..::Football IV::..

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Man Utd future uncertain, but Ibrahimovic told he has 'many years' left in him by doctor

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future at Manchester United may be up in the air, but the injured striker has been told he has “many years” of football ahead of him.

The Swede is considered to be in “superb shape” by Dr Freddie Fu, the surgeon who operated on the 35-year-old’s injured knee.There were initially fears that ligament damage could end a distinguished played career, not just Ibrahimovic’s 2016-17 campaign.

He has, however, spoken of his desire to return to the field once fully recovered, be that with United or elsewhere as a 12-month deal runs down, and Fu sees no reason why he cannot get back to his talismanic best.“I can't discuss too many details, I don't want to get in trouble with Manchester United,” he told that South China Morning Post .

“But I can tell you he's in superb shape in all things. Healthy morphology, the quality of the bone and muscle, everything is as good as you can possibly see.”

Fu has also confirmed that he would like to meet with Ibrahimovic again once his playing days are over, with the striker’s agent, Mino Raiola, having recently revealed that his client’s ligaments are so strong that medical professionals are eager to learn more about his body.“Sure, in the future absolutely, when he's retired,” said Fu. “But he can still play for many years, he's so healthy, so strong, biologically, bone morphology, everything, is absolutely very healthy.”

Ibrahimovic had netted 28 times for United before picking up a knock in a Europa League clash with Anderlecht.Those efforts had helped the Red Devils to taste Community Shield and EFL Cup triumphs, while also progressing positively in continental competition.


The former Juventus, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain striker now finds himself at a career crossroads, with his contract at Old Trafford set to expire in the summer and speculation linking him with a possible move to America or a return to Italy.

 

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Man Utd suffered until the last second – Mourinho

Jose Mourinho acknowledged that Celta Vigo made Manchester United "suffer until the last second" in their dramatic Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday.

Marouane Fellaini's early goal looked to have settled United's nerves and secured passage to the Stockholm showpiece, but Facundo Roncaglia's equaliser five minutes from time sparked a tense ending at Old Trafford.The Argentine defender, along with Eric Bailly, was then dismissed a minute later as the two sets of players clashed in the middle of the pitch.

And John Guidetti failed to finish United off with an open goal at his mercy with the last kick of the game, and Mourinho accepted that his side were made to suffer for not capitalising on their superiority in the first leg.

"We were the best team in the first leg but we never kill [the game off]," he told BT Sport. "We never score goals related to the chances we have. It was an open game at home, all the pressure on our side."They were completely free of responsibility and gave us a very hard match. We suffered until the end and it was open until the last second. But the boys gave everything they had. I'm really pleased for them.

"Now, after 14 matches, we are in the final. If we win the Europa League I am more than happy. It would be amazing."Bailly's sending off will leave a sour taste, however, with the Ivorian now set to miss the final in Stockholm on May 24, as he raised his hand to Guidetti's face.

Mourinho thinks the 23-year-old Ivorian might have been naive to get involved, particularly with Roncaglia around."I didn't see the red card incident but Eric Bailly was phenomenal," he said. "The game was emotional for everyone. Some kept control better than others.

"Facundo Roncaglia is not new in these situations, Bailly was probably naive. We now lose a very important player for the final, and we don't have many."

 

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Klopp: Liverpool not far behind Chelsea

Jurgen Klopp suggests Liverpool aren't too far behind Chelsea, despite a 14-point gap between the two teams in the Premier League table.While the Reds are fighting for a top-four finish, Antonio Conte's side can lock down the league title with a win over West Brom on Friday.

Chelsea and Liverpool have met twice this season, with Klopp's men winning and drawing against the Stamford Bridge side."You have to look at the games we played against Chelsea," Klopp said.

"We were not worse than 14 points, that is for sure, but they are experienced, cold as ice and they get the points. They play very serious and finish when they have to finish."We all know the gap is not that big, but the gap was big enough."Klopp also pointed out that injuries have affected Liverpool this season, while Chelsea have remained relatively healthy throughout.

He said: "Chelsea deserved the title but I've said already they had most luck with injuries."Diego Costa? Did he miss one game? Eden Hazard one game? Pedro could play, Willian could play, their defensive line could play.

"You need this luck and then you go through. I don't say we could have gone through but the gap could have been closer."It's not just about Chelsea. You saw how we played against Tottenham. But we will all have a different season next year."

 

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'They need to be more ruthless' - Keane critical of Mourinho approach as Man Utd reach Europa League final

Manchester United legend Roy Keane has criticised Jose Mourinho's defensive mindset in advancing to the Europa League final, saying the Red Devils "need to be more ruthless."

United were largely outplayed by Celta Vigo in their semi-final second leg on Thursday at Old Trafford, but Mourinho's men managed to hang on for a 1-1 draw and triumphed 2-1 on aggregate.And Keane, a former United captain who played for the club from 1993 to 2005, was not inspired by the performance.

"First of all, congratulations to United," Keane said on ITV, as quoted by Metro.
"But their level of performance tonight has just been letting a team like Celta Vigo dictate the game and keep themselves in the game in the last minute. That's not a good reflection on United.

"It goes to show where they've been all season, the amount of draws they've had. You can see tonight, just almost having that defensive mindset for the whole night."

Marouane Fellaini opened the scoring after 17 minutes Thursday before Facundo Roncaglia's 85th-minute strike pulled Celta within one goal of going through. They nearly pulled off the comeback, only to see John Guidetti miss a golden opportunity just before the final whistle.Now United find themselves set to face Ajax in the Europa League final May 24 in Stockholm.

"A team like Manchester United at home to Celta Vigo? Go and get the job done, win 2-0 or 3-0 — it was there for the taking," Keane added."But they could not get to that level, which they've not done for most of the season. They need to be more ruthless. It’s not just tonight, it's been all season.

"For a team like Manchester United, with the players they have on the pitch, whether the mentality is coming from the manager, you can make lots of excuses.
"But they got away with it tonight, they've got to be better — be more ruthless."

 

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Chelsea's problem-solving skills hailed by Conte as they close on title

Antonio Conte has stressed the work across the club that has gone into taking Chelsea to the brink of a Premier League title in his debut season.

The Stamford Bridge side will clinch the title with two games to go if they beat West Brom on Friday, but Conte is adamant it was by no means an easy season for Chelsea.

Conte arrived after Chelsea had seen a title defence evaporate under Jose Mourinho, who was sacked before the Blues recovered to finish 10th.The former Italy boss has picked up the pieces impressively, but Conte was quick to thank his players and the club's staff for their efforts.

"I like to underline this season, at the start it was not easy because we faced a lot of problems. We had to solve a lot of problems," Conte said at a news conference.

"When you arrive 10th in the league, it means the problem is not only one, but there are a lot of problems. You must divide the fault of this, for this reason we started this season to solve problems and to find the right solution to change the situation that was created in the last season.

"I have to say thanks to the club, players and staff to work very hard to change this. I have to say thanks to my players because it is not easy to adapt to a new method, philosophy and work very hard if you compare the work of this season to the past."

Conte is already looking forward to the celebrations when Chelsea seal the title, but he has warned his squad not to get carried away just yet."I think after one season where you work a lot and you suffer also, if you are able to win and to reach your target the celebration moment must be fantastic," he added.

"Now is not the right time to think about this because we have to take three points, but afterwards then I hope the players celebrate in the right way."For sure this moment is a really good moment for us as we are so close to reaching a fantastic target for us. We must not forget we have to take three points in these three games.

"Friday we have the first chance, but we must know to play against West Brom is not easy. They are a strong team, a good coach and the atmosphere will be very hot. It is important to enjoy this moment and this part of the season."

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Congratulations Manchester United!

We're in to the UEFA Europa League Final!

& Its Ajax Vs Manchester United

btw ada Manchester United performance nam madiBailly red cardNervy finish 1kak una Celta goal 1ken passe & last seconds wala Celta chance 1ka

Team 1kak widiyata meeta wada godak improve wenna wenawa Final Showdown 1kata against Ajax

Good Luck for the Final Manchester United!​

kohomada gudetti ge last shot eka goal ekak una nam
e buruwata hariyata gahagannawath bari una

ajax match eka patta. hena gemak giye. degollongema defence patta sauththui. man utd will win if they play the same kind of boring but defensive football

 

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Jardim dismisses exit talk as Monaco close in on Ligue 1 title

Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim insists he is not concerned by speculation over his future as his side close in on the Ligue 1 title.The leaders can win the title on Sunday with a point against Lille if defending champions Paris Saint-Germain are beaten at Saint-Etienne.

A win for Monaco would practically guarantee a first Ligue 1 triumph since 2000 regardless of PSG's result, given that they hold a three-point lead at the top and a vastly superior goal difference, plus a game in hand.

Jardim's future has come under scrutiny following fresh reports in France that he is wanted by Arsenal to replace Arsene Wenger, but the 42-year-old wants no distractions ahead of the weekend."The most important thing is the match, not what is happening around us or on other pitches," he told a news conference.

"The future? All my energy is focused on the end of the season, not what will happen next. The only thing that matters to me is my job.

"My message to the players is not to listen to the atmosphere, the people... Football is only on the pitch."We're close but nothing is done yet. We must continue on our way, with our work, keeping our concentration and not relaxing.

"As long as we're not champions, we have to stay focused. A lot is being said on the outside, there are congratulations, but this is not the way to understand football. I'm speaking from experience. We must pass this message to everyone, especially our supporters.


"This title may be the biggest for most of the players and staff members here so far. It's worth being focused until the end to get it."

 

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Mourinho: I've worked harder than ever at Man Utd

Jose Mourinho insists he has worked harder this season than at any other stage of his career, despite Manchester United looking destined to finish outside of the Premier League’s top four positions.

United qualified for the Europa League final by drawing 1-1 with Celta Vigo on Thursday, and a victory over Ajax on May 24 would see the club return to the Champions League.

But while Mourinho says he understands why people might claim a failure to win the competition might taint the whole campaign, he insists that he has never put in so much effort to try to succeed than he has this season.

“I think, by you media, you have the right to say it [would be a failure] and I think it makes sense, but I don’t feel like that,” Mourinho told a pre-match press conference. “I don’t want the players to feel like that. I don’t think the board feels like that because we work very hard. I probably worked harder than ever this season.

“So I don't think that way, but if I was on your side, in your chair… yeah [it’s fair]. We won the EFL Cup, the Community Shield, and until the injuries arrived we fought for the Premier League top four. We had a fantastic record of 25 matches unbeaten, we did things that nobody did at this club in the first season, like win a trophy, having a record that at Manchester United is unbeatable, like reaching a European final.“You are always looking for this kind of capital letters, big headlines. I accept that you say that.”

When asked whether the United players had needed more help from him than had been the case at his previous clubs, Mourinho added: “The players and the club. Sometimes, you get into big clubs in difficult moments and the work is harder than when you get to smaller clubs in a moment of positive explosion.

“It has been a very hard season. Some invisible work, to your eyes, but when I analyse my work, I know better than anyone what I had to do. But I accept at your eyes, it’s the football results that make that decision.”

With United now looking forward to their big date in Stockholm, Mourinho says he will not shy away from rotating his squad some more in United’s remaining three league matches. That spell starts with Sunday’s trip to face Tottenham in the final ever game at White Hart Lane.

“I have to give some minutes to everyone because we have only 15 players, we don’t have more,” he said. “So I have to play them but I have to play them mixed, in periods. I don't have another solution.

“In the Premier League, we can only finish fifth or sixth, I think. But we can win a trophy and by winning that trophy we can play Champions League next season, so that’s the game.

“But, like we did against Arsenal, we didn’t throw the match away, we tried to win, we gave a difficult match to our opponent, we had our chances to get a different result and that’s what we are going to do.“We don’t want to say matches are not important, but we have one that is more important than the others.”

After Sunday’s visit to Tottenham, United travel to Southampton on Wednesday and then host Crystal Palace on May 21 before their Europa League final clash with Ajax.

 

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“In the Premier League, we can only finish fifth or sixth, I think - Mourinho"

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Champions League is important for Liverpool's transfer dealings - Klopp

Jurgen Klopp is remaining patient in his pursuit of transfer targets for next season and concedes Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League will have an impact on their dealings in the market.

The Reds are locked in a tight tussle with Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United to finish in the top four and have just two matches to play this season against West Ham and Middlesbrough.Klopp is already thinking ahead to next term, though, with Liverpool in discussions with players over possible moves to Anfield.

However, the German accepts several of Liverpool's targets are also in talks with other interested parties.

"The players we are talking to, I know they have offers from other clubs. It's important for the club," he said."There's a lot of money in the Champions League, as a football club we have to do this.

"Getting in the Champions League has [an influence]. [But] should I go to the players in the dressing room and say, 'boys, the better you play the better the players that replace you next year are'?"

Liverpool make the trip to London Stadium on Sunday with Klopp monitoring the condition of Roberto Firmino and Lucas Leiva (both muscle injuries).However, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge, who both came off the bench against Southampton, should be fit for selection.

It has been another frustrating campaign in terms of injuries for Sturridge, whose long-term future at Anfield remains in doubt, but Klopp says the England striker is ready to feature.

"How it looked [in training], he's ready," Klopp added."But it was difficult. Can you start a player and think about 40 minutes and then change?"

 

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Woman banned for life after brutal attack on opponent

A footballer has been banned from women's football life for attacking an opponent, sitting on her back and punching her head.

Silvija Sekacic was shown a red card in the game between Zeljeznicar and Mladost, having knocked Adnu Ljubanovic down and repeatedly hit her until they were separated.

Sekacic was not bothered by the dismissal, though, saying afterwards: “Red card, but at least if nothing else I beat her up.”

The Bosnia-Herzegovina football association's disciplinary committee responded by expelling Sekacic for life, citing the attack as a "serious offence".The governing body's ban complies with Mladost's request.

"Suffice it to say that this behaviour has nothing to do with common sense," the club said."People like Silvija have no place in football and deserve a lifetime suspension."

 

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Son named Premier League Player of the Month for April

Tottenham forward Heung-Min Son has picked up his second Player of the Month award this season, being named the Premier League's best performer for April.

The South Korean attacker scored five goals and assisted two more during the month of April, and is only the second Spurs player to ever win the award twice in the same campaign, following Harry Kane in 2014-15.

Son was delighted to pick up the trophy again, but is not resting on his laurels and hopes to continue to progress at Tottenham having netted 12 times in the league already this season."It's an unbelievable feeling - I'm very thankful for my team-mates, for the staff, and for the fans who voted for me," Son told the Premier League's official website.

"My goal was 10 Premier League goals, but I have three games more and I just want to score more goals, make more assists, and get more points.

"This is not my finish line. I want to keep working hard and win it a third time. I'm still hungry."Son finished ahead of competition from club-mates Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen, as well as Eden Hazard, Eric Bailly, Sergio Aguero and Christian Benteke, who were all shortlisted for the award this month.Spurs completed a double as boss Mauricio Pochettino also picked up the Manager of the Month award for April.

 

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'Dolberg is a great talent' - Lyon chief sees Ajax striker as potential Lacazette replacement

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted he is interested in Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg.

The 19-year-old Dane has been a star in his first season in the Amsterdam side's starting XI, scoring 15 goals in 28 Eredivisie games.

The attacker played a crucial role in Ajax's 5-4 aggregate win over Lyon in the semi-finals, following his first-leg goal up with the opener in Thursday's return.
With Alexandre Lacazette expected to move on at the end of the season, Aulas admits Dolberg is capable of leading the line for the Ligue 1 side.

"We want to prepare ourselves for the future. Imagine that Alexandre Lacazette wants to leave, Kasper Dolberg is a great talent," he told Bein Sports.

"They could also play together. Dolberg is an interesting player."With the likes of Manchester United also linked with him, Dolberg has been attracting headlines all season. Contracted until 2021, however, he looks set to stay in the Dutch capital for another year at least."I will stay next season at Ajax," he told Elf Voetbal. "I want to get better and score more goals."

 

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Mourinho's 'weak and naive' foe Skomina to ref Europa League final

Damir Skomina, the man who Jose Mourinho once described as "weak and naive", will officiate Manchester United's Europa League final against Ajax.

The Slovenian official drew the ire of Mourinho during the Portuguese's second spell in charge of Chelsea after failing to award a penalty during a 0-0 Champions League group-stage draw at Dynamo Kiev last season.

"The referee was weak and naive. Big penalty," Mourinho said at the time, although it mattered little in the long run as Chelsea went on to qualify as winners of their group.

United booked their place in the Europa League showpiece in Stockholm later this month with a nervy 1-1 draw at home to Celta Vigo on Thursday, which secured a 2-1 aggregate success.

Skomina, an international referee since 2003, has presided over six Champions League matches this season, including Monaco and Borussia Dortmund's quarter-final second leg.

Meanwhile, 41-year-old German Felix Brych has been given the task of officiating the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus in Cardiff on June 3.

 

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He he ayeth set una ahenam​

 

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Everton 1 Watford 0: Barkley puts contract blues behind him to see off Hornets

Everton contract rebel Ross Barkley underlined his importance to Ronald Koeman's side with a splendid strike to ensure the Toffees ended their 2016-17 home campaign on a high with a comfortable 1-0 Premier League win over Watford.

Koeman issued Barkley, whose deal expires at the end of next term and is yet to agree an extension, with an ultimatum in his pre-match press conference, demanding the England international make a decision on his future at the club by the end of the season.

Despite the uncertainty, Barkley started on Friday, rewarding his manager's faith with a superb solo effort 56 minutes into a rain-swept contest at Goodison Park.Barkley should have perhaps been on the scoresheet earlier in proceedings, having failed to beat Heurelho Gomes from close range six minutes in.

Everton were denied a penalty as they looked to build on their lead, though it mattered little as Koeman's side cruised to their ninth win from 10 league games at home in 2017.

With Everton unable to move out of seventh place, the victory merely adds some final gloss on what has been an impressive debut season at the helm for Koeman, while defeat effectively ends Watford's hopes of a top-half finish.

Barkley looked sharp from the off, and crafted the game's first chance when he forced Gomes into action with a close-range effort.Watford's goalkeeper was at his best to keep out Phil Jagielka's volley soon after, before Stefano Okaka fired wide at the other end following a fine solo run.

Tom Davies, having capitalised on a terrific flick-on by Barkley, was the next Everton man to test Gomes, who did well to parry the midfielder's venomous strike wide.

Walter Mazzarri, who thanked the travelling Watford fans for their support by paying for their first drinks of the evening, was forced into a change shortly before half-time - Juan Zuniga replacing the injured Christian Kabasele.

Koeman switched systems at the interval with the introduction of Enner Valencia in place of Mason Holgate, the Ecuador forward combining well with makeshift full-back Davies down the right.However, it was Watford who should have taken the lead eight minutes after the restart - Troy Deeney unable to apply the finish after latching onto Daryl Janmaat's cross.

And Barkley immediately made the visitors pay, leaving Gomes flat-footed with a brilliant long-range effort having been allowed far too much space by Watford's defence.

Everton should have been awarded a penalty just after the hour mark when Janmaat fouled Romelu Lukaku, but referee Kevin Friend failed to spot the Dutchman's misdemeanour.With Watford offering little threat going the other way, Everton pressed on - Morgan Schneiderlin going close with a header from Leighton Baines' corner.

Barkley was taken off to a standing ovation late on and, although Okaka brought an instinctive stop out of Joel Robles, Koeman's side had no need for a second as the midfielder's stunner proved enough to secure their best-ever Premier League points haul at home.

 

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West Brom 0 Chelsea 1: Batshuayi the unlikely hero to secure Premier League glory

Chelsea regained the Premier League title as Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to earn a 1-0 victory over West Brom at The Hawthorns on Friday.

Following Monday's comfortable 3-0 win at home to Middlesbrough, Antonio Conte's side knew just three points were needed to ensure the trophy would return to Stamford Bridge and, in keeping with their efforts throughout much of the season, the Blues delivered when it mattered.

So often in 2016-17 the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Pedro have been the men to inspire the Blues, but on this occasion it was Belgium international Batshuayi's turn to revel in the spotlight.

Hazard and Pedro had been smartly shackled by the Baggies' resolute backline, so much so that Conte substituted his star playmakers and replaced them with Willian and Batshuayi, the latter of whom stabbed home the decisive goal eight minutes from time.

Chelsea have played some sublime football at times throughout this campaign, although the winner was anything but - Gary Cahill's shanked shot finding its way to Cesar Azpilicueta, who squared low across the six-yard area for Batshuayi to get the better of Ben Foster and spark scenes of delirium in the away end and on the touchline.

Conte's celebration was typically frantic and the victory was just reward for the Italian, who has masterminded the Blues' ascent in his debut campaign, helping to put to bed memories of last season's dismal defence of the 2014-15 crown.

In the hunt for a club-record Premier League points tally, West Brom still had plenty to play for and came close to delivering an early dampener on Chelsea's party when Salomon Rondon's flicked header had to be touched over the crossbar by Thibaut Courtois inside 25 seconds.Chelsea imposed themselves on proceedings thereafter, Pedro's effort from 20 yards deflected narrowly wide with Foster helpless.

The hosts were not without threat, however, and twice James McClean played poor passes to bring a disappointing end to promising counter-attacks - both of which came from Chelsea corners.

Cesc Fabregas arrowed a shot agonisingly wide of Foster's right-hand post just after the half-hour mark, Pedro also firing off target as Chelsea probed for an opener.That search continued early in the second half as Foster got down brilliantly to tip Victor Moses' low drive behind within two minutes of the restart.

Tony Pulis introduced Claudio Yacob to shore up the Baggies' midfield, and Craig Dawson was grateful for his team-mate's presence on the line to prevent an own goal following quick feet from Hazard.

Despite their dominance of possession, Chelsea still had to be wary of their hosts' countering capabilities and, left one-on-one with David Luiz, Rondon slipped clear and raced towards goal, only to be denied by a fine block from Azpilicueta.

Substitute Nacer Chadli shot wide at the end of another break as Chelsea looked uncharacteristically vulnerable, but any concerns were put to bed as Azpilicueta made the most of Cahill's wayward effort to find Batshuayi, who picked the perfect time to score his first Premier League goal since August and get the Blues' title celebrations under way in earnest.

 

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Chelsea win the Premier League title after West Brom victory

Chelsea have won the Premier League title after defeating West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the Hawthorns.

A late goal from substitute Michy Batshuayi gave the Blues three points, which mean they hold an unassailable 10-point advantage over Tottenham. It is the sixth time that the Stamford Bridge side have won England’s top flight and the fourth time since 2004-05 that they have claimed the Premier League title.

Their campaign has been one of virtual unabated excellence since a sticky period in September, when they lost successive matches against Liverpool and Arsenal saw them drop as far as eighth.

Manager Antonio Conte, who arrived in the summer to guide the team after a disappointing 2015-16 season, thereafter altered his side to play with three at the back, and that proved the catalyst for a 13-match winning streak that proved to be the decisive run as they claimed the crown.

The Blues subsequently lost London derbies against Spurs and Crystal Palace, while they also went down against a Manchester United side led by Jose Mourinho, sacked 18 months earlier as they made a woeful start to their title defence.

Ironically, though, Conte’s men seemed to be aided by their lack of European football, as it left their squad free to focus on domestic matters as their chief rivals faltered.

Indeed, Chelsea can yet complete a league and cup double as they face Arsenal on May 27 at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

Conte’s men have been recognised individually as well as collectively, meanwhile. Summer signing N’Golo Kante won the PFA Player of the Year award and also claimed the Football Writer’s prize, with Eden Hazard finishing as runner-up in both categories.

Diego Costa has been their top scorer in the Premier League this season, having netted 20 goals for the campaign to date, just four shy of the division’s leading marksman, Romelu Lukaku.

The long-term aim for Conte must be to maintain the momentum created by this success and ensure that his squad does not fade in the same manner that Mourinho’s did previously.


Chelsea fans can also look forward to European nights once more, with the Champions League set to return next season.

 

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Chelsea are the Barclays Premier League Champions 2016/17

Congratulations Chelsea!​

 

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Arsenal have to keep inspirational Alexis - Upson

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson would pick Alexis Sanchez to stay at the Emirates Stadium over Mesut Ozil, if given the choice.

Both players’ contracts expire in the summer of 2018 and discussions over an extension for the duo are on hold until the end of the season.Alexis and Ozil have been integral performers for Arsenal in recent seasons and Upson would be happy to see both players remain at the club.

However, if the contract impasse leads to Arsenal having to sell one of their attacking stars in the summer, Upson would prefer to see Alexis stay at the club due to the Chilean’s inspirational effect on his team-mates.

“They are both incredible players so it’s a difficult choice and ideally Arsenal would keep both of them. If pushed on only keeping one, I’d personally keep Sanchez,” Upson told Bwin in an exclusive interview.

“I don’t think they can afford to lose someone with his energy and determination on the field. I’m not saying Ozil isn’t committed, but Sanchez displays it on a more regular and intense basis.“I think the players look at Sanchez and are inspired to play with him because he doesn’t give up. That’s a powerful thing that you can’t lose.”

Meanwhile, with Arsenal tipped to improve their squad in the summer, Upson has identified the qualities he wants to see in any prospective new signings.

He added: “Instead of one player, it’s a type of player I would like to see them sign. Arsenal don’t necessarily need big names, but they have to display that drive and determination.

“You need a presence, whether that’s in defence or in the centre of midfield, to win the ball back and be dynamic and aggressive.”