Arsenal draw leaves Liverpool one point away from title | Rashford eyes Champions League move
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Welcome to Back Pages, bringing you everything you need to know about the biggest sports stories making the headlines in the morning's newspapers. I'm Dave Reed and joining me are the Mirror's chief football writer John Cross and Jack Rosser from The Sun. Welcome to you both.

We are going to start, though, with Arsenal's draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates, meaning Liverpool's title celebrations just have to wait a little bit longer until the weekend. They need a point against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. John and Jack joining us here on Back Pages tonight. John, I'm going to come to you first.

I guess it was a jittery night in the end for Arsenal. They gave it away a little bit at the end of the game there. Jean-Philippe Mateta with a great finish. I wonder how you think Liverpool fans would have been feeling watching that game tonight?

Well, and also the Liverpool players, because they said in commentary on the game on Sky tonight, the Liverpool players had congregated a lot of them at the training ground and were watching it. And so, yeah, I do think the fans and the players together were thinking, once Mateta does that, I actually could go on and win that game. Arsenal looked so jittery, so nervous, so lacking in intensity.

And actually, they put on a really lame and rather pathetic performance tonight, I thought. And actually, Palace, not just coming back from one goal, but they did it twice. Eze scored a terrific equaliser in the first half. Mateta's goal had got to go down as goal of the month and probably be a contender of the goal of the season. Really caught Rea off his line. It was a brilliant piece of improvised strategy.

And it really exposed Arsenal, I think. I mean, the stats don't lie here. And, you know, Arsenal have been pretty lame players

closest challengers to an exceptional Liverpool team. The numbers don't lie. 13 draws this season. I think Arsenal fans have been so busy counting up Tottenham's defeats that they kind of let slip of how many games they've let slip and turned into draws. Nine times they've surrendered a lead this season. That's points dropped in 34 games in their Premier League. You know, it's astonishing that 16 times they've dropped

16 games in which they've dropped from 34 games in total. I mean, that is nowhere near good enough and title winning form. The maximum now they can get is accumulating is 79 points. That will be 10 points less than last season. Liverpool, if they win all theirs, can get up to the same points tally

as Man City accumulated last season. So there's no doubt about it. Liverpool deserve to be remembered as brilliant champions, up there with the very best that the Premier League, I think, has seen. But Arsenal have fallen woefully short. And I have to say that was highlighted in a really very tame and lame performance against Crystal Palace tonight.

Yeah, and Jack, Sam Dean writes in the Telegraph that it would be grim indeed for Arsenal if their own incompetence had provided the crowning moment for their title rivals. And he goes on to say that it was not a particularly encouraging night for Arteta, given what's on the horizon for them. Would you go along with that? It's a difficult one, isn't it? I mean, what Sam writes there is right. I mean, it would have typified Arsenal's season if...

they'd handed Liverpool the title with a bit of a step up. I think Liverpool would have, the players and staff at Liverpool would have certainly wanted to go that way tonight and have it all wrapped up and nailed on. But I think a lot of the fans going to Anfield at the weekend will be glad that they can get it done in front of a full stadium having won the title then. I think for Arsenal, they've got a bit of time, haven't they? They approached the Ipswich game very well, tried a couple of things and looked good.

Very good there. Ipswich obviously a very, very different team to what they're going to face in PSG next week. I think this was always going to be a slightly odd game tonight. You've got Arsenal going in with PSG on their mind, Crystal Palace going in with Aston Villa and a huge FA Cup semi-final on their mind just a few days away. I was actually quite impressed with how in the game and energetic and up for it Crystal Palace were tonight.

Everyone always says they only focus on the next game, but they're only human. And you can imagine a few of them were in the back of their minds trying to shut out any thoughts of Aston Villa at the weekend. But I don't think Mikel Arteta, while the mistake from Saliba on top of the one in the Champions League against Real Madrid as well,

which gave Vinicius his goal, there might be a bit of concern there. But I think they're going to be so energised and up for a first semi-final in such a long time that I don't think there'll be too many lingering concerns from tonight. And let's talk a little bit more about Crystal Palace and in particular, Jean-Philippe Mateta, John, whose rejuvenation under Oliver Glasner has really been remarkable.

His form tailed off under Roy Hodgson. We weren't really sure whether he was going to be a Premier League level striker. But what do you make of the way he's developed as a player under Oliver Glasner? Well, Glasner was cute tonight, wasn't he? Because he rested and rotated a little bit. You know, Mateta obviously comes off the bench quickly.

And I just thought you then saw Mateta's sheer class and quality as a substitute just because he provided a little bit more, you know, focal point for the attack. I also think he gave him a bit more physicality. And that sweet skill that comes out of confidence, you know, the ability to take that on. He knew where Raya was, but he didn't.

he hit the shot on the turn and the chip if you haven't seen it it's an absolute cracker and really it will go down as one of the goals of the season and it shows his you know brilliant sort of excellent sort of kind of dynamic and skill and awareness really I think he's been terrific he gives Palace such an edge listen he wears that head guard because obviously earlier in the FA Cup campaign you know he suffered a really bad cut to his ear didn't he in a clash

But honestly, it doesn't seem to sort of impinge it on his performances at all, which again speaks volumes of him as a player and as a character. And I just think Palace, you know, no one wants to lose sort of kind of before one of their big games. I totally get Jack's point and it's a good point. Arsenal got that PSG game, but Palace have also got this semi-final. Now, listen, I think Palace on the back of that tonight, yes, it's a good,

short turnaround. They've got 24 hours less than their opponents, Aston Villa, who lost last night. I wouldn't mind betting that Palace go in with their tails up, really, and really high confidence because they deserve to. They played really well and with a spring in their step and I think they got the balance just right, really. They deserved absolutely everything they got tonight and possibly should have really had the victory as well. But, you know, it was sloppy from Arsenal and Palace punished them. Yeah.

Yeah, so Liverpool just having to wait a little bit longer to celebrate being Premier League champions. That game against Tottenham Hotspur should be terrific at Anfield, live on Sky Sports Premier League Super Sunday from four o'clock. Let's move on and talk about Marcus Rashford, because plenty of the newspapers talking about

his future, where that may lie, where he wants to play his football, what competitions he wants to play his football in. The Telegraph talking about him wanting to play Champions League football next season. He's had the taste of it with Aston Villa in this campaign. Also other newspapers talking about there's no way back really for him at Manchester United. Jack, I'm going to come to you on this first. Do we think that he's going to get what he wants essentially? Have his performances at Aston Villa improved?

reignited, do we think, clubs around Europe thinking that he can be a top-level Champions League player for them? I think clubs will certainly be considering him now. Whether they feel that he can be a top-level Champions League player is another issue, really. We've sort of seen flashes from Marcus Rashford. There were nice moments, you know, nice moments in that game against PSG. Nearly scored a very good goal last night, converted the penalty. He's made good impacts off the bench for Aston Villa and

sort of given their season a bit more life along with Asensio coming in on loan. I'm not quite convinced yet whether we're seeing him right back at his best. I think the important thing maybe we see is that mentally he looks a lot sharper, engaged in games, you know, working absolutely tirelessly. He's got a manager that he seems invested in. I think for the clubs that we'll be looking at him, a lot will hinge on the sort of theme Manchester United looked

He's obviously on incredibly large wages at Manchester United as well. There won't be many clubs that can afford that. So whether he's ready to take a wage cut to pursue that move of, or that dream of playing in the Champions League regularly again and starting is a big thing. If he can have a strong end to the season, do something with Villa in the FA Cup, then that will only strengthen his case. But I think there's, you know, it's been a very good move, loan move for him, a very productive move.

in terms of showing that he can still do it. But I don't think clubs will have seen it quite at that real, real top level that he was at two or three years ago quite yet. And John, I wonder what Aston Villa might feel. I mean, these stories, lots of the newspapers carrying these

stories less than 24 hours after Villa were beaten by Manchester City. Now, it does diminish their hopes of Champions League qualification, but they're not out of it and they could still qualify for the Champions League. They've also got an FA Cup semi-final on the horizon. How will they feel about attention being taken away from what's left for them at the end of the season? And once again, we're kind of talking about the future of Marcus Rashford when they have so much left to play for.

Yeah, I do think Unai Emery has understandably been a bit touchy, hasn't he, about so many questions about Rashford in a season where Aston Villa are still battling for the Champions League place. They reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League. I mean, what a success that is. And they could still reach the FA Cup final. I mean, it's a remarkable season for Emery. And so I can understand a bit of a frustration that they signed a playing loan on January.

And, you know, and Rashford, it sort of doesn't start every game, but makes an impact. And then everyone talks about him. But that's what you get with Rashford. You know, he is a megastar. He's an England superstar. He's a brilliant, brilliant player. I actually think that Rashford is one of these stories of the season, certainly in the second half of the season. He's come back. His story is returned to form and kind of the way he's hit it. And he's been focused and he's been driven offensively.

I'm really, really impressed with Marcus Rashford. Always liked him as a player. We all know what he's like as a personality. He's fantastic. What he did during lockdown as a personality, as a national hero, frankly. And listen, I think sometimes when you lose a big game like that,

As a journalist, I know I'll make calls, you know, so it's not Rashford I don't think necessarily placing his story. I think he's a good journalist doing good journalism, chasing those stories and seeing where Rashford might end up next. I'll tell you what, he deserves to be in the Champions League on performances like he's produced recently.

recently for Villa. So it's no surprise to me that actually he's targeting a team that will be in the top five next season. I wouldn't bet against Villa. You know, I know it was a setback last night, but I still think they can do it. They're playing super football, very good to watch. And Rashford's a big part of that. And given what John has said there then, Jack, with Rashford being one of the stories of the season, the better he does...

Does that look worse then for Manchester United and their management of the whole Rashford situation and the whole scenario around him? The fact that he's back scoring goals, looking like a good Champions League level player. Does that hurt Manchester United? And the fact that we're seeing on the back pages that there's no way back for him there at Old Trafford. Does that highlight maybe how poorly that they've managed the situation with him? It will hurt their pride, certainly. I don't think it will hurt their position in the summer at all. They'll be...

It will be difficult maybe for a lot of people at Manchester United, the coaches that haven't been able to get him engaged and looking like this as a player for it to happen, you know, quite quickly moving to a different club and with a different coach and to be showing signs of the old Marcus Rashford again so quickly will be something that really hurts.

Manchester United's pride. But it's no secret that they've got a lot of work to do in the summer and they haven't got too much money to do it with. These stories all talk about the players that Manchester United are looking to move on. Anthony out on loan, Jadon Sancho out on loan at Chelsea, looking to get money in for them. The biggest asset they've got to sell really is Marcus Rashford. They need the cash in. They're in a tight position financially. Jim Ratcliffe made that very clear a while ago saying that they could have been bust by Christmas.

if they hadn't made some tough financial decisions. So as much as it's not nice for any club to not succeed with a player and see them quite quickly go on to better things elsewhere, then they'll be hoping that he finishes on a high and can

buy this market and fetch the highest price possible come the summer. Let's talk about a story in The Telegraph written by John Percy and also Mike Hegan in the mail talking about Daniel Farker at Leeds and Leeds considering sacking the manager despite them sealing promotion back to the Premier League. John, why would they do that?

Well, I'm reading John Percy's story for a start, really, that he's basically saying that they feel that beyond John Percy suggesting that the Leeds hierarchy feel that while Farkle has got a proven track record of promotion from the championship...

His skills and ability, he's done the same before with Norwich, don't forget, and got then the sack from Norwich after they struggled. He feels as if Fark wants a new set-up, a new team, a bit more investment. He really feels they need a rebuild.

and then Leeds are sort of kind of examining all options, really. It's really interesting here because, you know, Charlie Wyatt on the back of Jack's paper, the Sun also sort of saying that, you know, Fark really is sort of almost at a crossroads and what happens with Leeds really...

My feeling is, looking at this, I do actually think that Leeds think maybe Daniel Farke has maybe taken them as far as they can go. I mean, let's not forget, this is the guy that missed out in the playoffs last season, had to sell members of almost the family silver, particularly in sort of Archie Gray, if you like, and then still got them up. And they've still got the potential. They've already promoted, could win the actual title themselves.

in the next few games. I mean, it is a brilliant turnaround from Farkham, but,

I kind of feel almost as if I'm inclined to agree a little bit. Sometimes you've got to be ruthless. You've got to be shrewd and make those decisions. Otherwise, it's no good going in and losing your first six games while you're finding your feet because you can't survive a six-game handicap and still stay up. I wouldn't be surprised if Leeds do change it. And perhaps, you know, I'm sure these stories are well sourced and maybe Leeds are thinking about a change and a big change of direction.

I mean, I'm sure Leeds will probably get some criticism if they do decide to make a change. I'm sure some supporters would probably like to see Daniel Fark given an opportunity to manage again in the Premier League in order to try and keep them up. And Jack, does he deserve that opportunity?

Most coaches certainly do deserve that opportunity. I think this is probably a sign of how mind-bendingly difficult it's going to be for championship clubs getting promoted to cope in the Premier League now. We've two straight seasons of the three promoted clubs left.

Going back down, that means there's 17 clubs in the Premier League that will be in the Premier League next season that have had three years of that money to make the gap even wider for these clubs that are coming up. And I think it might be something pointing to maybe a lack of pragmatism or something from Daniel Farker. You know, we've seen that with Russell Martin in Southampton this year.

being very stubborn and not wanting to change and not being able to cope and Leeds won't want that. But I think if it is a point of Daniel Fart wanting investment,

and the club maybe not wanting to give that to him, then you have to wonder what sort of manager would be attracted to that because it's clear from the clubs that have managed to stay up, Nottingham Forest being one of those, Aston Villa another one, in the last five or six years that they've had to spend big, risk a lot in terms of their finances to bridge that gap, break some rules as well and take what comes with that to make sure they stay in the Premier League for another season and start building from there.

It will be a very, very ruthless decision, a brutal decision, really, if Leeds go and do that just after he's done the job that he was asked to do and sealed promotion back to the Premier League. Not quite at the first time of asking, but coming very close in the playoff final last year and then rebuilding again and getting it done. It will be a really hard decision.

pill to swallow for Daniel Farg if that happens but maybe they can back themselves up in terms of ruthless decisions that have been made elsewhere you look at Bournemouth and everybody thought they were mad to sack Gary O'Neill at the time and then brought in Eriola change direction and look at the success they're having now so there is some there's a there's some you know a track record there that that can show Leeds and their owners that this might be the right thing to do but it will be something incredibly controversial and they will take a lot of flack for it if they do it

Yeah, so I mean, you're right to point out Bournemouth there, you know, successful coaching appointment, Andoni Arreola, but also successful recruitment in Dean Hoysen, Milos Kirkes, lots of those players at Bournemouth that have come in.

and elevated themselves to Premier League level and they've picked out some gems. And Dean Hoyssen is a player that is going to be looked at by a lot of clubs in the summer. The Backpage of the Sun talks about Chelsea, joined Europe's elite in the race to sign Dean Hoyssen, but Real Madrid looking at him, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester United. John, how far do you think this young man can go? Oh, super cool on the ball. I think he's lovely, he's polished.

He's really composed. I really like the way that he brings the ball out of defence. He reads the game really well. I like the way that Iriola has blended him into the team. You know, I think he was really highly regarded. I mean, they picked him up as a bargain, didn't they? What was it? 11, 13 million, wasn't it? I think from Italy. And then basically, you know, I think people in Italy are thinking, well,

how come he's not playing every game early on? And yet I think he was just finding his feet. And once he'd found them, I mean, he just looks fantastic. He really does. He looks suited to it. He's not the biggest physique. And yet he sort of counters that with his reading of the game and his pace.

And look, you know, I think he's got admirers in the Premier League. I think he's got admirers, you know, around Madrid. And I think that that is also, you know, reading in here, I think Andy Dillon's story saying that there's a £50 million clause. So, you know, it would be an attractive one. It would be an attractive one to Bournemouth as well, you know, to make that sort of kind of profit and turnaround possible.

I think it is quite something. I do think that they might lose some players. I mean, Kirk is a target for Liverpool, isn't he? And now Hoisting as well. So it'll be interesting to see what Bournemouth look like, you know, next season. It's an unforgiving, relentless league, the Premier League. And that's why I think that, you know, sometimes you have to take the rough with the smooth and that recruitment is key because Bournemouth might have to end up replacing some big stars. But looking at their recent track record, they've made a good fist of it.

Yeah, and we've got time to talk about golf as well because Rory McIlroy back in action after his Augusta heroics, the drama, the tears, the agony, the elation of what happened at Augusta and the final round of the Masters. A Grand Slam champion, he's admitted that he's been stunned by the reaction to his Masters victory. He's been called by two presidents, Donald Trump and Barack Obama, the day after his Masters triumph.

Jack, I don't know whether you've been called by any previous US presidents or current US presidents. Give us your best call from a withheld number and who was on the other end. No, I'm joking. But what about Rory McIlroy's achievements? It's obviously sensational. What do we think he can go on and achieve now? We're talking about the Zurich Classic this week, but there's going to be lots of things that he'll have left to achieve.

I am hoping for a phone call from a president if I finally break 100 one day, but that might be a long way coming. No, it's huge, isn't it? I mean, the impact has gone so wide. So many people that are invested in golf have been almost sort of floating on a cloud, really, that since Rory McIlroy got that done, so many people were emotionally invested in it. He looks like he's enjoyed his celebrations a bit, doesn't he? I think he sounded like he was struggling with a bit of a cold. He's been across the Atlantic twice.

to celebrate at home with his family and friends back in Northern Ireland as well. And, you know, it's quite impressive really that he's got back to Zurich. But I think it's quite a nice place for him to go back and play alongside Shane Lowry, maybe have the pressure off slightly having a friend alongside him. But he sounds...

he sounds very confident. He sounds like he could go on and really do something this year. There's a lot of courses in the majors this year that, that suit him. Quail Hollow is somewhere that he's won plenty of times on tour before and won a major there as well. And then of course, Portrush in the open. He's,

somewhere he's got great history and a bit of a bit of baggage from the last time the open was there so he looks like someone with a lot of weight lifted off his shoulder i think a lot of people will be excited to see him play again this week yeah zurich classic live on sky sports starting on thursday john jack thank you so much