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Until the next time

Sadly, it's time for us to go now.

You can follow tonight's live text coverage of Tottenham's Premier League match at home to Leeds on the BBC Sport website.

The build-up will begin from around 18:30 BST, with the match scheduled to kick off at 20:00.

In the meantime, use the links in the summary of this page or simply scroll down to enjoy today's best content, which has included a deep dive into Sunday's dramatic encounter at the London Stadium, as well as its impact on the title race and relegation battle.

Thanks again for joining us and hope to see you all again soon.

We must remain humble - De Zerbi

Tottenham v Leeds (20:00 BST)

Tottenham may have endured a season to forget, but have come good at the right time under new manager Roberto de Zerbi, picking up seven points from their last three matches.

That run has seen them leapfrog West Ham to move out of the relegation places.

But De Zerbi said his players "must remain humble" as they look to boost their survival hopes with a win at home to Leeds United tonight.

"First of all, we are playing against one of the best teams in the league, in this moment," the Spurs boss said.

"In the past five or six games, they won against Manchester United, they drew in Bournemouth playing well, they won at home two times - Wolves and Burnley - and for that we have a big respect.

"We can't think in a different way. We have to keep this mentality. We must remain humble. Nothing has changed. We have to prepare for an important game."

Tottenham climbed out of the relegation zone with a surprise 2-1 win at fifth-placed Aston Villa and can move four points clear of West Ham with two matches remaining, if they win at home to Leeds tonight.

Away form boosting Spurs survival hopes

Tottenham v Leeds (20:00 BST)

Back-to-back wins have alleviated the gloom for Tottenham fans, taken them out of the bottom three and put their Premier League destiny back into their own hands.

Remarkably, they go into this weekend sitting third in the away form table - only behind title chasers Arsenal and Manchester City (albeit having played a game more than a few of their rivals below them).

A whopping 70.3% of Spurs' points have come on the road, the highest proportion of away points won by any team in any Premier League season. However, a figure skewed in that direction normally ends badly.

There's no secret as to why they are where they are in the league. Their abysmal record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - in which they have won only twice, accrued 11 points and scored only 20 goals in their 17 matches - tells its own story.

They have lost 10 league matches at home in successive seasons and a further defeat would see them equal the club record of 11 set in the 1991-92 season.

They do at least have the advantage of boasting an excellent recent record against Leeds. The Yorkshire side haven't won on any of their last six visits to Spurs, dating back to 2001, and have only won two of their last 15 encounters in all competitions.

Toughest relegation battle in years

West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

If West Ham go down, they will have paid the price for stronger teams around the bottom of the Premier League this season.

As mentioned, they are on 36 points with two games to play. Eeven if they lose both their remaining games, that would be the highest total to be relegated in a decade.

Newcastle went down with 37 points in 2015-16. In the past two seasons nobody got relegated with 30 points or more. Just two years ago Nottingham Forest stayed up with 32 points.

Since the Premier League moved to 20 teams in 1995-96, 36 points has been the average needed for safety.

Unfortunately for Nuno Espirito Santo and West Ham, the teams above them started picking up points at the key stage of the season.

The Hammers' own form is not poor - they are 11th in the six-game form table.

But Forest top that table - and are unbeaten in eight games - and Leeds are fifth despite only playing five games in that time. They are unbeaten in six matches.

And Spurs - in 17th place - have won their last two matches under new manager Roberto de Zerbi.

Is Newcastle away the toughest possible fixture?

Newcastle v West Ham (Sun, 17:30 BST)

What do you think of West Ham's final two fixtures, Hammers fans?

In any other season, their penultimate fixture - Newcastle away - would be regarded as one of their toughest.

The Magpies generally have a proud home record in the Premier League, but they have lost seven of their 18 league games at St James' Park this season, including five of their last seven.

In fact, West Ham won the reverse fixture 3-1 in November and claimed a 2-0 win at Newcastle in the Premier League last season.

'We never say never at this club'

West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen was not sugar-coating the task facing the Hammers, but he wasn't about to shy away from it either in his post match interview on Sunday.

"It's going to be tough," agreed the England winger, echoing the sentiments of manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

"We never say never at this club. We have two games left. We did a lot of good things on Sunday. We have to win."

'It's going to be tough'

West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

Back to West Ham...

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo conceded after Sunday's defeat at home to Arsenal that his side now faces an uphill battle to remain in the Premier League.

"It's going to be tough," the Hammers boss told BBC Sport.

"It's not in our hands. We fight for it and we will keep on fighting. It is our responsibility - we represent a huge club and it's our obligation to go for it in these last two games."

West Ham's last season outside the top flight was 2011-12.

Post

Craig Nelson

BBC Sport reporter

Our poll shows that 71% believe West Ham will be relegated, while the remaining 29% believe Tottenham will go down.

Click here if you want to take part in the poll, then click 'Get Involved' on this page to send us your thoughts on why that is.

Whether you are going for West Ham or Spurs, we want to know why. And maybe you could also tell us where it has gone wrong for each club?

How soon could West Ham be relegated?

Emlyn Begley

BBC Sport reporter

West Ham could feasibly be relegated on Sunday - with a week of the Premier League season to go.

That would happen if Tottenham beat Leeds tonight (Monday) and the Hammers lose at Newcastle next weekend.

Spurs, who are one point above the Hammers with a game in hand, will be safe if they win two of their final three games.

After playing Leeds, they face Chelsea away and then Everton at home on the final day.

West Ham, who host Leeds on the final day, will need to pick up at least two points more than Spurs because of a significantly inferior goal difference.

Recap - Did VAR get it right in Arsenal win?

West Ham 0-1 Arsenal

We took a deep dive into Sunday's crucial VAR decision this morning, and have since been looking at Arsenal's dramatic win against West Ham and its implications at both ends of the Premier League table.

The game - and perhaps this season's title race - was defined by a Hammers equaliser that was disallowed following VAR intervention - and there's been no shortage of debate on the call.

Here's a look at everything we have looked at so far:

West Ham request PGMO explanation on VAR call

Ex-assistant referee Darren Cann dissects the incident on MOTD

'What a responsibility, what a big call' - Mikel Arteta

'What's allowed and what isn't should be addressed' - Nuno

'Where's the consistency?' - Jarrod Bowen

'Foul is clear and obvious' - John Murray

'You won't get away with holding onto a goalkeeper's arm'

'Similar incidents weren't seen the same way' - Thomas Hitzlsperger

'One time I actually think VAR did a good job' - Wayne Rooney

If you don't want to scroll through all those links, then there is a selection of video analysis and reaction at the top of this page.

Right, let's continue by looking at the relegation battle in more detail...

Away form boosting Spurs' survival chances

For the first time in a long while Tottenham fans have hope. Back-to-back wins have alleviated the gloom, taken them out of the bottom three and put their relegation destiny back into their own hands.

They were excellent in victory against Aston Villa, tearing into Unai Emery's men from kick-off in a committed performance that had fans scratching their heads as to where it had been all season. Roberto De Zerbi's impact on players and fans alike has been huge and the new-found belief in his players is clear to see.

Remarkably, they go into this weekend sitting third in the away form table behind only title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City (albeit having played a game more than a few of their rivals below them).

A whopping 70.3% of their points have come on the road, the highest proportion of away points won by any team in any Premier League season. However, a figure skewed in that direction normally ends badly.

There's no secret as to why they are where they are in the league. Their abysmal record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - in which they have won only twice, accrued 11 points and scored only 20 goals in their 17 matches - tells its own story.

They have lost 10 league matches at home in successive seasons and a further defeat would see them equal the club record of 11 set in the 1991-92 season.

They do at least have the advantage of boasting an excellent recent record against Leeds. The Yorkshire side haven't won on any of their last six visits to Spurs dating back to 2001 and have only won two of their last 15 encounters in all competitions.

Leeds close to sealing safety

Not so long ago this fixture was ringed as a huge relegation six-pointer by Leeds fans. However, their superb run of form has propelled them to the verge of safety. No team has ever been relegated with 43 points in a 38-game Premier League season and they could officially be safe by Sunday evening if West Ham lose to Arsenal.

Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten in their last six league matches and another game without defeat would see them become the first newly promoted side since Middlesbrough in 1998-99 to have two runs of seven or more matches without defeat in the same top-flight season, having done similar from December to early January.

Only six Premier League teams have won more points than Leeds' 32 since the start of December and only Manchester City, Manchester United and Bournemouth have lost fewer top-flight games than their four in the 22 matches within that time. Quite the turnaround after losing eight of their first 13 matches on their top-flight return.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Kevin Danso says he will not be defined by racist abuse after being targeted on social media.

Spurs condemned the "vile, dehumanising racism" aimed at Austria international Danso after their 2-2 draw against Brighton on 18 April.

The club reported the abuse to the police.

The 27-year-old player told ITV News he had experienced racist abuse when playing in Germany but did not tell anybody at the time.

"The last time I did experience it, I was very young and I didn't tell anybody about it," Danso said.

"I feel like this time it was important to say something, just address it and make sure that people are aware I've seen it.

"It's not going to make me play any different and definitely there's no need for it and basically you're wasting your time."

Danso was abused during the Premier League's No Room For Racism campaign, which is aimed at promoting diversity and tackling discrimination in football, in April.

In a statement released at the time, the Premier League said discriminatory abuse has "absolutely no place in football or wider society".

"Anybody who chooses to abuse others is not welcome in our game and they are not a true fan," they added.

"It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work alongside clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for all."

Danso, who played for Augsburg and Lens before joining Tottenham permanently in May 2025, said he tried not to let the abuse affect him.

"I just try to not let it have as much of an effect on me and how I feel about myself and my performance in order to continue to play at a very high level," he added.

"I grew up in Austria, facing racism quite a bit, being in a predominantly white country. But again, I think I've learned how to deal with it in a way.

"It just doesn't define me and it doesn't belong in the world of football."

Earlier in May, Merseyside Police arrested an Everton fan during his side's match against Manchester City for alleged racist abuse towards Antoine Semenyo.

A 47-year-old man was previously arrested and charged by Merseyside Police after Semenyo faced racist abuse while playing for former club Bournemouth earlier this season.

Four players were previously targeted during a single weekend in February.

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) investigated abuse of the four players in February, including Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida, Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare.

When the dust settles on the West Ham United goal that was controversially ruled out against Arsenal, the cold reality is they are now probably facing relegation.

Data experts Opta give West Ham only a 12% chance of survival, with Tottenham Hotspur the only team they can now catch.

The Hammers thought they had rescued a draw at home to Arsenal on Sunday - with Callum Wilson firing home in added time.

But after a seismic video assistant referee review, the goal was ruled out for a Pablo foul on goalkeeper David Raya - a decision West Ham were furious with.

It meant Leandro Trossard's 83rd-minute goal was the winner.

As well as edging the Gunners closer to the title, Mikel Arteta's side did a favour to fierce rivals Tottenham.

Spurs now have the chance to move four points clear with two games to go when they host Leeds United, who can now relax as they as well as Nottingham Forest are safe, on Monday (20:00 BST).

"It's going to be tough," Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo - who started the season at Forest - told BBC Sport.

"It's not in our hands. We fight for it and we will keep on fighting. It is our responsibility - we represent a huge club and it's our obligation to go for it in these last two games."

West Ham's last season outside the top flight was 2011-12.

West Ham could feasibly be relegated next Sunday - with a week of the Premier League season to go.

That would happen if Spurs beat Leeds on Monday and the Hammers lose at Newcastle United next weekend.

Spurs, who are one point above the Hammers with a game in hand, will be safe if they win two of their final three games.

After playing Leeds, they face Chelsea away and then Everton at home on the final day.

West Ham, who host Leeds on the final day, will need to pick up at least two points more than Spurs because of a significantly inferior goal difference.

Wolves and Burnley's relegations have already been confirmed.

"We played well," said Nuno after the Arsenal defeat.

"The character of the boys, the noise of the stadium. We knew the position that we are in and the boys gave it a proper fight.

"This is what we will try to do until the last minute of the season. Two games to go, it is our job to bounce back and fight and know that anything can still happen.

"Of course it is hard but we have been competing well, especially at London Stadium. The energy of the crowd was contagious for the boys. We're going to give it a go. This group of players will react."

There was a bit of a managerial merry-go-round at the bottom of the table too.

Forest axed Nuno in September, with the Portuguese quickly taking over at West Ham, who had sacked Graham Potter.

Forest then appointed Ange Postecoglou, who had been with troubled Spurs last season, but dismissed him before replacing him with Sean Dyche - who was then shown the door too.

The man who kept Forest up was Vitor Pereira, who had been sacked by Wolves in November.

Spurs replaced Postecoglou in the summer with Thomas Frank, but he was sacked - and interim Igor Tudor also left - before they landed on De Zerbi, who has guided his new team out of the relegation zone.

Rob Edwards could not keep Wolves up, while Burnley did not part ways with Scott Parker until after they were relegated.

Leeds are all but safe now and they could be absolutely sure of staying up by the time they play this game.

That scenario would definitely suit Spurs but I am going to back Roberto de Zerbi's side here regardless.

What a performance that was by them at Aston Villa last week. People have criticised Villa but that display and result felt enormous for Tottenham.

It took them out of the bottom three and meant Spurs, at last, have got a bit of momentum after winning two league games in a row for the first time since August.

I am expecting more of the same here, so I am going to say they will make it three wins on the spin with the same scoreline that saw them win at Elland Road in October.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

On Farke's health, Riemer said: "He is ill, didn't sound too good but I am pretty sure he will be alright [for Monday]."

In terms of team news left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson will be out for this week and the club will "need to assess him on a daily basis". Forward Noah Okafor picked up a calf injury, damaging his right calf after the FA Cup exit and then his left calf after the match against Burnley.

There is hope Pascal Struijk will be available as he was training with the team again on Friday.

On Okafor, Riemer said the forward is "getting settled with a great bunch of players" and is the type of player that needs to "feel comfortable" at the club.

He said midfielder Anton Stach is a "special player", adding: "He manages to play in the pockets. You can also see he can hit the ball with left and right foot."

Riemer spoke about his role with Farke: "We've worked for a long spell so I think I'm a traditional assistant. I do set-pieces as well. We always have discussions in the manager's office and sometimes heated debates, 100%. He always wants to hear opinions then makes up his own mind and his own conclusions."

On securing safety from relegation, Riemer said it will be "massive", stating: "If you see our previous seasons, it seems like every season has to be special to achieve what we want to achieve. Usually you talk about points per game and how it might not be enough. Now we are on 43 it's truly something special. With three games to go, I think in the form table we are the second best, it's massive. Credit to the players."

On playing Tottenham on Monday night: "It will be a huge test. Spurs will go for it, the manager has managed to get them out of relegation places so we need to be up to it and maintain our top form. It is the best form we have been in all season. We want to finish the season on a high and as soon as possible, seal it mathematically."

On Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi's impact at the club: "It is not for me to judge from the outside but he has an impact on the players, they follow what he says, what he wants to do. He gives them confidence. You see his patterns coming through, week to week, and results help. They're getting the confidence. It's becoming a different Tottenham than before."

Striker Will Lankshear says he felt like more than just a loan player during his time with Oxford United.

The 21-year-old from Tottenham Hotspur scored 12 goals and registered four assists in 47 appearances, emerging as one of the U's standout players in a season where they were relegated from the Championship.

He ended the campaign as Oxford's top scorer and finished the season strong with eight goal contributions in their final 12 matches.

"People talk about loans and just being a loanee, but I didn't feel like that," Lankshear told BBC Radio Oxford.

"I felt like a signing and I felt like I was there (permanently), I made such good relationships with all the contracted players, the physios, everyone at the club, so when everyone's so good to me I couldn't not give my absolute all.

"Every single game I played I wanted to give back, the fans were so good to me, and I absolutely loved playing in front of them.

"When you have that vibe, there was nothing else in my mind other than Oxford and helping that club stay up, nothing else."

Lankshear joined Tottenham's academy in 2022 and previously spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion where he played 11 times.

He has made six appearances for Spurs, scoring one goal that came in a Europa League match against Galatasaray.

Following the success of his first full season on loan and his stock at an all-time high, the striker admitted that he was unsure as to what might come next for him.

"The end of the season has just come but I'm sure a conversation will be had," he added.

"I'll do whatever I get told to do and all I can focus on are the things I can control like training hard and focusing on next season now.

"It's been a long slog this year and it's been tough, the body is a bit tired so now it's just about recovering and looking forward."

They are the fiercest of rivals but will Tottenham fans really be praying for an Arsenal win this weekend that propels the Gunners towards the Premier League title?

Before relegation-threatened Spurs host Leeds United on Monday (20:00 BST kick-off), leaders Arsenal are at struggling West Ham in a high-stakes London derby on Sunday (16:30 kick-off).

Do Spurs fans want an Arsenal win, which will increase Tottenham's survival chances - and edge their north London neighbours closer to a first league crown since 2004?

Or do they want a West Ham victory - which will damage Arsenal's title chances, but leave Spurs back in the relegation zone before facing Leeds?

It's a nightmare scenario for Tottenham's followers.

"One of my Spurs mates said they would be cheering on Arsenal," Tottenham fan Ali Speechly tells BBC Sport. "I was like: 'What are you even saying!'

"Spurs fans are split over it.

"Personally, I wouldn't go as far to cheer on Arsenal. I couldn't bring myself to do that."

Spurs start the weekend with their Premier League future back in their own hands following back-to-back away wins at Wolves and Aston Villa.

With three matches remaining, last season's Europa League winners are 17th on 37 points - one more than 18th-placed West Ham.

If Arsenal and Spurs both win, West Ham will be four points from safety with two games left, while Mikel Arteta's Gunners - if nearest rivals Manchester City beat Brentford at Etihad Stadium on Saturday (17:30 BST kick-off) - will require a maximum five points from two games to win the league.

So, who do other Tottenham supporters want to win at London Stadium?

Unlike fellow fan Speechly, Bardi, from The Extra Inch, external Spurs podcast, says he can live with an Arsenal win.

"Right now, survival has to come first," he says. "This is our priority.

"Safety is more important than banter, but you won't see me crying if they draw 5-5 with Jarrod Bowen scoring twice in added time."

Spurs have made two managerial changes since Tottenham last won a Premier League match in front of their home fans.

Since beating Brentford 2-0 on 6 December, Spurs have taken three points - all draws - from a possible 27 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and, now, Roberto de Zerbi.

After Monday's penultimate home game, Spurs go to Chelsea on 17 May before rounding off a dreadful season back home against Everton on 24 May.

"If we win our last three games then it doesn't matter what West Ham do," adds Speechly from Women of the Lane., external "But asking Spurs fans to feel confident in their team right now is a big ask.

"It's emotional gymnastics because a lot of Spurs fans had come to terms with the fact that relegation was going to happen.

"Now De Zerbi has come in and fans are like 'actually, we might survive'."

Two seasons ago Spurs missed out on a Champions League place after losing their final home game 2-0 to Manchester City, who went on to win pip Arsenal to the Premier League title.

"Life has a funny way of testing Spurs fans," adds Bardi.

"Many of us were happy to sacrifice Champions League qualification if it meant stopping Arsenal winning the league. That decision ultimately led to our great night in Bilbao 12 months later. This time, though, the stakes feel very different.

"Our problems are now much bigger than whether we play in the Champions League or Europa League. What is at risk is the status of the club, the future of key players, and the possibility of becoming the first founding Premier League club to slip into the abyss."

BBC Sport asked Tottenham fans on who they would prefer to win in the game between West Ham and Arsenal.

Here are some of their comments:

Paul: I can't think of a worse scenario for a Spurs supporter. On one hand, we need West Ham to lose, and on the other, a win for the Arsenal will move them closer to the title. A draw wouldn't be the worst result for Spurs so long as we beat Leeds on Monday, but that isn't a certainty, so I would rather West Ham lose and put up with the consequences of an Arsenal victory. Us avoiding relegation is the priority and I don't care about anything else at this point.

Kyle: Arsenal because it doesn't seal the league for them, but a Hammers loss and Spurs beating Leeds on Monday (fingers crossed) would mean a gap of four points with two games to go.

Rob: Any true Spurs fan will want our Premier League survival, what the other team achieves, although frustrating, isn't important.

Vicario 'not available yet' - De Zerbi

Tottenham v Leeds (Mon, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi was asked about team news: "I am happy because we are working well with the players. Another very important week. We have no problem."

On the fitness of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario: "No, Vicario is not ready yet. I don't know what will be the plan but he's suffering because he would like to help the team and to help his team-mates but he's not available yet."

How many points will be needed to survive this season?

Tottenham v Leeds (Mon, 20:00 BST)

Keifer MacDonald

BBC Sport

Since the Premier League became a 20-team format in 1995, the average number of points needed for safety has been 36.

But that will not be enough this time around given that West Ham have already reached that tally and currently occupy the third and final relegation place.

According to data experts Opta, the Hammers are now favourites (77.71%) to be relegated, with Tottenham at 22.03% and Nottingham Forest just 0.13%.

If the three sides continue picking up points at their current rate, then it will be the Hammers who are relegated to the second tier for the first time since 2011.

The 2023 Conference League winners are averaging 1.03 points per game, which would mean they finish the season on 39 points.

Tottenham's return of 1.06 points per game puts them on course to finish on 40 points, while Forest are on track to secure safety for a fourth consecutive season by earning a tally of 46 points.

In a relegation battle like no other, will the Premier League have one final shock in store?

Read more on the relegation battle

'We have to keep working with the same mentality'

Tottenham v Leeds (Mon, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi was clearly happy with the response he got at Aston Villa, which made it back-to-back wins for his Spurs side, following on from their previous 1-0 win at Wolves.

He told BBC's Match of the Day that he saw "the right spirit and behaviour on the pitch".

"I'm pleased with the performances," he added. "I knew my players were very good before this game. We have to not forget the situation before Wolverhampton. The season is not finished yet, and we cannot be happy just for these two wins. We have to keep working with the same mentality."

'The losers cry and think negative'

Tottenham v Leeds (Mon, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

In his last pre-match news conference, Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi said the "most important challenge now" was to "silence the voice inside of us".

If there were any doubts, it did not show in Spurs' performance at Aston Villa on Sunday as they ran out comprehensive 2-1 winners.

On negative thoughts, De Zerbi added: "This voice produces negative thoughts and the voice says we are unlucky, we have too many injuries. I think it's all negative things and it's rubbish."

On the topic, De Zerbi said he wanted to keep the focus on "ourselves and the quality of my players".

He said that it is a tough moment for the club "but the losers cry" and "think negative".

"I don't want people close to me crying or to think a different way than me," the Italian added.

"I heard no, it's impossible, we are crying, everyone, we are relegated, no? Not yet and we have to die on the pitch. We have to play, we have to fight."

And fight they did...

'We are not meeting standards club has set'

Liverpool v Chelsea (Sat, 12:30 BST)

Chelsea

A final word from Chelsea's interim manager Calum McFarlane on an opportunity to build momentum for the FA Cup final: "We want to turn it around. We know the standards this club has set, we aren't meeting them at the moment. The only thing we can control is how we behave and act every single day and how we work to turn that level of performance around."

On if one eye is on that final: "We have not spoken about the cup final. We have spoken about what we have to improve on the previous game and looking ahead to the next game. We are not looking that far ahead."

Are players playing for places for that game?: "They are always playing for places. We have a team full of internationals that we can call on so there is always competition for places at this football club."

'I would not agree' - McFarlane on whether Chelsea players have 'downed tools'

Liverpool v Chelsea (Sat, 12:30 BST)

Chelsea

Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane on how he explains the performance in Monday's 3-1 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest to the fans: "I completely understand the feeling. We are as disappointed and frustrated as they are. I put it down to possibly not responding well enough to the early set-backs that we had. We need to do much better in those moments because it has happened before and it is something we will address and try and improve for the upcoming games."

On whether players have downed tools: "I would not agree with that. The performances haven't been good enough. We are in a really bad run at the moment. The Leeds performance was a glimmer where we thought we could build on that but we weren't able to do that. I see these boys every day, every training session, every meeting and in the gym. They are in a good place to go and attack games, we just haven't been able to translate that to the game on Monday so hopefully we can improve that on Saturday."

'A lot of foundations for this team to have success'

Liverpool v Chelsea (Sat, 12:30 BST)

Chelsea

Calum McFarlane was asked about Jamie Carragher's comments stating Chelsea were "broken": "It is Jamie's job to give his opinion and I respect that. That's his job and that's what he is there to do. I can only speak on my experience at this club and I think there are a lot of foundations for this team to have success. We are not in the best form at the moment, we are not performing the way we should be, but I do think that there are foundations there to be successful."

'My role as the coach is to review the game'

Liverpool v Chelsea (Sat, 12:30 BST)

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Calum McFarlane was asked if the players owe the fans positive performances for the remainder of the season, after six consecutive defeats in the league: "We know, the players know, I know, the staff know and everybody at the club knows that the recent performances have been nowhere near the expected standard and we are going to do everything we can to improve that."

On if he has sat down with the players to discuss performance levels: "My role as the coach is to review the game and explain the moments that have cost us and moments we could have taken more advantage of so we look at it more from a football perspective. There were some things in that game that we could have done a lot better and hopefully that shows on Saturday."

Neto & Garnacho doubts, Sanchez out

Liverpool v Chelsea (Sat, 12:30 BST)

Chelsea

Calum McFarlane on the fitness of Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Robert Sanchez: "Neto and Garnacho are carrying knocks so it is looking unlikely that they will be available. Rob is also not going to be available after the injury that he sustained in the Nottingham Forest game."

On his attacking options for the Liverpool game: "We still have a lot of good players. We still have a lot of players that can impact football games so we are going to have to make up for some of those players we are missing in different ways, in the way that we shape the team up, but I don't want to go into too much detail on that right now."

Derry out for the remainder of the season?

Liverpool v Chelsea (Sat, 12:30 BST)

Chelsea

Chelsea interim manager Calum McFarlane on Jesse Derry, who was taken to hospital following the injury sustained against Nottingham Forest on Monday evening: "I spoke to Jesse's dad the night it happened. I spoke to the family yesterday as well. It is positive, it is really positive. I don't have the knowledge and insights to go into massive detail but the early signs are really positive.

"It is disappointing but as long as he is healthy, that's all that really matters. It was great to give him his debut, I worked with him in the under-21s and he has had a fantastic season.

"He is not going to be available for us from now until the end of the season so it is an abrupt end to his season but amazing for him to make his debut and I think he showed in that first half his quality and what he can bring to this team."

Since Calum McFarlane's news conference concluded, Chelsea have stated that there is a possibility that Derry may feature again this season.

'Carrick has completed his mission... time to add crucial experience'

Sunderland v Manchester United (Sat, 15:00 BST)

Alex Turk

Man Utd fan writer

Manchester United are back where we belong. Michael Carrick has completed his mission. Champions League nights are returning to Old Trafford next season.

I couldn't think of many better ways to seal it than by beating Liverpool to complete a first double over our rivals since 2016, a landmark win coming via a Kobbie Mainoo winner in front of the Stretford End in the same week he signed a new contract, no less.

But now the job is done, and this unique season can be considered a successful one, all focus must now go towards getting the summer transfer window right.

United can enter the business period with confidence, given how 2025 included some of the club's best recruitment of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Senne Lammens - all hits, in my book, and a major factor behind the spring from 15th last season to third in the Premier League.

The positions United must address have, naturally, dominated the talk about this summer. The Red Devils need at least three midfielders, support for Sesko and another left-wing option.

Read more here

'We've made decisions for the long-term'

Sunderland v Man Utd (Sat, 15:00 BST)

Manchester United

A final word from Michael Carrick on how differently he would work if he had the full-time position as Manchester United manager: "I’ve said from the start I’ve never approached a day here, in terms of any short-term decisions. Whether that is different to the outlook from others, I don’t know.

"From mine and the staff, we’ve made decisions for the long-term, for the group and individually as players, in how we treat them and try to help develop them in the squad. I don’t think we would change the approach for how I go about things.

"Again, I understand that it might be for the people looking towards me maybe or towards us, whether that's players, whether that's supporters as well. I don't know how that changes, but maybe we'll get to see. But certainly, from my point of view, I think I've done it in a way that I feel is the right way to do."

Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is on Inter Milan's radar. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian, external)

Liverpool are weighing up a move for 28-year-old Bournemouth and Argentina defender Marco Senesi, who has verbally agreed to join Spurs if they avoid relegation from the Premier League. (Talksport, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column