GOAL US looks at De Bruyne's remaining games for City, Bruno's heroics and a rundown of what to watch in England's top flight
It's a strange weekend in the Premier League. Liverpool are champions elect, but doing a fairly poor job of actually winning this thing, stumbling across the line and benefitting from Arsenal's equally disappointing performances of late. Meanwhile, Southampton made unwanted history last week by becoming the earliest team to face relegation in the competition's history.
The real drama is to be found in the middle of the table. Champions League spots are up for grabs, and the unthinkable – that Man City might not qualify for the tournament? – isn't too far off. Teams as far down as 10th-place Bournemouth are still within a shout of qualification, which would make for a wonderful story.
There is still reason to watch, especially with Kevin De Bruyne announcing that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season after an enthralling tenure at the club.
GOAL US looks at all of those plot points and more in Premier League Primer, a weekly rundown of what to watch from an American perspective in England's top flight.
GettyKevin De Bruyne looks to end on a high
Is Kevin De Bruyne the best player in Manchester City's history? An argument can certainly be made to that effect. Sergio Aguero scored more goals. David Silva kicked off a whole era. Yaya Toure probably had more talent. But De Bruyne has been there throughout, molding his game, changing his style, tweaking everything to serve as the focal point of Pep Guardiola's tactical genius.
It is a real shame that the Premier League is losing him – even if his legs are steadily going.
And his (admittedly lengthy) farewell tour continues this Saturday as City take on Crystal Palace at 7:30 a.m. ET. It won't be an easy game. City have been bad this season, and currently sit outside the Champions League spots. It would be fairly implausible to see a team this good, with this much money, fail to play in Europe's premier competition next year.
But right now, it's possible. De Bruyne, who likely wanted to cruise through the remainder of his tenure in Northern England, will have to start producing for the club he has given so, so much to.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBruno Fernandes, United hero?
Bruno Fernandes certainly has his critics. The midfielder, for so long, was tagged as a "poor leader." Legends of the club lambasted him for his work rate (or lack thereof), general attitude, and failure to produce in big moments. They seem to have ignored, in all of their crticiism, that Fernandes is, by pretty much all measures, a world-class footballer.
He is, at this point, pretty much the only reason United are still alive in Europe and mid table, rather than fearing relegation.
There is only so much he can do here. Still, Fernandes is the only player with more than 70 tackles, interceptions and chances created combined – not bad for someone who's not worthy of wearing the badge.
It was good enough to grind out a fairly unwatchable goalless draw against Man City. He will have to be even better on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. ET, when the Red Devils take on a Newcastle side fighting for a Champions League spot.
gettyDarwin Nunez soon to leave
Darwin Nunez's time might have run out. The Uruguayan striker was constantly defended by Jurgen Klopp when Liverpool signed him for big money in 2022. He needed time. He was still raw. There was more to his game than just pace. That may be true in some ways.
Nunez has certainly shown excellent work rate and has improved as a passer. But Arne Slot has been reluctant to use Liverpool's record signing, especially in recent weeks. This is not the kind of No. 9 that the Dutch manager wants.
But he is granted sparing minutes all the same. Part of it may simply be to drive his price up in the market. There was rumored Saudi Pro League interest in January, and there are whispers that he could go if the right offer comes in this summer.
Regardless, his whole Liverpool tenure – in which he has managed a meager 25 goals in 90 Premier League appearances to date – has been captivating stuff. Odds are there will be a few more fireworks to come, starting with Sunday's clash with West Ham at 9 a.m. ET.
Getty Images SportAmerican ties
It figures to be an important weekend for two crucial cogs of Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT side. Bournemouth and Fulham will square off in a surprisingly important game in terms of the push for European football.
If results on the continent go elsewhere, the eighth-place team in the Premier League could be playing football next year. Antonee Robinson's Fulham are in eighth, while Tyler Adams' Bournemouth are in 10th. The winner will take a significant step towards European football with six games to go.
