Monday cannon fodder: repeat powerless contract

Premier League/England

Manchester City pip Liverpool to title with win at Brighton | Football | The Guardian
Manchester City became Premier League champions for the fourth time in eight seasons after coming from behind to win 4-1 at Brighton.

The revolution will be televised: as the season ends, the age of VAR is nigh | Sachin Nakrani | Football | The Guardian
During testing this year, “On average there were eight checks per game, with the average time of a check being 29 seconds; Riley noted: “The average time taken to celebrate a goal in the Premier League is 62 seconds.”

Ander Herrera confirms decision to leave Manchester United | Football | The Guardian
Ander Herrera has described choosing to leave Manchester United as a difficult decision but one he does not want to dwell on.

I would be stupid to stay with no plan, says Tottenham manager - BBC Sport
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says he would be “stupid” to stay if they expect to keep thriving without changing the way they are run.

Charlton take upper hand with win at Doncaster in first leg of play-offs | Football | The Guardian
Two goals in as many first-half minutes earned Charlton a 2-1 lead after the first leg of their League One play-off.

Fulham 0-4 Newcastle United: Rafael Benitez to hold more contract talks - BBC Sport
Rafael Benitez once again is coy over his future at Newcastle after his side signs off their Premier League campaign with an impressive victory at relegated Fulham.

Women’s Super League: Goals of the season - BBC Sport
BBC Sport selects five of the best goals from this season’s Women’s Super League.

Why I ditched Liverpool to support another team | FourFourTwo
You just can’t, they say. But I did, writes Mark Hooper.

Sarri admits Chelsea may be powerless to stop Hazard exit - Football365
Maurizio Sarri admitted that Chelsea will have to respect Eden Hazard’s decision if the winger chooses to leave the club.

‘The joy is tainted’: Liverpool and Tottenham fans face high price for success | Football | The Guardian
It’s adorable that in 2019 people are still surprised that going to championship finals is an expensive proposition.

The Premier League’s title chase with Man City, Liverpool has been amazing. But are tight races a thing of the past?
Liverpool and Man City had one of the most dramatic title races in Premier League history but the same may never be said of other top competitions.

Why Watford, having endured 35 years of striking ups and downs, are dreaming of FA Cup glory
Having fallen in the final 35 years ago, a resurgent Watford are hoping to end their Manchester City hoodoo and lift the FA Cup in 2019.

Kemar Roofe razes Derby County to leave Leeds spying play-off final | Football | The Guardian
Leeds came away from Pride Park with a vital 1-0 win in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.

Sunderland 1-0 Portsmouth: Chris Maguire gives Black Cats’ 10 men win - BBC Sport
Chris Maguire’s stunning volley hands Sunderland the initiative after the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final against Portsmouth.

Europe

Ajax 4-1 Utrecht: Hosts on brink of Eredivisie title - BBC Sport
Ajax all but secure a 26th Eredivisie title after coming from behind to defeat Utrecht.

Barcelona damage Getafe’s Champions League bid with 2-0 win - BBC Sport
La Liga champions Barcelona beat Getafe as the minnows drop out of the top four, while Real Madrid lose to Real Sociedad.

The split that led Portuguese top-flight side Belenenses to lose their stadium, badge and fans in one season
When Os Belenenses lost everything, the fans had to choose between two new outfits.

Leipzig 0-0 Bayern Munich: Visitors miss chance to clinch Bundesliga title - BBC Sport
Bayern Munich miss the chance to clinch a seventh consecutive Bundesliga title with a draw at RB Leipzig.

MLS/Americas

Nike, NWSL extend partnership through 2022 – Equalizer Soccer
Good news for the young-but-growing league.

Canada announces World Cup squad | Canada Soccer
The true North now has a squad to represent it in France.

Other

New York High School Softball Pitcher Throws Rare "Perfect" Perfect Game
21 batters, 21 strikeouts. That is damn impressive.

Sepp Blatter, Who Tried To Use Money To Ruin Soccer, Thinks That Money Has The Potential To Ruin Soccer
Sepp Blatter - yes, Sepp Blatter - points out that money might - just might - be a problem in the game today.