Premier League

Chelsea And Villa Wins Increase Pressure On City In UCL Pursuit

Marc Cucurella was once again Chelsea’s hero as his headed goal earned a potentially season-defining 1-0 win over Manchester United just as his side’s Champions League hopes looked to be slipping away.

With 20 minutes remaining at Stamford Bridge the Blues were set to head into the final day of the Premier League season with their top-five fate out of their hands, with more poor finishing seemingly condemning them to two crucial points dropped and a third straight season out of Europe’s top competition.

News that Aston Villa had beaten Tottenham in the earlier kick-off and had leapt ahead of Enzo Maresca’s side only added to the tension amongst home fans, which turned to frustration as the enormity of their team’s predicament came grimly into focus.

Then appeared in the box the ebullient, untameable Cucurella, by far Chelsea’s most improved player in the last 12 months and the scorer this season of seven goals – though none as valuable as this – slipping his man to head Reece James’ cross past Andre Onana in the 71st minute and redeem a desperate situation.

A win away to Nottingham Forest next Sunday will confirm a top-five finish.

Chelsea were the better team in the first half, for what that was worth against a United side that had lost five of their last seven in the league and had not won in two months.

Maresca had recently lamented his side’s wastefulness in front of goal this season – the Blues had the second-highest number of big chances missed in the league before kick-off – and Noni Madueke presented the latest.

A brilliant burst through the midfield by Moises Caicedo began the move, knocking the ball centrally to Cole Palmer whose cross to the back post was met first time by Madueke but with the exactitude only to hoist the ball high into the Shed End.

A fractional VAR call then saved Chelsea when Harry Maguire was judged to have strayed offside by inches before turning Bruno Fernandes’ pass beyond Robert Sanchez.

Mason Mount, on his first start on the ground against the club he represented for 12 years, drew taunts from home fans when his first-time shot bobbled out of play for a throw-in, before his former academy team-mate James had a thunderous 20-yard effort thud against a post.

The flag spared Enzo Fernandez his blushes when he skied over with the goal gaping after Onana had made a feeble job of handling Palmer’s bending shot. Replays showed Fernandez probably was offside, but the moment did nothing to alleviate Maresca’s anxieties about his team’s ability to convert chances.

VAR intervened this time on United’s side midway through the second half. Tyrique George tumbled as Onana raced out to meet him in pursuit of a through-ball. Referee Chris Kavanagh said penalty but a pitchside review confirmed the goalkeeper had made no contact.

Then, finally, relief for Chelsea. Pedro Neto played the ball back to James, who with a balletic pirouette corkscrewed away from Alejandro Garnacho and whipped an irresistible cross to where Cucurella was arriving, the defender’s thumped header flashing past Onana into the corner.

Madueke then penned a footnote to his personal anthology of missed chances, slicing wide when clean through on goal.

Sanchez produced a good near-post stop to keep out Amad Diallo, the only moment in the second half when United really threatened.

Aston Villa also moved closer to a Champions League return after a 2-0 victory over Tottenham, who had more than one eye on Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Villa’s memorable run to the quarter-finals of this season’s competition gave them the taste for more and they boosted their hopes with an eighth win from their last nine Premier League games.

This was probably the biggest home banker of the campaign given where Spurs’ focus lay, but Villa made hard work of it, needing second-half goals from Ezri Konsa and Boubacar Kamara to get the job done.

However, Chelsea’s win over Manchester United means they have to win their final game of the season at Old Trafford and hope other teams, including Enzo Maresca’s side and Manchester City, drop points.

Spurs could yet still be in the Champions League next season as well if they can end their trophy drought with Europa League victory over United and boss Ange Postecoglou did nothing to jeopardise that at Villa Park.

The embattled Australian made it clear where his focus was by naming a weakened side, which included a first Premier League start since 2022 for forgotten man Sergio Reguilon.

They never really looked like avoiding a 21st league defeat of a miserable league season, but all roads now lead to Bilbao where history could beckon.

Villa had an early flurry of chances as Ollie Watkins fired straight at Antonin Kinsky and John McGinn fizzed an effort just over.

But Spurs, and Son Heung-min in particular, showed – for a time at least – they were not here just to make the numbers up.

The South Korean is one of the players who is likely to play in Bilbao and he almost opened the scoring when he cut inside and whipped an effort just over the crossbar.

Son was again involved as Spurs went close once more, starting a move that saw Wilson Odobert cleverly flick Mathys Tel’s cross goalwards, but Emiliano Martinez was equal to it, saving with his feet.

It was Kinsky who was then forced into a smart save as he got finger tips to Amadou Onana’s cross that was sneaking into the far post.

Villa came forward with a wave of attacks, with Marco Asensio curling just wide from 20 yards and Konsa heading straight at Kinsky.

Frustrations were growing as the hosts floundered at the start of the second half but the tension was relieved as they finally made the breakthrough just before the hour.

Watkins rose highest from McGinn’s corner and his knockdown was swept home by Konsa.

It was almost 2-0 60 seconds later but Kinsky got down well to keep out Watkins’ effort.

Kamara did kill any jangling nerves in the 73rd minute when he unleashed a fierce low shot that was too hot to handle for Kinsky.

Villa saw it out to end their excellent home campaign with a record-extending 21st match unbeaten in all competitions, with goalkeeper Martinez, who has been linked with a move away, in tears at the end.

For Spurs, it is about going one more match this season without defeat.

Rte.ie

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Premier League

City Squad Set for Trim, Says Guardiola

England’s Football Association would consider appointing an interim manager to try and coax Pep Guardiola to become the England boss if

Pep Guardiola has predicted that Manchester City will actively trim their squad down before the start of the Premier League season.

City took 24 outfield players and three goalkeepers to the Club World Cup in America and face Al Ain in the second group game looking to secure qualification in the early hours of Monday morning.

Ilkay Gundogan is wanted by Galatasaray, while the injured Mateo Kovacic has had suitors. Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are not part of the travelling party but are to be moved on.

Guardiola claimed earlier in the year that he will need a larger squad in future after being rocked by a steady stream of injuries through the last campaign.

But after making eight signings since January, he is also mindful that City cannot keep everybody happy if the size of the group remains the same.

Guardiola has typically operated with around 20 outfield players during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

Dailymail.co.uk

Premier League

Nuno Espirito Santo Signs New Forest Deal Through 2028

Nuno Commits to Forest Future With Fresh Three-Year Deal
Nottingham Forest have made their intentions clear. The club’s ambitious owner, Evangelos Marinakis, has rewarded manager Nuno Espirito Santo with a new three-year contract. As confirmed by Sky Sports, “Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has signed a new three-year contract to remain at the City Ground until at least 2028.”

It’s a signal of trust, stability and forward planning from a club that not long ago flirted with the trapdoor of relegation. Under Nuno, Forest have not just stabilised, they’ve flourished.

European Return Sparks New Ambition
Last season marked a watershed moment. Forest finished seventh in the Premier League, securing a place in Europe for the first time since the 1995-96 campaign. Nuno’s impact since taking the reins has been transformational, overseeing a tactical evolution that brought steel and shape to a side often accused of being too open.

It could have been even more dramatic. For a large part of the season, Champions League football was within touching distance. Forest’s form dipped late, five defeats in their final eight league matches scuppered that dream, but the foundations had already been laid.

Marinakis Backs the Vision
For Marinakis, the decision to extend Nuno’s stay was an easy one. The semi-final FA Cup run, ended only by Manchester City, and a record league finish over the last 30 years were concrete proof of progress.

Nuno himself acknowledged the strength of that partnership, saying: “I would like to thank our owner, Mr Marinakis, for his constant support and backing.”

It’s a rare alignment, owner, manager and fans all rowing in the same direction. Forest have had turbulent years, cycling through managers and systems with reckless abandon. Nuno has steadied that ship, and more than that, he’s built something with substance.

Hard Work Ahead as Forest Set Loftier Targets
The journey isn’t complete, far from it. Nuno knows that sustaining this level will be harder the second time around. With European fixtures on the horizon and rivals reinforcing, Forest’s squad depth and mental resilience will be tested.

As Nuno put it: “Now is the time to work harder than ever as we strive for more special memories together.”

His language is reflective of someone who understands the size of the task. But there’s also optimism, belief and, crucially, unity — not just in the dressing room but in the stands and boardroom too.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
For Forest fans, this is as close to perfect news as one could hope for in June. Nuno Espirito Santo has brought direction and pride back to the club, and this extension validates the gut feeling many supporters have had: he’s the right man to lead this era.

The scenes at the City Ground last season, from beating Liverpool to storming into the top seven, were emotionally charged. But the fact the club didn’t fold after that late-season dip shows character and long-term planning.

Many fans remember the constant churn—Karanka, Lamouchi, Hughton, Cooper—and the uncertainty that came with each managerial change. Nuno represents stability and style. The football is disciplined but never dour, and it reflects the grit that Forest fans respect.

The European adventure will be a test, no doubt. But there’s trust now. Trust in the manager, trust in the process. And if Marinakis continues to back him in the market, maybe a centre-forward and full-back depth, then Forest have every chance of becoming a regular top-half side with European credentials.

Eplindex.com

Premier League

WSL To Expand To 14 Teams From 2026/27 Season

FA approve WSL expansion to 14 teams from the 2026/27; Next season, the WSL 2’s top two teams will be promoted, with third-place facing a relegation play-off with the top-flight’s bottom team; from then, 14th-placed will face WSL relegation, then 13th faces WSL 2 runners-up in a play-off

The FA have given their approval to the Women’s Super League expanding to 14 teams from the 2026/27 season.

The current league format sees one team relegated from the women’s football’s top tier, but it will now change to two teams relegated and promoted every season.

In order to reach 14 teams for the 2026/27 campaign, the top two teams in the second tier – the Women’s Super League 2 – will be automatically promoted to the WSL.

The final 14th spot will be decided by a relegation play-off at the end of the season between the 12th-placed team in the WSL and the third-placed team in the Women’s Super League 2.

In a statement, the FA said there would be “consequential changes to promotion throughout the remainder of the Women’s Football Pyramid for the 2025-26 season, which will be decided in due course”.

From the 2026/27 season, the last-placed 14th team in the league will be automatically relegated, with the 13th-placed team facing a play-off with the WSL 2 runners-up.

A statement from the WSL read: “Our priority was to find a route that would benefit the whole women’s game pyramid, and we believe this next evolution of women’s professional football will raise minimum standards, create distinction and incentivise investment across the board.

“Expanding the BWSL to 14 teams will stimulate movement between leagues and through the pyramid which increases opportunities. The introduction of a promotion/relegation playoff creates distinction for the women’s game and introduces a high-profile, high stakes match.”

Analysis: New rules controversial – but add to drama
Sky Sports News’ Anton Toloui:

The league’s bosses have thought long and hard about how best to expand the top division but today’s announcement won’t be without its critics.

The threat of relegation remains for the worst performing team in WSL this season but it’s a realistic possibility that side could tank all year and still retain their top flight status.

That being said, having at least two teams come up from WSL2 is a huge win for clubs that have been developing and investing in their women’s programmes.

Teams such as Birmingham City, Bristol City, Charlton, Newcastle and others will be delighted to now have three opportunities to win promotion to the promised land instead of squandering more time and money without a decent chance of going up.

And who doesn’t love a play-off? Having one with such jeopardy feels like a massive boost, in terms of entertainment, for the women’s game.

Sky to show nearly 90 per cent of WSL games from next season
In October, it was announced that Sky Sports has signed a new five-year deal to broadcast the WSL – securing the rights to show nearly 90 per cent of the league’s games.

From next season, Sky will broadcast 118 matches from the WSL, up more than three times the number of games currently, with 78 fixtures shown exclusively.

With over 75 per cent of first picks plus all matches from the closing weekend exclusive to Sky, women’s football fans are guaranteed more of the best matches week in, week out from England’s top flight.

The new partnership also gives Sky the option to show matches from the Women’s Championship and Women’s League Cup, including the final. This brings both competitions onto Sky platforms for the first time.

In 2023, Sky Sports broadcast over 70 per cent of all live televised women’s sport. Women’s football can be enjoyed alongside England Cricket, The Hundred, US Open tennis, WTA Tour, women’s golf majors, England Netball, F1 Academy, WPL Cricket, women’s boxing, Women’s Super League (rugby league) and more.

Football fans can enjoy this huge increase of fixtures from the women’s game from next season at the same time as Sky’s record deal with the Premier League kicks in, including at least 215 matches – an increase of 70 per cent on exclusively live games.

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season
Watch more Premier League matches on Sky Sports ever before with 215 games live of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
From next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.

Skysports.com