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Mark Saggers: It’s 3 o’clock on Sunday the 16th of May, and we’re only an hour away from kick off now in the final Premiership games of the season. With the relegation issues already completed, we can concentrate on the top of the table. At the top it’s a straight race between Manchester United and Arsenal for the title, whilst there are still four teams in the hunt for the 3rd and 4th Champions League spaces. With me in the studio are two former greats – Lee Dixon who excelled at right back for Arsenal and England, and Gary Pallister who was a rock at the heart of the Manchester United defence. ‘Afternoon guys.

Lee Dixon: Good afternoon, Mark.

Gary Pallister: Good afternoon.

Mark Saggers: We’ll chat to Lee and Gary a bit later, but let’s just remind ourselves of how things stand at the top of the league. Obviously everyone has played 37 matches up to now, and Man U have a one-point advantage over Arsenal, 84 to 83. Today, Arsenal host Newcastle at Highbury, and Man United travel to already-relegated Bolton Wanderers. Joining us on the line to explain all the permutations is Jonathan Pearce who’s going to be at Highbury for us today. Afternoon JP.

Jonathan Pearce: Afternoon Mark, yes it’s very tight today, but one thing’s for sure – the league title will be decided today. Let’s look at the simple cases first:

If Manchester United beat Bolton, they will win the league regardless of the result here at Highbury.
Similarly, if Arsenal lose here today, the title will remain at Old Trafford, even if they lose at Bolton.
If Arsenal win, they will win the league provided that Manchester United fail to beat Bolton.

Are you still following Mark?

Mark Saggers: Just about JP. Now, there’s one more scenario to cover isn’t there?

Jonathan Pearce: That’s right Mark. If Arsenal draw here today, and Manchester United lose, then both clubs will finish on 84 points, and it will come down to goal difference. Now, at the moment, Man United have a four goal advantage over the Gunners, so they would have to lose by five goals of more for Arsenal to win the title in that scenario. If they do lose by four goals, then Arsenal will win the league because they’ve scored more goals, unless of course Arsenal draw 0-0 and United lose 7-3 in which case they’ll be level on all counts.

Mark Saggers: I think I’m still with you JP. What would happen in that case?

Jonathan Pearce: Let’s be honest, that’s not going to happen, but rest-assured that we’ll explain where the title will be going as each and every goal goes in today at Highbury and the Reebok.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that JP. We’ll be back at Highbury shortly for team news. Let’s turn our attention now to the Champions League places, and that race for 3rd and 4th spot. At the moment it’s Newcastle who hold 3rd place, but only on goal difference from Everton. They’re two points ahead of Aston Villa, and Liverpool are still in with a shout from 6th place. Everton seem to be the best-placed of the four sides as they’re the only ones playing at home today, hosting Leicester who are now safe from relegation. Newcastle, as we’ve already said are at Highbury, whilst Villa are at Ewood Park to play Blackburn and Liverpool travel to Fratton Park to face already-relegated Portsmouth.

OK, we can go back to Highbury now; I believe we have team news JP.

Jonathan Pearce: We don’t actually have the confirmed line-ups yet Mark, but we expect Arsenal to make one change, with Jermaine Pennant recalled to the side to replace the suspended Robert Pires. Robbie Elliott is still out for Newcastle with a dislocated jaw, but apart from that, they’re expected to be at full strength for this FA Cup final rehearsal.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that Jonathan. We can go now to the Reebok, and Alan Green, do we have any news on the line-ups yet?

Alan Green: Not yet Mark, but we expect Bolton to put out a full strength side as they look to regain some pride following their relegation last week. United are still without Joseph Yobo who’s missing with a hip problem, and Ryan Giggs is rated doubtful. Otherwise though, they’re at full strength.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that Alan; we’ll be back there later for some confirmed team news.

I said earlier that we’ve got Lee Dixon and Gary Pallister here in the studio with us today. Gary, how do you see things going today?

Gary Pallister: Well Mark, I think you have to favour Manchester United today. They’re up against a Bolton side who will be deflated at being relegated, and Arsenal have a really tough game against an in-form Newcastle side. I just can’t see United slipping up to be honest.

Lee Dixon: Yeah, but you can’t rule Arsenal out. We saw what happened when they were up against it last week at Spurs, winning 3-1 at the Lane despite having Pires sent off after just 25 minutes, and although Bolton are down, they’ll want to regain a bit of pride – and who better to do so than against Man United?

Mark Saggers: Lee, how do you think the FA Cup final will affect the players today?

Lee Dixon: Well of course Arsenal and Newcastle meet again on Saturday in Cardiff, but there’s so much at stake for both clubs today that the managers will have the players focused purely on the 90 minutes ahead of them. No, I can’t see it having a bearing on the result today.

Mark Saggers: Gary, United have only the Premiership to play for this season, so surely they’ll be hell-bent on winning.

Gary Pallister: I think so. Obviously they were very disappointed to exit the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage, as were Arsenal, but I’m sure that if you’d have asked Sir Alex at the beginning of the season that he could have only the Premiership or nothing he would have begrudgingly accepted it.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that Gary. We’ll speak to Lee and Gary a bit later on to see how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking.

OK, we’re going to chat to our match summarisers today. At Highbury we have former Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor, and Old Trafford for us is Weymouth boss Steve Claridge. Good afternoon gents.

Graham Taylor: Good afternoon Mark.

Steve Claridge: Good afternoon.

Mark Saggers: Steve, can you see United slipping up today?

Steve Claridge: No, not really. They’ve been fantastic all season, and you just can’t see them slipping up – not against Bolton anyway.

Graham Taylor: But you would have said that right throughout the season, and don’t forget that United let an eight point lead in February slip until just two weeks ago when Arsenal had a two point advantage. Arsenal have only really slipped up this season when they’ve let their anger get the better of them, and I can’t see Newcastle beating them today.

Steve Claridge: Yeah, but it will all be irrelevant if United win today, and with Bolton’s relegation confirmed now, they’re going to have lost the fight for survival. And I don’t really agree that Bolton will be out to play for pride. I mean, you always raise your game against Man United, but Bolton don’t really have anything to play for today.

Mark Saggers: OK, thanks for that guys. We’ll be back there later.

You know, they say that there are always turning points in a season, and surely the title race took its final turn two and a half weeks ago at Highbury. Arsenal we’re two points clear of United going into the game, and they were on a fantastic run of form. They weren’t helped when Patrick Vieira was taken off after half an hour, but just before half time Robert Pires looked to be sending the title to Highbury. Ruud van Nistelrooy equalised early in the second half, but the turning point of that game, and of the title race was in the 64th minute when Jermaine Pennant was shown his second yellow card of the night and he was off. van Nistelrooy put United ahead ten minutes later, and Ryan Giggs scored a third in the final minute as United jumped above Arsenal.

Arsenal have kept the pressure up since then. They had a tight 1-0 win over Fulham at Highbury, and United responded with a 1-0 win at the Valley against Charlton. Last Saturday, Arsenal responded well to having Robert Pires sent off early on in the North London derby at Spurs to win 3-1 and temporarily move back to the top of the table, but last Monday night United beat Blackburn 1-0 at Old Trafford to set us up nicely for this afternoon.

We’re almost ready for kick-off now. We’re going to bring you commentary from Highbury, but if things get too one-sided, we’ve got a commentary team at the Reebok. And we’re going there right now for team news. Alan Green.

Alan Green: Well, there are a few surprises here today at the Reebook. Ruud van Nistelrooy isn’t in the 16 today for Manchester United, and Diego Forlán plays up front. Ryan Giggs is only fit enough for a place on the bench, but otherwise it’s a very strong United side. Youri Djorkaeff is only on the bench for Bolton, and 17-year-old Ricardo Vaz Te plays up front alongside Kevin Davies.

So, Bolton line up with Jussi Jääskeläinen in goal, a back three of Simon Charlton, Bruno N’Gotty and Nicky Hunt. Riccardo Gardner and Stelios play on the wings with Iván Campo, captain Jay-Jay Okocha and Kevin Nolan packing the midfield; with Ricardo Vaz Te and Kevin Davies up front. There’s no lack of fire power on the bench with Djorkaeff, Pedersen and Walters all named among the substitutes.

United have Barthez in goal, a back four of Mikaël Silvestre, John O’Shea, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville. Kléberson plays on the right, Cristiano Ronaldo on the left with Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes in the middle. And Diego Forlán partners Ole Gunnar Solskjær in the attack. If things don’t go well up front for United they might be in trouble; they only have youngsters Mads Timm and Hussaine on the bench, although Ryan Giggs may be risked if required. Back to you Mark.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that Alan. We’re off to Highbury now. You’re commentary team is Graham Taylor, John Motson, and first, Jonathan Pearce.

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Jonathan Pearce: You join us here at Highbury just as the players emerge from the tunnel and onto this famous, famous pitch. An interesting change to the Arsenal line-up sees Gaël Clichy playing in place of Ray Parlour, but otherwise the side is as expected. Jens Lehmann is in goal; a back four of Ashley Cole, Pascal Cygan, Sol Campbell and Philippe Senderos. Patrick Vieira captains the side in central midfield alongside Edu with Clichy and Jermaine Pennant on the wings. And the deadly French duo of Jérémie Aliadière and Thierry Henry are the threat up front.

Newcastle play Craig Bellamy on the left wing with Ameobi partnering Shearer up front, and Brazilian defender Lúcio plays at left back. Shay Given is the goalkeeper, Jonathan Woodgate is partnered by Titus Bramble at centre back, with Lúcio and Andrew Griffin playing at full back. Bellamy and Keiron Dyer play the wings with Benoît Pedretti and Jermaine Jenas breaking from midfield to join in with Shearer and Ameobi up front.

The benches are interesting too. Arsenal have Bergkamp, Parlour, Gilberto and Keown, as well as goalkeeper Stuart Taylor. Newcastle have Makongo, Sean Davis, Steven Taylor and Chopra and the goalkeeper is Adam Collin.

Graham, your thoughts before we get under way.

Graham Taylor: Well Jonathan, I think we’re in for a cracker today. It’s a bit of a surprise to see Clichy starting today; I would have though that Arsenal would have gone with Edu on the left and Ray Parlour in the centre. I think Arsenal could exploit Newcastle down their right, Newcastle’s left because Bellamy and Lúcio aren’t natural left-sided players.

Jonathan Pearce: That’s a good point Graham, we’ll see how things pan out. Newcastle to kick off …

Bellamy out left plays it into Pedretti, ooh, that’s gone just over. Two minutes played, and first effort to Newcastle.

Graham Taylor: Good chance there for Newcastle. Arsenal have to be wary of Bellamy’s pace, and Pedretti was very close there.

Jonathan Pearce: Campbell, lovely ball to Henry, still the Frenchman goes, into the box, well saved from Shay Given. The Irishman got down well there, but Graham, just a glimpse of the pace of Thierry Henry there.

Graham Taylor: Yeah, lighting quick from Arsenal. It’s been a feature of their season this year, and Henry looks like he’s going to be at his best today.

Jonathan Pearce: Seven minutes played here at Highbury, and it’s still Arsenal nil, Newcastle nil. Bellamy, now can he get in a good cross; Dyer on the volley, straight at Lehmann. That was easy for the German, but a good attempt nonetheless. Lúcio, finds Shearer, well tackled by Pennant, plays it into Henry. Henry, can he finish? No, straight at Shay Given. What a pass there from Pennant.

Graham Taylor: Excellent vision there from the young winger. He’s been fantastic for Arsenal this season, and it was no surprise when he was called up into the England squad back in February.

Jonathan Pearce: Pedretti now, plays it left to Bellamy. The Welshman gets his cross in, Shearer, ooh, that’s just over the bar. Another good chance there for Newcastle, and surely they’re going to take one of these chances?

Graham Taylor: Well, you can’t score without creating chances, and that’s exactly what Newcastle are doing. They’ve had the better of the opening 12 minutes, and they’ve got a free kick now just outside the box.

Jonathan Pearce: That’s right Graham. It’s slightly to the right. Shearer’s not there; it looks like Dyer’s going to take it. Dyer … straight at Lehmann. He’ll take them all day.

Graham Taylor: Dyer will be disappointed with that effort. It was a good position, but he never really tested the ‘keeper.

Jonathan Pearce: Edu, deep in his own half. Plays it to Vieira, Senderos now. Back to Campbell. Spots the run of Henry, the Frenchman gallops away, oh, Woodgate’s just hacked him down, that’ll be a free kick. Woodgate just stopped Henry dead in his tracks, and why is Shearer complaining? Alan Shearer is going to be booked here for arguing with the referee.

Graham Taylor: That’s very stupid and very unnecessary. A play of Shearer’s experience should know better than to argue with the referee, especially when it was a clear-cut free kick. I’m very disappointed with him.

Jonathan Pearce: Arsenal have a corner then. Pennant’s going over to take it from their left. Here he comes, Vieira, saved by Given, Aliadièrrrrrrrrrrre, and Jérémie Aliadière put Arsenal in front. Pennant’s corner swung in. Vieira’s header was well kept out by Given, but the ball fell to the young Frenchman, and Aliadière was on hand to neatly control the ball and turn it in. Eighteen minutes on the clock, it’s Arsenal one, Newcastle nil.

Graham Taylor: It looks scrappy at full speed JP, but I’m telling you, that was a very good goal from Aliadière. Excellent control to keep the ball at his feet, and then he had to get his shot in on target. How many goals has he scored now JP? It must be nearly 30.

Jonathan Pearce: Actually Graham that was his 30th goal of the season for Arsenal. And that doesn’t count the goals that he scored during his 3-month spell at West Brom earlier on in the season and the goals that he scored for the French Under-21 side. It’s no wonder that he’s kept Bergkamp out of the team recently; he’s just been fantastic.

Graham Taylor: I didn’t realise he’s scored that many; this kid is going to be a star. Anyway, with United still being held at 0-0 by Bolton, Arsenal would win the league if the results were to stay as they are.

Jonathan Pearce: Midway through the first half here at Highbury and Arsenal are leading by a goal to nil. We’re going to the Reebok for an update from Alan Green, and when we come back John Motson will be in the commentary seat to take you through to half time.

Alan Green: It’s still Bolton nil, Manchester United nil here, and we’ve just seen Ferdinand power a header towards goal that Jääskeläinen did well to hold. Apart from that though there hasn’t been too many chances for either side. Nolan tried to lob Barthez early on, but the French goalkeeper did well to save, and Kléberson forced an excellent save from Jääskeläinen. Otherwise, the game has been scrappy, and midway through the first half it’s Bolton nil, Manchester United nil.

John Motson: Thanks for that Alan. So, just to confirm, if there are no more goals either at the Reebok or Highbury here before full time, then Arsenal will be crowned Premiership champions. Still a long way to go though. Graham, your thoughts on the game so far.

Graham Taylor: Well, Newcastle started well, but Arsenal defended their lines, got that goal, and there’s just consolidating their position at the moment. It’s going to be difficult for Newcastle to get back into the game; Arsenal don’t let a lead slip too often.

John Motson: Nearly half an hour gone here at Highbury, and Arsenal are still a goal up against Newcastle. But here comes Bellamy, into Shearer, Shearer, oh well played Lehmann, falls to Bellamy, and it’s gone over. Arsenal were at sixes and sevens there, and Newcastle should have been level there.

Graham Taylor: Yeah, that was a good chance there for Newcastle. Bellamy and Shearer made a mockery of Cygan and Campbell there, and Bellamy really should have done better there. He had more time than he realised I think, and he just ballooned it.

John Motson: We’re into injury time here at the end of the first half. We’re going to have two minutes extra, and what a good time it would be for either side to score. Arsenal still leading by that Aliadière goal to nil, and they have a free kick. It’s about 30 yards out, slightly to the left, and Thierry Henry has waved everyone away. Henry, and Given will catch them all day.

Graham Taylor: Yes, he just tried to curl that into the near post, but Given got across quickly and did well to keep hold of that.

John Motson: Pedretti, into Jenas, 25 yards out, and it’s over. Poor effort there from Jermaine Jenas. He really should have kept that on target. And there goes the whistle for half time, and it’s Arsenal one, Newcastle nil; the Arsenal goals coming after 18 minutes through Jérémie Aliadière when Newcastle failed to clear a corner.

Mark Saggers: Arsenal leading then at Highbury. I wonder how Manchester United are getting on at Bolton. Alan Green?

Alan Green: Half time here at the Reebok, Bolton nil, Manchester United nil. The game has started to pick up in the last fifteen minutes or so, and Jay-Jay Okocha had three good efforts inside two minutes to give Bolton the lead. United have been a little disappointing; Solskjær firing over ten minutes ago, and just before the break Nicky Butt managed to squeeze an effort in, but Jääskeläinen held it well.

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Mark Saggers: So, with Arsenal winning and United only drawing, by my reckoning Arsenal would win the league by a point if this is how it finishes. But there’s still 45 minutes of football to be played, and one goal for either Newcastle or Man United would change everything.

Ok, let’s get an update from some of our other games affecting the Champions League places.

Simon Brotherton: Here at Goodison Park it’s been a fantastic tie between Everton and Leicester. Paul Dickov had the Foxes two nil up after 12 minutes with a brace in three minutes. His first came from a long punt forward from John Curtis, and Dickov rounded Richard Wright before slotting home. His second came when Bent got down the right wing, and although Wright kept out Dickov’s first effort, the Scotsman made sure at the second attempt. But Everton struck back, and ten minutes later McFadden’s cross was turned in by Wayne Rooney. And on 28 minutes Everton had a penalty when Izzet pushed Pistone in the box, and Chinese international Li Tie sent Walker the wrong way and equalised. And just three minutes ago McFadden did well to get into the box, and his low cross was turned in by Wayne Rooney. So, at half time here at Goodison Park, it’s Everton three, Leicester City two.

Rob Jones: It’s Rob Jones at Ewood Park, where at half time it’s Blackburn one, Aston Villa, nil. Blackburn took the lead after nine minutes; Steven Reid fed Andy Cole who held off Gareth Barry, and fed Matt Jansen to fire past Thomas Sørensen. Ronny Johnson had to hobble off, but it hasn’t hampered Villa, and they’ve dominated since then. Brad Freidel produced great saves from Stefan Moore, Juan Pablo Angel and Thomas Hitzlsperger. Blackburn have held on, and lead Villa one-nil at half time.

Jimmy Armfield: I’m Jimmy Armfield and I’ve been watching Portsmouth nil, Liverpool one at half time. It’s been all Liverpool, right from the beginning, with Shaka Hislop called into action after just 15 seconds to deny Smicer. Riise, Diouf twice, Own and Murphy all came close for Liverpool as they kept pressing, and at the other end Yakubu had two good opportunities to put Pompey ahead. But three minutes before the break Kewell fed Senegalese international El-Hadji Diouf who neatly turned Linvoy Primus and beat Shaka Hislop. At half time, it’s Pompey nil, Liverpool one.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that everyone. Now, by my reckoning, if everything stays as it is, Everton will claim third place with 65 points. Newcastle and Liverpool will both finish on 62 points, but Newcastle will claim that Champions League place due to a significantly better goal difference than Liverpool. Aston Villa will still qualify for the UEFA Cup, but they’ll finish on 6th place on 60 points.

Back to the real issue though today, and that’s the race for the championship. At halftime Arsenal are 1-0 up against Newcastle and Man United are being held 0-0 at Bolton so if things were to stay as they are, Arsenal would be crowned Premiership champions. With me in the studio are Lee Dixon and Gary Pallister. Lee, it’s looking good for your former side.

Lee Dixon: Still a long way to go of course, but yes, Arsenal look like they’re doing their bit to keep themselves in the race. They started off a bit shakily, but since scoring they’ve kept Newcastle at bay, although I think that may still need another goal to make things safe. Still, it’s out of their hands, and if United win, the result at Highbury won’t mean a thing.

Mark Saggers: Gary, what will Sir Alex be saying to his troops in the dressing room at the moment?

Gary Pallister: Well, I think he’ll be looking for more of the same from his side. They’ve come close to taking the lead a few times, and it takes only one goal to win the game. If they don’t score in the first 20, 25 minutes though I think Sir Alex might risk Giggsy and push forward in search of that goal.

Mark Saggers: And will he be keeping abreast of the goings on at Highbury?

Gary Pallister: I’d be surprised if he didn’t have one of his coaching staff keeping an ear out for the score at Arsenal, but to be honest, the fans will keep the players informed of what’s going on. And don’t forget, United are the one’s in the driving seat; they know that if they win, they will claim the championship, no matter what Arsenal do.

Mark Saggers: OK, thanks for that guys. We’ll get reaction from then again at the end of the game. But, with half time drawing to a close, we’re going back to Highbury now. JP.

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Jonathan Pearce: Thanks Mark, and welcome back to Highbury where at half time it’s Arsenal one, Newcastle United nil. The players are back out, and Arsenal are going to kick off, looking to protect their lead, and put the pressure on Man United to win up at the Reebok. Ooh, Jenas has just slid in there on Aliadière. The referee is calling over Jenas, and that’s a yellow card inside the first minute of the second half. Your thoughts Graham Taylor?

Graham Taylor: That was a bit needless from Jenas. Aliadière was causing no direct problem, and he’s now got to watch himself for the rest of the match. Very stupid.

Jonathan Pearce: Shearer for Newcastle, finds Ameobi, into Jenas, back to Ameobi, shooooots, well held by Lehmann. That was a good incisive move from Newcastle, and they’ve come out determined to get back into this game. Shearer again, picks out Bellamy. Bellamy, not held by Lehmann, and Campbell hoofs the ball clear. Another good chance there for Newcastle Graham.

Graham Taylor: Two chances in a minute for Newcastle, and you just feel that they might be able to get back into this. Arsenal are going to have to be careful here. Good saves from Lehmann though, the German doing well to get first to Ameobi and then to Bellamy.

Jonathan Pearce: Edu on the ball, robbed by Ameobi, into Bellamy, and Senderos just hacks down Bellamy. The referee is calling over the young Swiss defender, and that’s a yellow card. So, three yellow cards showed now, Shearer and Jenas for Newastle, and now Philippe Senderos for Arsenal. The free kick is about 30 yards out. Ameobi floats it in, and that’s missed everyone and gone out for a free kick.

Graham Taylor: What a waste there from Ameobi. He should really have picked out someone there in the box; Sir Bobby will be very disappointed with that. The first ten minutes though of this second half have been all Newcastle. Can they make one of these chances count, or will Arsenal be able to ride out the storm and start to put pressure on the Newcastle defence?

Jonathan Pearce: An hour gone here at Highbury, Arsenal still leading by a goal to nil. Cole now, finds Vieira, to Clichy. Clichy, on the left, picks out Aliadière, he’s got Henry in the centre. Aliadière finds him, and that’s two-nil Arsenal. Thierry Henry just passes the ball into the empty net, and really Graham, that was awful defending there from Newcastle.

Graham Taylor: It was a lighting quick break from Arsenal, but you still feel that Newcastle should have done better there. But it was great vision from Clichy to spot Aliadière, and Aliadière still had to get in the cross for Henry.

Jonathan Pearce: Sir Bobby’s reacting immediately with a double substitution. Sean Davis is coming on, and so is Steven Taylor. Titus Bramble is the first player off, he’s been poor today, and Ameobi is also coming off. Your thoughts Graham?

Graham Taylor: Well, I think Bramble’s had a poor game. Henry has run him ragged all day, and he hasn’t been able to keep up with him. Sean Davis will add something to the midfield, but to be honest, I think Arsenal will just close this game out now.

Mark Saggers: With Arsenal now looking like they’re going to win, we’re going to join Steve Claridge, Mike Ingham and first Alan Green at the Reebok when Manchester United have to beat Bolton to win the Premiership.

Alan Green: Thanks Mark. We’re a few minutes behind the game at Highbury, and after an hour here at the Reebok, it’s Bolton nil, United nil. Steve, can you give a quick summary of how things have gone so far.

Steve Claridge: It was a pretty even first half, but there weren’t too many goalmouth chances. Since half time though things have just been turned up a notch. Forlán has come closest for United, shooting over after a neat turn from the Uruguayan, and Bolton have seen efforts from Nolan and Davies just go over. But we’ve just seen Ryan Giggs and Mads Timm come on for United, and you just get the feeling that United are about to turn up the heat on Bolton, especially with Arsenal two goals up now.

Alan Green: Thanks for that Steve. And as Steve was telling you, United have made a double substitution, bringing on Timm and Giggs for Kléberson and Solskjær. Bolton have already made their three substitutions. Florent Laville came on at half time for Simon Charlton, and just a moment ago Youri Djorkaeff and Jonathan Walters have replaced Iván Campo and Ricardo Vaz Te. So, the revised line-ups are as follows. Bolton have Jussi Jääskeläinen in goal, a back three of Nicky Hunt, Bruno N’Gotty and Florent Laville. The midfield sees Ricardo Gardner, Youri Djorkaeff, Jay-Jay Okocha, Kevin Nolan and Stelios, with Kevin Davies and Jonathan Walters up front. United are still keeping their 4-4-2 shape. Fabien Barthez is in goal, a back four of Mikaël Silvestre, John O’Shea, Rio Ferdinand, who was booked earlier for a foul on Kevin Davies, and Gary Neville is at right back. Cristiano Ronaldo has moved from the left to the right to accommodate Ryan Giggs with Butt and Scholes in the centre. And it’s Diego Forlán and Mads Timm up front.

Laville, heads on to Walters. Walters finds Davies, takes it round Barthez, Davies, ohh, he’s hit the side netting. How did he do that? Kevin Davies has his head in his arms. He could have won the title for Arsenal, but as it is Manchester United cling on.

Steve Claridge: I can’t believe he missed that. That was a glorious opportunity there for Kevin Davies, rounding Barthez, and all he had to do was find the target.

Alan Green: Midway through the second half. It’s still nil-nil here, and at Highbury Arsenal are two goals up against Newcastle. Laville, Forlán has just held Laville back, and he’s going to be booked for that.

Steve Claridge: That’s needless from Forlán. He really didn’t have to do that, and Sir Alex must be fuming inside at that.

Alan Green: A little over 20 minutes to go. Ferdinand, finds Neville. Gary Neville sends the cross in. It’s gone wide, Cristiano Ronaldo goes after it. Ronaldo sends in a low cross, Giggs, shooooots, that’s gone wide.

Steve Claridge: Glorious opportunity there for Ryan Giggs. We’re told that he’s not 100% fit, but that effort there showed just why he’s come on. Unlucky not to hit the target.

Alan Green: We’re going to get an update now from Highbury, and when we come back, it’ll be Mike Ingham to take you through to full time.

John Motson: Still two-nil to Arsenal here, and the Gunners have just decided to close the game out. Ray Parlour has come on for Edu in midfield, but otherwise there’s not a lot to report from here in the last ten minute. So, Arsenal still leading by those goals from Aliadière and Henry.

Mike Ingham: Thanks for that Motty. Just to remind you, if it stays nil-nil here and Arsenal retain their lead, then the Premiership will go back to London for this season.

Thirteen minutes to play and United have a corner. Giggs takes it, goes long. Ronaldo goes after it, disposed by Gardner. Gardner plays a neat one-two with Djorkaeff, but Ferdinand gets in to win the ball back for United. Gary Neville, picks out Ronaldo out wide, crosses, Laville clears. But only as far as Forlán. Forlán tries to centre the ball, but Okocha clears it to safety. A bit of a flurry there for United, and they’re going to have to make one of these stick if they want to retain their title.

Steve Claridge: I have to say that Bolton have defended really well, and to be honest, Jääskeläinen has hardly had to make a save. I think they can still do, but there’s only ten minutes left.

Mike Ingham: Bolton now with Nolan, finds Walters. Walters, can he go all the way, oh, that’s a fantastic saving tackle from Mikaël Silvestre, and United are still in it.

Steve Claridge: That was a superb tackle from Silvestre. Walters was clean through on goal, and Silvestre had to time that perfectly so as not to concede a goal.

Mike Ingham: There’s been a goal at Higbury. Commentary from John Motson.

John Motson: Corner to Newcastle. Dyer swings it in, and it’s in. Sean Davis is claiming it, and with eight minutes to go, it’s now Arsenal two, Newcastle one. All to play for here at Highbury.

Mike Ingham: Well, that certainly livens things up. The United fans in the away section are buoyant now, hoping against hope that either their side can win here or that Newcastle can find an equaliser at Highbury.

Five minutes to play then, its still Bolton nil, Manchester United nil. Forlán now, spreads the ball left to Giggs. Giggs gets the cross in, and that’s easy for Nicky Hunt to clear. It’s fallen back to Giggs, he’ll try again, but Laville heads that away. Bolton clinging on now.

Steve Claridge: This is what we expected, but have United left it too late? Still five minutes to play, and whatever injury time the referee decides.

Mike Ingham: Giggs, into the box, shoooots. Jääskeläinen parries, and N’Gotty hacks the ball into the stand. A few inches either side of Jääskeläinen and it would have been 1-0. Timm now, he’s got a host of colleagues waiting in the box, but the cross goes long. John O’Shea will chase, but it’s gone out for a throw-in.

Steve Claridge: What a waste there from the young Dane. United need all the opportunities that they can get, and crossing deep isn’t going to help them. But here they come again.

Mike Ingham: Forlán, great pass to Giggs, it’s straight at Jääskeläinen and Hunt thumps the ball into the stand. It’s no use shooting straight at the goalkeeper Steve, is it?

Steve Claridge: No, it’s not. As a striker, you always try to make the goalkeeper make the save, but twice now in the last two minutes Giggs has just shot straight at Jääskeläinen. I want to know though why there was no one else in the box for United to follow up. First it was N’Gotty and then Hunt managed to clear, but you need someone in there in case the ricochet goes your way.

Mike Ingham: Final minute; Bolton nil, Manchester United nil. Scholes, inside his own half – and Okocha just clatters into Scholes. The referee is coming over, and that’s a yellow card for the Bolton captain.

Steve Claridge: Time waster Mike. Bolton just need to try to disrupt United’s play, and Okocha won’t mind being booked in the last game of the season.

Mike Ingham: Giggs, jinks past Laville, crosses towards Timm, but N’Gotty gets above the Dane and sends the ball clear. Well defended there by N’Gotty. The fourth official is coming out now, and well, we’re going to have five minutes of injury time.

Steve Claridge: Where did he get that from? Five minutes! It’s not been a dirty game at all, so where has all this time come from?

Mike Ingham: Timm, finds Giggs. Giggs, in space, advances on goal, can he wrap it up – straight at Jääskeläinen, and Bolton survive. It’s full time at Highbury, John Motson.

John Motson: It’s finished here Arsenal two, Newcaslte one, and both Arsenal players and fans are waiting desperately for full time at Bolton. In injury time Aliadière shot straight at Given and Lehmann did well to keep out Bellamy, but Arsenal have won, and it’s straight back to the Reebok.

Mike Ingham: Three minutes of injury time still to play. United have to score to retain their title, and their fans are willing them on. They attack now through Giggs, into Forlán. He’s one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Jääskeläinen parries. It falls to Giggs, crosses, and Hunt clears. Bolton now, with Walters, can they win this on the break. Walters, still going, into the box, and he’s fired it over.

Steve Claridge: Nerve-wrangling stuff here. One moment Forlán almost wins it for United, and then Walters has a glorious opportunity to rub salt into the United wounds.

Mike Ingham: The referee is looking at his watch, and that’s it. Arsenal have won the league thanks to Bolton holding out for a nil-nil draw here. United only really showed their attacking talent in the last ten minutes, but Bolton did well to hold out, and deservedly earned a point in their last game before returning to the First Division.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that Mike. Let’s go back to Highbury for confirmation of that news.

John Motson: Yes Mark, scenes of delirium here from all sections of Highbury, and to their credit, the Newcastle players and fans are applauding Arsenal for their efforts this season. Arsenal won the game by two goals to one. Aliadière gave them the lead after 18 minutes when Newcastle failed to clear a corner, and on the hour Aliadière crossed for Thierry Henry to pass into an empty net. Sean Davis pulled a goal back for Newcastle eight minutes from time, powering in a header from Keiron Dyer’s corner kick, but Arsenal fully deserved this win, and surely no-one can begrudge them the Premiership title. It might be worth going round the other grounds – the stage has just started to be constructed and it could be a few minutes more before Arsenal collect their medals.

binny

Mark Saggers: Thanks Motty. We’ll be back at Highbury shortly, but let’s check up to see how things stand in the games affecting the Champions League places. Newcastle started the day in 3rd, ahead of Everton on goal difference. Have the Toffees managed to overtake them today? Simon Brotherton.

Simon Brotherton: Here at Goodison Park its finished three-all here between Everton and Leicester City. Paul Dickov scored twice in three minutes to put Leicester two-nil up after 12 minutes, but two Wayne Rooney strikes either side of a Li Tie penalty had Everton three-two up at half time. Seven minutes after the restart Bent capitalised on a mistake from David Weir to cross for Paul Dickov to equalise with his hatrick goal, but where were the Everton defence? Dickov almost had his fourth shortly after, and Rooney missed two good opportunities to claim a hatrick of his own. Scimeca and McFadden came close for either side as the game wore on, but it’s finished all square here; Everton three, Leicester City three.

Rob Jones: It’s Rob Jones at Ewood Park, where it’s finished one-all between Blackburn and Aston Villa. It was a tale of two halves whereby goals were scored against the run of play. Villa had the better of the first half, but fell behind to a ninth-minute strike from Matt Jansen. Blackburn came out fighting in the second half, and Sørensen did well to keep out early efforts from Kightly and Cole. The equaliser came on the hour when Pete Whittingham played a magnificent 50-yard cross-field pass to Stefan Moore, who belted the ball past Freidel as it dropped. Blackburn missed a host of opportunities to retake the lead, Andy Cole and Matt Jansen both guilty twice apiece. In the final minute Blackburn had Nils-Eric Johansson sent off for hacking down Juan Pablo Angel as he stormed towards goal. It’s finished here at Ewood Park Blackburn one, Aston Villa one.

Jimmy Armfield: I’m Jimmy Armfield and I’ve been watching Portsmouth nil, Liverpool two here at Fratton Park. It was one-way traffic throughout the game as Liverpool pummelled the Pompey goal, but Pompey did well at the back for long periods. Diouf gave Liverpool the lead just before half time after good work from Harry Kewell, and in the second half Gerrard, Owen twice and Diouf all should have doubled the lead. Late on Yakubu was denied an equaliser by a good save from Jerzy Dudek, and as the game entered injury time, de Zeeuw tried to disposes Owen, only for the ball to fall into the path of substitute Milan Baros who took his goal neatly. It’s finished here Portsmouth nil, Liverpool two.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that everyone. Now, by my reckoning Everton’s draw was enough for them to reclaim third place, and they’ve finished on 63 points. That’s a point better than both Newcastle and Liverpool, but because of their superior goal difference, Newcastle will be playing Champions League football next season. Carling Cup winners Liverpool will have to settle for 5th place and a UEFA Cup spot, whilst Aston Villa also claim a UEFA Cup spot, finishing 6th with 61 points.

In the end then, Manchester United couldn’t quite produce the result that they needed on the day, and Arsenal took advantage to win the league; Arsenal finishing on 86 points, and United only with 85. It’s been a great race Gary Pallister, but in the end it wasn’t to be.

Gary Pallister: No, it wasn’t. But it’s been a fantastic season, and I feel that the two sides have pushed each other all season. In any other year 85 points would have seen you win the league by six or seven points, but Arsenal have been playing fantastically well this season. United though will know that they have the quality to match Arsenal, and I’m sure they’ll be back next season.

Mark Saggers: Lee Dixon, a bit lucky for Arsenal would you say?

Lee Dixon: I don’t know about that Mark. Most people would agree that after 38 games, the best side comes out on top and the bottom three end up relegated. It may have come down to the final day, but in the end Arsenal just had that extra bit of self-belief and quality that saw them through today.

Mark Saggers: Thanks for that guys. I think they’re ready to present the trophy now at Highbury, and we can rejoin John Motson.

John Motson: The rostrum is ready now in the middle of the Highbury pitch, and the Arsenal players have just been going round all four stands of this magnificent stadium and applauding their fans. Now, we’ve been reliably informed that the medals are genuine, but because everyone expected Manchester United to win at Bolton, we’ve only got a replica trophy here today. Arsenal though won’t care. They’re lining up there now, and England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will be handing out the medals because Brendan Batson decided to go up to the Reebok. Up goes Jens Lehmann. The German produced some great saves today, and will be delighted at having won the Premiership in his first season. Philippe Senderos, what a magnificent season for the young Swiss defender. There goes Edu, who was substituted, and Robert Pires is going up despite having been suspended today. Ashley Cole, Pascal Cygan who has had a great season, Gaël Clichy, another exciting young Frenchman at Highbury, and 30-goal hero Jérémie Aliadière. And just listen to this roar for Sol Campbell, and Thierry Henry, and Jermaine Pennant deserves a big mention for a brilliant season on the right wing. Ray Parlour goes up, there goes substitute goalkeeper Stuart Taylor, world-cup winner Gilberto, and favourites Martin Keown and Dennis Bergkamp. The coaching staff are going up now to collect their medals, and now, up steps captain Patrick Vieira. He collects his medal, puts his hands on the trophy, and Highbury erupts as he lifts it high above his head in celebration.

Mark Saggers: Well, the celebrations are going to go on for a while I expect at Highbury, but now, it’s goodbye from us at Sport on Five, and a belated hello to Mark Chapman and Six-O-Six.

THE END

Brian of Nazareth

Booo - stupid Blackburn :thdn:

Still - good effort Binny - kept on thinking a late winner would materialise for the Mancs, but thankfully it didn't

BobBev

Nice one Binny, I enjoyed that a lot :thup:

Richey

This was Quality. Do another one!

Rich

binny

Thanks guys

For your information, Newcastle beat Arsenal 4-2 in the FA Cup final a week later, and then won 2-0 in the Charity Shield. Having beaten them 5-1 at St James' earlier in the season, it seems that Arsenal got their one result at the perfect time :eek:

glamdring

I always like these last day of the season type cliff-hangers - I even managed to have one myself 11 seasons into my Ross County game which I spent far more time keeping an eye on than my own results