A roundup of Premier League headlines from Sunday, May 15.
Arteta hints at unfamiliar selection for Newcastle clash
Mikel Arteta has hinted he may drop Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny into defence for Monday night’s trip to Newcastle as a result of having no fully-fit senior centre-backs available.
The Gunners will be without Rob Holding after he was sent off for an elbow on Heung-Min Son in Thursday’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, while Gabriel picked up a hamstring injury to compound their derby-day misery.
Ben White was fit enough only for the bench on Thursday but may be forced to return alongside one of Xhaka or Elneny, who have both played in defence before but as part of a back three.
READ MORE: Newcastle United can send Premier League rivals a message for next season with win against Arsenal
“We will have to modify certain positions to try to make it work because we don’t have more defenders.” Arteta said.
“And even though we have academy defenders they haven’t experienced a lot those positions because they are not specified central defenders. It is something that we will try to find a way.”
Eddie Howe shortlisted for Manager of the Season
The shortlists have been revealed for this season’s Manager and Player of the Season awards, with voting now open for the winners.
Newcastle’s Eddie Howe is on the five-man shortlist for the manager award after leading the Magpies from sure-fire relegation to a potential top-half finish. He is joined by Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp - whose sides are in a scintillating fight for the title - as well as Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Crystal Palace boss Patrick Viera.
Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah lead the way for the player award, with Joao Cancelo and Trent Alexander-Arnold also nominated from the league’s top two clubs. Also in the mix are Son, Jarrod Bowen, Bukayo Saka and James Ward-Prowse.
Winners will be announced later in the month.
Ronaldo hints at Manchester United stay
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted he will stay at Manchester United for the 2022/2023 season, amid reports of a move away from Old Trafford in the summer.
The 37-year-old has scored 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions but has suffered a frustrating campaign as the Red Devils slumped to their worst ever Premier League points total - a maximum of 61 points.
Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag is set to take over from Ralph Rangnick in the summer, with rumours that the Portuguese forward will be surplus to requirements, but he has hinted at another year during an interview with the club’s in-house media team.
"I hope we have success, of course, because, if you have success, all of Manchester is going to have success as well.” Ronaldo said. “I wish him the best.We are happy and excited, not only as players, but the supporters as well.
"I wish him the best and let's believe that, next year, we are going to win trophies."
