’s side win the title – they have to win and hope City draw or lose – it would be an achievement.
In the past five seasons, they’ve finished eighth, eighth, fifth, second, and (probably) second. They have not recorded the highest number of wins in a single campaign (27), but they have also remained unbeaten against all teams in the championship. “Big Six” and have won 15 of their last 17 games.
Arsenal’s consistency is admirable, writes Art de Roché. It’s here to stay. But as Liverpool have discovered, being exceptional has not proved to be enough when City are involved.
? Arsenal vs Everton, Sunday, 11 a. m. ET / p. m. U. S. A. , TNT Sports 1
See that in the corner of the room? It’s an Array elephant.
City’s achievements are impressive, but we can’t forget the 115 allegations of alleged breaches of the Premier League’s monetary rules (which they deny), over nine other seasons.
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They have been referred to an independent regulatory commission, but the date on which the case will be heard remains undetermined. While the logistics of the final day are confusing and fascinating, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters doesn’t have to hand over the trophy himself, he deserves it. City win it on Sunday.
It’s all very complicated, but is it conceivable (as Oliver Kay asks today) to separate Guardiola’s gloriously talented squad on the pitch and the fees off it?
It’s no surprise that Lionel Messi is a well-paid guy, but the figures revealed about the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner are staggering.
The Inter Miami captain’s payout of $20. 4 million (£16. 1 million) per year (guaranteed) is higher than the total payout of 25 MLS teams. The industry is unquestionable and, most importantly, continues to work magic in the picture for the East. Conference leaders.
Athletic’s John Muller explained why the 36-year-old is having the most productive individual season in MLS history. He earns his money.
“In the last 30 or 40 years, few coaches have a club like Jürgen. Louis van Gaal at Ajax, Johan Cruyff at Barça, Pep Guardiola at Barça, Arrigo Sacchi at Milan. Then, for me, here Jürgen. — Pep Lijnders, assistant manager of Liverpool
Nine years. Eight trophies. Klopp is the guy who made Liverpool believe.
He’ll be in charge of his final game for his team this weekend, and James Pearce explained to the players why he’s enjoyed so much success.
UPDATE: It’s only Klopp who will leave this summer; Thiago and Joel Matip have also just announced their departure.
? Bayer Leverkusen vs Augsburg, Saturday, 9:30 ET 14:30 UK, ESPN, Sky Sports Arena
¿VAR. . . or VA-arrrghhh? That’s what fans of The Athletic think about the technology, which is proving so moot that Premier League clubs will vote on its long-term next month, as revealed exclusively via David Ornstein.
After 51% of our season ticket holders voted to keep VAR, we asked ourselves: does your club deserve to vote to abolish it?
And supporters of 15 of the PL’s 20 clubs voted massively “yes. “Unsurprisingly, 90% of fans at Wolves, the club that submitted the proposal, voted in favour. Interestingly, fans of 3 of the 4 most sensible groups in the league voted overwhelmingly. He voted “no. ” Take what you need from him.
Who are the two missing from the list below?
2010-2011: Cristian Riveros; 2011-2012 : ??????; 2012-2013: Urby Emanuelson; 2013-2014: Chris David; 2014-15: Loïc Rémy; 2015-2016: Chris Smalling; 2016-17: Michy Batshuayi; 2017-18 : ??????
Obstructed? We’ll reveal the answer here in a few hours and in Monday’s newsletter.
(Top photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images)