分类： sports

Brisbane Broncos rugby league winger Deine Mariner is on track for one of the most remarkable comebacks in the sport’s recent history, just weeks after medical experts held genuine fears that a rare, sudden medical condition could force the amputation of his leg. The 2023 grand final hero is now eyeing a return to the field before the end of the 2024 season’s finals series, in a story defined by grit, fast-acting medical care and extraordinary good fortune.

Mariner first sustained what medical staff initially believed to be a severe bruising injury, or cork, during the Broncos’ round nine clash against the Sydney Roosters. The Samoan international was forced off the field early in the match, but returned to the pitch to cover for a teammate who suffered an injury later in the game. By the time the match concluded, Mariner was already showing clear signs of distress, but the full severity of his condition did not emerge until that night, when he was staying at the team’s Sydney hotel.

As his condition rapidly deteriorated overnight, Mariner made the critical decision to contact the Broncos’ medical staff, who immediately arranged an urgent dash to Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. By the time he arrived, he had developed acute compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition that causes dangerous pressure buildup in muscle tissue that can cut off blood flow and lead to tissue death if not treated immediately. When medics checked for a pulse in Mariner’s foot, the risk of amputation became a real possibility.

Mariner recalled the harrowing experience in an interview following his recovery: “I got rushed into surgery, so I didn’t really get to understand what was happening. All I knew was that there was a lot of pressure on my leg at the time. And I think a lot of the blood flow was starting to stop going into my leg. It would definitely be up there with the worst pain I’ve experienced. I was trying to go to sleep and I was thinking, ‘Should I call them or not?’ Then when I really started to feel a lot of pain and I couldn’t move, that’s when I was like, ‘I better call them.’”

“I didn’t even think of losing my leg as an option until I got to the hospital and they were checking for the pulse in my foot, and that’s when that stuff started coming up,” he added. “But I was like, ‘Just do the surgery so I can get it over and done with.’ When I woke up, I saw my leg still there, so I was like, ‘It’d be pretty bad if I woke up and my leg wasn’t there.’ I’m just pretty lucky to be in this position. I’m still breathing and I’m still alive. Being in ICU, I saw a lot of other people that don’t get a second chance.”

In total, Mariner underwent seven separate surgeries to save his leg. The first two procedures focused on cutting into the affected muscle tissue to release the dangerous pressure buildup. Over the following days, surgeons closed the wound gradually across five additional procedures, a process that required repeated rounds of general anesthesia.

Mariner paid tribute to the medical teams that saved his leg and his future playing career: “I wasn’t used to going back under anaesthetics for that long. It was pretty full on, but I was in such good hands. Shout out to Dr Gupta and his team at St Vincent’s Private Hospital. They were the best. I wouldn’t be able to be here today if it wasn’t for them. Even the doctors were saying they haven’t seen this happen in a player in this context before.”

Even more incredibly, Mariner’s recovery has progressed far faster than many medical observers expected. Currently recovering at home after his time in hospital, Mariner says he is targeting an eight-week timeline for his return to full training and match play, putting him on track to rejoin the Broncos squad ahead of the 2024 NRL finals.

“At the moment my leg is stuck a bit, so once that opens up, I’ll be able to start moving again. I’ve got a lot of confidence in myself to get back out there again for the Broncos,” he said. “I think we’re looking around the eight-week mark for returning to play. Obviously we’ve still got plenty more games to go, so I’ll just have to take it day by day and let the body heal itself. It gives me a bit more hunger to get back out there. At the same time, I just want to make sure that I’m doing the best for myself and putting myself in a good position for my body to heal.”

Mariner added that the overwhelming support from his club, teammates and family has helped him maintain a positive outlook through the harrowing experience: “It has been a pretty hectic couple of weeks. My leg is doing a lot better and I am back home now which helps. I’m good. It was pretty full on with everything but I had a really good support group and the club were so good to me and my family. I am in a pretty good headspace. When the time comes, I’ll be ready.”

One of the National Rugby League’s most experienced forwards has put to bed widespread speculation of an early mid-season departure, confirming he will see out the remainder of his contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons before his scheduled move to the Parramatta Eels in 2027.

Veteran back-rower Jaydn Su’A, who is set to make his return to the Dragons’ starting 17 this weekend after serving a three-match suspension, has already put pen to paper on a three-year deal that will see him join the Sydney-based Eels once his current tenure at the Red V wraps up at the end of the current season. The 28-year-old, who previously plied his trade with the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs before a five-season stint with the Dragons, addressed rumours of an early switch that gained traction this week, amid St George Illawarra’s poor run of form that has already ruled them out of 2024 finals contention.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Su’a made his position clear, shutting down any talk of an immediate departure. “There have been conversations in-house, but I’m here for the rest of the year,” he said. “I just want to play my best and do whatever I can to help this club get some wins.”

Su’a has been one of the Dragons’ standout performers throughout the 2024 campaign, but was sidelined after a controversial high tackle on former Rabbitohs teammate Cam Murray in Round 7, which resulted in an immediate send-off. The suspension came just one day after Su’a formally announced his three-year deal with Parramatta, leading to unsubstantiated claims that his decision to leave the club stemmed from dissatisfaction with the development of the Dragons’ young cohort of incoming forwards. The veteran NRL representative pushed back firmly on those claims.

“I didn’t really ever think like that,” Su’a said. “I was in talks with the club early this year and obviously that stuff broke down, but at the end of the day when your time is done, it’s done. For me, it was time to look elsewhere and look for another opportunity. I’m thankful I got that, but at the end of the day, I’m here for the rest of the year and just want to go out there and put my best foot forward. I’ve been here for five years now, so I just want to go out and play.”

The former Queensland State of Origin representative also noted that he was open to extending his tenure at the Dragons, but ultimately saw the 2027 move as a critical career step. “I was open (to staying). I’m coming to that age now where the next move I make is probably vital, but I know I’ve still got some good footy left in me. Things happen for a reason and that’s been done now, so as I said, I’m still here for another six months. I’ll do what I do and I’ll give my all like I always do.”

Reflecting on his half-decade with the club, Su’a acknowledged the many struggles the Dragons have endured during his time in Wollongong, noting that the organisation is finally starting to turn a corner – even if he will not be part of that next chapter. “It’s been hard. I’ve been through a lot of dark days with this club, and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I’m not going to be here. I’m grateful for my time here, thankful to all the people that have helped me along the way, and it is what it is.”

Much has shifted at the club since Su’a last took the field in Round 7. Former head coach Shane Flanagan has departed the club, with interim boss Dean Young taking the reins – and the side has yet to register a win under his leadership. For this weekend’s clash against the New Zealand Warriors, Young has named Su’a to start at right centre, covering for the injured Moses Suli, who is sidelined with a back issue. Su’a has spent recent weeks training with the Dragons’ NSW Cup feeder side, and has previous experience filling in at the centre position, making him the ideal emergency replacement.

After a frustrating three weeks on the sidelines, Su’a said he is eager to get back out on the field and contribute to the club for the remainder of the season. “It’s tough, but all I can do is rock up to training with a good attitude and prep the boys as well as I can. I couldn’t really do anything, so I just had to bide my time, train hard, and be ready for when I get called back in.”

With just 21 days remaining until the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first-ever 48-team edition hosted across North America, attention is turning to how the pre-tournament favorites are shaping up ahead of football’s biggest global stage. AFP Sport has broken down the prospects of the leading title contenders, ranked by their current FIFA positions:

### France (1st)
Two-time World Cup winners France enter the tournament with a historic legacy of strong performances, having reached four finals in the last seven editions – though two of those ended in heartbreaking penalty shootout defeats. This tournament will mark the end of an era for Les Bleus, as long-serving manager Didier Deschamps, who has led the national side since 2012, will step down after the conclusion of the competition. “It’s a strange feeling,” Deschamps admitted of his final tournament in charge.

Unbeaten in nine consecutive matches since June 2025, France have proven their depth and quality in recent outings: in March, they defeated Brazil 2-1 and followed that up with a 3-1 win over Colombia using an entirely changed starting lineup, both matches played on American soil. Their attacking unit is one of the most feared in the competition, featuring reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, superstar Kylian Mbappe, rising talents Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki – a combination that many analysts argue will be nearly impossible to contain.

### Spain (2nd)
Current European champions Spain have remained undefeated since claiming the Euro 2024 title, emerging as a well-drilled, consistent unit under manager Luis de la Fuente. The breakout star of their recent run has been 18-year-old Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, the teenage phenomenon who has redefined what young players can achieve at the highest level. However, injury concerns have cast a shadow over La Roja’s preparations: Yamal is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, and early reports indicate he could miss Spain’s opening two group stage matches.

In further bad luck, Yamal’s Barcelona teammate Fermin Lopez will miss the entire tournament with a foot fracture, while Mikel Merino – the Arsenal midfielder who has scored eight goals in 10 Spain appearances since 2025 – has not played since January due to his own injury issue. Despite these setbacks, Spain still retain world-class quality across the pitch, anchored by 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and creative midfield star Pedri.

### Argentina (3rd)
The 2022 champions are targeting back-to-back World Cup titles under manager Lionel Scaloni, a feat only a handful of nations have ever achieved. The 2022 tournament will forever be remembered as Lionel Messi’s career crowning glory, but questions remain over whether the 38-year-old can replicate that form this summer, just a month out from his 39th birthday.

Still, Messi has shown no signs of slowing down since joining Inter Miami, notching 12 goals in 13 MLS matches so far this season and feeling fully settled in the United States, where the knockout stage of the tournament will be played. Beyond Messi, Argentina enter the tournament in strong form: they claimed the 2024 Copa America title on American soil and finished top of South American qualifying without breaking a sweat. Their attacking depth remains impressive, with Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez and rising Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz all ready to contribute.

### England (4th)
After three consecutive major tournament deep runs ended in heartbreak under former manager Gareth Southgate – including back-to-back Euro final defeats and quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup – the Three Lions are pinning their hopes on German manager Thomas Tuchel to end the nation’s 60-year wait for a major men’s title.

England cruised through their qualifying campaign and boast arguably the deepest squad of any contender, but lingering question marks remain over their form. The side drew with Uruguay and suffered an unexpected defeat to Japan in March friendlies, while key stars including Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer have had inconsistent club campaigns this season. All eyes will be on captain Harry Kane, who will look to carry his red-hot Bayern Munich form – 58 goals this season already – to the World Cup.

### Portugal (5th)
Portugal, who have never advanced past the World Cup semi-finals in their history, enter the 2026 edition as legitimate dark horse contenders – though their prospects may hinge on whether the presence of 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, set to play in his sixth World Cup, disrupts the team’s balance.

Portugal’s greatest strength lies in their elite midfield unit, featuring Vitinha, teen star Joao Neves, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, a group that can compete with any in the tournament. They claimed the UEFA Nations League title in 2024, but stuttered during qualifying, suffering a loss to Ireland that saw Ronaldo sent off. The superstar did not feature in Portugal’s most recent outing, a 2-0 friendly win over the United States in Atlanta.

### Brazil (6th)
All eyes will be on how Brazil performs under legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was hired to turn the nation’s footballing fortunes around after years of underperformance. The decision to hire a foreign coach has sparked discussion about Brazil’s ongoing identity crisis, with Ancelotti’s choice to include 34-year-old Neymar – out of international action since 2023 and now playing for Santos back in Brazil – highlighting the Selecao’s current lack of depth in attacking areas. Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior now leads Brazil’s attack as their undisputed first option.

Brazil have not won the World Cup since their fifth title in 2002, and have only reached one semi-final in that period – the infamous 7-1 home defeat to Germany in 2014. They finished a lowly fifth in South American qualifying this cycle, losing six of their 18 qualifying matches. Ancelotti, however, remains optimistic: “The World Cup won’t be won by a perfect team — because a perfect team doesn’t exist. It will be won by the most resilient team.”

### Germany (10th)
Ranked 10th in the world, behind the Netherlands, Morocco and Belgium, Germany entering the title conversation may seem like a stretch after back-to-back group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, followed by a quarter-final exit as hosts of Euro 2024. But under young manager Julian Nagelsmann, the class of players including Joshua Kimmich, Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz means the four-time champions should not be written off ahead of the tournament.

With the women’s State of Origin trophy already secured, New South Wales (NSW) Blues head coach John Strange faced a pivotal decision: hand valuable debut opportunities to rising young talents, or stick with the group that delivered the series win to chase an unprecedented milestone. In a call shaped by hard lessons from last year’s campaign, Strange has opted to keep his entire 20-player matchday squad intact for next week’s decisive third clash, as the Blues chase the first 3-0 clean sweep for a NSW side in 26 years.

NSW locked in the series title earlier this month with a heart-stopping 14-10 come-from-behind win over Queensland at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, wrapping up the overall trophy with one match still left to play. Instead of shaking up his lineup to give fringe prospects a taste of senior representative football, Strange said the painful memory of last year’s dead rubber defeat was the driving force behind his loyalty to the group that got the Blues across the line in Brisbane.

Strange publicly confirmed the unchanged squad during a YouTube livestream on Wednesday morning, confirming the third game, scheduled for next Thursday, will be held on Queensland’s home turf on the Gold Coast. “The reason for that is that I feel like the girls that were selected for both games have done an awesome job,” Strange told reporters and fans during the stream. “We want to make sure they have the opportunity to go up there and win the third game. So it’s about respecting the players that have worn the jersey and deserve to wear the jersey, so there was no thought of changing the team this year. It was a case of going with the girls that need to be there.”

The upcoming fixture will mark a personal milestone for veteran Blues forward Kezie Apps, who will earn her 20th state cap for NSW when she runs out next week.

Strange’s decision is rooted in a humbling experience 12 months prior. In 2023, the Blues also claimed the first two matches of the series to secure the Origin trophy early, only to drop a tight third-match dead rubber in Newcastle to Queensland. That defeat, which came despite the Blues winning the first two contests by a combined 20 points, left a lasting impression on the entire program, and Strange is determined to avoid a repeat of that outcome this year.

“We were in a similar situation last year after two games, and we went up to game three in Newcastle and didn’t get the job done,” he said. “Queensland were outstanding in that game and very desperate and wanted to make sure they got a win, so we fully understand that’s the attitude that they’re going to bring this time around.”

Reflecting on last year’s misstep, Strange said the squad entered the third game with a celebratory mindset rather than the competitive intensity that carried them to the first two wins. That shift in focus ultimately cost them. “I felt like going into camp for game three last year that there was a lot of excitement from all the players, and so they should have been excited because they’d wrapped the series up,” he explained. “But we probably didn’t go in with the same intensity in game three that we did in games one and two, so that was a really good learning experience for all of us involved. If we were in the same position again that we would go in with a different mindset because we know Queensland don’t want to get beaten 3-0. We know the desperation they’re going to have, and we’re going to make sure we match that desperation and play good footy.”

The full NSW squad will enter camp this Thursday before travelling to Kingscliff on Saturday to ramp up their final preparations for the history-making clash. The full unchanged 20-player squad is as follows: Abbi Church, Jaime Chapman, Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Jayme Fressard, Jocelyn Kelleher, Jesse Southwell, Millie Elliott, Olivia Higgins, Ellie Johnston, Kezie Apps, Yasmin Meakes, Olivia Kernick, Keeley Nizza, Kennedy Cherrington, Rima Butler, Teagan Berry, Quincy Dodd, Corban Baxter, and Hannah Southwell.

As the Iranian men’s national football team makes its final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, a top Iranian football official has voiced strong confidence in the governance and security protocols laid out by global football’s governing body, even as lingering uncertainty over U.S. entry visas casts a faint shadow over the team’s preparations.

The Iranian squad touched down in Turkey on Monday to wrap up their pre-tournament training camp, a multi-week stay that will serve as their final tune-up before traveling to North America for the world’s biggest sporting event. This World Cup carries unusual geopolitical weight for Iran: the United States, one of the three co-hosts of this year’s tournament, has been engaged in active military conflict against Iran alongside Israel since late February, a confrontation that has ignited widespread instability across the Middle East.

Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, vice-president of the Iranian Football Federation and director of the national team program, shared his assessment with reporters on the sidelines of the team’s Turkish training session on Tuesday. Nabi insisted that all logistics for Iran’s participation would follow the formal rules and frameworks set by FIFA. “Everything will proceed properly according to the protocols and what FIFA has stipulated,” he said.

Nabi noted that U.S. organizers have already established dedicated working groups to handle tournament logistics, including a specialized security committee that coordinates closely with FIFA to manage safety for all participating delegations. Drawing on Iran’s history of competing in multiple previous World Cup tournaments, Nabi said the federation has full familiarity with how these security and operational systems function at the global event. “In past years we’ve experienced all of this and we’re fully informed about how these security committees operate at every World Cup we’ve participated in. In this regard, we’re very confident and we have a clear plan,” he added.

One key unresolved issue remains: entry visas for the Iranian squad and staff. Iranian officials confirmed earlier that none of the delegation have yet received their U.S. travel authorization, and the team is planning to submit visa applications through the Canadian embassy in Turkey, where they are currently based. Nabi acknowledged that there is no guarantee all members of the delegation will be granted entry.

However, he pointed to binding FIFA rules that place responsibility on host nations to accommodate qualified teams. “One of the rules that applies to the host country is that they must provide guarantees, according to FIFA’s statutes and the regulations of the competition. One of their commitments is the visas: they have to grant the necessary visa facilities to all the teams that have qualified for the World Cup,” Nabi explained. He added that FIFA has already taken steps to ensure the United States fulfills its obligations to facilitate entry for Iranian team personnel.

Iran has been drawn into Group G for the 2026 tournament, with a scheduled opening match against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. The team will face Belgium in the same city next, before wrapping up their group stage play against Egypt in Seattle. Throughout the tournament, the Iranian delegation will be based in Tucson, Arizona, for their training and accommodation.

The St Kilda Saints have suffered another major injury set to their attacking lineup just days before a high-stakes away clash against the red-hot Fremantle Dockers in Perth, with three-time club leading goalkicker Jack Higgins ruled out of the fixture due to a swollen knee injury.

Higgins picked up the inflammatory knee issue during last weekend’s victory against Richmond, and the club confirmed he would not make the cross-country trip west to face a Fremantle side that has been climbing the AFL ladder in recent weeks. His absence adds to a growing injury crisis for the Saints, who already have key players including Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Max King, Mitch Owens and Liam Owen sidelined with different long and short-term injuries.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, St Kilda head coach Ross Lyon confirmed the decision to hold Higgins out of the match, noting the knee had flared up unexpectedly after the Richmond win. “(Higgins) won’t play, it’s sort of just flared up a bit, it’s just a bit swollen in the knee… he won’t play,” Lyon said.

For the club’s other high-profile injured star, Wanganeen-Milera, Lyon confirmed the club is taking a cautious approach to his calf injury, despite the player saying he feels fit enough to return. Wanganeen-Milera is currently listed as a two-week outs, and Lyon said the club would not risk rushing him back to avoid long-term chronic injury, pointing to a string of high-profile examples across the league where early returns from calf injuries derailed entire careers.

“As far as I know, he’s on track, pretty bubbly, he’d like to be playing, he says, ‘I feel a million dollars’,” Lyon said. “But sports science takes over and calves, you know, there’s been players if you get a chronic calf you’re gone. Like Dan Hannebery, Harley Bennell and Eric Mackenzie here, there’s probably a few others around the league. You’ve got to be cautious with them, which we will be.”

Heading into the Perth clash, St Kilda will look to replicate a dominant win they recorded against Fremantle last year at Marvel Stadium, when they ran out 10-goal winners thanks to a crushing midfield performance led by Jack Macrae. That day, the Saints won the clearance count 50-22 and dominated contested possessions 151-103 in one of their most complete performances of the 2023 season.

Lyon said that midfield battle will once again be the defining factor of this weekend’s clash, particularly when it comes to containing Fremantle’s star dynamic ruckman Luke Jackson, who Lyon labeled a “unicorn” for his unique mix of size and skill. Fremantle’s midfield also features star talents including two-time MVP contenders Andy Brayshaw and Caleb Serong, plus dangerous forward-midfielder Shai Bolton, making the Dockers one of the most well-rounded lineups in the competition this season.

“Our stoppage work is pretty good and clearly Rowan (Marshall) and TDK (Tom De Koning) as a combination are important to that,” Lyon said. “But we come up against the unicorn, right? You look at their midfield, they’re very good either end and well-led by their captain when he’s there. If you want to be the best, then you’ve got to beat the best… it’s an opportunity.”

Rugby league fans around the world can now lock in their travel plans for Sin City, after the National Rugby League officially announced the four competing clubs for its 2027 blockbuster annual triple-header at Las Vegas’ iconic Allegiant Stadium.

The 2027 installment of the NRL’s groundbreaking U.S. venture will feature the Melbourne Storm, Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels and Gold Coast Titans, marking the fourth consecutive year the league has brought elite rugby league to Las Vegas since the event launched in 2024. The only current NRL club yet to secure a spot in the showcase is the Dolphins, though the expansion side will not be left waiting long: league officials have already virtually guaranteed the club a berth in the 2028 event, which falls on the final year of the NRL’s existing partnership agreement with Las Vegas Tourism.

On match day, which is scheduled for Sunday, February 28 AEDT, the Melbourne Storm will square off against Wests Tigers, while the Eels will go head-to-head with the Gold Coast Titans. To round out the triple-header, two English Super League sides – the Bradford Bulls and Leigh Leopards – will also take the field, bringing their own passionate fan bases to add to the electric atmosphere of the entertainment capital.

The NRL’s high-stakes bet on Las Vegas has paid off dramatically in the years since its launch, quickly growing into one of the most anticipated marquee dates on the NRL calendar, and a bucket-list experience for die-hard fans across the globe. Official travel packages for the 2027 event are set to go on sale starting Wednesday morning, with additional details about full match scheduling to be released at a later date.

Club executives have already expressed overwhelming excitement for the global showcase. Parramatta Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos noted that thousands of the club’s 37,000-plus members have already signaled interest in attending the event. “We’re expecting a huge blue and gold contingent in Vegas,” Sarantinos said. To welcome traveling fans, the club will host an exclusive Eels fan hub on the Las Vegas Strip, designed as a gathering space where supporters can connect and build memories throughout the week of the event.

The Storm-Tigers clash is already pegged as the weekend’s headline matchup, as all eyes will turn to Tigers star playmaker Jarome Luai, who will kick off his final NRL season before departing to join the Super Rugby Pacific side the Chiefs in 2028. The game will also put Melbourne Storm’s legendary undefeated round-one record under head coach Craig Bellamy to the test. For the Titans, the 2027 Vegas trip doubles as a celebration of the club’s 20th anniversary, with new head coach Josh Hannay looking to build on the team’s strong 2025 form on a global stage.

Titans chief executive Steve Mitchell called the opportunity a landmark moment for the Gold Coast club. “This kickstarts our 20-year celebrations on one of the biggest stages in the world,” Mitchell said, noting the natural synergy between the Gold Coast – a leading international tourist destination led by Mayor Tom Tate – and Las Vegas, the U.S.’s own iconic entertainment capital. Mitchell also praised the NRL’s global expansion strategy, highlighting the Vegas event as a foundational tool for growing the league’s audience and footprint in international markets. “We know there will be tremendous interest from our entire community to travel across and be part of the occasion, and we can’t wait to see Gold Coast Titans colours in Vegas in 2027,” he added.

After more than two decades of near misses and unfulfilled promise, Arsenal have finally reclaimed the English Premier League crown, their first top-flight title since 2002. The historic milestone was sealed not on the Gunners’ own pitch, but on the south coast of England, where Bournemouth held treble-chasing Manchester City to a dramatic 1-1 draw that mathematically ended Pep Guardiola’s side’s bid to retain the league crown.

The result means Mikel Arteta’s young Arsenal side cannot be caught at the top of the table with one match still remaining, bringing a close to a six-year trophy drought for the north London club. The Gunners had edged one step closer to the title 24 hours earlier, grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over already-relegated Burnley that stretched their lead over City to five points. Having led the table for the vast majority of the 2024-25 campaign, Arteta’s men showed impressive mental resilience to bounce back from a costly defeat to City last month, reeling off four consecutive clean sheet victories to cruise over the finish line.

For City and Guardiola, the draw marks an underwhelming end to what was already a historic season. Just 48 hours before Bournemouth hosted City, Guardiola’s side had secured a domestic FA Cup and League Cup double, beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley to bring the Catalan manager’s trophy haul at the club to 20 major honors. But the final week of the season has been overshadowed by widespread reports that Guardiola will depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of his 10-year reign this weekend, ending the most successful managerial spell in the club’s modern history.

Guardiola had pre-emptively warned that fatigue and Bournemouth’s own high motivation would make the clash a major challenge. The Cherries came into the match on a 16-game unbeaten run, and already guaranteed their first ever spot in European football, with a potential Champions League place still on the table if results go their way on the final matchday.

The match played out exactly as the City boss feared: his side produced a flat, lifeless first half, with their only clear goal chalked off for offside. Bournemouth broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, when teenage forward Eli Junior Kroupi curled a sensational strike into the top corner, his 13th goal of the campaign – a new record for a teenager in their debut Premier League season.

City came closest to an equalizer just moments into the second half, but Nico O’Reilly’s close-range effort was saved by Cherries goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, leaving Guardiola watching pensively as his side’s title bid faded. Travelling City fans, desperate to convince Guardiola to reverse his decision to leave and extend his contract another year, chanted “One more year” early in the match, but their side could not find the spark needed to deliver the farewell win they craved.

Bournemouth twice hit the woodwork in the second half, and could have sealed all three points long before the final whistle. Erling Haaland finally found the net for City deep into stoppage time, but the equalizer came far too late to save their title challenge. The draw means Guardiola will finish his final season without a league title, the first time he has gone two consecutive campaigns without winning the top flight in his entire managerial career.

While the result ends City’s title hopes, it also has major ripple effects across the European qualification race. The point for Bournemouth cements their place in the Europa League next season at minimum, but moves Liverpool into a strong position to claim the final Champions League spot: the Merseyside club now hold a three-point lead and a six-goal advantage over the Cherries heading into the final matchday.