Premier League: The Final Countdown
The Premier League season is slowly coming to a close, with the top flight’s competitors pushing for the best possible finish. The unprecedented three-horse title race is reaching its final stages, with Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool vying for the top. But amidst the excitement, Premier League managers are walking a tightrope, as one misstep could lead to a touchline ban.
Aston Villa and Tottenham are fighting it out for fourth place
Aston Villa and Tottenham are fighting it out for fourth place, knowing fifth is officially not good enough to qualify for the Champions League. And of course, all bets are off regarding Europa League and Europa Conference League qualification with Manchester United, Newcastle, West Ham, and even Chelsea battling for a place in the sun.
Sheffield United are already relegated and could be joined by the likes of Burnley, Luton Town, or Nottingham Forest
Bottom of the league Sheffield United are already relegated and could be joined by the likes of Burnley, Luton Town, or Nottingham Forest. Every team is fighting for something different, and it is uncertain how things will end for each one of them.
But one thing is certain, they will all need their manager by their side before the season ends on May 19. That is why Prem bosses will have to be careful with their reactions at the touchline with referees proving they are not shy of pulling out a card.
Mikel Arteta is only one booking away from serving a one-match ban
As per the league’s rules, three yellow cards lead to a one-match ban for a head coach. Three more yellows, which lead to a grand total of six, result in another one-game suspension. Another two - totalling eight bookings - gets a manager banned for two games. As it stands, the one boss that needs to be extra careful is Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta. Arteta has already been booked a total of five times this season, which means one more will see him miss out on an important game against United or Everton on the final day.
Fabio Carvalho left Fulham to join Liverpool in the summer of 2022
In other news, Fulham have been handed a suspended six-month ban from registering any academy players currently or previously registered with the club. Additionally, the West London outfit have been hit with a £75,000 fine by the Premier League. The punishment relates to a payment made by the Cottagers to Balham Blazers FC following Fabio Carvalho’s move to Liverpool in the summer of 2022.
Erling Haaland is the frontrunner for the Golden Boot
And finally, the Golden Boot race is heating up, with Erling Haaland leading the pack. But Cole Palmer, Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke, and Mo Salah are all in pursuit. Who will come out on top?
