Selhurst Park completed an unforgettable 100th-anniversary season and bade farewell to one of its favourite sons, Joel Ward, as Palace came out on top of a six-goal thriller to set a new Premier League points record – little over 72 hours after winning the FA Cup. Eddie Nketiah scored twice as Crystal Palace celebrated their FA Cup triumph with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ward, on his 364th Crystal Palace appearance, some 13 years after his debut, was handed the captain’s armband and his first Premier League start of the season in his final home match at Selhurst Park. Emmanuel Agbadou headed Wolves in front midway through the first half. That woke the hosts up, though, and Nketiah scored twice in the space of five first-half minutes to turn the match around. Chelsea loanee Ben Chilwell’s deflected free-kick made it 3-1 shortly after half-time, though Jorgen Strand Larsen's 62nd-minute header reignited Wolves' hopes. But Palace's Wembley hero Eberechi Eze came off the bench to score a decisive fourth goal and take the Eagles beyond the 50-point mark for the first time in their Premier League history. They stay 12th in the table, with Wolves in 14th spot. Palace coach Oliver Glasner said, "We spoke about it before and we didn't know what we would see and what we would get, so credit to the players. We had great energy on the pitch and that's not easy after such a huge achievement. It's an outstanding and incredible group and they showed it again. We trust every single one of the players and everyone has contributed to the success." Wolves boss Vitor Pereira added, "We cannot compete at this level if we offer gifts to them and in my opinion, they were four gifts. We must be focused until the last minute. We must be at our best level every time." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2025 10:52 AM IST | London | IANSOmar Marmoush's stunning long-range strike upstaged Kevin De Bruyne on the Manchester City great's Etihad farewell. Marmoush let fly from around 30 yards (meters) to put City ahead in its 3-1 win against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Tuesday. The victory moved Pep Guardiola's team up to third in the standings and left Champions League qualification in its own hands heading into the last round of the season. "It's really important. To be in the Champions League after what happened (this season) will be nice," the City manager said. De Bruyne was making his final home appearance for City before leaving the club as a free agent at the end of the season. After a trophy-laden 10 years, the Belgium international was greeted with a huge banner declaring him "King Kev" and given a standing ovation when he was substituted off in the second half. But it was Marmoush's goal after 14 minutes that lit up the match as his dipping shot clipped the post before crashing into the top corner. It was the type of goal that De Bruyne would have been proud of in a career that has seen him score numerous spectacular strikes of his own. De Bruyne missed a glorious chance to cap his farewell with a goal when he missed an open net from close range, shooting against the bar. "Terrible, terrible," De Bruyne said of his miss. "There's no excuse. My son is going to be very tough on me today." Bernardo Silva doubled City's lead in the 38th and substitute Nico Gonzalez added a third in the 89th. Deniel Jebbison pulled one back for Bournemouth in added time in a game that saw both teams reduced to 10 men. The win saw City bounce back from its FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday. It also means City needs a point in its final game against Fulham on Sunday to all but guarantee Champions League soccer next season, given its superior goal difference to top-five rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa. After ending the season trophyless for the first time in eight years, City can at least secure the consolation of a place in European club soccer's top competition. The loss, however, ended Bournemouth's slim hopes of qualifying for Europe. De Bruyne tribute De Bruyne was fighting back tears as he addressed the crowd after the match and watched a video montage of tributes from club greats on the stadium's big screen. He was given a guard of honour by his teammates as he walked to the middle of the field with his wife and three children. City said it would erect a statue in his honour outside the stadium. "It means I will always be part of this club," De Bruyne said. "Whenever I come back with family and friends, I will be able to see myself, so I will always be here." City also unveiled a mosaic of De Bruyne at the club's academy and named a road on its campus after him. The 33-year-old De Bruyne was part of a period of unprecedented success for City, which saw it win 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. He waved to the crowd, and City fans serenaded him as he left the field in the second half before embracing Guardiola on the touchline. "There are players that are unique," Guardiola said. In 10 years, there will be a lot of games, a lot of titles, a lot of moments. Today summarised how much love was there (for him)." He is the latest City great to have a mural made in his honour, joining Yaya Toure, Joe Hart, David Silva, Vincent Kompany, Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho and Ilkay Gundogan. Rodri returns Rodri returned to action eight months after having surgery on an ACL injury that ruled him out for the majority of the season. The Ballon d'Or winner came on as a second-half substitute to make his first appearance since being injured against Arsenal on Sept. 22. His return means he is likely to be available for the Club World Cup in the United States in June and July. Palace party There was no hangover for Crystal Palace after Saturday's FA Cup victory over City. Eddie Nketiah scored twice in a 4-2 win against Wolves. Just days after Palace's win at Wembley secured its first major trophy, the team kept the party going in front of its home fans at Selhurst Park. Wolves went ahead through Emmanuel Agbadou, but two goals from Nketiah in the space of five minutes in the first half put the home side in front. Eberechi Eze, who scored the winning goal in the final, was on target again late on. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2025 10:36 AM IST | Manchester | AP | PTIHarry Maguire admits Manchester United have been ‘nowhere near good enough’ as his troubled side look to salvage their season by winning the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao. Ruben Amorim’s side are languishing in 16th place in the EPL and are destined for the club’s worst finish since relegation in 1973-74. Harry Maguire England centre-back Maguire is well aware that’s unacceptable for a club of United’s stature. “As players, we have to take responsibility for the position in the Premier League and the money we have generated this season through that finish, which is nowhere near good enough,” he said. United’s bid to win the sixth major European trophy in the club’s history has kept the season alive for their frustrated fans. “We have disappointed them [the fans] far too much. We have given them some good times in the Europa League and some great memories, but we have got to make sure we put the percentages in our favour in terms of turning up, giving absolutely everything and performing on the day [for the fans],” said Maguire. Stats that matter Spurs hold the edge Manchester United have lost three times to Spurs this season — twice in the EPL (0-3, 0-1) and once in the League Cup (3-4) Bruno key for UTD Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes’s combined record of 27 goals and 19 assists are the most in Europa League’s history The best of the worst Whoever wins this title will set a record for being the lowest-ranked side in their domestic league campaign to win a major European trophy This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2025 08:11 AM IST | Manchester | AFPJack Hinshelwood sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Brighton against Liverpool on Monday to leave the recently-crowned Premier League champions without a win (two draws and a loss) since clinching the title on April 27 against Tottenham Hostpur. Arne Slot’s side took the lead at the Amex Stadium through Harvey Elliott’s early opener (9th minute) before Yasin Ayari equalised for the home side by drilling home from the edge of the area (32nd min). Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa appears dejected after the loss on Monday. Pics/Getty Images Dominik Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s advantage just before the interval with a swerving strike from wide on the right flank that whistled into the top corner, but Brighton were not to be outdone. Kaoru Mitoma levelled the score (69th min) before Hinshelwood (85th min) came off the bench to net the winner with his first touch. Slot admitted that Liverpool’s lacklustre finishing cost them the game. “Great game of football but not the result we wanted. We cannot miss chances like we did if you want to win,” Slot said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2025 08:09 AM IST | Brighton (UK) | AFPThe Indian senior men’s team kicked off their preparations for the June FIFA international window with a first training session in Kolkata on Monday. India will face Thailand in a friendly in Pathum Thani on June 4 before the all-important AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong in Kowloon City on June 10. Head coach Manolo Marquez believes his side improved in every FIFA window under his tenure barring the previous one. “We need to improve a lot because I felt that the team was going forward in every FIFA window except the last,” Márquez said on the All India Football Federation’s website. While the March window did bring a 3-0 friendly win against Maldives, the Spaniard’s first win as the Indian coach, a lacklustre 0-0 draw versus Bangladesh wasn’t the ideal start to the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign. “It’s true that for the game against Bangladesh, we lost very important starting players. But it’s not an excuse for our poor performance. We need to be aware that we have a difficult game in Hong Kong. We have to be competitive and try to win and get the three points,” Marquez said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2025 08:07 AM IST | Kolkata | IANSMikel Arteta promised to end Arsenal’s five-year trophy drought next season after a 1-0 win against Newcastle secured their place in the Champions League. Declan Rice’s superb second half strike from the edge of the area ended Arsenal’s five-match winless run and ensured they will finish in the Premier League’s top five. But while Arsenal are likely to finish as runners-up for a third consecutive campaign, few associated with the north London club believe this season has been a success. Arteta said: “We had a dream, and it was to be here now, or in a week’s time and bringing the big trophies to you guys but we couldn’t do it for many circumstances. We need to make sure chasing a dream doesn’t get blurry, and make sure we chase the dream with enthusiasm and positivity next season.” The Arsenal boss continued: “We have started to create our own history here in the stadium. There is much more to come but it won’t be easy. “We have to do it together. Let me tell you, this group of players have the hunger, quality, and talent and we are going to make it happen.” Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard added: “We can be very proud of what we have done this season, especially in the Champions League. But we have not been good enough in the league. We have to take all the experiences, good and bad, and come back better. And we will that pain of not winning but come back stronger and bring trophies to this club.” Newcastle dominated the first half but failed to take any of their chances in the absence of leading scorer Alexander Isak due to a groin injury. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 May,2025 08:07 AM IST | London | AFPAfter Inter Miami were routed 0-3 by Orlando and fell to 1-5-1 in its last seven matches across all competitions, Lionel Messi, who rarely gives interviews after matches, told Apple TV that it’s imperative for the team to stick together. “It’s a difficult time, but we’re going to come through this,” Messi said in Spanish. “Now we’ll really see if we’re a team. These are difficult times. When everything is going well it’s very easy, but when difficult times come — like now — we have to be more united than ever, be a real team, and get through it.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
20 May,2025 08:05 AM IST | Fort Lauderdale (US) | AP | PTIKevin De Bruyne has cast a doubt over his participation at the Club World Cup in June because he fears getting injured before he leaves Manchester City. The Belgian playmaker is out of contract at the end of the season and will become a free agent. However, he could potentially sign a short-term extension that would enable to him to play in the newly expanded tournament which will feature 32 teams and will be played in the USA. Also Read: ‘This is a big chapter in our club’s history’ “I think in a way I have to take care of myself because if I get injured in the Club World Cup, what am I going to do,” said De Bruyne. “Nobody’s going to take care of me at that point. So there’s a big chance probably I won’t play it, but I don’t know. I have to take care of my family. I’ve got three kids, my wife, it’s not an easy process at this time,” he added. The 33-year-old will leave City after 10 years and 14 major trophies. De Bruyne missed a chance to add to his vast trophy cabinet as City lost the FA Cup final 0-1 to Oliver Glasner’s plucky Crystal Palace team. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 May,2025 07:48 AM IST | Kevin de Bruyne | AP | PTICrystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner believes his players have given the club’s fans a ‘moment for their life’ by beating Manchester City 1-0 to win their first ever FA Cup title on Saturday night. Eberechi Eze scored in the first half at Wembley on Saturday before goalkeeper Dean Henderson denied Omar Marmoush from the spot as Palace dug deep against Pep Guardiola’s men to get over the line. The win also secured a Europa League spot for Palace next season. “We wrote a really big chapter in our history,” said Glasner after ending a 31 year trophy-drought at the club. Also Read: City cricket loses Papa; Karkhanis no more at 83 Crystal Palace players celebrate with the FA Cup winner’s trophy after beating Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Pic/AP; PTI The Austrian, who also coached Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League title in 2022, believes the major takeaway from Saturday’s triumph is the fact that the club gave the fans a moment of happiness amidst the rigours of everyday life. “We gave them [fans] a moment for their life. We gave them hours and days where they forget all their problems and are just happy and celebrating. This is the biggest achievement that sportsmen can do,” Glasner adding that his players did well to stick together after a terrible start to the season when they won just one of their first 13 league games. “You can see now what you can get when you are patient as a club. Even three or four weeks ago, we conceded 10 goals within four days... at City five, at Newcastle five, but our fans kept supporting the team. It’s a special connection,” said Glasner. Meanwhile, for Man City boss Pep Guardiola, the result capped a forgettable season. The Sky Blues relinquished the league title to Liverpool, lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League knockouts and were ousted from the League Cup by Tottenham Hotspur. Despite a late-season resurgence, City are still squabbling for a top-five spot in the English Premier League to get into Europe’s elite competition next season. Guardiola wants his team to channel the pain of this defeat towards achieving that objective. “We must continue and recover quick for the last two finals [league games] we have to play to qualify for the Champions League,” said Guardiola. 31No. of years since Crystal Palace’s last title This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 May,2025 07:46 AM IST | London | AFPCrystal Palace stunned Manchester City on Saturday to win the FA Cup for the first time as Eberechi Eze sealed a 1-0 victory that piled on the misery for Pep Guardiola's troubled side. Eze's early strike rocked City before Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson saved Omar Marmoush's penalty late in the first half of a dramatic final at Wembley. While Eze's clinical finish was the culmination of his remarkable rise from rejection by Arsenal, Fulham and Millwall as a youngster, it was Henderson who emerged as Palace's hero with a series of superb saves. City will protest that Henderson should have been sent off for a first-half handball outside his penalty area. But Henderson made the most of that controversial moment to ensure Palace clinched the first major trophy in their 120-year history and a place in next season's Europa League. "To be honest I can't really believe it. I think when you play this game 10 times, you win it once, and this happened today," Palace boss Oliver Glasner said. "The goal was the first time we were in their half and then we just defended with every single part of the body." Beaten by Manchester United in their previous FA Cup final appearances in 1990 and 2016, Palace's shock win was no more than they deserved as City once again imploded in a dismal season that will be their first without major silverware since 2016-17. "We did everything but if you're not going to score goals, you're not going to win," Guardiola said. "We performed really well. Football is like this sometimes." On the Henderson controversy, Guardiola would only add: "Ask the referee." After winning the Premier League in the previous four seasons, City have endured a turbulent campaign that ranks among the worst in Guardiola's storied managerial career. Currently sixth in the Premier League, City host Bournemouth on Tuesday and travel to Fulham on May 25 as they try to salvage their wretched year by at least qualifying for the Champions League. Not for the first time, Guardiola sprang a surprise with his selection for a final as he picked an ultra-attacking line-up with no holding midfielder. Guardiola gamble backfires However, Guardiola's habit of tinkering with his tactics for finals has backfired in the past. Asked about City's line-up just before kick-off, Guardiola said he was putting his faith in "talent", but Glasner had spotted an opening, saying: "When you have so many attacking players it could give you an opportunity in transitions." Erling Haaland nearly gave City the perfect start when he stretched to meet Kevin De Bruyne's cross with a volley that forced a scrambled save from Henderson. Josko Gvardiol's towering header from Savinho's corner was smartly repelled by Henderson. But Glasner's clever decision to set up Palace deep inside their own half had lured City in for the sucker punch. Eze delivered the knockout blow from Palace's first attack in the 16th minute as Glasner's men launched a brilliant break from their penalty area. Jean-Philippe Mateta held up Chris Richards' long pass and laid it off to Daniel Munoz, who surged down the right flank before crossing towards Eze, who guided a superb volley past Stefan Ortega from 12 yards. City were furious when Henderson escaped a red card when VAR checked his handball, which appeared to take place outside the area, after the 'keeper rushed out to challenge Haaland. VAR said it was "not an obvious goal-scoring opportunity" but it proved crucial as Henderson rescued Palace in the 35th minute. Tyrick Mitchell conceded the penalty with a needless foul on Bernardo Silva as the City midfielder ran away from goal. Instead of Haaland taking the spot-kick, it was Marmoush who stepped up after the Norway star gave him the ball in a disastrous move as Henderson plunged to his right to keep out the Egyptian's strike. Henderson was in inspired form and he denied City again, clawing away a Jeremy Doku strike that appeared destined for the top corner. Defending tirelessly, Palace were indebted to Henderson, who made two more brilliant saves from Claudio Echeverri to cap a chastening afternoon for Guardiola. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 May,2025 09:10 AM IST | London | AFPChelsea ensured that qualification for the Champions League remains in their own hands as Marc Cucurella’s winner beat Manchester United 1-0 to climb to fourth in the Premier League. United are gearing up for next week’s Europa League final against Tottenham but ran the Blues close as Ruben Amorim named a stronger line-up than expected. However, the Red Devils ultimately slipped to an 18th league defeat of the season and remain 16th in the table. Meanwhile, Aston Villa bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League as they beat Tottenham 2-0. Second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara ensured Villa’s battle to play in Europe’s elite club competition will go down to the last day of the season. Chelsea and Aston Villa both leapfrog Manchester City into the top five. But Chelsea will be assured of a return to Europe’s top competition after a two-year absence should they beat Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 May,2025 09:10 AM IST | London | AFPADVERTISEMENT
