Key events
“Every team from Newcastle in fourth down to Crystal Palace in 12th have had games they will remember fondly and would be more than worthy English representatives in European competition next season.”
Jonathan Wilson on the Premier League’s burgeoning middle class:
Here’s how things panned out across the continent yesterday: Luka Modric and Carlo Ancelotti waved goodbye to the Bernabéu while PSG secured their third trophy of the season – and they’ve still got the Champions League final to come.
Serie A and La Liga wrap up today, with Barcelona, the Spanish champions, facing Athletic Club at 8pm BST.
Some lovely messages BTL.
Am lucky enough to be heading off to Wembley with a bunch of lifetime friends to watch my beloved Addicks in our 3rd outing in the brilliantly cruel PlayOff Finals.
With exception of birth of child, ‘98 was probably the most amazing experience of my life, only tempered by vivid memories of sobbing Sunderland fans on way out – a scene repeated in 2019.
Very pleased for them yesterday.
I’m sure a Champions League final, or winning the Premiership would be incredible, but they would appear to be somewhat unrealistic targets for Charlton.
The PlayOffs are so unfair, but what drama. So much riding on one game. Part of me wants to wish Orient good luck, because they’ve had a terrific second half of the season.
Obviously I can’t. There can be only one.
COYR!!!
Gonna be a bittersweet day today. Lost a close friend after a torturous 10 month fight against cancer on the weekend we beat Utd last September, will have his two sons over to celebrate the trophy lift – so there will be a lot of sad tears mixed with the happy ones. YNWA!
Here’s Arne Slot talking about – wait for it – Bruce Springsteen:
You talk about elite mentality. This guy’s been doing it for 50-odd years and he’s still putting on three-hour shows in front of 25,000 people. I’ve heard how he does this, what he does in his daily life, talking about habits, how disciplined he is to achieve this. Springsteen, at 75, is still able to do three hours on stage without even one minute of rest. He took three or four drinks of what I assume was water.
It’s 20 years since Istanbul: just say the word and everyone knows what you’re talking about. Sachin Nakrani was there, fresh-faced and rocking a top with ‘LFC 4 LIFE’ on the back. Love it.
Right, let’s hear your views on this Premier League season. I’d like the following: the verdict on your side’s campaign, your favourite moment, and predictions for next season (winner, relegated sides, best player).
David Moyes was their manager, John O’Shea their captain. Eight (!) years have passed since Sunderland’s last stint in the Premier League, but they’re back after a last-gasp playoff win over Sheffield United.
Saturday’s headline was Champions League glory for Arsenal, a momentous win, 18 years on from the last time they did it. Chelsea may have landed the domestic treble but its their north London rivals who have the biggest prize.
Jonathan Liew, Suzanne Wrack and Tom Garry were all there to take it in.
There is a whistle, and then there is a scream, and then there is pure confusion. Arsenal have planned this game to the very last detail, rehearsed every last contingency, mapped out every possible scenario. But not this one. Some run; some stagger. But in these earliest moments of triumph, wherever they are on the pitch, somehow it feels telling that the first instinct of these Arsenal players is to find each other.
The last day also means a final appearance for Gary Lineker on Match of the Day. I’ve never known the show without him; it’s going to be a strange sight next season.
Preamble
I need you to trust me, one last time. No, I’m not Ethan Hunt/Tom Cruise trying to save the world/cinema, but some support would be appreciated as I guide you through the final day of the Premier League season.
Alas, the real drama is done. All that’s left for Liverpool is a knockabout before the trophy lift, while Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton are already prepping for life in the Championship. It’s the quest for Champions League football that’s keeping this thing alive, with Manchester City, Newcastle, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa vying for the three remaining spots.
City just need a point, while Newcastle and Chelsea know that three will do the job. Forest, who take on Enzo Maresca’s side, and Villa need wins and other results to go their way. All are in search of those big European nights and, let’s face it, the cashola.
There’s Wembley to keep track of as well, with Charlton meeting Leyton Orient in the League One playoff final. The former, once Premier League regulars, want to end a five-year absence from the Championship; the latter haven’t played in the second tier since 1982.
There’s plenty to keep tabs on as we build up to the drama. Drop me a line with all your thoughts, concerns, queries, Mission Impossible reviews, whatever you fancy.
