Manchester City Nears Fourth Title, Burnley Relegated, Spurs Keep Champions League Dream Alive

Manchester City almost clinch the title in Premier League for the fourth time in a row after beating Fulham 4-0 on Saturday. Meanwhile, Burnley lost 2–1 against Tottenham and were relegated from the top division. Luton is also essentially out. With a game remaining, they are three points from safety after losing 3-1 against West Ham and their goal difference is 12 less than Nottingham Forest. Craven Cottage’s title clash remained incomplete as defender Josco Guardiol continued his excellent goals coring form.

In just 13 minutes, the Croatian allayed all City’s worries by scoring with his weaker right foot.

Despite their dominance, it took until an hour before Phil Foden’s 25th goal of the season to secure a point for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Guardiol then headed home a cross from Bernardo Silva at the back post to score his fifth goal for City, which he has scored in each of his last seven matches.

Guardiol, who cost £77 million ($96 million) to buy from RB Leipzig last summer, would have become the first defender to score a hat-trick in Premier League history had City been awarded a penalty in stoppage time. There was a chance to make it.

But he declined the opportunity to take it, allowing Julian Alvarez to complete the score. With a win, City takes a two-point lead in the standings and increases the pressure on Arsenal, who are second and play Manchester United on Sunday.

If the Gunners lose, City could still win the Championship when they play Tottenham on Tuesday. Spurs’ comeback win to knock Burnley out of the Championship kept their chances of playing in the Champions League the following year intact.

Sander Berge’s pass opened several holes for the Tottenham defenders and Jakob Bruun Larsson gave the Clarets an unexpected lead. Spurs, who had lost their last four games, turned things around and are now just four points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Pedro Porro scored a tremendous equalizing goal on Arijet Muric.

Then, Micky Van de Ven scored the winning goal to ensure Spurs’ presence in Europe for at least the next year.

In David Moyes’ last home game as manager of the Hammers, Luton lost 1–0 against West Ham and would also return to the Championship the following season. The visitors were hoping for a great comeback after Albert Sambi Lokonga’s early header.

After a spectacular comeback through the league to return to the top tier for the first time in thirty-two years, Luton’s Premier League tenure was almost ended by goals from George Arthi, Tomas Soucek, and James Ward-Prowse in the second half.

Three promoted teams will be relegated to highlight the growing gap between the top two leagues as Luton is expected to fall alongside Burnley and Sheffield United.

Forest lost 3–2 against Chelsea, wasting a late lead which would have mathematically confirmed Luton’s demotion. Willy Boly’s header soon negated Chelsea’s first goal, which was scored by Mykhailo Mudrik.

With sixteen minutes remaining, Callum Hudson-Odoi sealed Forest’s victory over his old team with a powerful curling finish that hit the far corner.

But Raheem Sterling and Nicholas Jackson scored two goals in the space of two minutes to give Chelsea momentum as they head into next season’s Champions League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side also drew with sixth-placed Newcastle after Brighton held them to a 1-1 draw at home.

Following the appointment of Oliver Glasner as manager, Crystal Palace are in incredible form, and they won 3–1 away at Wolves.

With three goals from Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Eberechi Eze, the Eagles moved up to 12th.

Sheffield United lost 1–0 at Everton, the only goal being scored by Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Yoane Wiesa scored in the 95th minute to give Brentford a 2–1 win over Bournemouth.