21/05/2026

SPORTS THURSDAY | MAY 21, 2026

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P EP GUARDIOLA said he would speak to Manchester City’s hierarchy over his future after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth ended his team’s hopes of winning the Premier League. The result at the Vitality Stadium confirmed Arsenal as English champions after a 22-year wait. City are four points behind their rivals with just one game remaining and cannot catch them. Widespread reports on Monday said City boss Guardiola would stand down after Sunday’s final Premier League game against Aston Villa. The club have yet to respond publicly to the speculation.

Guardiola breaks silence Pep swerves City exit talk as Premier League title hopes ended

FA Cup final to complete a domestic cup double. “I would have loved to have arrived in the last moment, you know … but today the fatigue was there,” he added. The departure of the City boss would bring to an end one of the most successful managerial reigns in English football history. Since the 55-year-old’s appointment in 2016, City have won 20 trophies including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. Guardiola’s former assistant Enzo Maresca is understood to have been lined up to replace him, having been out of work since leaving Chelsea at the start of the year. – AFP

– the players don’t follow you any more. You have to lead. Now is the moment to talk to him.” The Catalan was again asked for clarity in his post-match press conference but instead chose to congratulate Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta, who previously worked under him at City. Guardiola said his team had suffered from tiredness, three days after beating Chelsea in the

“Allow me to talk with my chairman,” Guardiola told the BBC . “I have one more year (of my) contract. “When I finish the season every time we talk about it. I never talk with anyone. First of all, I talk with my chairman and my bosses.” He added: “I have from my experience when the boss or manager is anticipating he is leaving

Chelsea leave Spurs in relegation danger

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Tottenham’s Richarlison looks dejected after the English Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

CHELSEA beat Tottenham 2-1 yesterday to leave Roberto De Zerbi’s men in danger of rele gation from the Premier League with one game left of the season. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring in the 18th minute, curling home from outside the box, and Andrey Santos doubled the home side’s league midway through the second half. Tottenham gave themselves hope in the 74th minute when Richarlison converted from close range after Pape Matar Sarr’s backheel. Spurs poured forward in search of an equal iser but could not find another goal. The result gives renewed hope to West Ham, who are 18th in the table, two points behind Tottenham. Spurs, who have not been relegated since SOUTHAMPTON were expelled yesterday from the Championship playoff final after admitting to spying on a training session of semifinal opponents Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough have been reinstated and are set to face Hull at Wembley on Saturday for a place in the Premier League. Southampton will also be docked four points next season after admitting to multiple breaches of regulations related to the “unau thorised filming of other clubs’ training” ses sions, according to a statement from the English Football League. “An independent disciplinary commission has today expelled Southampton from the Championship playoffs,” the EFL said. Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last season, confirmed they would appeal the sanctions. The EFL said the parties were working to ensure an appeal could be heard today. “Subject to the outcome, it could result in a further change to Saturday’s fixture,” the EFL said. Promotion to the Premier League is worth an estimated £200 million (RM1.06 billion) in

1977, face Everton in their final match on Sunday with a draw realistically good enough for survival given their superior goal difference. “We have to give everything for the club, for the badge, for the fans,” said Spurs midfielder James Maddison. “It’s a bit embarrassing that we’re in this position.” The Hammers must beat Leeds to have any chance of extending their 14-year stay in the Premier League. Burnley and Wolves have already been rele gated.

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Chelsea’s win at Stamford Bridge was their first in the English top division since early March and lifts them to eighth in the table. – AFP Saints expelled from C’ship playoff final

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extra revenue. A member of the Southampton coaching staff was caught by Middlesbrough officials recording training on his phone. The EFL confirmed further charges had been laid against Southampton, and that the club had also admitted observing training ses sions ahead of matches against Oxford and Ipswich. The first leg ended 0-0 before Southampton progressed with a 2-1 win after extra-time in the second leg. Middlesbrough issued a statement wel coming the outcome of the disciplinary com mission hearing. “We believe this sends out a clear message for the future of our game regarding sporting integrity and conduct,” it said. Southampton have lost just once in their last 25 games, a 2-1 FA Cup semifinal defeat to Manchester City. After a poor start to the season, they stormed into contention for promotion once Tonda Eckert took charge in November. However, the future of the German coach at St. Mary’s is now in doubt. – AFP

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