Wednesday’s briefing: Arsenal secure first title for 22 years | OneFootball

Arsenal are celebrating their first Premier League title in 22 years after closest rivals Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. After that game, City manager Pep Guardiola refused to confirm reports he is set to leave the club.

In another major story, Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-off final.

Gunners end long title drought

Arsenal were crowned champions after City were held at the Vitality Stadium.

The Gunners’ long wait for a 14th top-flight title ended when Guardiola’s side could only manage a late Erling Haaland equaliser after Junior Kroupi’s opener.

The result left Arsenal with an unassailable four-point lead at the top with one game remaining.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be formally presented with the trophy on Sunday after their final match of the season at Crystal Palace.

Guardiola will hold talks with City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak about his future amid reports he is to step down at the end of the season.

It has been widely reported since Monday evening that he will leave after Sunday’s final game against Aston Villa.

The 55-year-old, who has a year left on his contract, refused to clarify his position after the draw at Bournemouth.

“With the club, I always talk but not now,” said Guardiola. “You have to understand I should talk with my chairman first. And when I talk with my chairman, we will decide. We will talk in the next days.”

Saints thrown out of play-offs with Boro reinstated

Southampton have been expelled from the Championship play-off final after admitting to spying on opponents on three occasions this season, including Middlesbrough earlier this month.

The ruling by an independent commission denies Saints a shot at Premier League promotion, estimated to be worth at least £200million, unless they overturn the sanction on appeal.

The club have also been docked four points for next season, with Middlesbrough reinstated and set to face Hull in Saturday’s final.

Saints’ plight was the target of jokes on X from Wrexham co-owners Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds, who posted altered film posters of Spies Like Us and Mr and Mrs Smith.

Spurs agony continues as Hammers given hope

Tottenham’s battle to avoid relegation goes to the final day after a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea handed West Ham a lifeline.

A point in west London would have effectively secured Spurs’ safety, but they were punished by goals from Enzo Fernández and Andrey Santos.

Richarlison pulled one back late on, but Chelsea held on. Spurs now need at least a point against Everton to stay up but defeat could open the door for the Hammers, who face Leeds.

What’s on today?

Aston Villa bid for their first trophy in 30 years when they face Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul. Victory would also make it a fifth triumph in the competition for manager Unai Emery.