The Guardian

De Zerbi did the job he was brought in to do – now he has helped Tottenham avoid an unfathomable relegation, his task for next season is not so clear Almost half a century ago, Matthew Engel had a line in this newspaper about Sheffield United going top of the Fourth Division being like hearing a friend had been made head of the prison library: you wanted to congratulate them but really you were w…

Once-proud club has forgotten what it was trying to be after years of mis-management in a shopping centre annexe If you’re going to die, die with your boots on. Belatedly and pointlessly on. But on all the same. It felt deeply fitting that West Ham should show some fight on the final day of the Premier League season, but that relegation should still be confirmed by events elsewhere, any pleasure …

All aboard Rayanair, the airline of choice projected on to a giant flag with which Bournemouth’s players celebrated and one cherry-picked for their first European adventure. There was an inflatable plane bobbing around the away end and, for long periods, their unlikely Champions League dream was on. The Europa League will have to suffice. Andoni Iraola, whose name was serenaded on loop, will exit…

Who saw this coming? Exactly one year ago Sunderland won the Championship playoffs and were installed as everybody’s relegation favourites. Régis Le Bris and his wonderfully resilient side harboured a rather different vision and they executed it so well they have finished seventh, securing a lucrative passport to the Europa League. No one is patronising Sunderland now. This fully merited win agai…

Burnley came from behind to make sure the ignominy of finishing bottom of the Premier League went to Wolves as the two relegated sides fought out a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor. This was a battle for pride – plus about £2.6m extra in merit payments – and Rob Edwards’ side took an early lead through Adam Armstrong’s penalty. But interim Burnley coach Mike Jackson saw his team produce a spirited second-ha…

With Sam Dalby’s 81st-minute overhead kick, Bolton could start to plan for their return to the Championship, a division they left in 2019 as a club in turmoil. After administration, emergency loans, points deductions and a spell in League Two, they have found their way back under Steven Schumacher. Stockport, looking to reach the second tier for the first time in 24 years, were game opponents in …

As the minutes ticked away and the trap door widened, the home crowd made light of the misery and amused themselves by turning on the man who has done more than anyone to condemn West Ham to relegation. David Sullivan watched and squired. The West Ham fans showered him with abuse and nothing summed up the vacuum of leadership at the top of their club more than the sight of Sullivan leaving his se…

This was an occasion for Mikel Arteta to savour. With owner Stan Kroenke watching on from the stands on a rare visit to see his team in the flesh, Arsenal celebrated being crowned champions for the first time since 2004 by recording a comfortable victory over a Crystal Palace side who also have a European final on their minds. Max Dowman became the youngest player ever to start a Premier League g…

️ Lap-by-lap news from Montreal race (9pm BST) ️ Send your thoughts to Alex by email here Weather update: it’s raining right now in Montreal , apparently. It may mean a delay in the race start or it could clear up and/or avoid the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Any news on start times as we get it! Hold on, is that the sight of sparks flying in the Mercedes garage? Metaphorically, of course. George R…

It was a question of dignity, according to Roberto De Zerbi, which was certainly a valid starting point. But for Tottenham, it was so much else besides. Reputations. Livelihoods. The very future of the club. Everything was on the line because the ­consequences of a first relegation from English football’s top division since 1977 did not bear thinking about. Even if everybody had thought about the…

World No 39 beaten 6-0, 7-6 (4) by Solana Sierra Briton Fran Jones wins at a grand slam for first time Twenty minutes into her time at the 2026 French Open, Emma Raducanu already appeared to be on her way out. Trailing 0-4, 30-40 on her serve, the games falling from her at warp speed, this was the moment for Raducanu to fight, to claw her way back into the first set, at least try to keep herself …

“Pep Guardiola!”: the two magical words for all of a Manchester City stripe came from the Etihad Stadium announcer ahead of the great man’s entrance in light-tan slacks and white T-shirt, a ‘P’ for Pep emblazoned across the left breast pocket. The reception was rapturous. Poignant too. From a record 60,332 crowd due to the opening of the extension to the newly named The Pep Guardiola Stand. Conti…

Fulham gave Marco Silva a victory in what could be his final match in charge as Tom Cairney’s second-half wonder goal sealed a win over Newcastle at Craven Cottage. The manager is due to meet with the club hierarchy next week having promised he would make a decision after the season had concluded on whether to extend his five-year stay or to depart. Continue reading...

Vingegaard among riders unhappy about race furniture Dane remains in pink going into Giro’s final rest day Fredrik Dversnes won the 15th stage of the Giro d’Italia on Sunday, taking the honours from a breakaway on a day in which the final lap of Milan was neutralised due to rider complaints about the race conditions. Norwegian Dversnes crossed the line in front of three Italians – Mirco Maestri, …

A record third quarter at Engie Stadium was akin to a flawless training session for the Giants while the signs are there that all is not well at the Lions Few AFL coaches go the full Krakatoa quite like Adam Kingsley. The Giants uploaded footage of him going off his rocker at the main break of the Sydney derby last year, a game where they’d been largely uncompetitive in the opening half. Sunday’s…