AFC Bournemouth will host Liverpool in their fourth round match of the Carabao Cup 2023-24 at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England. The Bournemouth vs Liverpool EFL Cup 2023-24 match will start at 1:15 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) on Thursday, November 2.

Led by manager Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth will head into the clash after registering their first win of the Premier League 2023-24 season in their 10th attempt.

The Cherries came from a goal down to beat Burnley 2-1 courtesy strikes from Antoine Semenyo and Philip Billing.

With one win, three draws and six defeats, Bournemouth are currently placed 17th in the Premier League 2023-24 standings.

Earlier, Bournemouth rode on goals from Dominic Solanke and Joe Rothwell to secure a 2-0 win over Stoke City in the third round encounter of the Carabao Cup 2023-24.

On the other hand, Liverpool will be high on confidence after defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in their last match in the Premier League on Sunday.

Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah netted a goal each to help the Reds register a comprehensive victory at home.

Having accumulated 23 points from 10 matches, Liverpool are currently placed fourth in the standings.

Jurgen Klopp’s men earlier overcame Leicester City 3-1 to make it to the fourth round of the ongoing EFL Cup.

Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota were the goalscorers for Liverpool in their win over Leicester.

Ahead of the crucial encounter, Bournemouth have several injury concerns as Tyler Adams, Emiliano Marcondes, Ryan Fredericks and first-choice goalkeeper Neto are out with injuries.

Liverpool will be without the services of star winger Luis Díaz after his parents were kidnapped in Colombia. While his mother was later rescued, his father still remains missing.

The likes of Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak will also be unavailable due to injuries.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool head-to-head

Liverpool have a dominant head-to-head record against Bournemouth across competitions, winning 15 of the 20 matches that they have played so far. Bournemouth have registered just two victories, while three matches have ended in draws.

The last time these two sides met, Liverpool beat Bournemouth 3-1 in a Premier League 2023-24 clash at Anfield.

Where to watch Bournemouth vs Liverpool Carabao Cup 2023-24 match live in India? 

Live streaming of the Bournemouth vs Liverpool Carabao Cup 2023-24 fourth round match will be available on the FanCode app and website in India.

There will be no live telecast of the Bournemouth vs Liverpool EFL Cup 2023-24 fourth round match on any TV channel in India.

Photo credit: Alamy

The FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round will ring in some domestic football action after the recent international break.

Manchester United, 12-time winners of the competition, host Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in the first of 16 games starting February 5.

The Red Devils are among the 14 Premier League still involved in the competition and will look to progress to the latter stages of a tournament they last won in 2015-16.

Frank Lampard will begin his tenure as Everton manager when Brentford visit Goodison Park for their FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round tie, while Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur host Brighton at home.

Nottingham Forest, who knocked out record FA Cup winners Arsenal in the previous round, will entertain defending champions Leicester City. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have relatively easy opponents in Plymouth, Fulham and Cardiff City respectively.

Wolves and Norwich City lock horns in the third all-Premier League fixture in the FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round. 

FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round schedule, fixtures and live India match times

All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST)

Day, Date	Match	Venue	Time
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Manchester United vs Middlesbrough	Old Trafford	1:30 AM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Chelsea vs Plymouth	Stamford Bridge	6 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Kidderminster Harriers vs West Ham	Aggborough	6 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Crystal Palace vs Hartlepool United	Selhurst Park	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Everton vs Brentford	Goodison Park	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Huddersfield vs Barnsley	John Smith's Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Manchester City vs Fulham	Etihad Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Petersborough vs Queens Park Rangers	Weston Homes Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Southampton vs Coventry	St. Mary's Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Stoke City vs Wigan Athletic	Bet365 Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Wolves vs Norwich City	Molineux Stadium	8:30 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2022	Cambridge United vs Luton Town	Abbey Stadium	11 pm
Sunday, February 6, 2022	Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium	1:30 AM
Sunday, February 6, 2022	Liverpool vs Cardiff City	Anfield	5:30 PM
Sunday, February 6, 2022	Nottingham Forest vs Leicester City	City Ground	9:30 PM
Monday, February 7, 2022	Bournemouth vs Boreham Wood	Vitality Stadium	12 AM

Where to watch the FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round live in India?

The FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round will be telecast on Sony TEN 2, Sony TEN 2 HD, Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD TV channels in India.

Live streaming of the FA Cup 2021-22 fourth round in India will be available on the SonyLIV app and website.

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Featured photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis

Carlo Ancelotti's Everton have acquired James Rodriguez from Madrid, while Sheffield United made a third signing in a single day on Monday, signing Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu on a season-long loan. This season's transfer market has been quite lively and the trend is set to continue as we approach the 2020/21 season.

That said, here are the top transfer stories of the day:

Aston Villa launch £16m bid for Joshua King

Bournemouth have already lost striker Callum Wilson and winger Ryan Fraser to Newcastle United, and a recent report from the Daily Telegraph has confirmed that Joshua King is likely to follow suit, with Aston Villa launching a £16m bid for the forward. Villa had previously inquired for Wilson and reportedly offered £21m for the 28-year-old. But with the striker keen on working under Steve Bruce, the Villans pulled back from the deal, and are now targeting Joshua King, who scored six goals in the Premier League last season.

King has less than 12 months remaining in his current Bournemouth deal, and he could easily be lured with a hope of playing in the Premier League. For Villa, Brentford forward Ollie Watkins still remains a priority, while an interest in Celtic's Odsonne Edouard has also been expressed. Manager Dean Smith is keen on adding more firepower in attack after surviving relegation in the 2019/20 season.

Meanwhile, they have already signed full-back Matty Cash from Nottingham Forest for £16m.

Chelsea in talks with Edouard Mendy

Having already added a host of big names in the ongoing transfer market, Frank Lampard's Chelsea are now pushing to complete the signing of Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Chelsea had previously made an £18m offer for the 28-year-old, but saw their bid getting rejected. As things stand, reports have it that the Blues are now set to launch a new offer - £25m, including add-ons - to complete the deal as soon as possible.

Chelsea are in advanced talks and really ‘confident�?to sign Edouard Mendy as new goalkeeper from Rennes [as per @JacobSteinberg]. The agreement is going to be completed on next days. Declan Rice still in the list as next target too. #CFC #Chelsea #transfers

�?Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2020

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Blues are in 'advanced talks and are really confident to sign' the stopper. He further states that the 'agreement is going to be completed on next days'.

In other news, Emerson Palmieri's move to Inter has hit a rock after the Blues' asking price of £26m. It is understood that the Serie A side will wait until the deadline day to force Chelsea to bring down the asking price. Meanwhile, their striker Michy Batshuayi has attracted interest from the newly-promoted West Brom, while Tiemoue Bakayoko's loan move to AC Milan is still in process.

Lautaro "out of the market"

Barcelona's interest in Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez has been well documented, and in recent developments, the Blaugrana have yet again contacted his representatives, but Inter director Piero Ausilio insists that his player is "out of the market". Fabrizio Romano further confirms that there's no chance of the deal taking place in the near future.

Lautaro Martinez agents are coming to Italy. Barcelona contacted again Inter to re-start official talks for Lautaro, but he's now considered "out of the market" as Inter director Ausilio said. No chance at the moment. Barça are now in contact with Depay agents. @SkySport #FCB

�?Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2020

Thiago will NOT be present @ Bayern training center for medical tests. Key days are coming.
Liverpool are still pushing to get him but Bayern want �?0m... and Koeman insists to have Wijnaldum as new Barça signing more than Thiago (appreciated by part of the board). #LFC #FCB http://t.co/9atHfHYPVa

�?Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2020

Having said that, Barcelona have now contacted Memphis Depay's agent as manager Ronald Koeman looks keen on working with his countryman on a club level. Meanwhile, the Barca board are also working towards the possibility of resigning Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich, but Koeman insists on having Gini Wijnaldum instead. 

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Lars Baron

Premier League teams have made significant progress in the ongoing transfer market, with Frank Lampard's Chelsea arguably winning the lot amongst the others. With a month still left until we hit deadline day, business is expected to hit the peak despite the severe effects of the global pandemic.

That said, we dive deep to bring you the trending transfers stories of the day:

Bayer Leverkusen to battle PSG for Bellerin

Days after Paris Saint-Germain tabled a £25m plus £5m in add-ons bid for Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly entered the race as well. Bellerin remains Arsenal's first-choice right-back, but could well and truly see himself leaving the side in order to take new challenges.

The Spaniard's current contract runs until 2023, but Leverkusen decided to express interest after selling Kai Havertz to Chelsea in a club-record deal worth as much as £89m. The German side are also considering Tottenham's Serge Aurier as a potential option. The 25-year-old has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus, but it is PSG who have been in contact with Arsenal over the past week. It is understood that although manager Mikel Arteta wants to rebuild the squad, Bellerin is someone that he wants to keep. 

Talks between the French champions and Arsenal are expected to continue, and it is certain that if the Gunners do decide to sell, they will demand a significantly greater amount than £25m. 

Fraser joining Wilson at Newcastle

Former Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser has reportedly agreed terms with Newcastle United and is set undergo a medical ahead of his move. The 26-year-old's contract with Bournemouth ended in June this year and he decided not to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium. He has previously been linked to West Ham and Crystal Palace, but Sky Sports quote that Newcastle got the deal after the player had a face-to-face discussion with Steve Bruce on Friday.

The news comes days after his former teammate Callum Wilson decided to join hands with Bruce for a reported £20m fee. It is said that Fraser initially wanted to know whether Wilson would actually join Newcastle United before taking a firm decision. The Magpies, in fact, fended off interest from Aston Villa, who withdrew their £21m bid for the striker after the player himself was keen on moving to Tyneside.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are also closing in on acquiring Norwich City's left-back Jamal Lewis for a fee reported to be around £13.5m.

Wijnaldum available for £15m

Gini Wijnaldum's future at Liverpool has been thrown in the air since Ronald Koeman was appointed the new Barcelona manager. It is said that the Blaugrana are working on bringing the likes of Memphis Depay from Lyon and Gini Wijnaldum for less than �?0/55m. The Liverpool midfielder has entered the final year of his contract and sources have it that the negotiations over a new deal have hit a rock.

Previously, there was no confirmation whatsoever about whether they will sell the midfielder or not as they awaited an official approach from the Spanish side. In a recent development though, it is being quoted that the Reds have told Barcelona it will cost them £15million to land the midfielder as they are aware that keeping him in remains an arduous task. The Reds are adamant on the fact that Wijnaldum will not leave on a free transfer next summer and thus, a middle ground is expected to be reached soon.

And if Wijnaldum does move to Barcelona, the Reds will contact Bayern Munich for Thiago Alcantara.

...and also Liverpool are now waiting to understand Barça ideas [or the official bid for Wijnaldum that has not arrived yet - Barcelona just contacted with his agents]. #LFC #FCB #transfers http://t.co/FHLRTfsNkM

�?Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 7, 2020

In a recent development, however, reports have emerged that Barcelona are plotting a surprise move for the Bayern Munich midfielder. The conflict though remains that Koeman is looking forward to working to Wijnaldum, while the Barca board wants a reunion with Thiago

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Phil Noble

Nathan Ake’s move to Manchester City is expected to spark a wave of plucking in players from the teams who have been relegated from the Premier League this season. The likes of Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich City have faced the axe, and there are certain players like the Dutch centre-back who are now tipped to be on the radar of some of the top teams in Premier League.

• Read | Why are Manchester City interested in Bournemouth's Nathan Ake?

That said, here we take a look at five players we feel deserve to be in the top division of English football, and can deservedly make a move from their respective clubs into the top tier. 

Gerard Deulofeu (Watford)

Versatile Spanish forward Gerard Deulofeu has had an injury-hit season, but regardless of that, he provided a decent return of four goals and five assists in 28 league games. Known for his strong dribbling skills, interest even from some top teams from the other European leagues has stepped up for the winger.

5 - Watford's Gerard Deulofeu has been directly involved in five goals in his last seven Premier League appearances (2 goals, 3 assists), as many as his previous 22 in the competition. Catalyst. #WATEVE pic.twitter.com/NgMlMY7eU5

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 1, 2020

Deulofeu has sure struggled with injuries, but on his day, he is well and truly capable of taking on defenders and turn the tide right at the death. It is said that the Spaniard is currently in touch with his representatives as he is keen on staying in the top-flight, and this could turn out to be a perfect opportunity for the suitors to lure him in on a relatively low transfer fee.

Emiliano Buendia (Norwich City)

Despite a return of a solitary goal in 36 league appearances, Norwich City’s 23-year-old midfielder has provided seven assists and has played 2.3 key passes per game, which is fourth highest in the league this season. And this particular number is enough for the top teams to table a lucrative offer.

29 - Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendía created 29 chances for his teammates in December, the most by a player in a single calendar month on record in Premier League history (2003-04 onwards). Wizardry. #OptaPLRefresher pic.twitter.com/8nAG9mPArp

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 12, 2020

The Argentine created nine clear-cut goalscoring chances this season, which, in fact, is the highest amongst the three relegated sides. He did end his season with a red card against Burnley, but there’s absolutely no denying his talent, having created as many as 28 chances from set-piece situations. 

Joshua King (Bournemouth)

Six goals and four assists is certainly not a good figure for a striker, but the quality that Bournemouth striker Joshua King brings to the table is simply unquestionable. With Odion Ighalo’s loan deal expiring at the end of the season, rumours have it that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering a move for the former United academy graduate.

• Read | Why Jamie Vardy was right to snub Arsenal in the summer of 2016

“The link to United is strong. King has played there as an academy player. His former coach in the reserve team is now head coach of the club and he has got himself a new agent in Jim Solbakken, who is also Solskjaer’s agent,�?explained Norway assistant coach Per Joar Hansen.

However, at 28, does he really represent the principles that Solskjaer is trying to fit at United? Only the time will tell.

Ben Foster (Watford)

At 37 years of age, goalkeeper Ben Foster was arguably the most consistent performer of Watford. The Hornets sure have a long list of players like Will Hughes, Ismaila Sarr, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Danny Welbeck who might force an exit, but losing Foster could actually pose a bigger problem than it seems.

• Read | Five Jadon Sancho replacements Manchester United should consider

If not for a regular first-team football, Foster could be an amazing backup for the likes of Tottenham and even for Chelsea, who are expected to relieve Kepa Arrizabalaga from his duties. The 37-year-old made 117 saves during this campaign and despite a horrific season, managed to keep nine clean sheets. An offer from one of the Premier League teams could well and truly be on the table.

Max Aarons (Norwich City)

A sudden report of Bayern Munich’s interest in Norwich City’s 20-year-old full-back Max Aarons has left every single fan puzzled, to say the least. In a rather underwhelming season for Norwich, Aarons has impressed one and all, playing in 40 games in all competitions for the Canaries.

Right from growing up between an unknown equity to becoming European Golden Boy nominee, Aarons could become a subject of an absolute bidding war between a few clubs, given that every modern manager these days requires an intelligent full-back, which Aarons is.

• Read | Outfielder Dream Team: Players who played with both Messi and Ronaldo

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Mike Hewitt, Mike Egerton

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SportsAdda.

Manchester City on Wednesday announced the signing of Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake on a five-year deal -- the second new arrival at the Etihad in the summer transfer window.

Pep Guardiola's dethroned Premier League champions agreed a £40 million ($52 million) fee for the Netherlands centre-back, rising to a potential £41 million.

The signing comes a day after the club announced they had landed Spain Under-21s winger Ferran Torres from Valencia.

• Why are Manchester City interested in Bournemouth's Nathan Ake?

"City have been the best side in England over the course of the last decade," Ake, 25, said in a club statement.

We’re excited to announce the signing of @NathanAke from Bournemouth on a five-year deal ✍️

#ManCity | http://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/6tyYQ2OVwv

�?Manchester City (@ManCity) August 5, 2020

"Coming here is a dream for me. This is a top side full of world-class players. Everywhere you look in this squad there are big names with international pedigree."

City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: "Nathan is a quality defender. 

"He was a leader during his time at Bournemouth and I am so pleased we've managed to bring him here. He's strong and quick, and we feel he has the technical and intellectual attributes needed to excel in Pep’s set-up."

• Manchester City sign Ferran Torres from Valencia

City finished 18 points behind Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, who were crowned champions in June after a three-month hiatus due to the pandemic.

Guardiola's team lost nine matches during the season, showing the need for a rebuild at the back.

A knee ligament injury to Aymeric Laporte early in the season hit City where they most lacked cover, in central defence, after failing to replace departed captain Vincent Kompany.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Powell

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe left the relegated Premier League club on Saturday after mutually agreeing to part ways.

Howe's future had been up in the air since Bournemouth's five-year stay in the top-flight came to an end last Sunday.

Howe admitted after Bournemouth's last game of the season at Everton that a quick decision was needed over his role before the 2020-21 campaign gets underway on September 12.

Bournemouth's rebuild in the Championship will take place without Howe, who told supporters it was the right time to leave.

When someone grows up with your club as Eddie has you believe they’ll always be part of what you do. An exemplary manager & true inspiration for what can be achieved on journey from player to manager. Eddie’s been a credit to @afcbournemouth & will always make them proud #legend http://t.co/m4lzSkSmV3

�?Luther Blissett (@LBliss8) August 1, 2020

"Having spent a total of 25 years with the club as both a player and a manager this decision �?made together with the club �?is one of the hardest I've ever had to make," Howe said in an open letter published by Bournemouth.

"However, although the affection and love I have for this football club will always remain, we collectively feel that now is the right time for the club to go in a new direction.

"Bournemouth will always be in my heart, but I firmly believe that now is the right time for the club to have a change.

"I have always ensured that every decision I have ever made as manager has been in the best interests of the club and its supporters, and this is no different."

#afcb pic.twitter.com/p1f2Dn3ChO

�?Steve Cook (@SteveCook28) August 1, 2020

Howe, who also played for the club for 11 years in two spells, was initially appointed Bournemouth caretaker manager in December 2008, with the club sitting on -17 points at the bottom of the Football League.

Against all the odds he secured their safety and followed it with promotion from League Two the following season.

After a brief spell in charge of Burnley in 2011, Howe returned to Bournemouth a year later and won two promotions in three seasons, leading the Cherries to the Premier League in 2015.

Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake paid tribute to Howe, saying: "Eddie Howe is synonymous with this football club, both as a player and a manager, and that will never change.

The man who believed in me and pushed me to be better every day, The man who gave me my dream of playing in the Premier League.

We achieved what many thought was impossible, What a journey!

Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/q0q6p9sGFE

�?charlie daniels (@chazdaniels13) August 1, 2020

"He is quite simply a Bournemouth legend, having helped transform the identity and history of the club.

"A decision like this cannot be taken lightly, which is why this has been discussed together at length over the past few days.

"It is even harder given our close personal friendship."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Clive Brunskill

Manchester City are set to sign Netherlands defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth after agreeing to a £41 million ($53 million) deal, according to British media reports on Thursday.

City are reported to have negotiated a £40 million fee with relegated Bournemouth, with the deal potentially rising by a further £1 million depending on clauses.

Ake's likely arrival at the Etihad Stadium comes after City endured a poor season defensively, following the departure of Vincent Kompany to Anderlecht last year.

Hampered by a long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte and the disappointing form of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, City boss Pep Guardiola was forced to deploy Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho at centre-back.

• Why are Manchester City interested in Bournemouth's Nathan Ake?

City never looked settled at the back and that weakness played a key role in Liverpool ending their two-year reign as Premier League champions.

Ake had been one of Bournemouth's best players since joining from Chelsea in 2017.

There was expected to be strong interest in the 25-year-old during the summer transfer window and City have made their move now in a bid to secure his signature.

Ake, capped 13 times by the Netherlands, missed Bournemouth's final three Premier League fixtures after suffering a groin injury in a 4-1 win over Leicester on July 12.

In his absence, Eddie Howe's side slipped into the Championship after five years in the Premier League.

Asked if Ake may have made his final appearance for Bournemouth after the Leicester game, Howe replied: "I think it would be silly of me to comment on that, to be honest, at this moment in time.

"I think next season and everything beyond it will take care of itself."

City are also reported to be involved in advanced negotiations with Valencia for the signing of 20-year-old winger Ferran Torres.

It is understood the Premier League side have agreed to an initial fee of £20.9 million with Valencia and talks over potential add-ons are continuing.

City are in the market for a new winger following the departure of Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Richard Heathcote

Watford captain Troy Deeney and Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe accepted responsibility for the pain of relegation from the Premier League, while Aston Villa manager Dean Smith is planning a party after avoiding the drop on Sunday.

Deeney's penalty was not enough to prevent Watford losing 3-2 at Arsenal as the Hornets' decision to sack a record three managers in a Premier League season, including Nigel Pearson with just two games remaining, backfired. 

"This is a reflection of the whole year," Deeney told Sky Sports. "I will take the stick on social media but the harsh reality is people will lose their jobs because we haven't been good enough.

3 - Watford have been relegated from the @premierleague for the third time, with the Hornets also suffering the drop in 1999-00 and 2006-07. Axed. pic.twitter.com/gJKIQl6gWC

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 26, 2020

"The whole top to bottom will do an audit and reassess. It is not just us.

• Read | Man Utd, Chelsea seal top-four spots as Watford, Bournemouth relegated

"We can't say we got it right because we failed. The bigger thing is for the fans and people at clubs because they will be here longer than players."

Deeney has played through the pain barrier in recent weeks, but hinted his 10 years at Vicarage Road could also be coming to an end.

"I will be having a knee operation next week. Clubs can go in different directions and players can," he added.

4 - Danny Welbeck (Man Utd, Arsenal, Watford) has become the fourth player to score a goal at the Emirates Stadium for three different club sides, after Eduardo Da Silva, Dimitar Berbatov and Younes Kaboul. Comeback. pic.twitter.com/lS8JUWCjun

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 26, 2020

"If that is my last game, I am happy I went out on my shield. I am a simple man. Did I go out and do everything I could? Yes. Was it good enough? No."

- Howe 'really sad' for Bournemouth fans -

Bournemouth won 3-1 at Everton, but the damage was already done as the Cherries' five-year stay in the top flight came to an end.

Howe insisted the responsibility for Bournemouth's relegation lies with him rather than his under-performing players.

1 - Bournemouth have been relegated from the Premier League for the first time, ending a run of five seasons in the top-flight. Despair. pic.twitter.com/VCpFEs1FcO

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 26, 2020

"It hurts. I'm trying to keep it together. I'm really sad for the fans of this club.

"It's small margins, there has been loads of moments during the season. As the manager I make hundreds of decisions and I haven't been good enough this season.

"I'm not going to sit here and criticise the players in any way, I have to back them and support them. First I have to look at myself and that I will do."

Villa did just enough to prevent an immediate return to the Championship as they secured a 1-1 draw at West Ham in a dramatic finale.

Jack Grealish put Smith's side ahead six minutes from time in what could be a parting gift from the Villa captain, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United and Manchester City.

10 �?Jack Grealish’s strike for Aston Villa was his 10th goal of the season in all competitions, the club’s outright top scorer in 2019-20. Hero. pic.twitter.com/HrLwa0feQO

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 26, 2020

However, just a minute later, Andriy Yarmolenko's deflected effort ensured there was a nervy end for Villa.

A lifelong Villa fan, Smith lost his father, who used to be a steward at Villa Park, to coronavirus during the Premier League's three-month stoppage due to the pandemic.

"I was brought up a Villa fan. It is a proud moment and feels better than going up last season," said Smith.

"It was a big change we had to make at the football club. We had to build a new team, a new squad.

"We used the pandemic to the best. I lost my father through that period and there was a lot of disappointment, but we knew we had to work hard.

"I have lost my voice. I expect Jack Grealish to get drunk with me tonight."

Manchester United and Chelsea sealed Champions League places on Sunday as Bournemouth and Watford fell through the trapdoor on a dramatic final day of the longest Premier League season.

Liverpool were crowned champions last month but there was much to play for in the final 90 minutes of a campaign that started on August 9 last year and was interrupted by a three-month shutdown.

United finished third after a nervy 2-0 win in a Champions League shootout against Leicester, while Chelsea ended in fourth spot after beating Wolves by the same scoreline at Stamford Bridge.

At the other end of the table, Bournemouth and managerless Watford followed already-relegated Norwich down to the Championship while Aston Villa fans breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Leicester, in fifth spot, will play in the Europa League next season where they will be joined by Tottenham, who drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace to leapfrog Wolves.

Wolves still have two routes to qualify for European competition next season -- either into the Champions League by winning the Europa League next month or into the Europa League if Chelsea beat Arsenal in next week's FA Cup final.

Chelsea come good

Chelsea required just a draw at Stamford Bridge to seal their place in the top four but won all three points in first-half stoppage time as Mason Mount whipped in from a free-kick before Olivier Giroud slid home.

A top-four finish and a Cup final in his first season in charge is a coup for Frank Lampard, who had to cope with a transfer ban and the loss of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid last summer.

"There were a lot of unknowns when I came in, could we move forward without Eden Hazard?" Lampard told Sky Sports. 

"We knew we had lost a massive player. We have a real spirit within the group now and it's a real team effort now.

"Myself and the staff want to improve every time -- the challenge now is to see what more we can do next season."

United, whose form has dipped in recent weeks after they pulled themselves back into contention for the Champions League, were locked at 0-0 at half-time at the King Power Stadium.

But they finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, when Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot after Anthony Martial was upended. Jesse Lingard scored late to seal the win.

The result is a huge lift for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose team were 14 points behind the Foxes at the start of the year, but is a bitter blow for Brendan Rodgers, whose side have been camped in the top four for almost the entire campaign.

"I'm delighted," said Solskjaer. "We've come from way, way behind teams and gone past them. We've shown that we've got the consistency, the right mentality. We're building a group and a performance culture here that we can be proud of."

'Incredibly painful'

Two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a strike by Kieran Tierney gave Watford, who sacked Nigel Pearson earlier this month, an almost impossible task at Arsenal.

A Troy Deeney penalty and a Danny Welbeck strike gave them hope but it was not enough and the Hornets were relegated after five years in the top-flight following their 3-2 defeat. 

"This is a reflection of the whole year," Deeney told Sky Sports. "Not quite been good enough. Heartbreaking for the people who work behind the scenes and we feel sorry for them."

Bournemouth beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park but needed West Ham to beat Aston Villa to survive.

Andriy Yarmolenko equalised after Jack Grealish's late goal for Villa but the away side held on, sending Eddie Howe's side down after five seasons in the Premier League.

"It's incredibly painful -- we always believed we were capable of a last-minute escape," Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe told the BBC.

An early goal by Harry Kane put Tottenham in front against Crystal Palace. Palace equalised early in the second half through Jeffrey Schlupp but the point was enough for Jose Mourinho's men to finish in sixth position.

Liverpool beat Newcastle 3-1 to finish the season on 99 points -- the second-highest tally in English top-flight history behind only Manchester City's 100 points in 2017/18.

Second-placed City finished the campaign with a flourish, thumping Norwich 5-0 to reach 102 goals with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice and matching Thierry Henry's record of 20 assists in a Premier League season.

Elsewhere, Brighton beat Burnley 2-1 and Southampton beat Sheffield United 3-1.

Leicester's Jamie Vardy won the Golden Boot with 23 goals, one clear of Aubameyang and Southampton's Danny Ings.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Carl Recine