Thursday's briefing: Aston Villa clinched their first trophy in three decades with a commanding 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the Europa League final, while Southampton's appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final was dismissed. Meanwhile, former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman has suggested that Mikel Arteta deserves a statue if the Gunners win the Champions League.
Aston Villa cruise to Europa League glory
Aston Villa ended their 30-year wait for silverware with a dominant 3-0 triumph over Freiburg in the Europa League final held in Istanbul. The Prince of Wales, a known Villa supporter, attended the match to witness his beloved side secure their first trophy since the League Cup in 1996. Villa's quality was evident as Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia scored two unstoppable strikes just before half-time. Morgan Rogers added a third goal in the second half, sparking jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.
Southampton's play-off appeal dismissed
Middlesbrough will face Hull City in Saturday's Championship play-off final after Southampton lost their appeal against expulsion for the so-called 'spygate' incident. An independent commission imposed the penalty after Southampton admitted three charges of spying, including observing a Middlesbrough training session ahead of the semi-final first leg. The commission reinstated Middlesbrough and denied Southampton the chance to compete for promotion to the Premier League, a prize estimated to be worth at least £200 million. Saints chief executive Phil Parsons described the sanction as "manifestly disproportionate" compared to any other punishment in English football history, but the appeal was rejected.
Seaman: Arteta deserves statue if Arsenal win Champions League
Former goalkeeper David Seaman believes Mikel Arteta should be honoured with a statue outside the Emirates Stadium if he leads Arsenal to Champions League glory, completing what he calls the club's "best season." Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title, sparking celebrations among players, staff, and thousands of supporters. The club already has bronze statues of legends such as Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, former managers Arsene Wenger and Herbert Chapman, and club president Ken Friar. When asked if Arteta could join them if Arsenal defeat Paris St Germain in the Champions League final on May 30, Seaman said: "If that happens, it will be the best season in the club's history, so why not? I feel this team can improve further. The club has never won the Champions League, and that would be an incredible double. It's a big 'if,' but it would be epic."
Haaland: Man City 'should be angry'
Erling Haaland has urged Manchester City to channel the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League title for a second consecutive year into motivation for next season. Arsenal were crowned champions after second-placed City were held to a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. "The whole club should use this as motivation," Haaland said. "We should be angry and feel a fire inside because it's not good enough. Two years without the title feels like forever."
What's on today?
Mikel Arteta is scheduled to address the media for the first time since Arsenal's Premier League triumph at the club's London Colney training headquarters.
