Manchester City’s hopes of winning the Premier League title are over after a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth saw Arsenal crowned champions.
Eli Junior Kroupi’s curling first-half effort helped give the Gunners a first Premier League title in 22 years, and despite Erling Haaland’s late leveller – it means Pep Guardiola has gone without the league title in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his managerial career.
The result also ensured Bournemouth will be playing European football next season, an achievement secured in head coach Andoni Iraola’s final home match in charge before his departure.
With Guardiola expected to leave City after the season, City fans still called for him to stay from the away end. They also sang: “We’ll fight to the end” – but Bournemouth made sure that fight will not be carried into Sunday’s final day.
City had some half chances in the first half, with Jeremy Doku forcing Djorde Petrovic into a good save early on, but rarely troubled the Cherries.
At the other end, Evanilson missed a glaring chance from six yards out with the goal gaping – with only the offside flag sparing his blushes.
Then came the first half’s big moment as Adrien Truffert broke down the left and cut the ball back to Kroupi, who left Gianluigi Donnarumma rooted to the spot by finding the top corner.
Guardiola needed a response and it nearly came seconds into the second half – but Petrovic managed to deny Nico O’Reilly when the City defender was played through.
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Nico O’Reilly was denied by Djordje Petrovic as Bournemouth survived a scare early in the second half!
After City brought on Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden and Savinho in an attacking move, Bournemouth got more joy at the other end. Kroupi curled over a good chance from the edge of the box, before Rayan hit the post from close range at a corner.
But despite more City pressure, Bournemouth looked mostly likely to get a second as David Brooks missed two golden chances to seal the game – including hitting the post when clean through.
Haaland equalised in the final minute after Rodri hit the post. But the final whistle sparked jubilant scenes in Dorset and the red half of north London. It looks like all Guardiola has in Sunday’s final game with Aston Villa is a farewell bow.
Pep reacts to conceding title – and will he stay?
Pep Guardiola shows his frustration as Manchester City’s Premier League hopes end with the draw at Bournemouth
Man City manager Pep Guardiola:
“Expanding on his response over his future in the post-match press conference, Guardiola added: “Listen, with the club, always I talk, but not now.
“The first thing you have to understand is you should talk with my chairman first, right? And after that, when I talk with my chairman, we’ll decide.
When asked if the talks will come after their final match of the season on Sunday, Guardiola said: “No, no, we’ll talk the next few days.
“Always we talk with my chairman. What are we going to do, what are we not going to do. But I think he [the chairman] deserves [to be the first one spoken to], right?
On whether Sunday’s match will be his last at City, he added: “Let me talk about my chairman! I know they [the fans] love me so much. I love them more. I know that it’s the best place to be. I love that place [the Etihad]. I adore it.
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Manchester City players and Arsenal fans reacted to the Gunners sealing the Premier League title after Man City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
“Let me talk about my club. Even though people say I talk to a thousand million people in person, I was incredibly, incredibly focused on my job. When we are in the competitions, I’m there. I was there. This is what I have to do.”
Iraola: I’m not sure where I will go
Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola to Sky Sports:
“At the beginning of the season you didn’t imagine [Europe]. It has been so nice and we have a chance to fight for the Champions League in the last game and we really deserve this, especially for the game we played so well. We have not won the game but it does not matter.
“Today has been a good reflection of the club. I’m very happy for the club, the players, the supporters and the staff. It’s the best way to finish with something you can touch I can’t ask for anything more.
“Pep is the top of the top. He has won everything. It was a difficult game for them, they played three days ago with the tension of a final. We made them play a difficult game and they were obviously tired but they have this quality. It makes it even more nice when you play like this against an opposition that are so good.
“We have a special group of players. They are consistent and always there. Right now there is nothing about my future in my head, I just want to celebrate and push it. We have Europa League, next let’s maximise our options. Can we take the last Champions League spot?
“I still don’t know where I will go but I’m in no rush, let’s finish on a high.”
Richards: Guardiola the greatest manager of his generation
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Following the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola remained coy on his future at the club and told Sky Sports that he will talk to the chairman at the end of the season.
Former Man City defender Micah Richards on Sky Sports:
“He is the greatest manager of his generation without doubt and I say that because of the way he plays football. There are certain ways you can win a football match.
“Arteta and Arsenal have done it a little bit more defensively. But in terms of his 10-year tenure at Man City, whether it’s full-backs inverted, false nines, playing (John) Stones in central midfield in the Champions League final, he has just created a way to love the game and for the game to be played in the right way.”
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
