Premier League news LIVE: Latest press conference updates as Jurgen Klopp responds to Liverpool defeat

Manchester City closed the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to just one point after strolling to a 4-0 win over Brighton last night, and now Liverpool prepare to head to West Ham United as Jurgen Klopp’s side bid to keep their fading title challenge alive.

The Reds are in action in the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday, after Klopp conceded that Liverpool require City and Arsenal to have a “crisis” in order to win the title in his last season in charge following defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

It’s been a busy week off the pitch for Liverpool, too, with Arne Slot confirming that he is interested in the Anfield hotseat after the Reds opened talks with Feyenoord for the Dutchman.

There’s also a North London derby to build up to, as Arsenal travel to Tottenham Hotspur looking to keep their title challenge on track. Anything other than a victory would give the champions the chance to go top, with a game in hand, as Pep Guardiola’s side head to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

We’ll have the Premier League news and updates from today’s pre-match press conferences ahead of the weekend’s fixtures

Premier League news LIVE: Latest updates

• Premier League latest build-up after Man City close gap on Arsenal

• Pep Guardiola’s side thrashed Brighton 4-0 last night

• Jurgen Klopp speaks at 11:30am ahead of Liverpool’s trip to West Ham

• Mikel Arteta previews Arsenal’s North London derby against Tottenham at 1:30pm

Rooney reacts to Everton win

16:50 , Mike Jones

Wayne Rooney was a guest on Sky Sports last night and gave his opinion on his former club’s victory over Liverpool saying: “Everton went through a difficult period, for a couple of months really, where they didn’t get results. They had the points deduction and the fans were getting frustrated.

“But the fans here, all they want to see is hard work, dedication and [players] playing for the shirt. You do that, they’ll accept it, [even if] sometimes you lose the game. They showed that tonight, and they’ve got some really good players. This will give them a lot of belief moving forward and I think Sean Dyche has done a fantastic job because I know first hand it’s not easy when you get a points deduction.

“He’s managed those players and the club, and got them through the other side. Hopefully over the next two or three years we’ll start to see some stability.”

Daniel Sturridge speaking to Sky Sports about Jurgen Klopp’s reaction to Everton defeat

16:42 , Mike Jones

“You could see that he was deflated. He seemed as if he analysed the performance now, being in it. He probably feels like the players let themselves down, with how big the game was for them.

“He talked about the set-piece [that Everton scored from], that they knew about it and had prepared for it but [Everton] still managed to score from it.

“That’s when you are really disappointed. As a coach, when you’ve set your team up to be in a particular style, that ‘we want to stop this’, and when you see it come to light you’re thinking ‘lads, we prepared for that’.”

Pep Guardiola hails Manchester City’s mental endurance across packed schedule

16:34 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola has marvelled at the mental strength of his Manchester City squad, praising their refusal to “fall down” despite a gruelling schedule.

Thursday’s Premier League trip to Brighton will be their 53rd match of a season which started with the Community Shield on August 6 and has included the European Super Cup against Sevilla, the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia and a run to the FA Cup final next month.

Last week they bowed out of the Champions League in a draining quarter-final penalty shootout against Real Madrid, but Guardiola is full of pride for the way his side have stayed up for the three-way title fight with Arsenal and Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola hails Manchester City’s mental endurance across packed schedule

Oliver Glasner on his side’s back-to-back wins:

16:22 , Mike Jones

“Of course we hoped that it would happen. Now, the performances are really good, but it’s the same, it’s not [certain] that it happens again in the future, so you always have to deserve it, you always have to work on it.

“This is what I mentioned before, the players give us the confidence because they are listening. Every day we were sitting here and having a meeting and showing them videos and nobody was sleeping, so that gives us good feedback!

“This is the basic for a good relationship and for success. This we could feel from the first day, that they are good characters. This I’ve mentioned very often and I wouldn’t do if I don’t feel it. So the basement is built, but it’s just the basement.

“Now we have 39 points and I think it shouldn’t be our target to say ‘39 points, oh well done, staying in the Premier League’ because then I would say ‘come on guys, go wherever you want and take vacations’ – but no.

“We want to improve, we want to win games, and we have the next chance tomorrow at Fulham.”

Fulham boss Marco Silva on facing Crystal Palace:

16:18 , Mike Jones

“When you change your manager, you get a reaction. I have huge respect for [previous manager] Roy [Hodgson] and everything he has done for the football club.

“The job [Glasner] is doing is strong. His impact for the club is clear to see with the way they play. Young players like [Eberechi] Eze and Michael [Olise] - when they are at their top level they can compete against any team.

“It’s going to be a really good challenge for us.”

Luton manager Rob Edwards on the relegation battle: “

16:11 , Mike Jones

“The stakes are high already, we all know what it means and it’s really important to everyone that’s in this at the moment, a number of clubs that are still fighting to try and avoid it and be in the league next season, it’s so important.

“Everyone wants to try and stoke the fire I think. We’ve got a title race on at one end and obviously there’s a relegation battle we’re involved in. It’s exciting, It’s good that we’re in the fight and we’ve got a chance to get out of it, but really, all I am concerned about right now is our performance tomorrow.”

Marcus Rashford ‘needs Manchester United’s support’ as Erik ten Hag issues backing

16:04 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United will support Marcus Rashford after the forward took to social media to highlight the “months of abuse” he has been the target of this season.

Rashford has scored just eight goals for United this season after reaching the 30-goal mark in all competitions for Ten Hag’s side last year.

United have collectively endured a tough campaign this season and Ten Hag acknowledged that Rashford “can do better” after setting such high standards last season.

Marcus Rashford ‘needs Manchester United’s support’ as Erik ten Hag issues backing

Ten Hag on relationship with the fans:

15:58 , Mike Jones

“I think the fans are behind us. When entering Old Trafford, I heard the reception, it was louder than I had heard. When we are away, always very supportive, backing the team and I think there is a good connection with the team and the fans.”

Ten Hag on facing Burnley next:

15:51 , Mike Jones

“They play high-intensity football. They have changed their approach slightly in the season. They have had good results and are hard to beat, and all the compliments to Vincent and his staff.

“We can’t afford to think [it’s only X] about any opponent. With the team we have available, we have to be creative. We have to take every opponent with 100% focus. We can’t allow and do a little bit less.”

Erik ten Hag on Marcus Rashford

15:45 , Mike Jones

Erik ten Hag added his own support for Marcus Rashford after the forward hit out at the ‘abuse’ he’s received this season. The United boss said: “I have a lot of sympathy for him.

“So last season, I think he had the best season he has had in his career, he scored 30 goals, and you see what he is capable of.

“Then this season, he didn’t give the performances, and people are very critical, and I think we have to back him. Everyone should back him and push him to get back to the levels he was last year.”

Manchester United produce another comeback to overcome more defensive mishaps

15:38 , Mike Jones

Bruno Fernandes produced a captain’s performance to save Manchester United’s blushes against rock-bottom Sheffield United, scoring twice and providing another in a 4-2 comeback win for Erik ten Hag’s misfiring side.

Three days on from making torturous work of their FA Cup semi-final triumph against Championship side Coventry, the Red Devils toiled against another side that will be playing in the second tier next term.

Under-fire Ten Hag’s side twice had to come from behind against Chris Wilder’s doomed Blades before Fernandes’ double inspired the end of the hosts’ four-match winless run in the Premier League to move them up to sixth.

Manchester United produce another comeback to overcome more defensive mishaps

Manchester United need to be better organised

15:32 , Mike Jones

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag spoke about the developments he would like to see in the remaining matches saying: “Out of possession, we have to be better organised, better disciplined and we have to play with a high intensity.

“And we have to keep doing the stuff in possession, because I think we make huge progress in this season in attacking transitions - we have scored so many goals. If you see the difference between first season and second season now, it’s immense, so we develop our attacking style of playing.

“Most important this season is the back four. We didn’t have a sustainable back four.

“There have been so many different partnerships, swapping the full-backs. It’s also that our attacking players have to contribute more; [be] more disciplined, more pressure on the ball and matching better the runs.”

Ten Hag provides Manchester United squad update:

15:26 , Mike Jones

“So, same squad, but Mason Mount, he will return into the squad.

“I think we are going to see those three [Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Lisandro Martinez] this season. All three returned to the pitch. Next week they have to step into team training but next week, they can step in for the last weeks.

“They progress well.”

Pre-weekend thoughts from Pep Guardiola

15:20 , Mike Jones

“I go to the game and I never ever know who is the referee,” he said. “When I see their face, it’s ‘oh, I remember that face’. I never in my life talk about the referees before, during or after - never ever, ever.

“A mistake can be a mistake and we are sad, and when it’s in our favour we are lucky. But I don’t waste my time. I have to economise, I have to choose with my time exactly what I have to do. I don’t spend one second (thinking) about referees, especially when we lose.

“Phil [Foden] has a sixth gear but he cannot play all the time in sixth gear - he has to play in second and third. I think, with time, he will learn that.

“Everything is so quick; football has to be sometimes slower (in order) to become quicker after to surprise the opponent. He will understand the game through years and years of experiences. But he loves to play and his work ethic is unbelievable.

“We are really pleased and happy for him and hopefully in the last month ahead of us he doesn’t stop. I would love for him to go in sixth gear every single action but after you are less precise - that is not effective.

“He has to know when he has to be aggressive and when he has to be more calm. He has improved a lot from the beginning of the season and the previous seasons.”

Jamie Carragher on the difference between Liverpool and Man City in the title race

15:14 , Mike Jones

“Manchester City are on a different level to Liverpool this season. I think Arsenal have just got the edge on Liverpool as well.

“In the last six to eight weeks, I think from Liverpool’s point of view [winning the title] has almost been a hope rather than a belief. I don’t feel, this season from August to now, that I’ve been watching a title-winning team, and in some ways, I think this team has actually overachieved because I don’t actually think they’re that good.

“I don’t mean that as a criticism, I think they’ve done brilliantly well, but because it’s Klopp’s last season it almost felt like ‘you’ve got to do this because this is the end’. If Klopp was staying for another two or three years, this would be seen as a great building block to build on.

“I’m gutted they lost tonight but I’m finding it hard to be too critical because I think they’ve actually overperformed this season. It’s not about what happened here [at Everton] or the Manchester United game, when it’s come to the crunch, they’ve just been a little bit short.”

Ange Postecoglou on Arsenal’s success under Mikel Arteta:

15:08 , Mike Jones

“It’s no coincidence that the teams that have been up there consistently over the past two or three years have been the teams that have had a clear plan on what they wanted to do and stuck by it. Arsenal are a great example of that.

“Mikel has done an outstanding job and I think it has been recognised by the club that he is the man to lead them forward and they have supported him ever since then.

“I think there is a blueprint there for every club but it is not as simple as saying that you should stick to the same process. Every club is unique in terms of how they rebuild, but it is a credit to Arsenal and Mikel more than anybody.

“They have been really disciplined about building a side that they think will bring sustained success and they have been challenging now for three years to do that.”

Posecoglou on north London derby

15:03 , Mike Jones

“I think every game is important and I take every game seriously. That’s the one thing I have been trying to impress upon this group of players - that is the nature of the Premier League, it is relentless.

“If you are not 100% focussed on each different challenge then you are going to come up short. I always feel as if the next game is the biggest game, but I understand the context around the north London derby and what it means to our supporters, for sure.”

Tottenham’s manager Ange Postecoglou on the importance of bouncing back after losing 4-0 at Newcastle:

14:57 , Mike Jones

“The Newcastle game was really disappointing for us on a number of levels. Obviously, the result was poor but the performance didn’t anywhere reach the levels we wanted it to. We have learned a hell of a lot out of that.

“But irrespective of that, it doesn’t matter what you have done in the previous game, when you are playing in such a big game as the derby, particularly at this time of the year, there is great meaning to the points for both clubs. What’s happened previously, whether that is the immediate past or further back, becomes irrelevant.

“We expect a tough game, it is going to have a bit of an edge to it. There will be a great atmosphere and you have just got to get ready to make sure you match those levels with the performance.”

Gary O’Neil speaking about Wolves’ loss to Bournemouth

14:51 , Mike Jones

“No-one to welcome back - we are as we were with the injured players. I was critical of us as a group on the day for what we were able to produce.

“There has not been many times that I have had to do that this season, but that was one that fell below the standards that we look to get to. It’s probably good for us that we have not got long in between games so we can look to bounce back very quickly against Luton.

“The lads are still in very good spirits. It’s the Premier League so you are going to suffer some tough moments but they have bounced back very well from other ones so far this year and we will be looking to do the same tomorrow.

“It’s a big game for us, Luton are one of the ones involved in a scrap near the bottom but we are keen to make sure we are at our best again.”

Manchester United against proposed changes to Premier League finance rules

14:46 , Mike Jones

Manchester United are set to oppose proposed new squad cost rules at a meeting of Premier League clubs on Monday, the PA news agency understands.

The top flight’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) have been in the headlines this season after Everton and Nottingham Forest had points deducted for breaching them.

Earlier this month Premier League club unanimously voted in support of squad spending caps linked to revenue being a key principle in the new-look cost control system, similar to Uefa’s financial sustainability regulations.

The Premier League’s current financial rules are set to be phased out by the season after next and “anchoring” is a layer of the new proposal, which would cap the richest club’s wage bills as a multiple of the television money earned by its bottom club.

Erik ten Hag on Bruno Fernandes’ performance against Sheffield United

14:40 , Mike Jones

“He showed his leadership,” said Erik ten Hag when explaining how important Bruno Fernandes is to Man Utd. “He tried to encourage the team and he is also in good form.

“We put him in the right position and when he is there, he makes the right decisions. He can create a lot, score, assist and make key actions. We are very happy with his performance and his attitude.”

Can Arsenal win the Premier League?

14:34 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta said: “I hope so, you have to show every season, every game and in this league, that’s extremely difficult to do.

Two years in a row we are not satisfied that we want to win it, we are going to do everything we can to win it and if we do win it, we are going to try to win it again, if we don’t, for sure we will try again.”

The Arsenal boss also shared what he’s told his team as they attempt to lift the trophy adding: “Enjoy the moment, try to navigate things to a natural way. They are super competitive at the moment.

“There is one thing to do in this situation, compete, compete, complete. It’s a really good sign because we know what we are going to have to do to win it and we have to raise the bar, every day in training to match that.”

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta gives his thoughts on Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou:

14:29 , Mike Jones

“Really impressive with what he has done.

“It’s not a surprise, I know it from when he was in the Australian national team, when he was in Japan, I followed Celtic and he has always been super clear with the direction and identity of how his team plays.

“I love the way his teams play so I think he’s been very good.”

Arteta on preparing for north London derby:

14:25 , Mike Jones

“More motivation, if anything, you know what you can give to your people, which is a lot of joy and happiness if we manage to win the game.

“Obviously when you have the chance to do that and that’s in your hand, you really want to make the most of it to try and make it happen.”

Let’s hear from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta now

14:22 , Mike Jones

The Gunners manager spoke about having a selection headache ahead of the weekend’s north London derby saying: “It’s a good headache.

“You feel for the players, because I see how much they want it and how much everyone wants to start and contribute to the team and impact the team in the right way so it is always difficult and it’s part of the job.

“They are fully ready to come on the pitch, in whatever time that we need them, to try and help us to win matches and the spirit is so good.”

More from Mauricio Pochettino:

14:18 , Mike Jones

“To be honest, in the last few months, we didn’t cross messages [Poch and club owners], we communicated via the sporting director. Nothing’s changed, we are not changing. My views and my feelings are not changing, even if, now in the last few weeks, we are not crossing texts.

“We talk about being together and having a big squad, trying to be together. it’s another thing we have to deal with. we need to be positive.

“The only way to move forward is to be positive, never give up, we are pushing them and trying to get the best in the period we have.”

Pochettino on Chelsea’s reaction to Arsenal defeat:

14:12 , Mike Jones

“We were talking a lot, today we had a meeting. We tried to realise how we need to behave when the game is tough, when the demands are so high. We need to try and be more strong and to trust in the way that we play, in our philosophy, in the way we prepare the games.

“To have the discipline, it’s true, like after the game [], we cannot blame the players that the circumstances that we are leaving. We need to be positive and we need to be strong and believe tomorrow we can have a good game, good attitude, good approach.

“We are going to compete again with another team, fighting for the top. We need to think we are Chelsea and respect ourselves.”

Mauricio Pochettino admits Chelsea ‘gave up’ in 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal

14:05 , Mike Jones

Mauricio Pochettino said his Chelsea team “gave up” during their heavy defeat at Arsenal in the Premier League but refused to blame his players for the collapse at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal recorded their biggest-ever victory over rivals Chelsea with a 5-0 thrashing, as the Gunners went three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

It was an embarrassing evening for Chelsea, as Kai Havertz scored twice against his former side and Pochettino’s side fell apart without top scorer Cole Palmer.

Mauricio Pochettino admits Chelsea ‘gave up’ in 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal

John Terry reveals how he stopped Chelsea flight from leaving until he was put in first class

13:57 , Mike Jones

John Terry has revealed how a stand-off with Andre Villas-Boas on a flight at the beginning of his short-lived reign at Chelsea ensured he was doomed before a game had even been played.

Terry, 46, insists the Portuguese lost the dressing room ahead of a pre-season in 2011 after his high-profile appointment following great success with Porto.

Villas-Boas, who was compared to Jose Mourinho at the time, lasted less than a year at Stamford Bridge and the Blues would subsequently win the Champions League and FA Cup just months after he was sacked.

Terry reveals how Villas-Boas face-off almost stopped Chelsea flight

Jurgen Klopp talking about Arne Slot:

13:51 , Mike Jones

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino on Arsenal defeat:

13:46 , Mike Jones

“No that is not true, that is not true [that his team fell apart against Arsenal]. We conceded the first goal, of course, after four minutes and the team was there, we created some chances, the team was in the game. In the second half, we conceded the second goal. In the second half, we maybe showed the lack of capacity.

“The first 45 minutes, everyone believed and saw that the team was there, was fighting and trying to score.

“Lack of belief, in the circumstances, sometimes happens. After the disappointment against Manchester City [in the FA Cup semi-final], no time to recover, playing against a team that is playing for the Premier League.

“With our circumstances, I think, all was negative for the team and that is why we suffered.”

Poch on Palmer:

13:40 , Mike Jones

“I think Cole is a very good player for us and he is a key player for us and it is showing that we are struggling a little bit without him. That is the reality we cannot hide.”

Liverpool enter talks to appoint Arne Slot as next manager but face stiff competition

13:35 , Mike Jones

Liverpool have entered into talks with Feyenoord for Arne Slot after identifying the Dutchman as their preferred candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp.

Slot, who won the Dutch Cup last week and the Eredivisie last season, has two years left on the three-year contract extension he signed last summer.

Liverpool could face competition for the 45-year-old from Barcelona and Bayern Munich with Slot emerging as a potential contender for several of the major jobs that will be on offer this summer.

The Merseyside club have known since November that they would need to appoint a successor to Klopp, but the process has accelerated since Michael Edwards agreed to return to Anfield as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of football, while Richard Hughes will also join as sporting director.

Liverpool have assessed the credentials of various managers, with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim one who attracted their interest, but the early favourite for the job, Xabi Alonso, instead decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

Slot has earned a reputation for playing high-energy attacking football and for improving players, some of the criteria for Liverpool as they look to carry on from Klopp.

Jurgen Klopp will depart Liverpool with one regret after immense contribution

13:29 , Mike Jones

So Jurgen Klopp will leave the Premier League with a place alongside Manuel Pellegrini, Claudio Ranieri, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Carlo Ancelotti and Kenny Dalglish, too, and they are company he will probably deem a compliment. But Klopp, one of the division’s defining managers, will forever remain a one-time winner.

And if that 2020 triumph was historic, as Liverpool’s first for three decades, if his reign has come in the context of a wonderful rivalry with Pep Guardiola, it feels an inadequate reflection of a colossal contribution.

Klopp will not sign off with a second Premier League; that was likely before Liverpool crossed Stanley Park, almost certain after Everton’s demolition job.

Jurgen Klopp will depart Liverpool with one regret after immense contribution

Cole Palmer ready to go

13:22 , Mike Jones

Elsewhere, Mauricio Pochettino has been giving updates on Chelsea and he comfirmed that Cole Palmer is ready to play this weekend.

Poch said: “No they [Reece James and Levi Colwill] are not available yet they are close. Yesterday, they were doing some training with the squad. They are close but still not available.

“Yes, Cole [Palmer] was training well in the last few days. We assume he is going to be ready for tomorrow, be part of the squad.”

Will Liverpool’s strikers rediscover their form?

13:16 , Mike Jones

Klopp said: “It’s tricky. Strikers have to go through these things. That’s how it is. That’s a striker’s life.

“A goalkeeper’s life is make 500 saves, then one howler - and everybody talks about this. A striker’s life is you score all the time, then you don’t score for a while and then everybody asks why you don’t score.

“It can be the most difficult thing in the world and sometimes it’s the easiest thing in the world, depending on what chance you get.

“We had good chances against Everton but again we were a bit in a rush in finishing them off. So create again, create again and try and get in the right positions to finish the situations off.

“It will be a really rich man or woman who can write that book [on a striker getting back to their best]. You have to go through it. I try to help them speeding it up. That says nothing about the quality of the boys.”

Assessing Klopp’s final season

13:10 , Mike Jones

Klopp was asked how he would assess his final season at the club and he replied: “I would not assess it now. I have no clue, so I am not in the mood to give up, wave the white flag kind of thing.

“I just think we have to look after ourselves; just make sure that we play better football. I said after the game ‘why should a team who play like us against Everton be champions?’ But the football we played before, a lot of good stuff. In January we looked invincible, with a depleted squad. Everybody went in the same direction, go for it, squeezed out results.

“So, we deserve to be where we are. I want us to use the situation, don’t feel the pressure, for whatever reason it is. The boys are incredible footballers and I see it as my job to create that atmosphere where they can be the best versions of themselves - and that’s obviously how I have failed.

“I don’t know how it happened, but I didn’t see anything of what I wanted us to be in the Everton game.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on West Ham manager David Moyes:

13:04 , Mike Jones

“David is one of the best colleagues. We don’t have time to spend together but actually we spoke over the years a lot before games.

“Like him a lot. Respect him a lot. I think he is doing an incredible job, to be honest. I like the team they have; offensively, really talented. He’s doing a ridiculously good job.

“Jarrod Bowen - I have said a couple of times, one of my favourite players. I like him a lot since he developed.”

Will Liverpool sell Darwin Nunez?

12:58 , Mike Jones

After 33 goals in 92 appearances for Liverpool, should the club be looking to depart with Darwin Nunez this summer?

Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, had this to say: “I think there is a question to ask,

“You want him to do well because there is so much that you like because he gives everything, he runs and causes trouble and gets the odd goal and gets an assist.

“But after two years when Liverpool this season are going to the title and those big games, you need your man to score away at Old Trafford, away at Goodison, in the European game at Atalanta. There is no time to waste, this is not October or November. This is the business end.”

Chris Wilder previewing the weekend’s fixtures

12:50 , Mike Jones

Here’s the Sheffield United boss giving an update on his squad plus his thoughts ahead of the weekend:

Being Liverpool boss is the ‘best job in the world'

12:44 , Mike Jones

Jurgen Klopp was asked how to describe what it’s like to manage Liverpool and he said: “Best job on the world. Best club in the world, and helps, obviously, with not finishing on a high, it looks like.

“Great job, great team, fantastic people. [Slot] ‘would’ [Klopp makes quote marks sign with his fingers] be taking a really interesting job.”

Klopp on Arne Slot possibly replacing him:

12:38 , Mike Jones

“I’m not involved in the process, but I like a lot about it it, if he is the one and wants to take the job.

“I like the way his team plays football. All the things I hear about him as a guy - a good guy. Some people I know, know him. I don’t know him, but some people who know him say he’s a good guy. I like that a lot.

“So good coach, good guy. Looking forward for the club, if he is the solution, if he is the man, I am more than happy.”

Klopp on Liverpool’s title race situation:

12:32 , Mike Jones

“Did anyone expect us to become champions at the start of the season? No, but it developed in this direction.

“We go now to Aston Villa, they still have a few points less than us, so we need points still to be definitely [qualified for Champions League places], also Tottenham. Nobody here is happy at all.

“Just to explain how different it is. We cannot go back to the point where we say ‘yeah, well [qualifying for the Champions League] is good enough’.

“It is very good, but because we were so close, we are very, very disappointed in this moment in time. We cannot change that.”

Newcastle want to keep Guimaraes

12:25 , Mike Jones

Here’s Eddie Howe speaking about Bruno Guimaraes’ release clause and the possibility that he could leave in the summer:

Klopp expects West Ham to be stubborn

12:21 , Mike Jones

The Liverpool boss previewed this weekend’s fixture against West Ham saying:

“They are an opponent who, and I’m not 100% sure, are in a similar situation to us, as they have their lost games... properly. So they want, and have to show a reaction.

“We want, and have to show a reaction. So let’s see who can do this better.”

Klopp on Premier League title race

12:15 , Mike Jones

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on if his side can still be in the fight for the Premier League title: “I cannot sit here and say [Manchester and Arsenal] still feel us around. I think even Arsenal and City see it as a two-horse race. We might have to say something else publicly, but they don’t expect for themselves to lose two games from now on, I don’t think so.

“I don’t expect them to do that. If they do it, then we would be completely silly if we were not around. So, I don’t think it will happen but if it happens, then we should be there. That means we have to win our games - starting with West Ham.”

Jurgen Klopp on recovering from Merseyside derby loss

11:58 , Mike Jones

The Liverpool boss has been speaking this morning about the rest of the season and addressed how his team can recover after losing to Everton last time out.

“It’s definitely a challenge, but it’s part of the job.” he said, “I can’t remember ever being as disappointed or frustrated after a game like I was after Everton.

“I’ve unfortunately lost a lot of games in my life, but it was special. We were not there. You see the other two (Arsenal and Manchester City) playing very positive football, high results, but we are where we are because in this precise area, we don’t play positive football.

“I blame myself for that - 100%. I don’t know why or how it happened, but I’m responsible for the mood the team is in, and this team was not. In general, like I said, we don’t play positive football. It always feels in the end, we are always catching up with something.”

Wilder on future of Sheffield United:

11:51 , Mike Jones

“We’re not saying everything is great. What we are saying is there is a load of optimism about the future of the football club.

“It’s a poor season, not a poor football club. We’ve been in far more worse positions than this as a football club, certainly over my time as a supporter, player and manager.

“So, we’ll come again if the inevitable happens on the weekend. We’ll try our best, as we did, like we did on Wednesday night at Old Trafford, to get a result for our club and our supporters - who yet again were magnificent.”

Howe on importance of Newcastle’s run-in:

11:45 , Mike Jones

"We must learn and absorb all the lessons from Wednesday.

"Every game is so difficult, it is up to us to firstly go into the game with the right mentality and let our players express themselves in the right way.

“We have to finish the season strongly, we are under no illusions on how important these fixtures are."

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder on lessons from this season:

11:42 , Mike Jones

“Through good times, we all in enjoy it and we’re all willing to take that credit when it happens, individually and collectively as a football club, and you have to own and suffer and take responsibility for the times when there’s a little bit of pain.

“But certainly...reflection is massive for me: reflection in terms of a training session, reflection in terms of a game, a part of the season or an overall season from everybody. Are we doing the right things medically? Are we doing the right things on the training ground? Are we doing the right things with recruitment? Things that I can control.

“There are certain things we haven’t got right as a football club this season. As a club, there is humility, a lot of humble people. We’ve had a poor season - that’s there for all to see.

“We’ve had to take the words and the criticism but as I said, it doesn’t last forever; we’ll learn. I’m still learning as a manager, at the ripe old age I am [56], with 1,000 games under my belt.”

Mikel Arteta salutes ‘unbelievable’ Kai Havertz after another impressive display

11:36 , Mike Jones

“It was a big performance, collectively and individually,” said Arteta after Arsenal hammered Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday evening.

“I thought we were really good, against a really good team that was in great form and were going to ask us a lot of questions. I think we responded really well.

“From the start we were really determined, really flowing, playing with a lot of courage and making things happen. Really happy with the result. It’s a big day for our supporters.

“It’s great for us, for the confidence and for the belief that we can do it, we can come to these stages against big teams and win games the way we’ve done it tonight. So enjoy it, then it’s back to work tomorrow because we have a big one on Sunday.”

Kai Havertz struck twice as part of an 18-minute blitz in the second half as Arteta’s team won for the second time in four days, continuing their recovery from successive losses to Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.

“He (Havertz) was unbelievable, in all departments,” said Arteta, “For a nine to score two goals the way he scored, his contribution was great. It’s a question for him but I’m sure he’s very pleased.”

Arteta on challenging for the title

11:29 , Mike Jones

Two wins in a row have sent Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League but Mikel Arteta isn’t taking anything for granted in such a close title race.

“The margins are so small and sometimes you cannot be better than your opponent on the day, or you don’t have the luck you need in certain moments, but what do you have to do? You have to react and face the moment, and the moment is beautiful,” Arteta said.

“We’ve been working for it for nine months. So you certainly have to face it in the right way, value what we have and especially believe.

“If you are able to do it for nine months, you are able to win it, but you have to believe it first and you have to consistently do what you’ve been doing, nothing else.”

‘Tricky game but pleasing result’ said Sean Dyche

11:21 , Mike Jones

Everton manager Sean Dyche will be over the moon with his team’s victory over Liverpool as, not only is it a massive win against their local rivals, but the three points should keep the Toffees safe from the threat of relegation.

“Tricky game against top opposition, but to give the people that is pleasing for all of us,” Dyche told Match of the Day after the game last night, “They care and we care, we made that clear as a collective.

“A clean sheet and some big saves from Jordan Pickford, but we created enough chances ourselves. But, there was energy and the commitment to the cause.

“I thought the general performance was very good. I don’t understand the depth of this derby as I am not from round here, but I am learning quickly.”

Jurgen Klopp apologises to Liverpool fans after Merseyside derby defeat

11:13 , Mike Jones

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp apologised to fans for the Merseyside derby defeat at Everton on Wednesday night (24 April).

The German’s last visit to Goodison Park ended in his first defeat there, having previously won two and drawn five, after goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin left their chances of overhauling their rivals Arsenal and Manchester City in tatters.

Van Dijk can’t explain Liverpool’s dip in form

11:07 , Mike Jones

Liverpool were eight games away from the title but have faltered in recent weeks, following a 4-3 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

“I wish I had a proper answer,” Van Dijk said when asked what had stopped working for the Reds. “We are in this situation because we have been very consistent throughout the whole season, even with all injuries that we had.

“I think everyone at the start of the season would never have been thinking that we would be competing for the title but I don’t care what everyone says at the start.

“We are here now and we have to do much better, and it starts with the fight, it starts with the will to win you challenges and be confident in scoring goals and that’s what we have been lacking a little bit.”

Newcastle injury updates

11:04 , Mike Jones

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe provided an update on his his squad’s injuries including defender Tino Livramento, goalkeeper Nick Pope and attackers Miguel Almiron and Joelinton.

"Tino came on against Tottenham and had a slight reaction in his ankle after that game. It was minimal,” said Howe, "It is the same story with a few of the players - we are having to look after him and hopefully those few days’ rest will make a big difference. Let’s see how he feels today before making a decision on him tomorrow."

"Callum [Wilson] came through fine, I thought he looked good and worked well with the lads around him. He had a couple of dangerous moments, that was a positive from Wednesday.

"They are getting closer. Nick [Pope] is beginning to start his early training sessions with us. He has started to be with outfield players in shooting drills.

“Joelinton has seen a specialist and is working on his own programme. Miggy [Almiron] is there or thereabouts and could be back next week."

Eddie Howe on Crystal Palace defeat

11:02 , Mike Jones

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has been speaking this morning and touched on his side’s 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Wednesday saying:

"We were disappointing, we acknowledge that and hold our hands up to it. We missed those resilient qualities that we need and that has been too often the case away from home. We have to do better."

Son Heung-min admits ‘inexperienced’ Tottenham are underdogs in north London derby

10:58 , Mike Jones

Son Heung-min has acknowledged Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world but is confident Tottenham will bounce back from their Newcastle humbling in Sunday’s north London derby.

Spurs enter the fixture after an untimely two-week break on the back of a painful 4-0 loss at St James’ Park.

Arsenal were also reeling a fortnight ago but have responded to their Champions League exit with impressive back-to-back wins to return to the Premier League summit.

Son admits ‘inexperienced’ Spurs are underdogs in north London derby

The link between Arsenal and Tottenham that reveals key to pivotal north London derby

10:52 , Mike Jones

If there wasn’t so much tension around this game, and between these clubs, Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou might be able to settle in and discuss a few shared ideas.

Both have worked in the City Football Group structure, which reflects how much the Abu Dhabi-owned champions shape the wider game. You can even look at how a former Manchester City player is joint top scorer with a current Manchester City player. There probably hasn’t been this extent of pure football influence since Barcelona fostered an entire generation of coaches from the early 2000s on.

That is no coincidence, since the City project directly sought to appropriate the entire Camp Nou ideology. This was one of the points of pursuing Pep Guardiola for so long.

The link between Arsenal and Spurs that reveals key to pivotal derby

Can Foden play in the centre for England?

10:46 , Mike Jones

Adding another two goals to his season tally last night from a central midfield position did Phil Foden no harm in staking a claim to make the playmaker role his own when it comes to Euro 2024.

England boss Gareth Southgate has preferred to play Foden out wide during his international career so far but the Manchester City star feels a more active central role is a better fit.

“I have always said that I see myself centrally,” said Foden.”This year I have moved inside and it has helped me massively. I enjoy it in the middle. It’s where I want to be. At the moment, I am just enjoying my football and playing with freedom.”

‘Men against boys’: Rio Ferdinand blasts Chelsea’s performance after embarassing loss to Arsenal

10:40 , Mike Jones

Rio Ferdinand labelled Chelsea’s performance against Arsenal as ‘men playing against boys’ as Mauricio Pochettino’s side slumped to a 5-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the hosts after just four minutes before a brace each for Ben White and former Chelsea star Kai Havertz gave the Gunners a comfortable win.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the match, Ferdinand claimed that the Blues were way off the level they have been hitting in recent weeks.

‘Men against boys’: Ferdinand blasts Chelsea after heavy Arsenal loss

Chelsea’s collapse at Arsenal was humiliating, inevitable, and their lowest point yet

10:33 , Mike Jones

“This is Chelsea Football Club, not Cole Palmer Football Club,” Mauricio Pochettino declared on the eve of his side’s visit to Arsenal. A little more than 24 hours later, the sight of Chelsea without their top scorer and player of the year was enough to empty the away end long before full-time of this humiliating, dispiriting, London derby thrashing at the Emirates. “I don’t want your shirt, I just want you to fight for ours,” a young boy pleaded in the away end. Chelsea failed, spectacularly, in their heaviest ever defeat to Arsenal.

As Pochettino said, the prospect of facing the Premier League leaders without Palmer was a good challenge for the rest of the Chelsea squad, a chance to show that they were more than a one-man team, to prove there was leadership in the ranks beyond the 21-year-old forward. Evidently, it was a challenge Chelsea were utterly incapable of rising to. Without Palmer, Chelsea returned to their lowly status as mid-table fodder. Yet perhaps even that is kind.

Chelsea’s collapse at Arsenal was humiliating, inevitable, and their lowest point yet

What next for Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino? Arsenal humiliation exposes a crisis from top to bottom

10:27 , Mike Jones

As a former Arsenal player, Mikel Arteta could sympathise with Mauricio Pochettino as they shared the touchline at the Emirates.

Arteta was in the Arsenal side that lost 6-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2014, as Jose Mourinho took considerable pleasure in ruining Arsene Wenger’s 1,000th game in charge by handing out Chelsea’s biggest ever win over their London rivals.

How times change. Now as a manager, Arteta admitted he had “all the sympathy in the world” for Pochettino after he inflicted Arsenal’s biggest ever win over Chelsea. “I’ve been on the other side as well,” Arteta said. “He’s doing a great job.”

It didn’t look like it on the pitch on Wednesday night, but Arteta recognised Pochettino’s plight and understood the questions that were about to come his way as Chelsea collapsed against the Premier League leaders. After Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City ruled out any chance of winning silverware in his first campaign in charge, a humiliating night was a blow for Pochettino’s hopes of qualifying for Europe next season.

Chelsea are a mess from top to bottom, so what next for Mauricio Pochettino?

Who is Arne Slot?

10:20 , Mike Jones

Prior to his coaching journey, Slot enjoyed an 18-year playing career as a midfielder in the Netherlands, playing for seven years at FC Zwolle and five years at NAC Breda.

He was part of a promotion-winning side at the former from the second tier to the top-flight, while he finished fourth in the Eredivisie at Breda and played in the UEFA Cup against Newcastle United in 2003, losing 6-0 on aggregate.

Slot, known for his passing and vision, later had spells at Sparta Rotterdam and PEC Zwolle before retiring in 2013 at the age of 35.

But in the last 10 years, he has developed steadily as a coach. The Dutchman moved straight away onto the coaching staff at first division club PEC Zwolle, working as a youth coach for one year before moving on to be assistant at then-Eredivisie side Cambuur.

Who is Arne Slot? The Feyenoord manager in talks to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

10:13 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are in talks with Feyenoord over appointing Arne Slot as the club’s next manager in the summer.

The Reds have been eyeing a replacement for Jurgen Klopp ever since the German made it known to executives in November that he would leave the club at the end of the current season.

Liverpool, currently in a three-way race for the Premier League title, were hit in their search when early favourite Xabi Alonso decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has also been linked with the job.

Who is Arne Slot? The Feyenoord manager in talks to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

Slot wants to join Liverpool

10:06 , Mike Jones

Speaking ahead of Feyenoord’s match at Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday night, manager Arne Slot told ESPN: “The only thing I can say about it is that the clubs are in negotiations – and then you sit in the waiting room and wait for what will come out.

“It seems clear to me that I would like to go to Liverpool. Now I am waiting to see whether the clubs reach an agreement. I have every confidence in that.”

Arne Slot announces he wants to take the Liverpool job

10:00 , Mike Jones

Arne Slot wants to take the Liverpool job and hopes an agreement can be reached with Feyenoord to allow him to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

The 45-year-old Dutch coach has emerged as a leading candidate to take over from Klopp, who will leave the Reds at the end of the season.

Feyenoord, though, do not want to lose their manager and are expected to demand significant compensation for the man who guided them to a first Eredivisie title in six years last season.

Arne Slot announces he wants to take the Liverpool job

Virgil van Dijk questions Liverpool’s hunger after Everton defeat: ‘We have to look in the mirror’

09:52 , Mike Jones

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk questioned his side’s hunger to win the Premier League and said “everyone has to look in the mirror” a 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park all but ended their title hopes under Jurgen Klopp.

Everton’s physical approach overwhelmed Liverpool as goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned the hosts a famous win in the Merseyside derby.

Liverpool are just three points behind leaders Arsenal with four games to go, but Manchester City have two games in hand on Klopp’s side and would go five points above them if they win both.

Virgil van Dijk questions Liverpool’s hunger after Everton defeat

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez to miss rest of season after surgery

09:45 , Mike Jones

Enzo Fernandez will miss the remainder of Chelsea’s season after undergoing surgery on a groin problem on Thursday.

The Argentina midfielder has been suffering for several weeks with a hernia and gave a largely ineffectual performance during his team’s chastening 5-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Tuesday.

Mauricio Pochettino has suffered from an ongoing injury crisis this season with a list of absentees that has rarely dropped below seven first-team names.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez to miss rest of season after surgery

Consequences of Liverpool’s defeat to Everton

09:38 , Mike Jones

Liverpool missed out on a chance to go level on points with league leaders Arsenal, but instead will go into the final four matches of the season three points behind, and with Manchester City having a game in hand.

The result gave Everton’s chances of staying in the top flight a massive boost, although without the eight-point deduction they would have already been assured of safety.

It was only Everton’s second Merseyside derby victory in the Premier League since 2011, and it was one that will mean a lot to the club as the players and fans celebrated following the final whistle.

Reaction from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk

09:32 , Mike Jones

While Liverpool still have a small chance at the title, captain Virgil van Dijk said the Reds have “no chance” of winning the Premier League if they play like they did at Goodison.

“Very disappointed in so many ways,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports after the defeat. “I think everyone has to look in the mirror, look at their own performance and if they really gave everything. Do they really want to win the league?

“We are fighting, there are games after tonight, but play like we did overall in the game like today... not winning challenges and giving the ref an opportunity to give a free-kick like he did many times, then you have no chance to win a title.

“It’s a tough one and we need to do much better against a side that’s [fighting] relegation. We had clear-cut chances in the first half that we should have scored but we weren’t good enough and it starts with the fight. We can’t let the season go out like this.”

‘This is the end’: Jamie Carragher declares Liverpool’s title challenge over after Everton defeat

09:26 , Mike Jones

Jamie Carragher believes defeat to Everton “is the end” of Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League title in Jurgen Klopp’s final season at the club.

Liverpool are three points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race, while Manchester City can go five points clear if they win their two games in hand.

Former Liverpool defender Carragher said to Sky Sports after the match: “This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end. They just have to make sure they finish the season strongly. They are not clinical enough in both boxes.”

He added: “Tonight is Everton’s night, you have to take it on the chin.”

Marcus Rashford hits out at ‘months of abuse’ in late-night post

09:20 , Mike Jones

Marcus Rashford insists “enough is enough” after the Manchester United forward took to social media late at night after receiving “months of abuse”.

Rashford has been the target of supporters throughout a troubling period of form both individually and for the Red Devils overall this season.

The 26-year-old was substituted by Erik ten Hag and replaced with Amad Diallo at Wembley after Coventry City equalised to make it 3-3 in the FA Cup semi-final, which prompted boos from the United supporters.

United would go on to win the tie on penalties, but Rashford was then omitted from the squad for the victory over Sheffield United with an injury and his involvement against Burnley this weekend is now in doubt.

Marcus Rashford hits out at ‘months of abuse’ in late-night post

Guardiola: Liverpool’s surprise Merseyside derby defeat must serve as warning to Manchester City

08:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola: “I said to the players what happened to Liverpool can happen to us and can happen to Arsenal.

“People didn’t expect them to lose against Crystal Palace and yesterday but it can happen to us – it’s football.

“Everton is playing to avoid the relegation zone and we have a similar game at Nottingham Forest (on Sunday) and they play for their lives.

“Maybe because they were a real contender of ours for many years, my appreciation for Liverpool is higher than ever.

“Still it (the title) is there (for Liverpool) because I know the character of their team. They are going to fight until the end and we have to do it too.”

Pep Guardiola urges Manchester City to remain focused for title run-in

08:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Liverpool’s surprise derby defeat to Everton served as a warning to his players ahead of a 4-0 thrashing of Brighton.

City moved a point behind Premier League leaders Arsenal and leapfrogged Jurgen Klopp’s side into second spot thanks to Phil Foden’s double and goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Julian Alvarez.

A thumping south-coast success came 24 hours after Liverpool lost further ground in the title race by suffering a 2-0 loss to their Merseyside rivals at Goodison Park on the back of a shock 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace earlier this month.

Guardiola, whose reigning champions have a game in hand over their two closest rivals, insists the Reds remain contenders and acknowledges City are also susceptible to slipping up during the run-in.

Pep Guardiola urges Manchester City to remain focused for title run-in

Manchester City close the gap on leaders Arsenal with clinical performance against Brighton

08:54 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to a single point after Phil Foden’s first-half double helped inspire a resounding 4-0 victory over Brighton.

Kevin De Bruyne’s eye-catching diving header set Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions on course for a comprehensive success at a soggy Amex Stadium.

City, who have a game in hand on the table-topping Gunners, were in complete control by the break as Foden moved past 50 top-flight goals with a quick-fire brace, before Julian Alvarez completed the rout in the second period.

Manchester City close the gap on leaders Arsenal with clinical performance

Good morning

08:54 , Jamie Braidwood

Manchester City closed the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to just one point after strolling to a 4-0 win over Brighton last night, and now Liverpool prepare to head to West Ham United as Jurgen Klopp’s side bid to keep their fading title challenge alive.

The Reds are in action in the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday, after Klopp conceded that Liverpool require City and Arsenal to have a “crisis” in order to win the title in his last season in charge following defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

It’s been a busy week off the pitch for Liverpool, too, with Arne Slot confirming that he is interested in the Anfield hotseat after the Reds opened talks with Feyenoord for the Dutchman.

There’s also a North London derby to build up to, as Arsenal travel to Tottenham Hotspur looking to keep their title challenge on track. Anything other than a victory would give the champions the chance to go top, with a game in hand, as Pep Guardiola’s side head to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

We’ll have the Premier League news and updates from today’s pre-match press conferences ahead of the weekend’s fixtures