This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2015/may/24/premier-league-clockwatch-live

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Premier League clockwatch – live! Premier League clockwatch – live!
(33 minutes later)
4.40pm BST16:40
West Ham don’t look remotely like scoring, but I was MBM-ing Southend v Wycombe yesterday and consequently take nothing for granted.
4.38pm BST16:38
Meanwhile. Aaron Ramsey has hit the post in an altogether quieter second half from Arsenal.
4.38pm BST16:38
Long delay as McShane receives treatment. If West Ham do find something at Newcastle, it could make for an incredibly tense ending.
4.37pm BST16:37
Red card! Marouane Fellaini!
What an awful tackle. Fellaini, who only came on a short while ago, does get sent off – he chases a short pass that had put McShane in trouble, but the Hull man gets there first....followed by Fellaine, who goes studs-up and leaves him in a heap. That was terrible. Should be ten-a-side, as Hernandez should have gone just before.
4.35pm BST16:35
Header over by Coloccini at Newcastle, where there’s little reason to be too nervy just now. But Rob Lee’s son, Elliot, is now coming on for the Hammers to replace Kouyate.
4.33pm BST16:33
@NickAmes82 Victor Valdes showing today that United will be fine next season without De Gea
What do we think, team?
4.33pm BST16:33
Hernandez has just punched Phil Jones in the stomach. If the referee had seen that....
4.31pm BST16:31
Jelavic almost puts Hull right back into it! Aluko tricks down the right, pulls the ball across to the near post, sharp flicked effort from Jelavic and Victor Valdes is down superbly to save to his left!
Updated at 4.32pm BST
4.31pm BST16:31
Odds on Gerrard scoring another four?
4.30pm BST16:30
Goal! Chelsea 2-1 Sunderland (Remy 70)
Ok, the tempo has lifted enough for Chelsea to score. It’s Remy, it’s from 20 yards, and it seems to wrong-foot Mannone – via a slight deflection I think.
4.29pm BST16:29
Goal! Stoke 5-1 Liverpool (You Know Who 70)
Yes, there you have it. Gerrard makes a Characteristic Lung-Busting Run From Midfield and slips the ball to Begovic’s right. The whole stadium gets up to salute him. Okay, you would have needed a heart of stone not to quite enjoy that.
4.28pm BST16:28
Hull bring James Chester off, and on comes Abel Hernandez. Sone Aluko replaces Dame N’Doye.
4.27pm BST16:27
Not too much going on at Stamford Bridge, where the champions and Sunderland are operating at a snail’s pace, but Willian has just shot wide.
4.25pm BST16:25
Aue keeper Martin Männel scored a wonderful header, but his team have still been relegated from 2.Bundesliga.
Some of this in the next half-hour, please.
4.24pm BST16:24
'F*** off Sam Allardyce,' being chanted by the travelling West Ham fans.
Nice people.
4.23pm BST16:23
Liverpool have just come close. Asmir Begovic has saved from Adam Lallana, who was through.
4.22pm BST16:22
Final-day box ticked: the piece of inaccurate information from elsewhere that breeds a groundswell of false hope. Cheers start to ring around at Hull because....of what? Somebody seems to have told a porkie about events at Newcastle, because they still lead. But Hull are at least pushing hard now and N’Doye has guided a shot just wide from Elmohamady’s cross.
4.21pm BST16:21
Goal! Crystal Palace 1-0 Swansea (Chamakh 57)
So much happened in the 57th minute that I missed this. But Palace lead, Pardew’s revolution is back on the rails!
4.19pm BST16:19
Sissoko’s leap for the goal, by the way, was superb. Make sure you see it later. He really *wanted* that.
Hull come close now as Valdes misses a punch and the ball bobbles around the line....but no home player can get onto it and it’s scrambled away.
4.18pm BST16:18
Manuel vents: “Have you ever noticed how garbage Jordan Henderson’s set pieces are? I felt like I needed to tell someone.”
4.18pm BST16:18
From Kari Tulinius: “Glad to see Cambiasso score. Signing him was such a delightfully audacious move by Leicester. If only for that I’m glad the Foxes stayed up. I hope Bournemouth do something similar, swoop in for Xavi perhaps.”
Xavi would have loved to, Kari, but he’s chosen the more noble option and gone to Qatar.
4.16pm BST16:16
Stoke haven’t scored for a while. Which feels weird. But they have become the first side to score five against Liverpool in the league since 1992.
4.15pm BST16:15
Goal! Arsenal 4-1 WBA (McAuley 57)
Right-sided corner and McAuley gets up highest to give West Brom their own 57th minute consolation at four down. What were the chances?
4.14pm BST16:14
Goal! Leicester 4-1 QPR (Austin 57)
Characteristic fighting spirit from QPR sees Joey Barton centre for England’s Charlie Austin to convert.
4.13pm BST16:13
Muted at Hull now. They need to score, but so do West Ham. They shouldn’t give up though – a goal for them would make things incredibly nervy a bit further north.
4.12pm BST16:12
GOAL! Newcastle 1-0 West Ham (Sissoko 54)
St James’ has erupted!! A superb ball in from the left and Moussa Sissoko thuds a downward header past Adrian from 10 yards! An explosion of noise, and that could be that!
Updated at 4.37pm BST
4.10pm BST16:10
Goal! Leicester 4-0 QPR (Cambiasso 52)
Four-nil! Quite the sign-off from Leicester, quite the hapless surrender from QPR.
Updated at 4.38pm BST
4.10pm BST16:10
Goal! Leicester 3-0 QPR (Ulloa 51)
Three-nil.
4.09pm BST16:09
Disappointing from Huddlestone....and then a sitter at Newcastle, as Janmaat does wonderfully down the right and lays it seemingly on a plate for Riviere, who just needs to make contact but completely misses his kick! How important could that be?
4.08pm BST16:08
Daley Blind catches Tom Huddlestone late and it’s *just* outside the box. Dangerous free kick from Hull, who are being roared on.
Updated at 4.08pm BST
4.06pm BST16:064.06pm BST16:06
Darmstadt are a goal up now, incidentally.Darmstadt are a goal up now, incidentally.
4.06pm BST16:064.06pm BST16:06
Early corner for Newcastle, who have come out strongly. Colback puts it in from the right but Williamson’s flick on drops wide of the far post.Early corner for Newcastle, who have come out strongly. Colback puts it in from the right but Williamson’s flick on drops wide of the far post.
4.04pm BST16:044.04pm BST16:04
If this wasn’t all too much, here is a German update from Kevin Porter:If this wasn’t all too much, here is a German update from Kevin Porter:
“Less than 20 mins to go in the 2.Bundesliga games and Darmstadt desperately need at goal at home to St Pauli in order to grab the second promotion slot. Ingolstadt are certain champions, but both Karslruhe and Kaiserslautern, one point behind Darmstadt and both currently winning, will leapfrog them.”“Less than 20 mins to go in the 2.Bundesliga games and Darmstadt desperately need at goal at home to St Pauli in order to grab the second promotion slot. Ingolstadt are certain champions, but both Karslruhe and Kaiserslautern, one point behind Darmstadt and both currently winning, will leapfrog them.”
Updated at 4.05pm BSTUpdated at 4.05pm BST
4.02pm BST16:024.02pm BST16:02
Back underway!Back underway!
Welcome to the Guardian’s exclusive MBM of Stoke v Liverpool.Welcome to the Guardian’s exclusive MBM of Stoke v Liverpool.
3.59pm BST15:593.59pm BST15:59
So just to, like, focus your minds – as things stand, a Hull goal relegates Newcastle. Which is how things stood 45 minutes ago, but the margins for error are slimmer now.So just to, like, focus your minds – as things stand, a Hull goal relegates Newcastle. Which is how things stood 45 minutes ago, but the margins for error are slimmer now.
3.59pm BST15:593.59pm BST15:59
Sally Officer offers: “Klopp for the Kop...in fact I’d take anyone right now, even Moysie. If this ‘team’ is playing for Rodgers, I’ll eat my hat...”Sally Officer offers: “Klopp for the Kop...in fact I’d take anyone right now, even Moysie. If this ‘team’ is playing for Rodgers, I’ll eat my hat...”
Typical Liverpool, hogging our attentions here – isn’t it, eh? There’s a relegation battle going on!Typical Liverpool, hogging our attentions here – isn’t it, eh? There’s a relegation battle going on!
3.57pm BST15:573.57pm BST15:57
Michael Cosgrove writes: “You’d really have to have a heart of stone not to feel sorry for Gerrard. It was bad enough for him losing in his last home match last week, but today sees him going out for good with a whimper in an away stadium. Ah, but that’s football...”Michael Cosgrove writes: “You’d really have to have a heart of stone not to feel sorry for Gerrard. It was bad enough for him losing in his last home match last week, but today sees him going out for good with a whimper in an away stadium. Ah, but that’s football...”
To be perfectly honestly fairly frank with you Michael, I am a big admirer of Gerrard but I’m sort of done with it all now.To be perfectly honestly fairly frank with you Michael, I am a big admirer of Gerrard but I’m sort of done with it all now.
3.51pm BST15:513.51pm BST15:51
A joke from Scott Stricker: “If Liverpool play like this for much longer they are going to have to start offering 900,000 pounds a week to their fans to stay.”A joke from Scott Stricker: “If Liverpool play like this for much longer they are going to have to start offering 900,000 pounds a week to their fans to stay.”
3.50pm BST15:503.50pm BST15:50
Gareth Wilson wonders: “Is this a statement from Liverpool’s “players” prior to Brendan’s summit with FSG? Hard to see that they’re playing for him right now…..”Gareth Wilson wonders: “Is this a statement from Liverpool’s “players” prior to Brendan’s summit with FSG? Hard to see that they’re playing for him right now…..”
If they’d wanted him out, wouldn’t they have just hired an aeroplane and a banner?If they’d wanted him out, wouldn’t they have just hired an aeroplane and a banner?
3.49pm BST15:493.49pm BST15:49
Half-times!Half-times!
Newcastle 0-0 West Ham; Hull 0-0 Man Utd; Everton 0-1 Spurs; Arsenal 4-0 West Brom; Stoke 5 (FIVE) -0 Liverpool; Crystal Palace 0-0 Swansea; Aston Villa 0-1 Burnley; Chelsea 1-1 Sunderland; Leicester 2-0 QPR; Man City 1-0 Southampton.Newcastle 0-0 West Ham; Hull 0-0 Man Utd; Everton 0-1 Spurs; Arsenal 4-0 West Brom; Stoke 5 (FIVE) -0 Liverpool; Crystal Palace 0-0 Swansea; Aston Villa 0-1 Burnley; Chelsea 1-1 Sunderland; Leicester 2-0 QPR; Man City 1-0 Southampton.
Quite a lot of fun so far.Quite a lot of fun so far.
3.48pm BST15:483.48pm BST15:48
From Paul Devlin: “I wonder how secure Rodgers really is. The lineup and performance today smacks of having given up.”From Paul Devlin: “I wonder how secure Rodgers really is. The lineup and performance today smacks of having given up.”
They do seem to have telephoned this one in, rather. I think they should cheer everyone up and bring Sterling on for Gerrard a few minutes into the second half.They do seem to have telephoned this one in, rather. I think they should cheer everyone up and bring Sterling on for Gerrard a few minutes into the second half.
Updated at 3.51pm BSTUpdated at 3.51pm BST
3.47pm BST15:473.47pm BST15:47
Half-time at St James’ Park. Goalless. Not getting any easier, this.Half-time at St James’ Park. Goalless. Not getting any easier, this.
3.46pm BST15:463.46pm BST15:46
Ander Herrera nearly has a big say in the relegation battle after McShane misjudges a ball from the left. He gets to the ball ahead of Steve Harper but can’t quite nudge it on target...Ander Herrera nearly has a big say in the relegation battle after McShane misjudges a ball from the left. He gets to the ball ahead of Steve Harper but can’t quite nudge it on target...
3.45pm BST15:453.45pm BST15:45
Goal! Stoke 5-0 Liverpool (Nzonzi 45)Goal! Stoke 5-0 Liverpool (Nzonzi 45)
This is incredible. They’re all going in for Stoke, and this one is a fantastic long-ranger from Steven Nzonzi! When on earth were Liverpool last five down at the break? Wow.This is incredible. They’re all going in for Stoke, and this one is a fantastic long-ranger from Steven Nzonzi! When on earth were Liverpool last five down at the break? Wow.
Updated at 4.12pm BST
3.44pm BST15:443.44pm BST15:44
Juan Cuadrado does not get chairlifted off the pitch at Stamford Bridge as he succumbs to injury, to be replaced by Loic Remy.Juan Cuadrado does not get chairlifted off the pitch at Stamford Bridge as he succumbs to injury, to be replaced by Loic Remy.
3.43pm BST15:433.43pm BST15:43
Goal! Leicester 2-0 QPR (Albrighton 43)Goal! Leicester 2-0 QPR (Albrighton 43)
Schlupp cuts back from the left, Albrighton arrives from the right and the free beers are going down even more satisfyingly.Schlupp cuts back from the left, Albrighton arrives from the right and the free beers are going down even more satisfyingly.
3.43pm BST15:433.43pm BST15:43
Walcott nearly scores a fourth! His weighted effort from the edge of the box is millimetres wide.Walcott nearly scores a fourth! His weighted effort from the edge of the box is millimetres wide.
3.42pm BST15:423.42pm BST15:42
Goal! Stoke 4-0 Liverpool (Adam 41)Goal! Stoke 4-0 Liverpool (Adam 41)
My goodness! Adam, who has been in fine form recently, scores against his old club! He guides his effort past Mignolet, who doesn’t move!My goodness! Adam, who has been in fine form recently, scores against his old club! He guides his effort past Mignolet, who doesn’t move!
3.41pm BST15:413.41pm BST15:41
Hull are pressing again now, but clear chances remain few and there are groans from the crowd when Quinn lays a pass back to Dawson inside his own half.Hull are pressing again now, but clear chances remain few and there are groans from the crowd when Quinn lays a pass back to Dawson inside his own half.
3.40pm BST15:403.40pm BST15:40
At Newcastle, Janmaat gets onto a left-sided cross at the far post but can’t control his header and it thunders well over.At Newcastle, Janmaat gets onto a left-sided cross at the far post but can’t control his header and it thunders well over.
3.40pm BST15:403.40pm BST15:40
Maybe Liverpool are just trying to give Gerrard the perfect send off by coming back from 3-0 down on day before 10th anniversary of IstanbulMaybe Liverpool are just trying to give Gerrard the perfect send off by coming back from 3-0 down on day before 10th anniversary of Istanbul
Surely it’s what he would have wanted.Surely it’s what he would have wanted.
3.39pm BST15:393.39pm BST15:39
383 - Harry Kane's goal at Everton was his first for 383 minutes in the Premier League. Welcome.383 - Harry Kane's goal at Everton was his first for 383 minutes in the Premier League. Welcome.
I had really started to worry about Harry Kane.I had really started to worry about Harry Kane.
3.37pm BST15:373.37pm BST15:37
Goal! Arsenal 4-0 West Brom (Walcott 37, hat-trick)Goal! Arsenal 4-0 West Brom (Walcott 37, hat-trick)
Santi Cazorla trickles a cross-shot across goal, Walcott reacts at the back post and taps it in from a yard! He’s scored his treble!Santi Cazorla trickles a cross-shot across goal, Walcott reacts at the back post and taps it in from a yard! He’s scored his treble!
Updated at 3.55pm BSTUpdated at 3.55pm BST
3.36pm BST15:363.36pm BST15:36
Goal! Chelsea 1-1 Sunderland (Costa pen 37)Goal! Chelsea 1-1 Sunderland (Costa pen 37)
To Mannone’s right.To Mannone’s right.
Updated at 4.12pm BST
3.36pm BST15:363.36pm BST15:36
Penalty to Chelsea! A foul by O’Shea on Cuadrado – no arguments really, though it was close to the edge of the box. Lift Didier back on!Penalty to Chelsea! A foul by O’Shea on Cuadrado – no arguments really, though it was close to the edge of the box. Lift Didier back on!
3.34pm BST15:343.34pm BST15:34
Goal! Manchester City 1-0 Southampton (Lampard 31)Goal! Manchester City 1-0 Southampton (Lampard 31)
Narrative’s Frank Lampard scores! From an assist by Contract Rebel James Milner! The storylines!Narrative’s Frank Lampard scores! From an assist by Contract Rebel James Milner! The storylines!
Updated at 3.38pm BSTUpdated at 3.38pm BST
3.33pm BST15:333.33pm BST15:33
It’s got a bit quieter at Hull after the excitement of those disallowed goals. Little goalmouth action. But they shouldn’t panic yet. Newcastle aren’t doing too much in the other game either and it only takes one chance...It’s got a bit quieter at Hull after the excitement of those disallowed goals. Little goalmouth action. But they shouldn’t panic yet. Newcastle aren’t doing too much in the other game either and it only takes one chance...
3.32pm BST15:323.32pm BST15:32
This is nice though:This is nice though:
Chelsea players carrying Drogba off the pitch: pic.twitter.com/TEFp8COeLkChelsea players carrying Drogba off the pitch: pic.twitter.com/TEFp8COeLk
3.31pm BST15:313.31pm BST15:31
Goal! Stoke 3-0 Liverpool (Walters 30)Goal! Stoke 3-0 Liverpool (Walters 30)
I think Gerrard might want to be chairlifted off at this rate....disaster from Liverpool here.I think Gerrard might want to be chairlifted off at this rate....disaster from Liverpool here.
Updated at 4.06pm BSTUpdated at 4.06pm BST
3.30pm BST15:303.30pm BST15:30
In worse news:In worse news:
Johnson with the assist for Fletcher, after Chelsea fans had, er, made reference to Johnson's court case. He gestures back at them.Johnson with the assist for Fletcher, after Chelsea fans had, er, made reference to Johnson's court case. He gestures back at them.
3.30pm BST15:303.30pm BST15:30
“Scenes” at Chelsea where Drogba, in the 29th minute, is chairlifted off the pitch by Chelsea’s players. This is bizarre. I’ve never seen anything close to this. Ivanovic and Willian end up carrying him across the line, and crowd are on their feet, Abramovich is on his too, hands clapping above his head. Diego Costa comes on. That’s...errr...some send-off there, and quite a response to going a goal down!“Scenes” at Chelsea where Drogba, in the 29th minute, is chairlifted off the pitch by Chelsea’s players. This is bizarre. I’ve never seen anything close to this. Ivanovic and Willian end up carrying him across the line, and crowd are on their feet, Abramovich is on his too, hands clapping above his head. Diego Costa comes on. That’s...errr...some send-off there, and quite a response to going a goal down!
3.28pm BST15:283.28pm BST15:28
Goal! Stoke 2-0 Liverpool (Diouf 26)Goal! Stoke 2-0 Liverpool (Diouf 26)
The lead is doubled! Liverpool will have a very early start to their 2015/16 season indeed at this rate...The lead is doubled! Liverpool will have a very early start to their 2015/16 season indeed at this rate...
Updated at 3.57pm BSTUpdated at 3.57pm BST
3.27pm BST15:273.27pm BST15:27
Goal! Chelsea 0-1 Sunderland (Fletcher 26)Goal! Chelsea 0-1 Sunderland (Fletcher 26)
Adam Johnson’s excellent corner from the right, a little flick off John Terry, a stooping header at the back stick from Fletcher! Surely the champions can’t lose on Drogba’s big day...?Adam Johnson’s excellent corner from the right, a little flick off John Terry, a stooping header at the back stick from Fletcher! Surely the champions can’t lose on Drogba’s big day...?
Updated at 3.58pm BSTUpdated at 3.58pm BST
3.26pm BST15:263.26pm BST15:26
Tim Krul has just had to make a very good block from Stewart Downing. But none of that will matter unless Hull, who are pushing hard against United that had shown little, can score.Tim Krul has just had to make a very good block from Stewart Downing. But none of that will matter unless Hull, who are pushing hard against United that had shown little, can score.
3.25pm BST15:253.25pm BST15:25
Goal! Everton 0-1 Spurs (Kane 24)Goal! Everton 0-1 Spurs (Kane 24)
But the Dier-Kane axis works out this time. Dier’s outstanding cross from the right, Kane’s glancing header, lovely goal!But the Dier-Kane axis works out this time. Dier’s outstanding cross from the right, Kane’s glancing header, lovely goal!
3.24pm BST15:243.24pm BST15:24
Goal! Stoke 1-0 Liverpool (Diouf 22)Goal! Stoke 1-0 Liverpool (Diouf 22)
The first salvo in a Europa-relevant game, and it’s a mistake from Simon Mignolet, who palms Charlie Adam’s shot into the striker’s path.The first salvo in a Europa-relevant game, and it’s a mistake from Simon Mignolet, who palms Charlie Adam’s shot into the striker’s path.
Updated at 3.35pm BSTUpdated at 3.35pm BST
3.23pm BST15:233.23pm BST15:23
Spurs are playing well at Everton, and Harry Kane was just inches away from converting an Eric Dier cross.Spurs are playing well at Everton, and Harry Kane was just inches away from converting an Eric Dier cross.
3.22pm BST15:223.22pm BST15:22
Angel Di Maria has a problem at Hull, and it looks as if he’s going off. Adnan Januzaj comes on.Angel Di Maria has a problem at Hull, and it looks as if he’s going off. Adnan Januzaj comes on.
3.20pm BST15:203.20pm BST15:20
And Hull now have another one ruled out! Two in as many minutes! I think it was Quinn who had the shot, and N’Doye gets a flick onto it and it nestles in the net. He’s definitely offside, but did he need to touch it? Quinn’s shot was going towards the target.And Hull now have another one ruled out! Two in as many minutes! I think it was Quinn who had the shot, and N’Doye gets a flick onto it and it nestles in the net. He’s definitely offside, but did he need to touch it? Quinn’s shot was going towards the target.
3.19pm BST15:193.19pm BST15:19
Ooooh, close again by Newcastle. Gutierrez has a shot blocked and it falls back to Daryl Janmaat, whose effort goes narrowly wide of Adrian’s right post. And Paul McShane has just had a close-range effort ruled out for Hull! Things might just be hotting up...Ooooh, close again by Newcastle. Gutierrez has a shot blocked and it falls back to Daryl Janmaat, whose effort goes narrowly wide of Adrian’s right post. And Paul McShane has just had a close-range effort ruled out for Hull! Things might just be hotting up...
3.18pm BST15:183.18pm BST15:18
Goal! Arsenal 3-0 West Brom (Wilshere 17)Goal! Arsenal 3-0 West Brom (Wilshere 17)
Crikey, that’s a lovely goal! Wilshere’s first goal since September comes after the ball is nudged back to him on the edge of the box – I think by Gabriel – and he cracks one left-footed into the corner.Crikey, that’s a lovely goal! Wilshere’s first goal since September comes after the ball is nudged back to him on the edge of the box – I think by Gabriel – and he cracks one left-footed into the corner.
Updated at 3.34pm BSTUpdated at 3.34pm BST
3.16pm BST15:163.16pm BST15:16
Goal! Leicester 1-0 QPR (Vardy 16)Goal! Leicester 1-0 QPR (Vardy 16)
England’s Jamie Vardy scores his first home goal since October, although QPR goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has really dropped one there.England’s Jamie Vardy scores his first home goal since October, although QPR goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has really dropped one there.
3.16pm BST15:163.16pm BST15:16
Goal! Arsenal 2-0 West Brom (Walcott 14)Goal! Arsenal 2-0 West Brom (Walcott 14)
He’s unstoppable. Walcott seizes onto a loose ball in the box and prods it into the bottom of the net. He’s scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season.He’s unstoppable. Walcott seizes onto a loose ball in the box and prods it into the bottom of the net. He’s scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season.
Updated at 3.32pm BSTUpdated at 3.32pm BST
3.14pm BST15:143.14pm BST15:14
...which is well taken by Seb Larsson, but batted away by Petr Cech (another for the “goodbye” list, probably)!...which is well taken by Seb Larsson, but batted away by Petr Cech (another for the “goodbye” list, probably)!
3.13pm BST15:133.13pm BST15:13
West Ham have had 61% of the ball at Newcastle, but Newcastle have been the more threatening. Still could do with an early goal though. At Chelsea, Sunderland have a free kick just outside the area....West Ham have had 61% of the ball at Newcastle, but Newcastle have been the more threatening. Still could do with an early goal though. At Chelsea, Sunderland have a free kick just outside the area....
3.11pm BST15:113.11pm BST15:11
Travis Work is good enough to provide us with his musings on the season:Travis Work is good enough to provide us with his musings on the season:
“As a Manchester United supporter I enjoyed watching the trials and tribulations of another transitional season. Di Maria and Falcao not so much.“The relegation battle was far more interesting than the title race. That’s as damning a review as I can muster. Chelsea running away with it (and the whole “campaign” nonsense) was as boring as their play in the second half of the season.“Maybe next year it will all come down to the final day just like in 2012.”“As a Manchester United supporter I enjoyed watching the trials and tribulations of another transitional season. Di Maria and Falcao not so much.“The relegation battle was far more interesting than the title race. That’s as damning a review as I can muster. Chelsea running away with it (and the whole “campaign” nonsense) was as boring as their play in the second half of the season.“Maybe next year it will all come down to the final day just like in 2012.”
3.11pm BST15:113.11pm BST15:11
Charles Antaki on Walcott: “Good to see Theo Walcott’s recuperation is now complete; the two halves of his brain seem to have knitted back together, and not only does he get into a good position, but he actually gets an accurate shot away. Cue floods of goals (perhaps).”Charles Antaki on Walcott: “Good to see Theo Walcott’s recuperation is now complete; the two halves of his brain seem to have knitted back together, and not only does he get into a good position, but he actually gets an accurate shot away. Cue floods of goals (perhaps).”
3.10pm BST15:103.10pm BST15:10
Hull are exerting plenty of pressure and earn a corner after a clever short free kick. Brady puts it in and it’s glanced wide by Dawson.Hull are exerting plenty of pressure and earn a corner after a clever short free kick. Brady puts it in and it’s glanced wide by Dawson.
3.08pm BST15:083.08pm BST15:08
Goal! Aston Villa 0-1 Burnley (Ings 6)Goal! Aston Villa 0-1 Burnley (Ings 6)
Too little, too late for Burnley but it’s a header from Danny Ings. Less good for Villa’s mojo before the FA Cup final.Too little, too late for Burnley but it’s a header from Danny Ings. Less good for Villa’s mojo before the FA Cup final.
Updated at 3.29pm BSTUpdated at 3.29pm BST
3.07pm BST15:073.07pm BST15:07
Goal! Arsenal 1-0 West Brom (Walcott 4)Goal! Arsenal 1-0 West Brom (Walcott 4)
A superb finish from Walcott, into the top corner from an angle! Great for his confidence, and theirs after a three-game drought at home.A superb finish from Walcott, into the top corner from an angle! Great for his confidence, and theirs after a three-game drought at home.
Updated at 3.28pm BSTUpdated at 3.28pm BST
3.06pm BST15:063.06pm BST15:06
And another one for Riviere! This time an acrobatic effort at the back post that doesn’t go at all far wide.And another one for Riviere! This time an acrobatic effort at the back post that doesn’t go at all far wide.
3.04pm BST15:043.04pm BST15:04
Now a chance for Newcastle, Riviere fluffing his lines after a good run from Sissoko down the right. That might have settled a nerve or two!Now a chance for Newcastle, Riviere fluffing his lines after a good run from Sissoko down the right. That might have settled a nerve or two!
3.03pm BST15:033.03pm BST15:03
Meanwhile, West Ham have a penalty appeal at Newcastle as Mike Williamson has a nibble at Enner Valencia. Nothing doing but a few hearts were in mouths there.Meanwhile, West Ham have a penalty appeal at Newcastle as Mike Williamson has a nibble at Enner Valencia. Nothing doing but a few hearts were in mouths there.
3.02pm BST15:023.02pm BST15:02
Early chance for Hull! Dame N’Doye heads a Robbie Brady cross at Victor Valdes who, remember, is in goal for United today.Early chance for Hull! Dame N’Doye heads a Robbie Brady cross at Victor Valdes who, remember, is in goal for United today.
3.00pm BST15:003.00pm BST15:00
Here we go....Here we go....
A huge roar at Hull as the teams line up to kick off. A nervous-looking Steve Bruce. That one gets underway 19 seconds before the one at Newcastle.A huge roar at Hull as the teams line up to kick off. A nervous-looking Steve Bruce. That one gets underway 19 seconds before the one at Newcastle.
2.57pm BST14:572.57pm BST14:57
The teams are coming out!The teams are coming out!
Chelsea get a guard of honour from Sunderland. Hull and Newcastle are both out too. The atmosphere sounds rather louder at the latter.Chelsea get a guard of honour from Sunderland. Hull and Newcastle are both out too. The atmosphere sounds rather louder at the latter.
2.56pm BST14:562.56pm BST14:56
Ric Arthur has a question about Arsenal:Ric Arthur has a question about Arsenal:
“Where’s Rosicky? A marvellous player: I picked him for my Fantasy team on the basis of Wenger’s post game comments on Wednesday, but he is not even on the bench. Any news on this score?”“Where’s Rosicky? A marvellous player: I picked him for my Fantasy team on the basis of Wenger’s post game comments on Wednesday, but he is not even on the bench. Any news on this score?”
Fair question. I was in Wenger’s press conference on Friday, where there was an element of surprise at the announcement that Rosicky would be staying on for another year, and thought he had a decent chance of starting today.Fair question. I was in Wenger’s press conference on Friday, where there was an element of surprise at the announcement that Rosicky would be staying on for another year, and thought he had a decent chance of starting today.
2.51pm BST14:512.51pm BST14:51
As a Palace supporter I'd be absolutely delighted if Pardew took us to our record points total,while Carver takes Newcastle down @NickAmes82As a Palace supporter I'd be absolutely delighted if Pardew took us to our record points total,while Carver takes Newcastle down @NickAmes82
Palace host Swansea today. It’s easy to forget that.Palace host Swansea today. It’s easy to forget that.
2.45pm BST14:452.45pm BST14:45
Mike Ashley is on Sky now! What is his ambition for the club? “Winning something. And I’m not going to leave until I do. Qualifying for the Champions League counts as winning something. Categorically, I’m not going anywhere until we win something.”Mike Ashley is on Sky now! What is his ambition for the club? “Winning something. And I’m not going to leave until I do. Qualifying for the Champions League counts as winning something. Categorically, I’m not going anywhere until we win something.”
Going to be a long next decade or so up there.Going to be a long next decade or so up there.
Updated at 2.46pm BSTUpdated at 2.46pm BST
2.44pm BST14:442.44pm BST14:44
Have you enjoyed this season? Have you, really? I’m not going to judge you either way – but it’d be good to hear your highlights/lowlights. Get in touch.Have you enjoyed this season? Have you, really? I’m not going to judge you either way – but it’d be good to hear your highlights/lowlights. Get in touch.
2.42pm BST14:422.42pm BST14:42
Another good point from Liam Child:Another good point from Liam Child:
“Brad Friedel not even on the bench? Clearly no sentimentality at Spurs. He would have been the oldest player in Premier League history if he’d got on the pitch today.”“Brad Friedel not even on the bench? Clearly no sentimentality at Spurs. He would have been the oldest player in Premier League history if he’d got on the pitch today.”
Pochettino clearly leaving nothing to chance in Spurs’ desperate bid to guarantee a Europa League berth.Pochettino clearly leaving nothing to chance in Spurs’ desperate bid to guarantee a Europa League berth.
2.41pm BST14:412.41pm BST14:41
How tense will this afternoon get? It might depend to some extent on the atmosphere up at Newcastle – will the supporters rally round, forget their gripes and push their team over the line before letting rip once safety is assured? I suspect it’ll work out that way. It’d only make things worse to start off corrosively and they’ll know that, they’re not stupid.How tense will this afternoon get? It might depend to some extent on the atmosphere up at Newcastle – will the supporters rally round, forget their gripes and push their team over the line before letting rip once safety is assured? I suspect it’ll work out that way. It’d only make things worse to start off corrosively and they’ll know that, they’re not stupid.
2.38pm BST14:382.38pm BST14:38
All Leicester fans get a free beer at the game with QPR today. That’s a nice touch.All Leicester fans get a free beer at the game with QPR today. That’s a nice touch.
2.34pm BST14:342.34pm BST14:34
So much depends on Manchester United, doesn’t it? They should win at Hull – even on this season’s form. Will they be on the beach? Looking at that starting lineup, Louis van Gaal clearly sobered up quickly from his awards sesh speech the other day. Nothing looks amiss in there – it’s a strong team.So much depends on Manchester United, doesn’t it? They should win at Hull – even on this season’s form. Will they be on the beach? Looking at that starting lineup, Louis van Gaal clearly sobered up quickly from his awards sesh speech the other day. Nothing looks amiss in there – it’s a strong team.
2.31pm BST14:312.31pm BST14:31
More on Newcastle here. It’s Louise Taylor with John Carver:More on Newcastle here. It’s Louise Taylor with John Carver:
“I hope I’m smiling at 5pm,” said Carver. “But in a really strange way I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I really have. I think I got hardened up a little bit when Alan [Pardew] was here and he took a bit of abuse. I got used to it. I’m definitely a stronger person and better for it.“I hope I’m smiling at 5pm,” said Carver. “But in a really strange way I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I really have. I think I got hardened up a little bit when Alan [Pardew] was here and he took a bit of abuse. I got used to it. I’m definitely a stronger person and better for it.
“Whatever happens after Sunday I’ll be better for it. If had the chance again, I’d do exactly the same and say: ‘Yes, I want this job.’ I’d just like to think I’d have a little bit more rub of the green, a little bit more luck and a little bit more fortune because the biggest thing is that I’ve thrown every single minute of my life into this. ““Whatever happens after Sunday I’ll be better for it. If had the chance again, I’d do exactly the same and say: ‘Yes, I want this job.’ I’d just like to think I’d have a little bit more rub of the green, a little bit more luck and a little bit more fortune because the biggest thing is that I’ve thrown every single minute of my life into this. “
2.29pm BST14:292.29pm BST14:29
Mark Scholes emails with a Fair Point:Mark Scholes emails with a Fair Point:
“No mention of (captain!) Lampard in the goodbyes text??? Where’s the love.”“No mention of (captain!) Lampard in the goodbyes text??? Where’s the love.”
My eyes had misted up too much when typing Gerrard’s name; I completely forgot myself. Mark is right though: Lampard’s long and distinguished Manchester City career comes to a close in the only way it could: with the armband.My eyes had misted up too much when typing Gerrard’s name; I completely forgot myself. Mark is right though: Lampard’s long and distinguished Manchester City career comes to a close in the only way it could: with the armband.
2.28pm BST14:282.28pm BST14:28
It’s a bit strange, seeing Hull on the brink of going down. Not for the fact of it being Hull, but because they haven’t really been that awful throughout the season. They’ve basically suffered due to Leicester’s prodigious run and Sunderland’s recent pick-up. Hull haven’t come up with an answer, even though it seemed the signing of Dame N’Doye might be enough at one stage, and are paying the price.It’s a bit strange, seeing Hull on the brink of going down. Not for the fact of it being Hull, but because they haven’t really been that awful throughout the season. They’ve basically suffered due to Leicester’s prodigious run and Sunderland’s recent pick-up. Hull haven’t come up with an answer, even though it seemed the signing of Dame N’Doye might be enough at one stage, and are paying the price.
Here is a characteristically excellent piece from Barney Ronay about how Hull and Newcastle’s seasons went sour.Here is a characteristically excellent piece from Barney Ronay about how Hull and Newcastle’s seasons went sour.
2.22pm BST14:222.22pm BST14:22
That’s a lot of teams. Have a digest of it all and we’ll talk again in a couple of minutes.That’s a lot of teams. Have a digest of it all and we’ll talk again in a couple of minutes.
2.22pm BST14:222.22pm BST14:22
Aston Villa v Burnley – teamsAston Villa v Burnley – teams
Aston Villa: Steer, Bacuna, Vlaar, Baker, N’Zogbia, Cleverley, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Grealish. Subs: Guzan, Sinclair, Weimann, Hutton, Sanchez, Green, Robinson.Aston Villa: Steer, Bacuna, Vlaar, Baker, N’Zogbia, Cleverley, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Grealish. Subs: Guzan, Sinclair, Weimann, Hutton, Sanchez, Green, Robinson.
Burnley: Heaton, Trippier, Keane, Shackell, Mee, Boyd, Arfield, Jones, Ulvestad, Barnes, Ings. Subs: Duff, Vokes, Kightly, Taylor, Reid, Jutkiewicz, Gilks.Burnley: Heaton, Trippier, Keane, Shackell, Mee, Boyd, Arfield, Jones, Ulvestad, Barnes, Ings. Subs: Duff, Vokes, Kightly, Taylor, Reid, Jutkiewicz, Gilks.
Referee: Mike JonesReferee: Mike Jones
2.21pm BST14:212.21pm BST14:21
Crystal Palace v Swansea – teamsCrystal Palace v Swansea – teams
Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Ward, Dann, Hangeland, Souare, Puncheon, Jedinak, McArthur, Zaha, Chamakh, Bolasie. Subs: Speroni, Campbell, Murray, Mutch, Lee, Delaney, Kelly.Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Ward, Dann, Hangeland, Souare, Puncheon, Jedinak, McArthur, Zaha, Chamakh, Bolasie. Subs: Speroni, Campbell, Murray, Mutch, Lee, Delaney, Kelly.
Swansea: Fabianski, Richards, Fernandez, Bartley, Naughton, Cork, Britton, Emnes, Dyer, Montero, Gomis. Subs: Grimes, Rangel, Tremmel, Hanley, Fulton, Barrow, Gorre.Swansea: Fabianski, Richards, Fernandez, Bartley, Naughton, Cork, Britton, Emnes, Dyer, Montero, Gomis. Subs: Grimes, Rangel, Tremmel, Hanley, Fulton, Barrow, Gorre.
Referee: Craig PawsonReferee: Craig Pawson
2.19pm BST14:192.19pm BST14:19
Arsenal v West Brom – teamsArsenal v West Brom – teams
Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs, Cazorla, Coquelin, Wilshere, Ozil, Sanchez, Walcott. Subs: Szczesny, Koscielny, Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Monreal, Flamini.Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs, Cazorla, Coquelin, Wilshere, Ozil, Sanchez, Walcott. Subs: Szczesny, Koscielny, Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Monreal, Flamini.
West Brom: Myhill, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Lescott, Morrison, Yacob, Fletcher, McManaman, Berahino, Brunt. Subs: Baird, Gardner, Ideye, Anichebe, Gamboa, Roberts, Palmer.West Brom: Myhill, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Lescott, Morrison, Yacob, Fletcher, McManaman, Berahino, Brunt. Subs: Baird, Gardner, Ideye, Anichebe, Gamboa, Roberts, Palmer.
Referee: Mark ClattenburgReferee: Mark Clattenburg
2.11pm BST14:112.11pm BST14:11
Leicester v QPR – teamsLeicester v QPR – teams
Leicester: Schmeichel, Wasilewski, Huth, Morgan, Albrighton, Cambiasso, King, Schlupp, Mahrez, Ulloa, Vardy. Subs: De Laet, Konchesky, Drinkwater, Hammond, Schwarzer, Wood, Kramaric.Leicester: Schmeichel, Wasilewski, Huth, Morgan, Albrighton, Cambiasso, King, Schlupp, Mahrez, Ulloa, Vardy. Subs: De Laet, Konchesky, Drinkwater, Hammond, Schwarzer, Wood, Kramaric.
QPR: McCarthy, Onuoha, Dunne, Hill, Yun, Phillips, Henry, Barton, Fer, Austin, Grego-Cox. Subs: Murphy, Hoilett, Doughty, Furlong, Comley, Petrasso, Kpekawa.QPR: McCarthy, Onuoha, Dunne, Hill, Yun, Phillips, Henry, Barton, Fer, Austin, Grego-Cox. Subs: Murphy, Hoilett, Doughty, Furlong, Comley, Petrasso, Kpekawa.
Referee: Michael OliverReferee: Michael Oliver
2.10pm BST14:102.10pm BST14:10
Man City v Southampton – teamsMan City v Southampton – teams
Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Lampard, Milner, Toure, Silva, Aguero. Subs: Sagna, Kompany, Dzeko, Caballero, Bony, Jesus Navas, Jovetic.Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Lampard, Milner, Toure, Silva, Aguero. Subs: Sagna, Kompany, Dzeko, Caballero, Bony, Jesus Navas, Jovetic.
Southampton: Kelvin Davis, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Wanyama, Steven Davis, Long, Djuricic, Mane, Pelle. Subs: Yoshida, Gardos, Ward-Prowse, Elia, Gazzaniga, Reed, Targett.Southampton: Kelvin Davis, Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Wanyama, Steven Davis, Long, Djuricic, Mane, Pelle. Subs: Yoshida, Gardos, Ward-Prowse, Elia, Gazzaniga, Reed, Targett.
Referee: Chris FoyReferee: Chris Foy
2.08pm BST14:082.08pm BST14:08
Everton v Spurs – teamsEverton v Spurs – teams
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway, McCarthy, Barry, Mirallas, Barkley, Osman, Lukaku. Subs: Robles, McGeady, Kone, Naismith, Distin, Besic, Atsu.Everton: Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway, McCarthy, Barry, Mirallas, Barkley, Osman, Lukaku. Subs: Robles, McGeady, Kone, Naismith, Distin, Besic, Atsu.
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Lamela, Bentaleb, Mason, Dembele, Chadli, Eriksen, Kane. Subs: Soldado, Yedlin, Vorm, Townsend, Stambouli, Winks, Onomah.Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Dier, Fazio, Vertonghen, Lamela, Bentaleb, Mason, Dembele, Chadli, Eriksen, Kane. Subs: Soldado, Yedlin, Vorm, Townsend, Stambouli, Winks, Onomah.
Referee: Jonathan MossReferee: Jonathan Moss
Updated at 2.09pm BSTUpdated at 2.09pm BST
2.07pm BST14:072.07pm BST14:07
Chelsea v Sunderland – teamsChelsea v Sunderland – teams
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Mikel, Matic, Cuadrado, Willian, Hazard, Drogba. Subs: Luis, Courtois, Remy, Costa, Christensen, Boga, Solanke.Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Mikel, Matic, Cuadrado, Willian, Hazard, Drogba. Subs: Luis, Courtois, Remy, Costa, Christensen, Boga, Solanke.
Sunderland: Mannone, Jones, Coates, O’Shea, Van Aanholt, Johnson, Larsson, Rodwell, Wickham, Defoe, Fletcher. Subs: Cattermole, Pickford, Reveillere, Graham, Giaccherini, Vergini, Buckley.Sunderland: Mannone, Jones, Coates, O’Shea, Van Aanholt, Johnson, Larsson, Rodwell, Wickham, Defoe, Fletcher. Subs: Cattermole, Pickford, Reveillere, Graham, Giaccherini, Vergini, Buckley.
Referee: Lee MasonReferee: Lee Mason
Drogba captains Chelsea.Drogba captains Chelsea.
Updated at 2.14pm BSTUpdated at 2.14pm BST
2.06pm BST14:062.06pm BST14:06
Stoke v Liverpool – teamsStoke v Liverpool – teams
Stoke: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Muniesa, Pieters, Whelan, Nzonzi, Arnautovic, Adam, Diouf, Walters. Subs: Ireland, Odemwingie, Wilson, Sidwell, Butland, Crouch, Wollscheid.Stoke: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Muniesa, Pieters, Whelan, Nzonzi, Arnautovic, Adam, Diouf, Walters. Subs: Ireland, Odemwingie, Wilson, Sidwell, Butland, Crouch, Wollscheid.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Henderson, Lucas, Allen, Gerrard, Lallana, Coutinho. Subs: Toure, Lovren, Lambert, Sterling, Ibe, Markovic, Ward.Liverpool: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Henderson, Lucas, Allen, Gerrard, Lallana, Coutinho. Subs: Toure, Lovren, Lambert, Sterling, Ibe, Markovic, Ward.
Referee: Anthony TaylorReferee: Anthony Taylor
Sterling is on the bench. What does it all mean?Sterling is on the bench. What does it all mean?
Updated at 2.14pm BSTUpdated at 2.14pm BST
2.03pm BST14:032.03pm BST14:03
Newcastle v West Ham – teamsNewcastle v West Ham – teams
Newcastle: Krul, Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Dummett, Colback, Anita, Riviere, Sissoko, Gutierrez, Cisse. Subs: Ryan Taylor, De Jong, Gouffran, Perez, Cabella, Ameobi, Woodman.Newcastle: Krul, Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Dummett, Colback, Anita, Riviere, Sissoko, Gutierrez, Cisse. Subs: Ryan Taylor, De Jong, Gouffran, Perez, Cabella, Ameobi, Woodman.
West Ham: Adrian, Reid, Jenkinson, Burke, Cresswell, Song, Nolan, Valencia, Kouyate, Downing, Cole. Subs: Tomkins, Jarvis, Nene, O’Brien, Amalfitano, Jaaskelainen, Lee.West Ham: Adrian, Reid, Jenkinson, Burke, Cresswell, Song, Nolan, Valencia, Kouyate, Downing, Cole. Subs: Tomkins, Jarvis, Nene, O’Brien, Amalfitano, Jaaskelainen, Lee.
Referee: Martin AtkinsonReferee: Martin Atkinson
2.02pm BST14:022.02pm BST14:02
Hull v Manchester United – teamsHull v Manchester United – teams
Hull: Harper, Chester, Dawson, McShane, Elmohamady, Meyler, Huddlestone, Quinn, Brady, N’Doye, Jelavic. Subs: McGregor, Rosenior, Bruce, Hernandez, Sagbo, Aluko, Robertson.Hull: Harper, Chester, Dawson, McShane, Elmohamady, Meyler, Huddlestone, Quinn, Brady, N’Doye, Jelavic. Subs: McGregor, Rosenior, Bruce, Hernandez, Sagbo, Aluko, Robertson.
Man Utd: Valdes, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Mata, Ander Herrera, Di Maria, Young, Rooney. Subs: Januzaj, Lindegaard, van Persie, Fellaini, McNair, Blackett, Wilson.Man Utd: Valdes, Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, Blind, Mata, Ander Herrera, Di Maria, Young, Rooney. Subs: Januzaj, Lindegaard, van Persie, Fellaini, McNair, Blackett, Wilson.
Referee: Lee ProbertReferee: Lee Probert
David De Gea is injured....will we be seeing him again?David De Gea is injured....will we be seeing him again?
Updated at 2.02pm BSTUpdated at 2.02pm BST
2.00pm BST14:002.00pm BST14:00
Hello!Hello!
I’ll say it again: “Hello!” You won’t hear that word again for a good little while, because today is all about “Goodbye!”. It’s sometimes a hard word to say, so let’s get used to it. Goodbye to this Premier League season, goodbye to one of its valiant strugglers against The Drop, goodbye to a couple of your favourite top-flight superstars...and probably one of its managers, goodbye to Spurs before they set off for Kuala Lumpur and Wednesday’s white knuckle ride against Malaysia XI.I’ll say it again: “Hello!” You won’t hear that word again for a good little while, because today is all about “Goodbye!”. It’s sometimes a hard word to say, so let’s get used to it. Goodbye to this Premier League season, goodbye to one of its valiant strugglers against The Drop, goodbye to a couple of your favourite top-flight superstars...and probably one of its managers, goodbye to Spurs before they set off for Kuala Lumpur and Wednesday’s white knuckle ride against Malaysia XI.
Before we go any further, here are the bones from which this meat flakes. Today, all at 3pm, we will be digesting:Before we go any further, here are the bones from which this meat flakes. Today, all at 3pm, we will be digesting:
Arsenal v West Brom, Aston Villa v Burnley, Chelsea v Sunderland, Crystal Palace v Swansea, Everton v Tottenham, Hull v Manchester United, Leicester v QPR, Manchester City v Southampton, Newcastle v West Ham, Stoke v Liverpool.Arsenal v West Brom, Aston Villa v Burnley, Chelsea v Sunderland, Crystal Palace v Swansea, Everton v Tottenham, Hull v Manchester United, Leicester v QPR, Manchester City v Southampton, Newcastle v West Ham, Stoke v Liverpool.
In bold are the fixtures that might mean something.In bold are the fixtures that might mean something.
The really interesting ones are, of course, Hull v Man Utd and Newcastle v West Ham. Here’s the deal: Hull win and Newcastle lose, and Hull stay up. Hull win and Newcastle draw, and Hull stay up. Anything else, and Hull go down. Newcastle, who would surely be on the way down if the season was a couple of weeks longer, hold the whip hand.The really interesting ones are, of course, Hull v Man Utd and Newcastle v West Ham. Here’s the deal: Hull win and Newcastle lose, and Hull stay up. Hull win and Newcastle draw, and Hull stay up. Anything else, and Hull go down. Newcastle, who would surely be on the way down if the season was a couple of weeks longer, hold the whip hand.
The Race To Avoid The Europa League goes to the wire as well. Fifth and sixth place will get in, and seventh will too if Arsenal win the FA Cup next week. Liverpool are fifth with 62 points, Spurs sixth with 61 and Southampton seventh with 60. Expect deckchairs to be moved repeatedly and Spurs to lose 2-0 at Everton.The Race To Avoid The Europa League goes to the wire as well. Fifth and sixth place will get in, and seventh will too if Arsenal win the FA Cup next week. Liverpool are fifth with 62 points, Spurs sixth with 61 and Southampton seventh with 60. Expect deckchairs to be moved repeatedly and Spurs to lose 2-0 at Everton.
Further goodbyes: Goodbye Steven Gerrard, although we did all this last week really and it feels a bit much to do it again; Goodbye Didier Drogba, although we did all this three years ago really and it feels a bit much to do it again; almost certainly Goodbye Sam Allardyce, unless West Ham tiki-taka their way to a hitherto unseen level of beauty against John Carver’s men, and even if they do then Newcastle are nothing to be measured against; Goodbye you, Clockwatch reader, for we shall not meet again in this admittedly niche context until August.Further goodbyes: Goodbye Steven Gerrard, although we did all this last week really and it feels a bit much to do it again; Goodbye Didier Drogba, although we did all this three years ago really and it feels a bit much to do it again; almost certainly Goodbye Sam Allardyce, unless West Ham tiki-taka their way to a hitherto unseen level of beauty against John Carver’s men, and even if they do then Newcastle are nothing to be measured against; Goodbye you, Clockwatch reader, for we shall not meet again in this admittedly niche context until August.
So let’s go out on a high! Send in your tweets, emails and the like, if your fingers aren’t too sore from all that nail chewing.So let’s go out on a high! Send in your tweets, emails and the like, if your fingers aren’t too sore from all that nail chewing.
Updated at 2.18pm BSTUpdated at 2.18pm BST