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Team: Australia

Nickname: Joeys

Manager: Trevor Morgan

Last game: Australia 2-1 Vietnam (22 September 2019)

TEAM PROFILE

Heavyweights of Group C and one of the favourites for the title, the Joeys boast of a promising squad led by a manager who has coached the U16 for about two years now. Trevor Morgan’s boys have the potential, momentum and the coaching to top the group.

Australia have featured in the AFC U16 Championship in every edition since 2008 but are yet to get their hands on the grand prize. However, their record in the competition is encouraging, given they made the semi-finals three out of six times and were unable to qualify from the group stages just once (India, 2016).

The Joeys made the semi-finals for the first time in 2010 when they eased past the likes of Vietnam and Timor-Leste in the group stages before edging the UAE 3-2 in the quarterfinals. A 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts Uzbekistan in the semis brought an end to their promising campaign.

Australia’s best result in the competition arrived in Thailand in 2014. They made it three out of three in the group stage and proceeded to beat Malaysia 2-1 in the first knockout round. Eventual champions DPR Korea eliminated them through a penalty shoot-out in the semi-final. The Joeys were placed third in the tournament by virtue of accumulating more points. They also conceded the fewest number of goals (4) in the tournament among the teams that made it out of the group.

Australia’s 2018 (Malaysia) U16 Championship was rather underwhelming to their standards. They finished as runners-up in the group after a 3-0 defeat to South Korea. This was followed by a narrow win over Indonesia in the quarterfinals and a comprehensive 3-1 defeat against Japan in the semis.

The Joeys have also been among regular participants in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. They qualified for the final round thrice in the last decade and made it to the last-16 on each of these occasions. However, they have not made it past the quarterfinals since 2001.

LESSONS FROM THE PAST

India and Australia have never faced each other in the AFC U16 Championship. India comes under the umbrella of West Asian nations while Australia belongs to the East Asian category. This eliminated the possibility of the two sides facing in the qualifiers too.

RECENT RESULTS

The Joeys breezed through their qualifier games, topping the group with 12 points from their four games. They began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Mongolia before they smashed Macau 3-0 and edged Timor-Leste 1-0. A 2-1 win over Vietnam in a must-win final qualifier game ensured a successful outing.

The defence conceded just two goals in the tournament, displaying great discipline at the back while ensuring a good supply of goals upfront. The Coronavirus pandemic proved to be a roadblock to Australia's preparations ahead of the U16 Championship but they could return to training by August at the earliest. A friendly against New Zealand is on the cards, should the situation cool down.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Trevor Morgan is a pragmatic coach who has coached the side for two years. He has worked closely with the senior team boss Graham Arnold who is known for his ability to spot and nurture talent. Given the senior team operates in a 4-2-3-1 formation, it would not be a surprise if Morgan opts the same with the Joeys.

India can expect an Australian side that is solid at the back, is filled with some great individual talent and has a knack of getting the result. This could prove to be a tough test for India in the group stages of the 2020 AFC U16 Championship.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Joshua Rawlins of Perth Glory who captained the side during the qualifiers is a defensive mainstay.

Matthew Scarcella, who plays in midfield for Western Sydney Wanderers is also a crucial element of the Joeys squad.

Morgan could have Bernardo Oliviera be the focal point of Australia’s attack. The promising attacker recently joined Melbourne City FC’s impressive youth set-up to hone his skills and boasts of the ability to torment defences in the tournament.

Selangor boss Satiananthan R. Bhaskran has pleaded with the authorities to allow supporters to attend matches once the 2020 Malaysian football season resumes.

In an interview with the Malaysian Football League (MFL), the experienced trainer voiced his belief in the public's ability to adhere to post-Covid 19 quarantine standard operating procedures (SOP).

"If all parties adhere to the SOP and regulations, I'm sure the pandemic will abate and no new cases will appear. I believe that the government can then permit the fans to attend matches once the league resumes.

"Fans are of the utmost importance in football, and their attendance will boost the players' morale," said the Malaysian coaches' association president.

He is also hoping that Malaysian clubs' strict adherence to post-quarantine training SOP will lead to the government allowing them to conduct training with body contact soon.

"In the past few days we have been able to follow the SOP and show everyone, especially the sporting fraternity, that no-contact training can be conducted. The SOP must be adhered to strictly in order to avoid the unwanted.

"I hope that in two or three weeks' time, training with body contact can be held again because so far we've only performed endurance training, with and without the ball," explained the former Malaysia head coach. 

While the 2020 season had been planned to continue at the start of September behind closed doors, there are rumours that it is currently being pushed for an earlier, mid-August restart date. As of this moment, only 16 out of the 24 top two tier teams have been permitted to conduct no-contact practice following competitions suspension and a nationwide quarantine. 

Dinamo Batumi played a 1-1 draw versus Kakheti Telavi in a Georgia Erovnuli Liga encounter, with Godfrey Oboabona putting up a remarkable display.

After two draws in their opening two games, George Geguchadze’s men went into game chasing their first win of the season, however, they were pegged down by their resolute visitors at the Batumis Dinamos Satsvrtneli, Baza.

Things looked bright for Batumi when they took a first-minute lead through Brazil’s Flamarion, but could not guarantee them all points.

Telavi threw in everything to level matters but for Rizespor defender Oboabona was always on ground to thwart their attacking forays, while goalkeeper Mikheil Alavidze made a couple of fine saves.

Revaz Gotsiridze’s side reaped the reward for their persistence as they cancelled out the hosts’ effort through Lasha Kokhreidze in the 53rd minute.

That goal reignited Batumi’s fighting spirit but the game ended on a no winner, no vanquished note.

For his contributions, Oboabona made six clearances, three shots, 65 passes with a passing accuracy of 89% while he lasted for the entire duration of the game.

His compatriot Benjamin Teidi was introduced in the 78th minute for Georgian star Mate Tsintsadze.

28-year-old Nigerian defender Ukwubile Chukwurah was on parade from start to finish for Telavi in the balanced encounter.

With this result, Batumi have now recorded draws in all games played so far this season to stay fifth in the Erovnuli Liga, while their opponents are sixth with an inferior goal difference.

They host Saburtalo in their next game on July 2, while Telavi welcome Samtredia to the Givi Chokheli Stadium three days later.

The Nigeria international took to social media to social media to express his discontentment with the result while assuring that his team would bounce back in upcoming games.  

“We are unlucky not a get win today despite putting in our very best,” Oboabona tweeted.

“We really miss our great fans because their absence really played out. One thing is very certain; we'll bounce back in our subsequent games.”

After spells in Turkish Super Lig, Croatia’s HNK Gorica and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli, the 29-year-old joined the Georgian outfit who will be campaigning in the Europa League next season.

The Sunshine Stars legend will be recalled played an excelling role for the Super Eagles in their triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations staged in South Africa.

Steven Gerrard congratulated the "fantastic" Liverpool squad after the club were crowned Premier League champions on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool cannot be caught atop the table after Manchester City fell to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It marked Liverpool's first league title since 1990 in an achievement they never managed during Gerrard's 17 years at the club as a player.

Gerrard congratulated Liverpool and Klopp, as well as owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

"Congratulations to all @liverpoolfc on winning the Premier League," the Rangers manager wrote on Instagram.

"Incredible achievement from a fantastic squad of top players. Led by a world class manager and coaching team also a special mention for the backing from FSG.

"And lastly and most importantly the fans who have waited 30 years. Let the party begin."

Another club legend in the form of Sir Kenny Dalglish was also quick to pay tribute to Klopp's men for ending a surprisingly long wait for another league title. 

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport. “He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here. Liverpool from top to bottom in the football club have been fantastically supportive.

"You know how much it means. It's hard work to dominate the English league beside quality like Manchester City, by the way!

"I'm very pleased for everybody connected with the football club. Jurgen [Klopp] has done a fantastic job. The highlight has been the camaraderie within the team and the way everyone has helped the team. Last night's game was a huge example of that.

"They played with tempo and never gave Crystal Palace time on the ball. It's the whole feeling within the club, you do not win anything without a great dressing room, and they have that."

Liverpool will now hope to secure a few days off and enjoy their title win with their next league game set to be played on July 2 at the Etihad against Manchester City. 

Premier League side Everton have confirmed Oumar Niasse will be released along with Cuco Martina and Luke Garbutt when their contracts end in June.

Niasse joined the Goodison Park outfit in February 2016 for a fee of around £13.5 million from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow.  

The Senegal international made his debut for the Foxes against Bournemouth on February 20, replacing Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku.

The forward went on to score eight goals in 35 Premier League appearances during his four-year stay with the Toffees

Niasse also spent part of his time with Everton on loan with Hull City, where he found the back of the net four times in 17 league games but his effort was not enough to prevent the ‎KCOM Stadium outfit from relegating to the Championship in 2017.

The 30-year-old forward also featured for English second division side Cardiff City and played 13 times for the Bluebirds, having joined the side in January.  

On Thursday, the Toffees announced the imminent departure of the forward along with two other first-team players.  

“Everton can confirm Oumar Niasse, Cuco Martina and Luke Garbutt will leave the Club when their current contracts expire at the end of the month,” read a statement from Everton website.

“Everton wishes to thank all departing players for their contribution throughout their time at the Club.”

Niasse only featured in three league games for Everton in this campaign and will become a free agent at the end of this month.

The striker has nine caps for Senegal and was not part of the squad that finished as runner-up in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

In the U23, the Goodison Park outfit also announced the release of 19-year-old Nigerian winger Korede Adedoyin.

The contracts of Morgan Feeney, Alex Denny, Matty Foulds, Manasse Mampala and Kieran Phillips, who is currently on loan with the U23 team of Huddersfield Town will also not be renewed when it expires at the end of June.

Stevenage have completed the signing of Anglo-Nigerian Femi Akinwande ahead of next season’s campaign.

Following their relegation from League Two at the end of 2019-20 season, the Boro will now play in the National League – the fifth tier of the English football league system.

Akinwande, 24, featured in the National League South for Braintree Town and Billericay Town, netting 12 times across both teams.

Before then, he had spells at Maldon & Tiptree, East Thurrock United and Concord Rangers.

He becomes the club’s second signing after Anglo-Nigeria Inih Effiong arrived at the Lamex earlier in the week from Dover Athletic.

Speaking on the club’s website, manager Alex Revell is delighted with the arrival of the striker who he felt deserved the chance to play for the club.

“Femi is a fantastic young man. He has showed this season what a talent he is scoring 12 goals and impressing with his pace, power and trickery,” said Revell.

“He fully deserves his opportunity to come in and showcase his talents but what really excites me is his burning desire to come in every day and work as hard as he can to improve and make the most of his opportunity.

“We are a club that wants to give these players the opportunity to show people how good they are and flourish in our environment.

“The likes of [Steve] Morison, [Matty] Godden and [Danny] Newton are perfect examples of those types of players and I believe that Femi has all the attributes to go on and have a hugely successful career both here at Stevenage and beyond.”

For Akinwande whose length of deal at Broadhall Way has not been revealed, joining the Boro is an opportunity for him, while expressing his gratitude for the chance.

“It feels very, very good. I was waiting for a full-time opportunity and when I spoke to the gaffer it was a no-brainer to join,” he said.

“He said he has seen my clips and he sent somebody down to watch a few of my games and he was impressed, so I am just very grateful for the opportunity.”

In its continued commitment to women's football, LaLiga provided two masterclass sessions for coaches of the Nigerian Women Football League. LaLiga has further strengthened relations between both institutions with these online classes, within the existing MoU with the highest competition in the African country, the NWFL.

These sessions consist of some adapted and selected content that is part of a new comprehensive programme developed by LaLiga, called “LaLiga Women’s Football Coaching Methodology”. The original programme consists of a series of in-person courses organised into different levels of complexity, from the grassroots to the elite, focused on the specialities of women's football. In this way, LaLiga has gone one step further by innovating and developing a unique training programme of its kind aimed at coaches and focused on women's football.

Training on and off the field is essential in order to lay the foundations for women's football and, therefore, with this online methodology and these masterclass sessions, LaLiga helps to increase the visibility, development and professionalisation of women's football.

Aisha Falode, NWFL Chairperson said: “The NWFL and LaLiga have identified common grounds in our goals and vision for the future. Progress has been made and grounds covered in our partnership with La Liga since we signed the MOU in 2018.

"Though a lot of work has gone into the activation points of the MOU in the last few months, the training- the- trainers programme is the first engagement entry point into many more activations to come within the scope of our MOU. Our goal here at the NWFL is simple and direct and it aligns with LaLiga's, "to be a global league brand and among the best women leagues in the world."

“At LaLiga, we are extremely happy about the success of this first edition of the online masterclasses. NWFL is one of our key partners in Nigeria and, activating the MoU between both entities, was one of our priorities for this season," said LaLiga Delegate in Nigeria, Guillermo Perez.

"The fact that Nigeria was the first country in which we’ve trained through this new format and methodology, proves how important Nigeria is in LaLiga’s international development and how committed we are to the local football development. We hope this will be the first activation of many more to come with NWFL."

Despite the difficult situation that we are currently experiencing around the world, LaLiga has adapted and selected content, which was originally to be used in in-person sessions, to the online format, to facilitate participation. There will also be another version of this masterclass session, which will be focused on the initiation level in women's football training, on 29 June with coaches from Kuwait.

These sessions are part of the different initiatives that LaLiga has been developing since the creation of the Women's Football Department in 2015, with the aim of promoting and developing women's football, as well as the role of women in sport in general and football in particular.

LaLiga and the NWFL signed a memorandum of understanding in 2018 to bolster sustainable development and growth of women football in Nigeria by promoting gender equality in sports, through the integration of women in football while encouraging access to sports management, education and the development of CSR activities.

Mohamed Salah thanked Liverpool's fans after the club claimed a first league title since 1990.

Liverpool celebrated their first English top-flight success in 30 years following Manchester City's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Thursday.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool – who have only lost once in the league this season – cannot be caught atop the table with seven matches remaining in 2019-20.

Liverpool narrowly missed out on ending their drought last season, finishing just a point behind City, and star forward Salah revelled in the team's triumph this term.

Salah wrote via Twitter: "Yes. It feels THAT good. I want to thank all our supporters watching us from all corners of the world.

"You made this possible for us and I hope we can keep bringing you the joy you deserve. Now they're gonna believe us."

Liverpool, who claimed the 2018-19 Champions League, have won 28 of their 31 Premier League matches this season.

Reds defender Andy Robertson stressed the club's united approach has played a big part in their title triumph, noting that they are like one big family. 

"As a squad we're so close. We love coming in to training every single day. If somebody is having a bad game, we dig them out of a hole and we stick together on the pitch, we stick together off the pitch – that's why this squad is so special. I love being a part of it," Robertson told Liverpool's official website. 

"We're all kind of brothers and we have a dad figure in the gaffer and he's the one that leads us in the right direction. Him and his staff have been second to none, to be fair, since I've came here. This season they've been excellent to us going, keep us hungry, keep us motivated.

"Motivation has never been a struggle. As players we've always been hungry and we always wanted to win trophies for this club. Luckily, we're now showing that in the last 12 months."

Liverpool's players will be hoping to get a few days off after the title win with their next game not until July 2 at the Etihad against Manchester City.

Christian Pulisic’s opening goal for Chelsea against Manchester City pushed Liverpool to the brink of securing the Premier League title, with the former Jurgen Klopp protege jokingly being deemed a double-agent for his former manager in the process.

With a 23-point deficit at the summit of the standings, Pep Guardiola’s side need to win at Stamford Bridge if they are to continue their two-time defence of the crown, so the opening goal in the Blues’ favour was a hammer blow to their hopes of keeping the race alive before the sides clash at the weekend.

While the strike was expertly taken by U.S. international midfielder Pulisic, there were major qualms over the way the visiting side defended the situation.

With Benjamin Mendy and Ilkay Gundogan both back defending for City as they sought to recycle possession after a free kick was cleared by Chelsea, the France international left-back contrived to slip possession to Pulisic.

Gundogan was caught on his heels but Mendy recovered his ground only to dive in and allow his opponent to easily wriggle clear, and with just Ederson to beat, the home player showed a cool head to curl a shot into the corner of the net, putting City into a position from which they had to score twice to win.

Thanks to a stunning Kevin de Bruyne strike, Manchester City got back into the match, but a late penalty from Willian following a Fernandinho handball saw Chelsea earn the victory.

As a result, Liverpool were confirmed as the champions, winning the club's first title in 30 years. 

On social media, fans and pundits were quick to point out Klopp’s contribution to Pulisic’s career, with some jokingly suggesting the German had sent him to Stamford Bridge explicitly for the purpose of putting the seal on Liverpool’s title.

KAS Eupen have confirmed an extension to Knowledge Musona’s loan deal which will see him remain at the club until the end of next season.

The striker arrived from another Belgian top-flight club Anderlecht on a temporary loan deal in the second half of last term, to provide Benat San Jose with more attacking options.

Musona who had previously featured for Oostende, impressed in his seven appearances for the Pandas – scoring twice before the season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It will be recalled he made a scoring league debut as they played out a 1-1 draw against SC Charleroi at the Kehrweg Stadium.

“Zimbabwean international Knowledge Musona will continue to play for KAS Eupen in the coming season,” a statement from Eupen website read.

“KAS Eupen has agreed with the RSC Anderlecht and Knowledge Musona to extend the loan of Knowledge Musona.

“The 30-year-old attacking player was loaned to KAS Eupen by RSC Anderlecht for the second half of the season at the beginning of the year.

“Before the championship stopped, the 27-time Zimbabwean international played seven games for KAS Eupen and scored 2 goals.

“He scored the first goal in his first encounter with KAS Eupen. In the Kehrweg Stadium, Knowledge Musona scored against SC Charleroi in the 10th minute to score 1-1.”

Before the loan deal was assured, Musona was tipped for a return to the Premier Soccer League with Mamelodi Sundowns and former club Kaizer Chiefs showing interest to land the veteran hitman, according to his agent Mike Makaab.

“There’s no team in South Africa that has enquired about Musona’s situation. We don’t know what will happen when the season resumes. Is he still interested in coming back to South Africa?” Makaab asked Isolezwe.

“I think any player will never have doubts to play in a league that’s stable and that’s why I can’t rule out a move back to the PSL.

“He has a good contract in terms of money with Anderlecht. He has worked hard for that. Therefore he can’t make huge changes in his salary.

“Well, there were South African teams [that showed interest in January] but there was nothing serious because we never sat down and discussed Musona.”

With this, the 30-year-old would be hoping to help the Pandas to a successful campaign next season, after a 13th-place finish this term.

Maurizio Sarri says Gonzalo Higuain was especially touched by the events of the coronavirus pandemic, but he could feature for the first time since the resumption of the Italian season when Juventus host Lecce on Friday.

The Serie A leaders have the chance to extend their advantage over nearest rivals Lazio - who let slip a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Atalanta on Wednesday – with a victory over relegation-threatened opponents in Turin.

Juve marked their return to league action with a 2-0 triumph away at Bologna earlier this week having already played twice in the Coppa Italia, though Higuain played no part in any of the fixtures.

Sarri previously said the striker was missing due to a slight injury issue but has now revealed the Covid-19 pandemic has also had an impact on the player, although he is now training again with the rest of the squad.

"Higuain is a very sensitive person, he's been touched in a particular way from the events of the world and from his personal experiences," Sarri told the media.

"At the time of his return he thought it was not even right to go back to playing, while in addition he had this little injury.

"Now it seems to me that he is finding that desire he had at the beginning. For us, his return is important."

Juve will be glad to have Higuain back as the games come thick and fast following the restart.

Lazio's slip means the reigning champions are four points clear at the summit, though Sarri is taking nothing for granted with 11 games still to play in the league.

"The games are all difficult as physical conditions are not optimal. We'll need to be ready," the former Napoli boss said.

"We should not be looking at the other games but, instead, at our performances, which in the end will bring us the results.

"The league advantage isn't substantial as there are still 33 points up for grabs. We need to have the right mentality, always."

If Juventus do go on to win the Scudetto, it would be their ninth consecutive Serie A title, a run stretching back to the 2011-12 season.

Liverpool have ended their long wait to be crowned Premier League champions after Manchester City's 2-1 loss at Chelsea left them with an unassailable lead. 

The Reds' first league title since 1990 was confirmed on Thursday, after Pep Guardiola's side failed to win at Stamford Bridge. 

Christian Pulisic's goal had given Chelsea to lead before a wonderful Kevin De Bruyne sparked hopes of a comeback, but Fernandinho's late red card led to a coolly converted penalty to win the game - and gift Liverpool league glory.

With seven games remaining, it is the earliest any side has ever won the Premier League title, with Jurgen Klopp's men surpassing the achievements of Manchester United in 2000-01 and Manchester City's 'centurions' of 2017-18. Both of those teams clinched the league with five games left.

Liverpool had moved to the brink of the title with a 4-0 battering of Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday, and their lead of 23 points at the top of the table is the largest held by a champion in English top-flight history. 

Klopp's side will now look to write even more history. They need 15 points from their last seven matches to set a new record points total for a top-flight campaign, and can also become the first team to win every single home game in a single season. 

They will be given a guard of honour in their next fixture, which coincidentally comes against City at the Etihad Stadium next Thursday. Guardiola's side, champions in each of the last two seasons, have been unable to match Liverpool's remarkable, relentless form.

The tone was set from the very start, Klopp's side winning each of their opening eight league games to open up a significant gap on the chasing pack.

That run ended with a draw at Manchester United in October, but they responded to that setback in incredible fashion, winning their next 18 league games - including a 3-1 victory over City in November and a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of second-placed Leicester on Boxing Day.

When they won 2-0 at West Ham on January 29, Liverpool had achieved another piece of history. For the first time ever, they had beaten each and every team in a top-flight league season. Their superiority was unarguable.

At that point, the hope was that they could match Arsenal's 'Invincibles' of 2003-04 and go through the entire league campaign unbeaten, but a shock 3-0 loss to Watford in late February put paid to that. 

Then came the ultimate spanner in the works, with the Premier League's suspension in mid-March due to the coronavirus crisis. Liverpool were 25 points clear at the pause, needing just six more in order to be crowned champions.

But they were made to wait as the world came to terms with the impact of Covid-19. Despite calls in some quarters to "null and void" the Premier League season, Klopp and his side were able to retain their focus throughout a period of lockdown, eventually returning to action last Sunday with a low-key goalless draw at Everton.

That led some to question, absurdly, whether they might be starting to wobble in sight of the finishing line, but they responded in fine style on Wednesday, thrashing Palace in what may well be their most convincing home performance of the entire season. 

Then, 24 hours later, came the moment of confirmation. Klopp, Goal understands, was watching at home as City failed to defeat fourth-placed Chelsea.

Geoffrey Kondogbia scored an own goal in Valencia’s 1-0 loss to Eibar in Thursday’s La Liga game at Municipal de Ipurua.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder was handed his 17th league start in the encounter but his error ensures his side failed to secure points away from home.

After securing victory against Osasuna last weekend, Valencia aimed to build on the impressive performance and dominated the opening minutes.

Their effort, however, failed to pay off as Central African Republic international Kondogbia puts the ball past his own goalkeeper in the 16th minute.

The own goal proved decisive as the Gunsmiths rebuffed every attempt of Valencia, who continued to dominate possession, to level proceedings.

The Bats further suffered another blow with few minutes to play when Eliaquim Mangala was sent off after picking his second yellow card in the game.

Kondogbia featured throughout the encounter while Eibar midfielder and Senegal international Pape Diop was an unused substitute.  

With the defeat, Valencia are eighth on the league table with 46 points from 31 games after 12 wins, 10 draws and nine losses.

The defeat against Eibar also compounded the woes of Albert Celades’ men, who have only won one game in their last six outings.

Kondogbia, who started his professional career with Nandy, has played for Lens, Sevilla and Monaco before joining Inter Milan in 2015.

The midfielder left the Italian giants in 2018 to team up with Valencia permanently, after impressing during his loan spells with the side.

Kondogbia has made 26 appearances, scoring two goals for the Mestalla outfit across all competitions in this campaign.

The midfielder will hope to turn from villain to hero when his side takes on Samuel Chukwueze’s Villarreal in their next league game on June 28.

Liverpool are Premier League champions after Manchester City were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Pep Guardiola's side had the chance to prolong the Reds' 30-year wait at least until the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium next week, but the title was within touching distance when Christian Pulisic gave Frank Lampard's side a 36th-minute lead.

Kevin De Bruyne's spectacular free-kick brought City level and Raheem Sterling hit the post, but their vulnerability on the break was eventually punished when Fernandinho handled in a desperate 75th-minute goalmouth scramble.

The veteran Brazil international was sent off and his countryman Willian sealed the points and crowned Jurgen Klopp's dominant league winners.

Kepa Arrizabalaga acrobatically pushed Fernandinho's header from Riyad Mahrez's free-kick over the crossbar amid a controlled opening half-hour from City.

Ederson saved well from Pulisic and Andreas Christensen in quick succession at the other end, and he merited better protection when Chelsea took the lead.

Poor communication between Ilkay Gundogan and Benjamin Mendy and the latter's botched recovery tackle that left Pulisic in the clear to finish coolly.

There was questionable wisdom in Mendy seeking to atone for his errors by shooting frequently from distance early in the second half.

In the 55th minute, De Bruyne added finesse to that tactic with a sumptuous dipping free-kick after N'Golo Kante clumsily fouled Mahrez.

A one-touch counter-attack then ended with Sterling dinking against the post, with Chelsea's efforts noticeably more laboured.

Ederson launched that attack but a poor pass out was almost punished as Mason Mount thumped into the side netting.

City's slick dominance of the ball but creaky defence lent an intriguing balance to the final quarter of the contest – Sterling curling agonisingly wide before Kyle Walker somehow got back to improbably deny Pulisic a second on the goal line.

Fernandinho was unable to be so precise when denying Tammy Abraham, leaving Willian to send Ederson the wrong way and prompt celebrations on Merseyside.

What does it mean: Chelsea take important step towards the Champions League

Although most of the focus was understandable on the main consequence of this Chelsea victory, it was a huge three points for the Stamford Bridge side. Their five-point advantage over a resurgent Manchester United in fifth is restored, while a wobbling Leicester City are now just a point better off with seven matches remaining.

De Bruyne shows his class once again

It feels like a trick of the mind that City won a thrilling title battle last season with De Bruyne reduced to a bit-part role by two medial knee ligament injuries. He has performed at a level above his colleagues this time around, with his free-kick here another champagne moment that adds weight to his case for end-of-season honours.

Mendy's moment to forget

In the build-up to this match, Mendy spoke of how this was his "time" and how he wanted to show people "the real Mendy" following his injury nightmare. Presumably, the slapstick version on display for Chelsea's opener was not what he had in mind. Guardiola needs a more reliable left-back next season, in terms of both form and fitness.

Key Opta Facts

- This is the third of the past six Premier League seasons to see the title decided in a match played at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea v Crystal Palace in 2014-15 and Chelsea v Tottenham in 2015-16), and the fourth of those six to be decided in a game involving Chelsea (also West Brom v Chelsea in 2016-17).
- Chelsea have won back-to-back Premier League home games against Manchester City for the first time since the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
- Pep Guardiola suffered his fourth defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – across all competitions, the only away venue he has lost as many games at in his managerial career is Anfield (four against Liverpool).
- This was the 11th time this season that Manchester City have conceded the opening goal in a Premier League game – three more than in the previous two seasons combined (five in 2017-18 and three in 2018-19).
- Christian Pulisic scored his seventh goal of the Premier League season; the most of any player in the competition aged 21 or under.
- Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne became the first player to reach double figures for both goals (10) and assists (16) in the Premier League this season.

What's next?

Liverpool will emerge at the Etihad Stadium as champions, with the main bit of pre-match intrigue now set to revolve around whether a guard of honour is workable in the age of social distancing. Before that, City and Chelsea have away FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday at Newcastle United and Leicester respectively.

Arsenal's 'Invincibles' team were Premier League champions in 2003, becoming the first side to win the league undefeated, but their total of 90 points does not come close to scratching the surface of record-breaking points totals.

Liverpool's exhilarating title win this season might threaten the Gunners' 'Invincibles' legacy, but that is not the only record that could be broken.

So which team holds the record for most points won in the Premier League era?

What is the Premier League record points total?

Manchester City became the first Premier League side to amass 100 points when they won the 2017-18 title.

Pep Guardiola's side were dubbed "Centurions" and deemed the greatest side to ever win the Premier League when they finished the season on 100 points, losing twice and drawing four games.

The Citizens broke numerous records that campaign, including registering the best goal difference (+79), the most away wins (16), the most away points (50), the most wins (32) and the biggest points gap to second place (19 points ahead of Manchester United).

The previous record points total for Premier League winners was held by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in 2005, who were champions with 95 points.

Guardiola registered the second-best Premier League finish when he won a second successive title in 2019 on 98 points – just two points behind his previous season's total.

Liverpool finished as runners-up in 2018-19 on an excruciating 97 points, which would have earned them the Premier League title in every season prior to 2018.

Can Liverpool beat Man City's record points total?

The Reds are on course to demolish Man City's total of 100 points in the Premier League, despite a shock 3-0 loss to Watford in February that ended their unbeaten streak.

They could finish the season on an incredible 107 points should they win all of their remaining matches.

Liverpool have blown the Premier League away this season in their charge for a first title in 30 years, setting a 22-point lead over their second-placed rivals, and could become the fastest top-flight side in history to be crowned champions.

Their victory over Tottenham in January saw them surpass Manchester City's best start to a season after 21 matches.

Furthermore, Jurgen Klopp's side could go on to lose two matches and still defeat City's points total – as long as they win their remaining fixtures.

Premier League records points totals

*Denotes a 42-game season instead of a 38-game season

**Premier League champions only

For the first time in 30 years, Liverpool are Premier League champions.

Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday meant that the Reds were finally unassailable at the summit of the standings, having dominated the division throughout the season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have dropped only seven points in 31 matches this season and have claimed the title with seven games to spare, while it remains possible that they will shatter the 100-points barrier and set a new record for points won in a league season.

Although there was some doubt as to whether the season would even be completed due to the coronavirus suspension, which saw play halted in England’s top flight for three months, there was rarely any prospect of City catching their rivals, with manager Pep Guardiola having long admitted that the Anfield side were out of reach at the summit of the standings.

The 2019 Champions League winners have averaged over two goals scored per game, but it has been their defensive record that has differentiated them from the pack, with only 21 conceded over the course of a season, in which few would argue that they have not been thoroughly deserving champions

And so Liverpool have won their first title of the Premier League era, and unsurprisingly the club, former players and its fans have been quick to celebrate the achievement of Klopp & Co. via social media.

And even rivals were gracious in defeat.

Meanwhile, the unusual circumstances the title was ultimately sealed in were pointed out.

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has predicted more happy days ahead for the club following their first Premier League title – as long as Jurgen Klopp sticks around.

The Reds thrashed Crystal Palace 4-0 on Wednesday and took their first English title in 30 years as Manchester City lost at Chelsea on Thursday .

Liverpool are now champions of England, champions of Europe and champions of the world – and Dalglish has loved every minute.

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport .

“He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here.

"Liverpool from top to bottom in the football club have been fantastically supportive.

"You know how much it means. It's hard work to dominate the English league beside quality like Manchester City, by the way!"

He added:  "I'm very pleased for everybody connected with the football club. Jurgen [Klopp] has done a fantastic job. The highlight has been the camaraderie within the team and the way everyone has helped the team. Last night's game was a huge example of that.

"They played with tempo and never gave Crystal Palace time on the ball. It's the whole feeling within the club, you do not win anything without a great dressing room, and they have that."

Former Reds player and manager Dalglish was speaking on a video call from his home, and toasted Liverpool’s victory with a glass of champagne.

"I remember Bob Paisley said once after winning the European Cup, he never had a drink because he wanted to remember the occasion,” he said.

"Well, I never took his advice!"

Liverpool’s victory came in poetic fashion through Chelsea’s win. There were memories of the 2013-14 season, when Chelsea’s win over Liverpool helped City win back momentum and win the title race after Steven Gerrard’s famous slip.

City weren’t at their best without Sergio Aguero and went in behind at the break following Christian Pulisic’s well-taken breakaway goal.

A sensational Kevin De Bruyne free-kick brought Pep Guardiola’s side level, but Fernandinho was sent off for a handball on the goal line with Willian – who scored Chelsea’s second against Liverpool in 2014 – dispatching the decisive penalty.

With 28 wins from their 31 games so far, Liverpool now have their eye on a record-breaking season, with City’s 100-point record well within their grasp.

Liverpool’s first game as champions comes on Thursday, July 2 – away at Manchester City.

Liverpool will go down as one of the best teams in Premier League history, according to former striker Michael Owen.

Jurgen Klopp's side were crowned champions on Thursday after Manchester City fell to a 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

It marked Liverpool's first league title since 1990, and they are on track to set a record for the most points in a Premier League season.

Owen, who scored more than 150 goals for the club across eight seasons, paid tribute to Klopp and his team.

"Quite unbelievable. They're such a good team, it's such a good club, it's been waiting for this moment for such a long time," he told Optus Sport.

"Jurgen Klopp, what an absolute legend of a manager he's gone down as. European champions and now they've got the one that they wanted all that time, Premier League champions, it's just what everybody's wanted for such a long time and I'm sure Merseyside is absolutely bouncing at the moment and so it should be.

"The players deserve immense credit, it's been a tough season but they've been far and away the best team, the stats will prove that, it'll go down in history as one of the best Premier League teams that we have seen.

"Jurgen Klopp, he's just taken this team to new heights so 30, 40 years ago when Liverpool had great teams, I think Merseyside is unbelievably proud of what they've got now."

Another former Reds forward, Sir Kenny Dalglish, also paid tribute to Klopp and his side after City's defeat.

"The last two years and since Jurgen's come in has been very positive,” Dalglish told BT Sport. “He's been fantastic and epitomises everything Liverpool Football Club stands for. Whatever they got, they have deserved it.

"Onwards and upwards. We have a lot more happy days to look forward to as long as Jurgen is here."

Liverpool hold an unassailable 23-point lead atop the table with seven matches left to play.

Their next game will see them receive a guard of honour from toppled champions City, as they travel to the Etihad Stadium on July 2.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described his side’s Premier League title win as “unbelievable” after watching Manchester City lose 2-1 to Chelsea on Thursday. 

That result combined with the Reds' recent 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace to hand Klopp's side the trophy with seven games left to play this season. 

After falling short of the title by one point to Pep Guardiola's men last year, Liverpool left nothing to chance this campaign and have won 28 of their 31 league games so far. 

The Reds' last league title dated back to 1990, while this marks Klopp's third league trophy, having won the Bundesliga twice with Borussia Dortmund. 

Having watched City's decisive clash against Chelsea, Klopp was left pinching himself after realising his side had wrapped up the league title with the German coach quick to dedicate the success to club legends, while also encouraging fans to still keep their distance as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. 

"It is unbelievable. It's much more than I ever thought would be possible," Klopp told Sky Sports.

"Knowing how much Kenny [Dalglish] supported us, it is for you. He has waited 30 years and it's for Stevie [Gerrard]. The boys admire you all and it's easy to motivate the team because of our great history.

"It was really tense for 100 minutes of the City game, I didn't really want to be involved but you are when you watch it. It's an incredible achievement by my players and it's a huge joy for me to coach them.

"I haven't waited 30 years, I have been here for four and a half years, but it is quite an achievement, especially with the three-month break because nobody knew if we could go on.

"The game last night gave me the feeling we would be fine and tonight is for the fans. I hope you stay at home, and it's a joy to do it for you. It [the pandemic] is not over yet and we watched the game together at the hotel so we will enjoy the moment.

"I know it is difficult for people in this moment but we could not hold back. We will enjoy this with our supporters when we can.

He added: "I'm completely overwhelmed. I never thought it would be like this. I had no idea." 

Liverpool now have a full week to celebrate with their next league clash against Manchester City due to be played on July 2 at the Etihad. 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that his side’s chase for a third successive Premier League title lacked “passion” as Liverpool were confirmed as champions on Thursday.

A 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge confirmed the Anfield club would end a 30-year wait to become champions of England, with the title having long been inevitable given their massive advantage at the summit of the standings.

Guardiola has said that the drive shown by the Reds for success this season was not matched by his side, but he did point out that the last eight domestic trophies have been returned to the Etihad Stadium while he also cited a weakness at centre-back.

“We won eight titles in a row which had never happened before in this country,” he told the media. “It can happen to miss one. We lost Vincent Kompany to Anderlecht and had Aymeric Laporte injured. 

“After we won those titles maybe we didn't have the same passion as Liverpool.

“After two seasons the gap is big. We were not consistent like the previous seasons. Liverpool won the Champions League and were given confidence. They played every game like it was their last game. In the beginning, we didn't play like that way.

“Congratulations to Liverpool for this great season. We still have five or six weeks to play but we won a lot in the last few years and of course we want to close the gap.

“We cannot forget we are still second in the league so we are better than a lot of the teams.”

Guardiola reflected positively upon City’s performance in defeat at Chelsea, a fixture lit up by a fine Kevin De Bruyne free kick, but the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was left to rue critical errors. 

“In terms of the game, we played good. Not a lot of pressure in the box. But we play in general a good game but our mistakes...” he lamented to BT Sport .

City will seek to pick themselves up with a fixture against Newcastle on Thursday before they play host to the new champions next Thursday in a game that will offer them a chance to restore some pride.