A year ago
Arsenal, one of the Premier League's top teams, have several stars in their squad, the Gunners are vying for the Premier League title but they are no longer hoping to win the title after a 19-year drought. Even so, the Gunners' hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy were dashed after a loss to Brighton Albion on Sunday. However, their players continue to receive generous salaries. Bukayo Saka, who is set to sign a new contract with the Gunners, will become Arsenal's highest-paid player.
Saka played an important role for Arsenal season after season, scoring a lot of goals. Gabriel Jesus is second, the Brazilian joined Arsenal last summer from Manchester City alongside Man City team-mate Zincheko. Thomas Partey, Ben White and Granit Xhaka are also among the top-paid players at Arsenal. Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Kieran Tierney are also among the highest-paid Arsenal stars.
Even so, despite his incredible defensive contributions to the club, William Saliba is among those receiving a meager salary at the club. Smith Rowe, goalkeeper Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Reiss Nelson are also receiving meager salaries at the club.
Read More
Man City is on the verge of winning the title after their rival Arsenal lost to Brighton
Southampton relegated after home defeat to Fulham
Leicester and Leeds are running out of time in the battle to avoid falling points
Manchester City came close to a fifth Premier League title in six years at the weekend, following a 3-0 win over Everton, followed by rivals Arsenal losing by a similar scoreline at home to Brighton.
Liverpool continued to put pressure on Newcastle and Manchester United in the race to qualify for the Champions League with an overwhelming 3-0 victory over Leicester.
The Foxes remained in the bottom three with Leeds, despite the subsequent 2-2 draw against Newcastle.
Both sides are increasingly running out of time to avoid meeting Southampton in the Championship next season, with the Saints relegation confirmed by a 0-2 home loss to Fulham.
As the season enters its final weeks, Mail Sport will take a look at some of the key talking points raised during an important weekend at both ends of the table. Ilkay Gundogan scored twice against Everton as Man City approached the championship
Ilkay Gundogan scored twice against Everton as Man City approached the championship
Southampton are the first team to be relegated after a home loss to Fulham
Southampton are the first team to be relegated after a home loss to Fulham
Ilkay Gundogan shows why City should want to extend their stay
The Manchester City captain's first goal against Everton was hailed by Jamie Carragher. This expert believes that Gundogan's effort against Jordan Pickford should be considered the best goal in the Premier League this season.
Gundogan's four goals against Leeds and Everton in recent weeks have eased the tension of defensive campaigns ahead of the final few weeks, as well as an overall influential presence at the heart of the team.
The midfielder is close to completing his seventh season at Manchester City and although Pep Guardiola is known for his rotation, Gundogan remains an important link in the team.
Gundogan has almost always featured in a City shirt in the Premier League since his first season in 2016-17, when an anterior cruciate ligament injury left him with just 10 appearances. Sunday's win over Everton saw the 32-year-old mark his 30th Premier League appearance this season, marking his fourth in a season. The reliable midfielder played 27 and 28 games in the remaining two seasons.
His scoring performance has also increased in recent years, with Gundogan having scored 29 goals in his last 85 Premier League games.
Gundogan now looks set to lift the Premier League title for the first time as City captain, after being elected to the role at the start of the season following the departure of Fernandinho.
The question is whether Gundogan can soon follow in Fernandinho's footsteps in leaving the club after lifting the trophy - and in the German's case, he has led the team to a hat-trick- potential trick. Barcelona are keen to sign the midfielder on a free transfer this summer as the new La Liga champions aim to bolster their squad on a tight budget. City certainly want Gundogan to sign a new contract, even if his playing time is more limited in the coming years.
Total Comments: 0