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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed Dejan Kulusevski will miss the Europa League final and is "out for a few months" having undergone knee surgery.

Tottenham revealed on Wednesday that Kulusevski had undergone surgery on an injury to his right patella he sustained in Sunday's home defeat to Crystal Palace, although the club did not give a timescale on his return.

But Postecoglou said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's Premier League game at Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports, that the Sweden international will miss next Wednesday's Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao.

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He said: "Disappointing news. Initially, we thought it wasn't too serious. It seemed pretty good but it kind of blew up the day after.

"He has had surgery and it will put him out for a few months.

"We will see [back for next season]. To be honest, I have basic information on recovery. It will put him out for a while."

Kulusevski's injury is a major blow for Postecoglou, with the Australian facing a midfield selection crisis ahead of the final in Spain.

Postecoglou quashes Bergvall return rumours

James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall have both suffered season-ending injuries.

Maddison suffered a knee injury in the 3-1 Europa League semi-final first leg win over Bodo/Glimt at the start of the month, while Bergvall suffered ankle ligament damage in training ahead of the same game.

Speculation was rife on social media on Wednesday night that the teenager could make a shock return against Man Utd, but Postecoglou has quashed those rumours.

He said of Bergvall: "No, it's still the same sort of timeframe.

"Never long term, but he's just got out of his boot and taking his first steps on the grass. He'll likely be a while."

The absence of the trio leaves Spurs desperately short of creativity for next Wednesday's final with Manchester United in Bilbao, where they will aim to end a 17-year trophy drought.

Kulusevski has 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for the club this season.

Analysis: Losing Kulusevski is more than a blow for Spurs

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz:

Dejan Kulusevski missing the Europa League final is a big blow for Spurs in its own right. No player has more assists, chances created, dribbles completed or pressures in the final third across all competitions for Spurs this season than the Swede.

But losing the attacker in the wake of Spurs' other injuries takes it from a blow to a catastrophe.

Throw in injuries to fellow attacking midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to the mix and Spurs will be without a huge source of creative talent. The trio make up 30 per cent of the overall chances Spurs have mustered in all competitions this season.

It puts a lot of onus on Pedro Porro for creativity, with the right-back second to Kulusevski's chance creation total for the season, especially with Spurs captain Heung-Min Son struggling for form and fitness in recent weeks.

The 32-year-old has played just 32 minutes of football in the last month, as he bids to rebuild his fitness by playing against Aston Villa on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.

Spurs and Ange Postecoglou will be hoping Son can find some sort of form to boost the club's weakened attack line.

Son will 'definitely' play against Aston Villa

Postecoglou confirmed that captain Heung-Min Son will feature at Villa Park on Friday.

The 32-year-old made his return during last weekend's 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, playing 33 minutes off the bench, having previously been sidelined for seven games with a foot injury.

"He'll definitely play tomorrow," Postecoglou said. "Whether he'll start or not, we'll see.

"He reacted well to Sunday, and it makes sense to get him more match minutes, whether it's starting or playing half of the game."

Son tells South Korean police he is victim of blackmail

Meanwhile, Son has filed a complaint to South Korean police alleging that he is the victim of blackmail.

According to South Korean news agency, Yonhap, Son is alleging that a woman claimed she was pregnant and blackmailed him, demanding money.

The criminal complaint has been made to the Gangnam Police Station in southern Seoul, who are investigating a woman in her 20s and a man on charges of extortion.

Yonhap are reporting that Son claims two people told him that the woman was pregnant in an attempt to extort several hundred million South Korean won from him in June 2024.

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Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery on his right knee ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League final against Manchester United.

Spurs have not ruled him out for the rest of the season and say he "will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately".

Kulusevski, who suffered the injury during Spurs' 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend, posted on Instagram after news of his surgery had been confirmed.

A video of his best moments from the season was accompanied by a caption, which read: "For the people that I gave joy this year, thank you. I appreciate you and I love you. I pray for you.

"Don't be sad, we will be back and we coming for everybody."

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The 25-year-old returned from a foot injury last month and featured in wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt that sealed the club's spot in the Europa League final which takes place next Wednesday in Bilbao.

Kulusevski has 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for the club this season.

Spurs, who have also lost James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to injury in the last two weeks, were boosted by the return of captain Heung-Min Son against Palace and Ange Postecoglou was pleased with his progress after a month out with a foot issue.

Speaking on Monday, Postecoglou said: "Firstly, from a physical standpoint, he is good. It was good for him to get minutes yesterday and he had a good session today.

"It was important he got some minutes yesterday against Crystal Palace because he needed them, more for himself physiologically.

"He had a good session today. He was never going to do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've still got eight or nine days to go, plus a game on Friday where we can build him up.

"It's great to have him available. He's been a big catalyst this year and a big driver."

Tottenham attacker Brennan Johnson had a scare during the club's opening training session this week after being accidentally caught by Sergio Reguilon, but was fine to continue.

Postecoglou joked: "I'm putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days. Reggy tackled Brennan and they're on the same team, so that is the way things are going!"

Son: Europa League glory 'final piece' I need in my Spurs puzzle

Son is desperate to lead Tottenham to Europa League glory and complete the missing "final piece" of his career at the club.

Spurs captain Son has scored 173 goals in 451 appearances across 10 seasons in north London but failed to land silverware and has watched long-serving team-mates Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane depart in recent years.

The South Korean has been involved in two painful cup final defeats for Tottenham to Liverpool - in the Champions League in 2019 and a Carabao Cup loss at Wembley to Manchester City four years ago - but believes the feeling around next Wednesday's showpiece against Manchester United is different.

During an interview with Korean media at the club's Europa League final media day on Monday, Son said: "We've been talking about this for years. The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn't achieve.

"That's probably why I'm where I am now. You need all the pieces to complete a puzzle. I think I've gathered all the other pieces to make that puzzle complete.

"It feels like I've been missing that one most important final piece and I've been trying to find it for the past 10 years. I really hope I can finally complete the puzzle this time.

"It feels different this time. I really want to win - more than anyone else, I think. So many people are supporting us with the same desperate passion I feel. If we prepare well, I believe we can achieve it."

Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery on his right knee ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League final against Manchester United.

Spurs have not ruled him out for the rest of the season and say he "will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately".

Kulusevski suffered the injury during Spurs' 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend.

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The 25-year-old returned from a foot injury last month and featured in wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt that sealed the club's spot in the Europa League final which takes place next Wednesday in Bilbao.

Kulusevski has 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for the club this season.

Spurs, who have also lost James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to injury in the last two weeks, were boosted by the return of captain Heung-Min Son against Palace and Ange Postecoglou was pleased with his progress after a month out with a foot issue.

Speaking on Monday, Postecoglou said: "Firstly, from a physical standpoint, he is good. It was good for him to get minutes yesterday and he had a good session today.

"It was important he got some minutes yesterday against Crystal Palace because he needed them, more for himself physiologically.

"He had a good session today. He was never going to do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've still got eight or nine days to go, plus a game on Friday where we can build him up.

"It's great to have him available. He's been a big catalyst this year and a big driver."

Tottenham attacker Brennan Johnson had a scare during the club's opening training session this week after being accidentally caught by Sergio Reguilon, but was fine to continue.

Postecoglou joked: "I'm putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days. Reggy tackled Brennan and they're on the same team, so that is the way things are going!"

Son: Europa League glory "final piece" I need in my Spurs puzzle

Son is desperate to lead Tottenham to Europa League glory and complete the missing "final piece" of his career at the club.

Spurs captain Son has scored 173 goals in 451 appearances across 10 seasons in north London but failed to land silverware and has watched long-serving team-mates Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane depart in recent years.

The South Korean has been involved in two painful cup final defeats for Tottenham to Liverpool - in the Champions League in 2019 and a Carabao Cup loss at Wembley to Manchester City four years ago - but believes the feeling around next Wednesday's showpiece against Manchester United is different.

During an interview with Korean media at the club's Europa League final media day on Monday, Son said: "We've been talking about this for years. The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn't achieve.

"That's probably why I'm where I am now. You need all the pieces to complete a puzzle. I think I've gathered all the other pieces to make that puzzle complete.

"It feels like I've been missing that one most important final piece and I've been trying to find it for the past 10 years. I really hope I can finally complete the puzzle this time.

"It feels different this time. I really want to win - more than anyone else, I think. So many people are supporting us with the same desperate passion I feel. If we prepare well, I believe we can achieve it."

Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery on his right patella ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League final against Manchester United.

Spurs have not ruled him out for the rest of the season and say he "will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately".

Kulusevski suffered the injury during Spurs' 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last weekend.

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The 25-year-old returned from a foot injury last month and featured in wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Bodo/Glimt that sealed the club's spot in the Europa League final which takes place next Wednesday in Bilbao.

Spurs, who have also lost James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall to injury in the last two weeks, were boosted by the return of captain Heung-Min Son against Palace and Ange Postecoglou was pleased with his progress after a month out with a foot issue.

Speaking on Monday, Postecoglou said: "Firstly, from a physical standpoint, he is good. It was good for him to get minutes yesterday and he had a good session today.

"It was important he got some minutes yesterday against Crystal Palace because he needed them, more for himself physiologically.

"He had a good session today. He was never going to do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've still got eight or nine days to go, plus a game on Friday where we can build him up.

"It's great to have him available. He's been a big catalyst this year and a big driver."

Tottenham attacker Brennan Johnson had a scare during the club's opening training session this week after being accidentally caught by Sergio Reguilon, but was fine to continue.

Postecoglou joked: "I'm putting them in cotton wool for the next 10 days. Reggy tackled Brennan and they're on the same team, so that is the way things are going!"

Son: Europa League glory "final piece" I need in my Spurs puzzle

Son is desperate to lead Tottenham to Europa League glory and complete the missing "final piece" of his career at the club.

Spurs captain Son has scored 173 goals in 451 appearances across 10 seasons in north London but failed to land silverware and has watched long-serving team-mates Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane depart in recent years.

The South Korean has been involved in two painful cup final defeats for Tottenham to Liverpool - in the Champions League in 2019 and a Carabao Cup loss at Wembley to Manchester City four years ago - but believes the feeling around next Wednesday's showpiece against Manchester United is different.

During an interview with Korean media at the club's Europa League final media day on Monday, Son said: "We've been talking about this for years. The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was because I wanted to do something others couldn't achieve.

"That's probably why I'm where I am now. You need all the pieces to complete a puzzle. I think I've gathered all the other pieces to make that puzzle complete.

"It feels like I've been missing that one most important final piece and I've been trying to find it for the past 10 years. I really hope I can finally complete the puzzle this time.

"It feels different this time. I really want to win - more than anyone else, I think. So many people are supporting us with the same desperate passion I feel. If we prepare well, I believe we can achieve it."

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It is not every day - or season - that a team finds itself preparing for a major European final. In fact, there are just three and it's a long road to reach them. But for Tottenham Hotspur and Yves Bissouma, that is exactly where they find themselves.

Spurs will face Manchester United in the Europa League final on May 21, with both looking to redeem a season that, domestically, has been disappointing.

But they have somehow found a way to perform in the continental competition. Tottenham Hotspur finished fourth in the league phase - a point behind Manchester United in third - and cruised to a 5-2 win against Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals.

Ange Postecoglou: Trophy win could be turning point for Spurs

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And Bissouma wants to top what he describes as a night he will never forget.

"It was the best night of my life because I qualified for the final of the Europa League," the midfielder, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, said of the second leg in Norway.

"Nothing can change it in my life and I will never forget this. And I know I can have one night that can be better than this so I'm trying to work hard to be ready for that.

"It's not every time you have a chance to play a European final and it's not something that's coming every season, so a special moment like this, you feel it like a dream. I don't want to wake up.

"I realise it's not a dream, we worked hard for that to be where we are now. The club deserves it, the fans and we deserve it as well because every day we're working really hard to be where we are now.

"We have to do the right things to bring that trophy home."

Bissouma had predicted after the second leg that Daniel Levy would be singing along with the players on the plane home. "I was excited and happy!" he said with a laugh, without revealing if the Spurs chairman did take the mic.

How Bissouma form has turned around

The Mali international was a big part of Tottenham's semi-final success. Across the two legs, he ranked joint-top for shots and possessions won in the defensive third. He was also in the top four for tackles, interceptions and possessions won in the midfield third.

But Bissouma was quick to point out how those at the club helped him to do so, saying: "It's not just me, it's a team.

"We work so hard - the coaches, all of the staff, the players. We are a Spurs family. This season was really hard for us and it's not the time for us to give up. We're all staying together.

"Maybe you saw me play, but the coaches, the information they gave me, for me to do it on the pitch, the way we train, all these things help me to play like I played.

"It's a team win and I'm really happy for that because now we have what we wanted. Now, it's one more game, so let's be ready and go."

It marks a turnaround for Bissouma, where his performances this season have not always reflected the talent he has - arguably reflective of Tottenham Hotspur's campaign overall.

After losing late on to Fulham in March, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said the midfielder can "sometimes let the game drift by him" and wanted Bissouma to be more dominant on the ball.

But before facing Crystal Palace, Postecoglou spoke of his pride in his player after his Europa League performances, saying the pair had spoken recently when the head coach told Bissouma he would be needed to help the team in a crucial moment.

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"I'm here for my team. Even if I play or not, I always have to be ready. That's the way I grew up - that's my mentality. I will never give up," he reflected.

"The more it's hard, the more I work hard. I was thinking like, 'my time will come. I have to be ready if my team needs me, if the coach needs me' so it was in my mind.

"I was ready before we spoke so that's not new for me. To come back and play for the important game of the season, it shows how he [Postecoglou] trusts me and he knows I can do the job.

"It's always a pleasure to work with Ange. I have a good relationship with him. He's one of the managers who really understands players and tries to do his best for his team. He puts in all of his energy for success.

"I take it [any criticism] in a good way because when I was good, he was telling me I was good. And when I'm not, if he says that, I take it in a good way.

"He said that for me to improve, to show him the best [player] he knows, it's making me work hard to be at my best.

"You prepare yourself during pre-season to have a really good season, but sometimes, things happen and you have to deal with it. It's important to stay strong, mentally especially, because it's not easy.

"And I understand when some fans are not happy with me. It's because they know I'm a really good player, they know how I can help the team and they're frustrated because I'm not doing what I can do. I understand and I take it in a good way.

"That's why all these things make me work harder to become at my best, try to help my team and bring them to the level that this club needs to be."

It goes without saying that Bissouma will need to harness all of his recent form to help Tottenham Hotspur lift their first trophy since 2008 next week, as well as ending their Premier League season on a positive note.

Ange Postecoglou believes winning the Europa League and ending Tottenham's 17-year wait for a trophy could be a turning point for the club.

Spurs are preparing for a huge showdown against Manchester United in the Europa league final in Bilbao on May 21 as they look to secure their first silverware since the League Cup in 2008.

Europa League glory would be the north London club's first European trophy since the UEFA Cup in 1984 and Postecoglou thinks earning silverware would change the perception of Spurs going forward.

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When asked what winning a trophy at Spurs would mean, he said: "For me personally, great, it's another trophy I can reminisce about in my old age. But more importantly for the club, I've always said that it's the significance of what it does to people that really impacts you.

"A lot of the success I've had has been really significant stuff. Yokohama hadn't won the championship for 14 years, Australia had never won a continental championship, and Brisbane hadn't won one.

"South Melbourne, my first job, hadn't won in seven years and Celtic was one year, but that's a long time in Scotland. They had to wrestle back the dominance they've had for so long.

"When you look at the historical backdrop of this club for the past 20-odd years, it feels like a turning point for how people perceive this club and how this club perceives itself, which I think is the biggest thing.

"Until you do it, irrespective of what else you accomplish, people are going to say you haven't won anything. In our game, and in life in general, that's the things that matter most when people asses where you are at."

'We need to break the cycle'

Postecoglou was also quizzed about the narrative that could be used in the build-up to the final that United usually have success winning finals, while Spurs have lost their most recent finals.

Spurs lost the Champions League final to Liverpool in 2019 and were beaten by man City League Cup final in 2021. Meanwhile, United won the League Cup in 2023 and beat rivals Man City in the FA Cup final at Wembley last season.

He said: "That's the hurdle this club has to overcome, because it will always be there. Until you actually do it, you are fair game for people to say you've always fluffed it on the big stage.

"Irrespective of what the opposition say or what anyone else says, you've got to try and break that cycle and whatever motivation you need to do that, you tap into.

"Maybe there are things we tap into but to really do something as big as we want to do there's got to be a higher purpose than just shutting peoples' mouths up.

"That'll happen anyway and it is more about can you make an impact. I often say to the players that at the end of your careers, what you want to be able to do is go back to the clubs you served and know you've made an impact.

"The photos I see up on the walls at the stadium are all of Bill Nicholson. The 1984 winning team. A lot of them are in black and white. Can we get this group up on that wall?"

Spurs still assessing Kulusevski injury ahead of Europa League final

Meanwhile, Tottenham will continue to assess Dejan Kulusevski after he suffered an injury in Sunday's 2-0 Premier League loss to Crystal Palace.

Kulusevski was forced off after 19 minutes and Postecoglou provided an update on the midfielder at the club's Europa League final media day on Monday.

"He was a bit sore this morning with his knee. It looks like a knock at this stage but we'll let it settle for 24 hours," Postecoglou said.

Spurs captain Heung-Min Son did return in the loss to Palace and Postecoglou was pleased with his progress after a month out with a foot issue.

Postecoglou added: "Firstly, from a physical standpoint, he is good. It was good for him to get minutes yesterday and he had a good session today.

"It was important he got some minutes yesterday against Crystal Palace because he needed them, more for himself physiologically.

"He had a good session today. He was never going to do the whole session because he played yesterday. He feels good and we've still got eight or nine days to go, plus a game on Friday where we can build him up.

"It's great to have him available. He's been a big catalyst this year and a big driver.

German referee Zwayer to officiate Europa League final

UEFA has confirmed previously Felix Zwayer will take charge of the all-English Europa League final.

The 43-year-old refereed last week's Champions League semi-final second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, with May 21 in Bilbao to be his second UEFA showpiece having refereed the 2023 Nations League final.

Zwayer took charge of England's semi-final win against the Netherlands at Euro 2024, ahead of which then boss Gareth Southgate insisted the appointment of a previously suspended official was "not even a consideration".

The German was given a six-month ban by his country's football federation in 2006, having worked as an assistant referee alongside Robert Hoyzer.

Zwayer was one of the officials who brought Hoyzer's match-fixing plot to light, with the relatively short duration of Zwayer's ban a recognition of that contribution. Hoyzer was banned for life.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham was fined in 2021 by the German federation after he referenced Zwayer's involvement in that scandal following a defeat for his former club Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich.

Man Utd deserve to be in a relegation scrap

If you take the three relegated clubs out of the equation, Manchester United have won one of their last 17 Premier League games. They are fortunate the gap between the Championship and the top-flight is so great otherwise they'd be genuinely flirting with a relegation fight with two Premier League games to go. If they lose both their remaining league games they won't have even amassed 40 points this season - usually the standard bearer of what you need to stay up.

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Apart from the flashy feet of Amad Diallo, who got 80 minutes under his belt down the right flank, this was another dispiriting afternoon for the locals.

West Ham carried the greater attacking threat, were more robust without the ball and were clinical with their finishing. United have now failed to score in 14 Premier League games this season - only Southampton (15), Everton (15) and Leicester (16) have blanked more.

Yet this team are one win away from playing Champions League football next season. Someone make it make sense.

Lewis Jones

Arsenal's striker hole laid bare at Anfield

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool. The Champions League finalists and the Premier League champions.

Arsenal had two of their biggest tests of the season this week and how they close the gap to those two teams cannot be clearer now.

Both matches started in the same vein - Arsenal came flying out of the blocks in both. Like in Paris on Wednesday night, the Gunners had multiple chances to open the scoring - most notably Bukayo Saka's from a free-kick - but they failed to take them. Then just like the other night, Arsenal fell behind and were playing catch-up.

Mikel Arteta's side ended the first half with the same number of shots as Liverpool, but they were two goals down. Liverpool took their chances while Arsenal didn't have the firepower. It hit the nail in the coffin that a new striker was needed.

Arsenal's midfield got into countless good areas at Anfield only for there to be a vacuum of emptiness in the penalty box to help out. The first 45 minutes painted the story of their season.

The second half told a little bit more. Leandro Trossard went off injured while Mikel Merino made it six red cards this season for Arsenal. Setbacks and sending offs have also defined their 15-point gap to Liverpool.

But so many red cards and injuries are likely to make up a freak campaign. But if Arsenal don't be ruthless in the forward areas this summer, they won't bridge that gap.

Sam Blitz

Trent circus far from ideal for Liverpool

Arne Slot insisted afterwards that Trent Alexander-Arnold's introduction was not a distraction at Anfield, even getting into an exchange with a journalist in the press conference discussing the percentage of supporters who booed the departing full-back.

The Liverpool coach found himself making a point about the relative decibel levels of booing compared to clapping. Probably the point at which one might have to accept that the reaction to Alexander-Arnold coming on had become a bit of a sideshow.

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Slot's calculation regarding the player - who has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of his contract this summer - is coldly logical. He started Conor Bradley because he is the future. He brought Alexander-Arnold on as he thought he could help win the game.

But Liverpool is a club fuelled by emotion and those emotions ran high at Anfield on Sunday. Slot seemed to regard the chants for Bradley and Steven Gerrard as a positive thing but they clearly represented a pointed response to Alexander-Arnold's decision.

Mohamed Salah flung an arm towards the Kop in disgust at the boos, applauding his team-mate onto the pitch, while Andy Robertson told Sky Sports that it was "not nice to see a friend get booed" so it is naïve to think this does not detract a little from the mood.

Slot insisted afterwards that nothing can take the edge off this Premier League title win. And yet, here he was answering questions about Alexander-Arnold rather than his team. It is an unfortunate way for Liverpool's magnificent campaign to be coming to an end.

Adam Bate

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Potter needs to build around Kudus and Bowen

West Ham fans were singing about Niklas Fullkrug for much of their enjoyable away day at Old Trafford. They obviously like what they heard from him after the Southampton game. But despite having the adulation of his fans it is very difficult to see how he fits in.

This was another example of West Ham being at their best under Graham Potter when Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen are allowed to play as the flexible front two. Potter has now beaten Arsenal and Manchester United away from home and was minutes away from getting a point at Liverpool.

It was Kudus and Bowen - as a pairing - that provided the attacking platform for West Ham to go and get those results. Kudus, especially, was red hot at Old Trafford. The best player on the pitch. You feel if Potter can add some steel and some trusty lieutenants to this system, West Ham could be a tough nut to crack next season.

Lewis Jones

Fragile Spurs on brink of big success or big failure

With the sun shining and the buzz of Thursday's Europa League semi-final win energising the Spurs fans ahead of kick-off, there was positivity in the air. It didn't last long.

Crystal Palace swiftly scythed through Ange Postecoglou's much-changed team and what might have otherwise been a celebratory homecoming for Spurs' European finalists instead saw them booed off at the break and then at full-time.

There were plenty of empty seats by that final whistle too. Palace fans had taunted their Spurs counterparts by asking why they were even here as the hosts slumped to a 20th Premier League defeat of the season. That resilience shown in Norway nowhere in sight. Many Spurs supporters seemed to come to the conclusion it wasn't worth watching.

The priority, of course, is that Europa League final. But Postecoglou pointed out fringe players missed their chance to impress and push for a place in his XI for that Man Utd showdown. It will be even harder to catch the eye at in-form Aston Villa on Friday.

This is a group of players hit by injuries this season and Dejan Kulusevski limping off was another worry. From Spurs' physical shape to their performances to the feeling around the club - it's all fragile right now.

Will Bilbao bring a sweet remedy or a crushing blow?

Peter Smith

Guehi shows his value to Palace

Eberechi Eze was Crystal Palace's match-winner against Spurs, his two goals taking him to five in his last four games in all competitions. But Marc Guehi might just have been their best performer.

The 24-year-old was outstanding from the very first minute of the game, when he cut out a Pedro Porro cross at his near post, setting the tone for a totally dominant individual display.

Every time Spurs got into a dangerous position, Guehi stood in their way, snuffing out danger, tackling, intercepting. A highlight came in the penultimate minute of the game, when he blocked a Heung-Min Son shot with nonchalant ease, then won his side a free-kick.

Moments after that, Guehi provided an example of his outstanding ball-playing ability, sending Eddie Nketiah through on goal with a superb pass in behind Spurs' defence. He used the ball smartly all afternoon, switching play, threading passes into his midfielders.

Man Utd deserve to be in a relegation scrap

If you take the three relegated clubs out of the equation, Manchester United have won one of their last 17 Premier League games. They are fortunate the gap between the Championship and the top-flight is so great otherwise they'd be genuinely flirting with a relegation fight with two Premier League games to go. If they lose both their remaining league games they won't have even amassed 40 points this season - usually the standard bearer of what you need to stay up.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

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Apart from the flashy feet of Amad Diallo, who got 80 minutes under his belt down the right flank, this was another dispiriting afternoon for the locals.

West Ham carried the greater attacking threat, were more robust without the ball and were clinical with their finishing. United have now failed to score in 14 Premier League games this season - only Southampton (15), Everton (15) and Leicester (16) have blanked more.

Yet this team are one win away from playing Champions League football next season. Someone make it make sense.

Lewis Jones

Arsenal's striker hole laid bare at Anfield

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool. The Champions League finalists and the Premier League champions.

Arsenal had two of their biggest tests of the season this week and how they close the gap to those two teams cannot be clearer now.

Both matches started in the same vein - Arsenal came flying out of the blocks in both. Like in Paris on Wednesday night, the Gunners had multiple chances to open the scoring - most notably Bukayo Saka's from a free-kick - but they failed to take them. Then just like the other night, Arsenal fell behind and were playing catch-up.

Mikel Arteta's side ended the first half with the same number of shots as Liverpool, but they were two goals down. Liverpool took their chances while Arsenal didn't have the firepower. It hit the nail in the coffin that a new striker was needed.

Arsenal's midfield got into countless good areas at Anfield only for there to be a vacuum of emptiness in the penalty box to help out. The first 45 minutes painted the story of their season.

The second half told a little bit more. Leandro Trossard went off injured while Mikel Merino made it six red cards this season for Arsenal. Setbacks and sending offs have also defined their 15-point gap to Liverpool.

But so many red cards and injuries are likely to make up a freak campaign. But if Arsenal don't be ruthless in the forward areas this summer, they won't bridge that gap.

Sam Blitz

Trent circus far from ideal for Liverpool

Arne Slot insisted afterwards that Trent Alexander-Arnold's introduction was not a distraction at Anfield, even getting into an exchange with a journalist in the press conference discussing the percentage of supporters who booed the departing full-back.

The Liverpool coach found himself making a point about the relative decibel levels of booing compared to clapping. Probably the point at which one might have to accept that the reaction to Alexander-Arnold coming on had become a bit of a sideshow.

As it happened | Teams | Match stats

Slot's calculation regarding the player - who has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of his contract this summer - is coldly logical. He started Conor Bradley because he is the future. He brought Alexander-Arnold on as he thought he could help win the game.

But Liverpool is a club fuelled by emotion and those emotions ran high at Anfield on Sunday. Slot seemed to regard the chants for Bradley and Steven Gerrard as a positive thing but they clearly represented a pointed response to Alexander-Arnold's decision.

Mohamed Salah flung an arm towards the Kop in disgust at the boos, applauding his team-mate onto the pitch, while Andy Robertson told Sky Sports that it was "not nice to see a friend get booed" so it is naïve to think this does not detract a little from the mood.

Slot insisted afterwards that nothing can take the edge off this Premier League title win. And yet, here he was answering questions about Alexander-Arnold rather than his team. It is an unfortunate way for Liverpool's magnificent campaign to be coming to an end.

Adam Bate

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Potter needs to build around Kudus and Bowen

West Ham fans were singing about Niklas Fullkrug for much of their enjoyable away day at Old Trafford. They obviously like what they heard from him after the Southampton game. But despite having the adulation of his fans it is very difficult to see how he fits in.

This was another example of West Ham being at their best under Graham Potter when Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen are allowed to play as the flexible front two. Potter has now beaten Arsenal and Manchester United away from home and was minutes away from getting a point at Liverpool.

It was Kudus and Bowen - as a pairing - that provided the attacking platform for West Ham to go and get those results. Kudus, especially, was red hot at Old Trafford. The best player on the pitch. You feel if Potter can add some steel and some trusty lieutenants to this system, West Ham could be a tough nut to crack next season.

Lewis Jones

Fragile Spurs on brink of big success or big failure

With the sun shining and the buzz of Thursday's Europa League semi-final win energising the Spurs fans ahead of kick-off, there was positivity in the air. It didn't last long.

Crystal Palace swiftly scythed through Ange Postecoglou's much-changed team and what might have otherwise been a celebratory homecoming for Spurs' European finalists instead saw them booed off at the break and then at full-time.

There were plenty of empty seats by that final whistle too. Palace fans had taunted their Spurs counterparts by asking why they were even here as the hosts slumped to a 20th Premier League defeat of the season. That resilience shown in Norway nowhere in sight. Many Spurs supporters seemed to come to the conclusion it wasn't worth watching.

The priority, of course, is that Europa League final. But Postecoglou pointed out fringe players missed their chance to impress and push for a place in his XI for that Man Utd showdown. It will be even harder to catch the eye at in-form Aston Villa on Friday.

This is a group of players hit by injuries this season and Dejan Kulusevski limping off was another worry. From Spurs' physical shape to their performances to the feeling around the club - it's all fragile right now.

Will Bilbao bring a sweet remedy or a crushing blow?

Peter Smith

Guehi shows his value to Palace

Eberechi Eze was Crystal Palace's match-winner against Spurs, his two goals taking him to five in his last four games in all competitions. But Marc Guehi might just have been their best performer.

The 24-year-old was outstanding from the very first minute of the game, when he cut out a Pedro Porro cross at his near post, setting the tone for a totally dominant individual display.

Every time Spurs got into a dangerous position, Guehi stood in their way, snuffing out danger, tackling, intercepting. A highlight came in the penultimate minute of the game, when he blocked a Heung-Min Son shot with nonchalant ease, then won his side a free-kick.

Moments after that, Guehi provided an example of his outstanding ball-playing ability, sending Eddie Nketiah through on goal with a superb pass in behind Spurs' defence. He used the ball smartly all afternoon, switching play, threading passes into his midfielders.

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