Jackson Martinez has scored 32 goals in 42 games for Porto this season(Reuters)
Arsenal has received a crucial boost in its chase to sign Porto star Jackson Martinez after the Portuguese club confirmed the signing of Spanish free-agent Alberto Bueno as his potential replacement.
Martinez has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent times after garnering a reputation as one of the most clinical strikers around Europe.
The Colombian international has indeed scored 32 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Porto this term to win the Portuguese top scorer award for the third season in a row.
Liverpool and Tottenham were reportedly interested in securing his services during the summer 2014, while since February he has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after Arsene Wenger revealed his admiration for the player.
"Top physical strengths. Hugely efficient, he is the kind of player who can make room for himself in the box. He could play in the Premier League because he has the body to make the difference. He uses it in a very intelligent way. Very short back lift and he's a very good finisher. He's on the list of many clubs, you know that. He will be the next big transfer who will give a big smile to Pinto da Costa [Porto's owner]," Wenger then admitted.
Reports in Portugual this weekend revealed that indeed Wenger has decided to bring him to the Emirates Stadium after agreeing a deal in principle to secure his services to meet his €35m (£24.8m, $38m) release clause.
Porto has refused to confirm the deal but it looks as if it is eventually preparing for life without the Colombian international as it has confirmed the arrival of Bueno from Rayo Vallecano as a fre-agent.
The Spanish star can play all up-front as Martinez and he has proven to be one of the sensations of La Liga this season after scoring 17 goals.
"Alberto Bueno, 27-years-old Spanish striker, has signed a contract with FC Porto valid until 2020 and agreed to a release fee of €40 million," Porto confirmed. The striker, who played for Rayo Vallecano in the last two years, scored 17 goals in the last edition of the Spanish League (seventh best striker, the second counting only Spanish players), comes to Estádio do Dragão "in a good moment of his career."
Hull City misfit Abel Hernandez is ready to end his nightmare stay at the KC Stadium and return to Italy, according to reports.
The Tigers' club-record £10m signing failed to hit the heights expected of him during a miserable season which ended in Hull's relegation from the Premier League.
Hernandez, 24, who could also face a retrospective ban for violent conduct after punching Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones during Sunday's draw, reportedly wants to play in Italy again.
Hull signed the playmaker from Palermo in September and are likely to be prepared to shift the Uruguayan international off their wage bill for a reduced price this summer.
And now, according to Tuttosport, Hernandez has been attracting a wealth of interest for his signature from sides in Serie A and Serie B.
The Hull forward hit just four goals in 24 Premier League appearances for Steve Bruce's relegated side.
Real Madrid have sacked coach Carlo Ancelotti after the world's richest club by income failed to win major silverware this season and, according to local media, Napoli's Rafa Benitez is the favourite to succeed him.
"The board of directors have decided this evening to relieve Carlo Ancelotti of his duties," president Florentino Perez told a news conference on Monday.
"It was a very difficult decision ... but we have not come to Real Madrid to take easy decisions but to take decisions that we believe are the best for an institution that is a reference point around the world," added the construction magnate.
"The demands are huge and we believe it is the right moment to give fresh impetus that will allow us to win more titles and reach our optimum competitive level in a new phase."
The club will announce a successor next week, Perez said, and local media say former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Benitez, who once had a stint as a Real youth team coach, is the frontrunner to replace Ancelotti.
Others to have been linked with the job are German Juergen Klopp, who has quit Borussia Dortmund, and former Real player Michel who has had spells running the B team at the Bernabeu and clubs including Getafe and Sevilla.
Italian Ancelotti, who had a three-year contract that was due to run until the end of next season, led the club to a record-extending 10th European crown and a King's Cup triumph in his first term in charge in 2013-14.
However, this term they were eliminated in the Champions League semifinals by Juventus while Barcelona won their fifth La Liga title in seven years. Real also lost to Atletico Madrid in the King's Cup last 16 in January.
Real won the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup but Ancelotti's failure to win any of the three trophies that make up the traditional treble was deemed unacceptable.
Perez's decision came despite strong public backing for Ancelotti from players including top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, midfielder Luka Modric and forward James Rodriguez.
Ancelotti told the Italian daily Il Giornale on Monday he was suffering from cervical stenosis and would be travelling to Vancouver for an operation.
The condition, a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck area or upper part of the spine, has caused tingling in his hands and was part of the reason he planned to take a year off if Real sacked him, he told the paper.
After Real announced his sacking, Ancelotti said on his Twitter feed: "I leave with the memory of two fantastic years... thank you to the club, the fans and my players."
It is as if time itself is enjoying a joke at Liverpool’s expense. As the debris was being cleared on the club’s worst defeat in 52 years, the tenth anniversary of the club’s Champions League ‘miracle’ in Istanbul was celebrated.
Brendan Rodgers may be inclined to nick an image from that night as he assesses his own situation. At full-time on Sunday, he must have felt like he was 3-0 down at half time to a side including Pirlo, Kaka, Maldini and Shevchenko.
Just like that momentous evening in the Ataturk, Rodgers must also believe a comeback is possible.
It was another day of introspection at Anfield – they seem to average one a week in modern times – but Liverpool remain adamant the upcoming internal review into the events of this season will not focus on Rodgers’ position.
“Not on the agenda,” is the official line on it.
Something may be about to change at the club – it really has to – but according to the club, not the manager, not the recruitment staff and not with the introduction of a director of football. One wonders what exactly the review will entail. The seating arrangements and ticket prices for next year’s club end-of-season awards, perhaps?
Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez lift the European Cup in 2005
There will be a degree of incredulity at the suggestion the status quo remains intact from those who witnessed the first-half humiliation in the Britannia Stadium. The cynical view is this is pure story management – an attempt to steer the focus away from any pre-determined desire to dismiss Rodgers.
He may be safe going into his assessment of the season, but will the sirens go off during the course of the conversation and the ground shift as he leaves the room?
That said, given Rodgers has already had a preliminary chat and his working relationship with Fenway Sports Group President Michael Gordon is strong, his “150 per cent” sureness can be understood.
If his conviction proves justified, attention will turn swiftly to Fenway Sports Group and Gordon himself. Without the hint of any inaugural address, he slipped into the FSG presidency at the start of the season. We must stop seeing John W Henry as the all-consuming influence on Anfield affairs. So long as Rodgers has the trust of Gordon, he is safe.
Brendan Rodgers faces a crunch meeting with FSG's representative
There is one caveat, however. Rodgers must still be aligned to the club’s ‘model’.
Herein lies the crux of the issue. It is all about ‘the model’ at Anfield, with the employees signing up to it. It is referred to so often one often wonders if Anfield has been ambushed by an offspring of the church of scientology, or if staff gather to worship before it like the black monolith in “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
There are numerous elements to ‘the model’, but the main one is about "being smart". "Smartness" defines everything, particularly in recruitment. Upon buying Liverpool five years ago it was suggested to John Henry that rather than spending £40 million on well-established, proven world-class international footballers, it might be wiser to find these players before they become world-class. That is when they are cheaper.
It is not known whether anyone shouted "Eureka!" when this idea was proposed. Certainly no one seems to have piped up that everyone else had been trying to do the same thing, with varying degrees of success, since the first transfer fee was dispatched by carrier pigeon. Nor has anyone pointed out that, in all probability, all the best young players are already owned by Chelsea and have been turfed out on loan across Europe.
More worryingly, it does not seem to have occurred to anyone that if you have £115 million to spend and opt to target younger, cheaper players instead of expensive world-class ones, you are electing to operate in the same transfer zone as mid-table rather than elite clubs. The risk of becoming a mid-table team is just as likely as that of plucking the bargain gems that escaped the attention of the established Champions League clubs. Liverpool’s performance at Stoke suggested that this team is heading only one way unless they sign five top-class players.
It rather feels like Liverpool have become a multi-million pound laboratory experiment, big on theory but light on success. Liverpool fans want ready-made winners. FSG want to create them.
That is why those casually dropping the names of Jürgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti into chatroom and social-media conversations are demanding FSG abandon everything they have been doing for the last five years.
The 2015-16 Premier League season starts in
The last three Liverpool managerial appointments came from Fulham (before FSG took over), the legends’ lounge and Swansea City.
If Rodgers does not mount the greatest Liverpool comeback since Turkey in 2005, the repercussions for his career will be grave. But regardless of what happens to him, it is Liverpool and their owners who must prove their way will revive the status of the club, or ensure that only the reminders of former glories are left for supporters to cling on to.
How Liverpool's season unfolded
Suarez says goodbye
July 11, 2014
The season begins with Barcelona stripping Liverpool of their most prized asset, but the club arguably do well to recoup £75 million for a 27-year-old serving a four-month ban from all types of football for his bite on Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
Mario moves in
August 25, 2014
The Fenway Sports Group allows Brendan Rodgers to reinvest the Suarez income, and the signing of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan for £16 million takes the club's spending to £117 million. The latter is a curious move, given Rodgers had ruled out a move weeks earlier...
Everton inflict late misery
September 27, 2014
Liverpool make an inauspicious start to the new season, losing three of their opening five games, and Phil Jagielka scores a last-minute wonder goal to deny them victory in the first Merseyside derby of the season. After six games, they are 12th.
Champions League hopes dented
October 1, 2014
Disaster in Switzerland as Liverpool are beaten 1-0 by Basle, leaving them with an uphill task to qualify from Group B, which includes European champions Real Madrid.
Late drama at QPR
October 19, 2014
Two QPR own goals atone for the one conceded by Steven Gerrard, as Liverpool win a match that features four goals scored in a hectic final eight minutes. The win elevates Liverpool to fourth.
European dream snuffed out
December 9, 2014
Liverpool concede early in their vital final Champions League group game against Basle. Gerrard strikes late on to offer hope, but his side fail to seal the victory they require and drop into the Europa League.
Sterling flies to Jamaica
January 9, 2015
Not long after receiving criticism for declining an England call up because he felt ‘tired’, Sterling is granted a winter break by his club manager, who admits he is suffering from ‘burnout’. “Sterling has been getting absolutely slaughtered, but the boy has been brilliant,” Rodgers says.
Costa stamps his mark on Reds
January 27, 2015
A chance to win some silverware for the first time since 2012 is lost, as Chelsea prevail in a bad-tempered Capital One Cup semi-final. Liverpool lose the second leg in extra time, and are made to regret their profligacy in front of goal, although most headlines revolve around a stamp by Diego Costa on Emre Can.
Game of the season?
February 10, 2015
Regarded by many as one of the best games of the season, a late - and rare - Mario Balotelli goal seals a second victory for Liverpool over Spurs this season. Twice Spurs claw their way back into the game before Balotelli’s first goal in 13 league appearances earns a 3-2 win.
A scalp at last
March 1, 2015
Liverpool hit a good run of form in the new year, going unbeaten in the league from mid-December until late March. Their 2-1 victory against Manchester City marks their first victory against a top four club that season, and moves them back up to fifth spot.
More Euro woe
February 26, 2015
Liverpool’s disastrous European form continues when they are knocked out in the Europa League’s round of 32 stage by Besiktas. They fail to defend their slender 1-0 win from Anfield in Turkey, and are eliminated after a penalty shoot-out.
'It's not about the money'
April 1, 2015
Raheem Sterling's contract impasse with the club escalates after he gives an unauthorised interview to the BBC, explaining why, at the age of 20, he has turned down a contract offer of £100,000 per week. “It’s not about the money at all. It’s never once been about the money. I don’t want to be perceived as a money grabbing 20-year-old”.
Thrashed by Arsenal
April 4, 2015
In the match directly after their unbeaten run is ended by Manchester United, Arsenal absolutely run riot at the Emirates in a 4-1 victory, Liverpool’s heaviest league defeat of the season. Dreams of a top-four finish are dashed.
Crushed in the Cup
April 19, 2015
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of Liverpool’s season as Fabian Delph’s second-half goal at Wembley fires Tim Sherwood’s team to a Wembley FA Cup final against Arsenal.
Henderson signs on
April 23, 2015
Amidst the Sterling contract drama some better news: Jordan Henderson, the club vice-captain and the most likely heir to Steven Gerrard, commits his long-term future to the club.
Sturridge's season comes to an end
May 5, 2015
A key factor in Liverpool’s underwhelming season has been a lack of firepower up front. Daniel Sturridge suffered an injury plagued campaign, and at the beginning of May he travels to America for specialist hip surgery.
Gerrard's party falls flat
May 16, 2015
Steven Gerrard plays his last game at Anfield against Crystal Palace, prior to joining LA Galaxy on a free transfer. He parades around the pitch before and after the game, but Palace poop the party with goals from Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray.
Sterling wants out
May 18, 2015
Sterling tells Rodgers he wants to leave Liverpool, citing a desire to win trophies. The fall-out lasts for days, with Manchester United approaching Liverpool over a possible transfer, and Sterling's agent Aidy Ward launching an attack on the club.
Liverpool are adamant that Sunday's horrific defeat to Stoke will not impact on Brendan Rodgers' future as he prepares for talks on how to revive the club next season.
Anfield officials have indicated Rodgers' position is unchanged regardless of the severity of after a 6-1 defeat on the final day of the Premier League campaign. The Liverpool manager suggested he would leave if the club's American owners, Fenway Sports Group, have lost faith in him, but privately it is evident Rodgers does not think that is the case.
Although he still faces a critical meeting with FSG President Mike Gordon, the suggestion from within the club is the manager's position will not be on the agenda in those talks.
It now remains to be seen how those conversations go to establish how Rodgers can fix what has gone so horribly wrong since last August. He will still have plenty of explaining to do for finishing in a poor sixth and having missed all the pre-season targets.
Rodgers has already held preliminary conversations with Gordon in the last seven days, although that was prior to the debacle at the Britannia Stadium. The Northern Irishman felt emboldened enough to state he was "150 per cent" sure he would remain in charge before the weekend.
Such was the ineptitude of the display in Stoke, however, he accepted after the game that his position would be questioned.
Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry has effectively deferred all the major strategic decisions at Anfield to Gordon over recent years. The strong working relationship Rodgers enjoys with Gordon will give him the confidence he will have the opportunity to correct the errors of the last eight months.
Liverpool accept something must change at the club ahead of next season – precisely what will be established in what is being described as a "thorough and robust" review. It would seem, however, plenty has already been pre-determined. They need new players and have already started the recruitment process, with Rodgers central to those discussions.
Burnley's Danny Ings is expected to bolster Liverpool's attack
Danny Ings and James Milner should be the first new arrivals, both seeing out their contracts at Burnley and Manchester City respectively.
Despite suggestions that a director of football will be appointed, the club is also ruling that out – as they are major changes to the much-criticised transfer committee. That means the only visible alterations of note could be to Rodgers' backroom team, which in essence would be cosmetic.
There is no doubt there remains a degree of sympathy for Rodgers for the problems he has encountered this season, but equally the speed with which performances have deteriorated since a home defeat by Manchester United in March have put him in an extremely vulnerable position as he seeks more time.
The 2015-16 Premier League season starts in
If he needs to retain the trust of the club's owners, it is a case a regaining it from the supporters, especially those who witnessed the first-half capitulation on Sunday. It was Liverpool's worst defeat since a 7-2 loss to Spurs in 1963, but it was the timing of it – the culmination of a miserable series of results and performances – that has corroded faith in the current Anfield set-up.
Rodgers has plenty of mitigating factors at his disposal. He has alluded to the loss of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge throughout the campaign, and recently spoke about the "distractions" he has had to contend with.
This was a reference to the ongoing saga surrounding Raheem Sterling's contract. Rodgers has also had to deal with the imminent departure of Steven Gerrard – although that was ultimately presented as a mutual decision after Liverpool delayed attempts to keep their captain – while the introduction and assimilation of so many new signings last summer has had a detrimental impact on performances. Rodgers shares the responsibility for those deals with other members of the recruitment team.
Where opinion will be divided is whether Rodgers has managed to get the best out of those at his disposal, regardless of the loss of his strikers.
Liverpool defeated the recently deposed champions Manchester City by playing an exciting brand of football, but the same group of players saw their FA Cup run end having been outplayed against Aston Villa, a side fighting against relegation.
Gerrard signed off at Liverpool with a heavy defeat
They also took just one point from a possible 12 against Hull City, Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City. Had they won those games they would have finished fourth. Even QPR were only beaten by a last-minute winner from Steven Gerrard. Liverpool's end of season form was more akin to the days prior to Rodgers' appointment at the end of Kenny Dalglish's second period in charge, with many referencing the worst performances under Roy Hodgson.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool's steadfast defence of Rodgers extends beyond his meeting with Gordon. He suggested last week that this meeting was no different to any yearly appraisal. That is clearly not the case, given such conversations are far more desirable when you have just finished second – coming as close as any manager in 25 years to winning the title – than when you have come sixth with a team that has just delivered the club's worst result in 52 years.
How Liverpool's season unfolded
Suarez says goodbye
July 11, 2014
The season begins with Barcelona stripping Liverpool of their most prized asset, but the club arguably do well to recoup £75 million for a 27-year-old serving a four-month ban from all types of football for his bite on Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
Mario moves in
August 25, 2014
The Fenway Sports Group allows Brendan Rodgers to reinvest the Suarez income, and the signing of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan for £16 million takes the club's spending to £117 million. The latter is a curious move, given Rodgers had ruled out a move weeks earlier...
Everton inflict late misery
September 27, 2014
Liverpool make an inauspicious start to the new season, losing three of their opening five games, and Phil Jagielka scores a last-minute wonder goal to deny them victory in the first Merseyside derby of the season. After six games, they are 12th.
Champions League hopes dented
October 1, 2014
Disaster in Switzerland as Liverpool are beaten 1-0 by Basle, leaving them with an uphill task to qualify from Group B, which includes European champions Real Madrid.
Late drama at QPR
October 19, 2014
Two QPR own goals atone for the one conceded by Steven Gerrard, as Liverpool win a match that features four goals scored in a hectic final eight minutes. The win elevates Liverpool to fourth.
European dream snuffed out
December 9, 2014
Liverpool concede early in their vital final Champions League group game against Basle. Gerrard strikes late on to offer hope, but his side fail to seal the victory they require and drop into the Europa League.
Sterling flies to Jamaica
January 9, 2015
Not long after receiving criticism for declining an England call up because he felt ‘tired’, Sterling is granted a winter break by his club manager, who admits he is suffering from ‘burnout’. “Sterling has been getting absolutely slaughtered, but the boy has been brilliant,” Rodgers says.
Costa stamps his mark on Reds
January 27, 2015
A chance to win some silverware for the first time since 2012 is lost, as Chelsea prevail in a bad-tempered Capital One Cup semi-final. Liverpool lose the second leg in extra time, and are made to regret their profligacy in front of goal, although most headlines revolve around a stamp by Diego Costa on Emre Can.
Game of the season?
February 10, 2015
Regarded by many as one of the best games of the season, a late - and rare - Mario Balotelli goal seals a second victory for Liverpool over Spurs this season. Twice Spurs claw their way back into the game before Balotelli’s first goal in 13 league appearances earns a 3-2 win.
A scalp at last
March 1, 2015
Liverpool hit a good run of form in the new year, going unbeaten in the league from mid-December until late March. Their 2-1 victory against Manchester City marks their first victory against a top four club that season, and moves them back up to fifth spot.
More Euro woe
February 26, 2015
Liverpool’s disastrous European form continues when they are knocked out in the Europa League’s round of 32 stage by Besiktas. They fail to defend their slender 1-0 win from Anfield in Turkey, and are eliminated after a penalty shoot-out.
'It's not about the money'
April 1, 2015
Raheem Sterling's contract impasse with the club escalates after he gives an unauthorised interview to the BBC, explaining why, at the age of 20, he has turned down a contract offer of £100,000 per week. “It’s not about the money at all. It’s never once been about the money. I don’t want to be perceived as a money grabbing 20-year-old”.
Thrashed by Arsenal
April 4, 2015
In the match directly after their unbeaten run is ended by Manchester United, Arsenal absolutely run riot at the Emirates in a 4-1 victory, Liverpool’s heaviest league defeat of the season. Dreams of a top-four finish are dashed.
Crushed in the Cup
April 19, 2015
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of Liverpool’s season as Fabian Delph’s second-half goal at Wembley fires Tim Sherwood’s team to a Wembley FA Cup final against Arsenal.
Henderson signs on
April 23, 2015
Amidst the Sterling contract drama some better news: Jordan Henderson, the club vice-captain and the most likely heir to Steven Gerrard, commits his long-term future to the club.
Sturridge's season comes to an end
May 5, 2015
A key factor in Liverpool’s underwhelming season has been a lack of firepower up front. Daniel Sturridge suffered an injury plagued campaign, and at the beginning of May he travels to America for specialist hip surgery.
Gerrard's party falls flat
May 16, 2015
Steven Gerrard plays his last game at Anfield against Crystal Palace, prior to joining LA Galaxy on a free transfer. He parades around the pitch before and after the game, but Palace poop the party with goals from Jason Puncheon, Wilfried Zaha and Glenn Murray.
Sterling wants out
May 18, 2015
Sterling tells Rodgers he wants to leave Liverpool, citing a desire to win trophies. The fall-out lasts for days, with Manchester United approaching Liverpool over a possible transfer, and Sterling's agent Aidy Ward launching an attack on the club.
Mikel Arteta last played for Arsenal in the 2-0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund in November 2014.(Getty Images)
Arsene Wenger has provided a fitness update on his squad ahead of their FA Cup final tie against Aston Villa, with Danny Welbeck likely to miss out but captain Mikel Arteta potentially in line for a return after six months on the sidelines.
Former Manchester United striker Welbeck was absent once again during the 4-1 win over West Brom on 24 May and has not appeared at all for the Gunners since replacing Francis Coquelin with 14 minutes remaining of a goalless draw against Chelsea in April.
Wenger had previously stated that he would know more regarding the 24-year-old's potential availability for Wembley following a fitness test that was due to be carried out over the weekend, and it now looks like his chances of making the squad have been deemed remote given that he is yet to return to first-team training.
"Welbeck will be short because he has not practised yet," the manager said after also revealing that he had no new injury worries following the end of the Premier League season.
On Arteta, who has been out of action since November and underwent a procedure to remove a bony spur from his troublesome ankle in January, he added: "Arteta is a possibility, because he is back in full training."
Arsenal, extra-time victors over Championship outfit Reading in the last four, head into the final on the back of a superb performance at the Emirates Stadium in which Wenger's side were four goals ahead before half-time courtesy of a wonderful hat-trick from Theo Walcott and a stunning volleyed effort from Jack Wilshere.
Centre-back Gareth McAuley netted a consolation for the Baggies after the break but the level of performance and indeed the quality of the football on show in that relentless first half will no doubt be of great concern to Villa boss Tim Sherwood who watched his side slip to an undewhelming 1-0 defeat at home to relegated Burnley on the final day.
Mourinho embarked on his second tenure in the Blues’ hotseat back in 2013, delivering the title the season after, and Terry eulogised about his manager’s return.
“It’s been the best decision ever. Not only for me personally, but for the club as well,” said the 34-year-old.
“He’s a born winner. Even when we had won the league the intensity was the same.
“He demands the best from everyone day in day out, and in those big games – we haven’t lost any against our main competitors for two seasons – he gives us all the fine details.”
Chelsea’s collective effort this season has been hailed, but Eden Hazard’s individual accomplishments were recognised by both his peers and pundits with the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards.
The Belgian winger has added a clinical edge to his play this campaign, and his captain believes he has all the right attributes to reach even higher echelons of the game.
Terry said: “He’s certainly got the potential to be right up there.
“When you look at the likes of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo and what they’ve achieved, this boy can go on and be right up there with both of them.”
Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta, who has not played since November because of injury, could be fit for the FA Cup final against Aston Villa on Saturday, manager Arsene Wenger said.
"He is a possibility because he is back in full training," Wenger told reporters.
French right-back Mathieu Debuchy also has a chance to make the squad, Wenger said, but England international striker Danny Welbeck will not be ready.
Wenger was given a selection dilemma after Arsenal's final Premier League game of the season on Sunday, when Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere, neither of whom have been playing regularly, were both outstanding in the 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion.
Walcott, who was out for 10 months until last November, scored three times in little more than half an hour while playing as a striker instead of his normal position on the wing.
"I just want to play football," he told the Arsenal Player video service, "and getting a hat-trick on the last day of the season after having limited opportunities, it was just nice to go out there to show what I can do."
Walcott and his representatives are in talks with the club over a new contract. Wenger said after Sunday's game, "we want him to stay".
Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he is open to leaving Liverpool if he is asked to step down after the Reds' were thrashed 6-1 by Stoke City in the final game of the season.
The Northern Irishman is confident that he will be at Anfield next season, despite failing to meet the targets set by Fenway Sports Group back in August. The Merseyside club finished the season on sixth spot and managed just eight points in their last nine matches.
Liverpool's fixture against Mark Hughes also marked Steven Gerrard's final game in the Reds' shirt. The latest result was their heaviest defeat in the last 52 years and Rodgers took complete responsibility after his side's disappointing performance.
"The supporters deserve an apology for that. We were too easily beaten. We have to be better than that," Rodgers said.
"The supporters have every right to be angry. We can have no complaints all of us. That was awful first half. I take full responsibility as manager. There is an awful lot of work to do. We finished sixth and that is where we deserve to finish."
"If the owners want me to go, I go. it is as simple as that. But i still feel I have a lot to offer here. Performances like today don't help you. I want to be here. There are a number of key elements of the performance that didnt surprise me. We will address those in the summer," he added.
The former Swansea manager's future at Liverpool remains uncertain. The Evening Standard reported that Rodgers is set to hold talks with FSG's representative Mike Gordon and his future will be dealt with during the meeting.
Jurgen Klopp is favourite to replace Rodgers if he is shown the exit door after a disappointing campaign. Klopp had earlier confirmed his decision to leave Borussia Dortmund after their poor run in the league.
Meanwhile, former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has claimed that Jurgen Klopp wants to manage in England.
"There are several indications that suggest he will coach in England at some stage. There's speculation about it in England and it would make sense also for him to go to England," Ballack said.
"He coached one of the best clubs in Germany, he's an open coach who enjoys international acclaim for his successes and the way he coaches. And he speaks English," the former Germany midfielder said.
Captain Michael Dawson cannot hide his disappointment as Hull's relegation from the Premier League is confirmed.(Getty Images)
Hull City have been relegated from the Premier League following a goalless draw with Manchester United at the KC Stadium.
Heading into the last match of the 2014/15 campaign two points adrift of 18th-place Newcastle following a run of three consecutive defeats, Steve Bruce's side needed to claim all three points at the KC Stadium and hope that West Ham could prevent their rivals from doing the same in the North East.
Former Manchester United centre-back Bruce had never previously won a competitive fixture against his former club in a managerial career spanning 17 years, but that record could easily have been ended as goalkeeper Victor Valdes, making his first start in the Premier League with in-demand number one David de Gea ruled out with a hamstring problem, produced a series of fine saves to keep Hull at bay.
Both Paul McShane and Dame N'Doye had goals chalked off for offside before the break and not even a late red card issued to Manchester United substitute Marouane Fellaini for a dangerous tackle on the Irish international could break the visitors' stern resistance.
As it happened, even a win for Hull would not have been enough to avoid a first return to the Championship since 2013 as Newcastle edged ahead at St James' Park courtesy of an emphatic header from Moussa Sissoko before Argentine Jonas Gutierrez, diagnosed with testicular cancer last year, sent tense home supporters into raptures with a decisive second five minutes from time.
"It's one of these awful, awful experiences, but it's football and there's plenty of highs and lows," Bruce, who lamented Hull's lack of firepower this season, remarked after the full-time whistle.
"We had umpteen chances today and were not able to convert them. We can have excuses but, we've not been good enough."
Elsewhere on an eventful final day, Liverpool left contract rebel Raheem Sterling on the substitutes bench and were subsequently humiliated 6-1 by Stoke at the Britannia Stadium to end a very bad week indeed for Brendan Rodgers.
Steven Gerrard did at least find the net in his last match before a summer switch to the Los Angeles Galaxy but it was not enough to avoid a devastating result that his under-pressure manager dubbed "embarrassing" and saw Liverpool finish sixth behind automatic Europa League qualifiers Tottenham.
Didier Drogba was carried from the pitch by his teammates in the first half of Chelsea's 3-1 win over Sunderland following a knee injury before returning to take centre stage during the ensuing title celebrations.
The 37-year-old, handed the captain's armband by John Terry, confirmed before kick-off that he would be leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer in order to play more regularly next season but at least finished his second stint with a positive result as replacement Diego Costa cancelled out Steven Fletcher's early opener from the penalty spot before fellow substitute Loic Remy added a brace.
Theo Walcott netted a 33-minute hat-trick as Arsenal prepared for next week's FA Cup final with a comfortable 4-1 win over West Brom, Frank Lampard scored what will likely be his final ever top-flight goal as Manchester City saw off Southampton 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium and Marouane Chamakh's strike was enough for Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace to beat Swansea and finish 10th.
Danny Ings' 11th goal of the campaign secured a slender victory for relegated Burnley at Aston Villa, meanwhile, and woeful QPR were consigned to the foot of the table following a 5-1 thumping by in-form Leicester.
In the race for the Golden Boot, the top four candidates in Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, Diego Costa and Charlie Austin all notched one final goal but the City striker took the honours after finishing five clear of his closest rival on 26.
He called for an end to underfire manager Brendan Rodgers' tenure, whilst suggesting the club need to bring in either Jurgen Klopp or Joachim Loew as a replacement to restore the glory days on Mereseyside.
Hull City were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday after drawing 0-0 at home to Manchester United on a final day of the season marked by high-profile departures.
Hull, beaten FA Cup finalists last season, needed to beat United to stand any chance of staying up, but their failure to do so left them three points adrift of safety.
Newcastle United were the only other team at risk of relegation, but they secured their top-flight status with a 2-0 victory at home to West Ham United.
Jonas Gutierrez, who returned to action last month after a 17-month battle with testicular cancer, was Newcastle's saviour, teeing up Moussa Sissoko for a 54th-minute header and scoring with a deflected effort.
At Hull, Manchester United were without on-loan striker Radamel Falcao and injured goalkeeper David de Gea, heavily linked with Real Madrid, meaning both may have played their final games for the club.
The hosts made an enterprising start and saw Paul McShane and Dame N'Doye have goals ruled out for offside, while United goalkeeper Victor Valdes saved brilliantly from Ahmed Elmohamady.
The visitors lost Angel di Maria to injury and saw substitute Marouane Fellaini sent off for an ugly foul on McShane.
But home manager Steve Bruce, the former United captain, was unable to engineer a first managerial win over his old employers as Hull sank into the Championship.
Steven Gerrard scored in vain on a wretched final appearance for Liverpool as Brendan Rodgers's side sank to a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Stoke City.
With Raheem Sterling benched over his contract stand-off with the club, Liverpool conceded five first-half goals, with Mame Biram Diouf scoring twice and Jonathan Walters, Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi also on target.
Gerrard replied in the second half, to give the visiting fans one last goal before his departure for the Los Angeles Galaxy, but ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch restored Stoke's five-goal cushion late on.
LAMPARD, DROGBA SIGN OFF
Liverpool nevertheless qualified for the Europa League alongside Tottenham Hotspur, who won 1-0 at Everton courtesy of Harry Kane's 21st goal of the league campaign and 31st in all competitions.
Gerrard's former England teammate Frank Lampard also found the net in his final game before leaving England for the United States, but he scored in a winning cause as Manchester City beat Southampton 2-0.
The 36-year-old midfielder, who is due to join New York City, converted a cross from James Milner in the first half at the Etihad Stadium, with Sergio Aguero scoring his 26th goal of the campaign in the 88th minute.
City's win condemned Southampton to seventh place, which will yield a Europa League spot if Arsenal beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Another departing Premier League stalwart, Didier Drogba, was carried off the pitch by his teammates after injuring himself in the early stages of Chelsea's 3-1 win at home to Sunderland.
At that point, the champions trailed to a 26th-minute Steven Fletcher header, but after Diego Costa, Drogba's replacement, equalised with a penalty, Loic Remy scored twice in the second half.
Arsenal rubber-stamped third place by demolishing West Bromwich Albion 4-1 as Theo Walcott staked a strong claimed for a cup final place with a first-half hat-trick.
The England forward, whose season has been disturbed by injuries, scored three times in 33 minutes, with Jack Wilshere also on target. Gareth McAuley replied for West Brom.
Villa will go into the cup final on the back of a defeat after a first-half Danny Ings header saw them beaten 1-0 at relegated Burnley.
Leicester City celebrated their stunning escape from relegation with a 5-1 romp at home to relegated Queens Park Rangers, who finished the season bottom of the table.
In the day's other game, Crystal Palace beat Swansea City 1-0 courtesy of a 57th-minute goal by Marouane Chamakh.
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How the bottom seven stand
64 min
N'Doye goes down pathetically in the box, and referee Lee Probert's not interested. N'Doye then squirms a shot agonisingly wide of Valdes' post.
63 min
A smattering of ill-informed cheers from some Hull fans - suggesting some positive developments elswhere - but they're not fooling me: I have the internet. It's still 1-0 at St James' Park.
62 min
More flapping from Valdes, as Hull pile bodies into the area for a corner. It was Blind on the line who finally cleared the danger. Rooney, meanwhile, is lying injured after getting caught in the set-piece melee.
60 min
Herrera scuffs a right-foot shot just wide of the post. Hull fans seem resigned to their fate, but a goal for the hosts might just change that.
58 min
Wayne Rooney narrowly fails to get on the end of a Juan Mata pass, as Maraoune Fellaini prepares to enter the fray in place of Ashley Young.
56 min
More football, fewer close-ups of Hull City fans please, Sky Sports. Daley Blind goes into the book for preventing a quick free-kick.
54 min
GOAL AT NEWCASTLE! That could be curtains for Steve Bruce and Hull - Sissoko has put Newcastle into the lead at St James' Park. A hush descends on the KC Stadium.
53 min
Newcastle have missed a sitter against West Ham. Hull remain on the precipice.
50 min
Juan Mata fells Tom Huddlestone just on the edge of the box on the left-hand side. Huddlestone tries to drive the free-kick low, but it's belted away.
48 min
CHANCES! A stray pass allow United forward and Michael Dawson is forced into a heroic block to deny Herrera. Sloppy from Hull. Seconds later, David Meyler volleys a presentable chance high and wide.
46 min
Survival Sunday™ resumes. No changes for either side.
Half time
A decent 45 minutes from Hull but, obviously, they need a goal. They've had the ball in the United net twice, though, only to be thwarted by the offside flag of Darren Can:
45 min +1
Two minutes of added time. Ashley Young clips a pass into the Hull box, upon which Herrera tries to pounce, but he pokes the ball wide of a spreadeagled Steve Harper's goal.
43 min
Another deep Brady cross, which Valdes this time claims well under pressure at the back post.
40 min
Marcos Rojo ventures forward, and his left foot drive is deflected up into the air, but safely into the hands of Harper.
38 min
Goals flying in everywhere, I can tantalisingly reveal, but none of them in the two games that matter at the bottom. Wayne Rooney has a little kick at Robbie Brady, who gets straight back up with a grin.
35 min
Two promising openings for Hull - first, Dame N'Doye almost sets David Meyler through, but Daley Blind nudges him out of the way. Next, N'Doye evades Herrera with a wonderful flick, but his through-ball to Jelavic is rushed.
33 min
This chap has all the latest, thanks to the world's biggest headphones.
29 min
Juan Mata has shown the most adventure out of all the visitors thus far, but Hull's work rate is keeping even him at bay.
26 min
N'Doye is halted by the offside flag again, as Hull continue to press forward. Very little coming the other way from United. Di Maria's durability summed up, meanwhile:
7 - Angel Di Maria completed 90 minutes in the Premier League only seven times this season. Fleeting.
Nikica Jelavic is now in some pain, as he clutches an ankle. He'll soldier on.
23 min
Di Maria, who was been struggling since that collision with Elmohamady, is coming off. Januzaj replaces the Argentine, whose debut Premier League season finishes in low-key fashion.
20 min
ANOTHER GOAL DISALLOWED! N'Doye deflects in a driven cross but, again, the assistant's flag is correctly raised. A riproaring two-and-a-half minutes or so.
19 min
SAVE! Valdes atones for his error with a superb save to keep out Elmohamady's header to the bottom corner!
18 min
GOAL DISALLOWED! Hull win a free-kick, wide on the right, which Brady swings in. It should be straight down Valdes' throat, but he drops it and the ball squirms through to McShane, who SCORES...but he's offside.
17 min
There's an awkward header from Phil Jones. Yep.
16 min
Victor Valdes - impossibly comfortable on the ball, even for a modern goalkeeper - is seeing most of the ball for United so far. Pinging the ball about on a sunny day in Kingston-upon-Hull: there must be worse jobs.
13 min
Hull midfielders swarm round any United player in possession, but the hosts are in danger of running out of steam at this rate. They are, for want of a better phrase, pumped.
10 min
Huddlestone shaped to shoot, but instead fed Brady on the left, but Hull couldn't squeeze in a shot and settle for a corner. Captain Michael Dawson rises highest, but his header is way off target. Hull have started very brightly indeed.
9 min
James Chester beats Rooney to a high ball, and continues forward - juggling the ball as he goes - eventually earning Hull a free-kick, 30 yards out. Great spirit so far.
7 min
Di Maria and Elmohamady come together in painful-looking fashion on the halfway line and both receiving treatment. Injury-time always significant in the final-day pantomime.
6 min
The visitors are showing about half the urgency of the relegation-threatened hosts. Hull threaten again, as Jelavic races onto a lofted Huddlestone pass, but the angle is tight and his attemped lob over Valdes has little chance of going in.
3 min
CROSSBAR! United's turn to attack. Rooney receives the ball, 22 yards out, and swipes a right-foot shot onto the top of the Hull crossbar. Steve Harper, in fairness, had the measure of it.
2 min
CHANCE! Hull'sRobbie Brady swings in a beautiful cross from the left, which is met by Dame N'Doye, but his header is scooped up by Valdes on the line.
1 min
United - all in white - get the game underway. Hull, as it stands, are relegated for having bright blue rugby league pitch markings.
14.59
"Kick-off, now just moments away!" says Sky's Alan Parry, whose permanent state of semi-panic is perfect for a day like this...
14.51
Not long until kick-off at the KC Stadium. With the urgent need for updates from elsewhere, sales of these bad boys are reportedly at their annual peak (although I hear smartphones are the next big thing):
14.46
Newcastle have brought out the big guns at St James' Park - Mike Ashley has finally broken his media silence on Sky Sports to pledge his future (and his fortune) to "winning something" with the club. Not sure how Hull can match that before kick-off.
14.26
Will Steve Bruce give us a song, should Hull make the great escape?
If that's just too Phil Browny, perhaps some celebratory bumps from his playing staff. They'll have earned their bonuses then, certainly.
14.21
Van Gaal himself has had a mixed debut season at Old Trafford. The stats, at least, suggest that progress from the disastrous David Moyes reign has been minimal:
How Van Gaal and Moyes compare
Man Utd
David Moyes
Louis van Gaal
Games played
34
37
Ave Goals per game
1.65
1.68
% Shots on Target
46.8%
49.2%
% Goals to Shots
16.3%
17.0%
Overall Pass Completion %
83.6%
85.2%
Pass completion in final third %
72.5%
74.5%
% Passes in final third
31.2%
29.4%
% Passes Long
12.1%
13.8%
Cross Completion %
20.9%
22.7%
Ave goals conceded per game
1.18
1.00
Tackles won %
74.5%
74.0%
Blocks, clearances & interceptions
1925
1838
14.16
Two notable omissions from the Manchester United squad, meanwhile, including the hapless - and surely Monte Carlo-bound - Radamel Falcao. Our man Mark Ogden reports that the Colombian has no future at Old Trafford:
"...with Falcao playing in more than half of United's games this season, Van Gaal has been left unconvinced by his ability to succeed in the Premier League and he informed the player of his failure to earn an extended stay ahead of Sunday's trip to East Yorkshire."
14.12
If you're from Hull, and you just can't face reality, here's our FIFA '15simulation of today's potential events:
14.05
Amid ominous orchestral strings and extra-ominous Sky Sports presenter voices, here are the lineups:
Good afternoon, and welcome to Survival Sunday™. The situation, for Steve Bruce and Hull City, is simple:
Hull have to beat Manchester United - and hope that Newcastle do not beat West Ham - to avoid relegation to the Championship.
11.45
Hello and welcome to the final day of the Premier League season.
As one final treat we have Hull City v Manchester United for you. If that doesn't get you excited then literally nothing will. Literally. Nothing.
Adam Hurrey will be here from around 2pm with all the pre-match build-up and team news.
PREVIEW
Andy Cole thinks Manchester United should target a top-four finish next season because he believes the title is probably beyond them.
United head to Hull on Sunday for the final game of the Premier League campaign having already secured their target of Champions League qualification.
Although they trail champions Chelsea by 15 points, manager Louis van Gaal claimed during his bizarre and entertaining speech at the club's awards night this week that United were "very close" to Jose Mourinho's men. But Cole disagrees.
The former striker, who won the Premier League five times with United, believes the Red Devils have fallen behind their rivals after two trophy-less years, and therefore reckons the club needs to temper their expectations.
"The aim should be the same again - to finish in the Champions League," Cole said.
Premier League top seven
"To win the Premier League next year would be very, very tough.
"Chelsea have been the best team. In the first half of the season they played very well and in the second half they ground results out. How many teams can do what Chelsea do? There are going to be the team to beat next season.
"Arsenal will be there if they buy a couple of players. If you miss out for two years it gets harder and harder. It will be tough for Manchester United to win the Premier League next year."
United hit form in the spring, beating Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham in quick succession, but ultimately their poor start cost them.
Despite enjoying a near-perfect pre-season campaign - and indulging in a £150million spending spree, Van Gaal lost his opening game to Swansea and ended up winning just three of his first 10 matches.
United have had to grind out several results and many of their new buys have not lived up to their star billing.
Cole thinks some United supporters have been left underwhelmed by some performances and is somewhat disappointed to have seen the team score just 62 goals in 37 matches.
"It has been another strange season," Cole said.
"The way Manchester United play is totally different to when Sir Alex Ferguson was here. They play a different way. And I just think it's a case of getting used to the system, and play the way we used to play.
"The fans are looking to always have galvanising, attacking, free-flowing football with lots of goals and when they don't get that then they are disappointed because that is what they have been brought up on.
"It has been an up and down season again, but we are in the top four."
How Manchester United's season unfolded
Record crowds in the US
August 2, 2014
United fans hope this is a sign of times to come. Both they and Real Madrid field strong teams in this exhibition match at Soldier Field, Chicago, and United impress with a 3-1 victory in front of a crowd of 109,318. Ashley Young scores a brace while Javier Hernandez nets against the team he will join on loan the following month.
Wayne Rooney made captain
August 12, 2014
Van Gaal entrusts star man Wayne Rooney with the club captaincy, with Darren Fletcher named as vice-captain. The decision is a successful one, with Rooney hitting good form.
False start for Van Gaal
August 16, 2014
Despite an undefeated pre-season, Van Gaal’s competitive debut at Manchester United ends in defeat. Gylfi Sigurdsson gives Swansea all three points, in an entertaining game where both Tyler Blackett and Jesse Lingard were handed full debuts.
Angel wings in
August 26, 2014
The United hierarchy are keen to back Van Gaal, and Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rojo are all signed for large sums, before Angel Di Maria joins for an English transfer record of nearly £60 million. They are soon joined by Daley Blind, for £14 million.
Humiliated by MK Dons
August 26, 2014
The lowest point of Van Gaal’s fledgling United career. He fields a young side against League One side MK Dons, but even so would not have been prepared to watch his team succumb to a humiliating 4-0 defeat.
Welbeck says goodbye
September 1, 2014
Welbeck, who started in the game against MK, is soon sold to Arsenal. Van Gaal deems the forward “not good enough” for his starting XI, and has no hesitation in selling a player who had been a part of the club since 8 years old.
Rangers put to the sword
September 14, 2014
United finally return to winning ways with a comprehensive 4-0 win against lowly QPR. New signings Di Maria and Herrera both find the net, whilst loanee Radamel Falcao makes his first appearance for the Red Devils.
Hit for five by... Leicester?
September 21, 2014
Manchester United throw away a two-goal lead on the road to Leicester, for their second league defeat in five games. They concede four second half goals in a performance which leaves them 12th in the league.
Derby disappointment
November 2, 2014
The already daunting challenge of winning at the Etihad Stadium is made even more difficult for United when Chris Smalling is sent off for two yellow cards in the first half. Marcus Rojo is stretchered off with a shoulder injury as Sergio Aguero gives City a 1-0 victory.
Liverpool swatted aside
December 14, 2014
United recover after the City defeat and go on to win six in six throughout November and December. The highlight is a comfortable 3-0 victory over rivals Liverpool which lifts them to third in the league.
Humbled by Cambridge
January 23, 2015
Van Gaal’s uninspiring cup form continues as his expensively assembled side fail to break down a dogged Cambridge United in the FA Cup fourth round. They eventually see them off 3-0 in an Old Trafford replay.
Hitting back at Big Sam
February 10, 2015
Daley Blind hits late to snatch United a point at Upton Park. Van Gaal reacts furiously to Allardyce’s post-match claim that his United are a ‘long ball team’, by producing a series of detailed graphs and statistics in his press conference.
Doubled by Swansea
February 21, 2015
Swansea become the first team to complete a 2014/15 double over United, when they once again win 2-1. Manchester United drop to fourth as Arsenal move up to third.
Di Maria's Cup KO
March 9, 2015
Much is made of Arsenal’s poor record at Old Trafford, but they progress to the FA Cup semi-finals at United’s expense. Danny Welbeck hits the winning goal before Di Maria is sent off for tugging at referee Michael Oliver’s shirt, on a miserable night for the Old Trafford faithful.
Revenge on Manchester City
April 12, 2015
United move four points above their city rivals, after recovering from a Sergio Aguero opener to stroll home 4-2 winners. Young, Fellaini, Mata and Smalling all get their names on the scoresheet in a win which means United are only two points behind second-placed Arsenal.
Crushed at Everton
April 26, 2015
Against a resurgent Everton, United lose consecutive league games for the first time under the stewardship of Van Gaal. In the following match they are beaten for a third time, to West Brom, and hopes of a finish above City are dashed.
Depay swoop confirmed
May 13, 2015
Highly-rated Dutch winger Memphis Depay - and his dog - elect to join United ahead of teams such as Liverpool and PSG, in a £25million switch from PSV. He finishes his last season in the Eredivisie as the competition’s top scorer with 22 goals.
Doubts over De Gea
May 18, 2015
With Iker Casillas struggling for form at Real Madrid, rumours grow that goalkeeper David De Gea is angling for a summer switch to the European champions. Van Gaal concedes that the player’s situation in England is “difficult”.
Oh what a night...
May 19, 2015
Manager Van Gaal ensures that he is the centre of attention at the club’s end-of-season awards ceremony, playfully clipping Ryan Giggs around the ear before taking to the stage to invite applause for the “lady saxophonist”.
