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VATICAN CITY Pope Francis will travel to Portugal from Aug. 2-6 to attend the World Youth Day and

Manchester City are Premier League champions once again after Arsenal’s title challenge fell short under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners were top of the table for 248 days this season - the longest time a team has led the Premier League without winning it - but won just two out of their last seven matches over the run-in. Pep Guardiola’s side have been on unstoppable form since mid-February and defeated Arsenal twice to surge to their third title in a row and fifth in six seasons. It extended City’s era of dominance under Guardiola, but Arsenal will wonder what might have been. Here are five ways Arsenal can improve over the summer to challenge City for the title again next season. Reach 90 points Really, it is an absurd situation that 80-plus points is not enough to win a league. It warrants grander debates than just unthinking declarations about how competitive the Premier League is. It has come from a growing financial gap since the early 2000s that has now been taken to extremes by the Abu Dhabi project at Manchester City. You need at least 85 points to properly challenge Pep Guardiola’s and probably over 90 – if not even higher – to beat them. “That team has the capacity to get 105 or 110 points,” Arteta warned. This is immensely demanding. Arsenal were the first club to reach 43 points after 16 games and not win the title. The default position at the start of any season is that City under Guardiola will win the title. In the end, they went on the unstoppable run everyone expected. Arsenal literally couldn’t compete against that, despite their own version early on. At least this season. Improve squad depth The true value of this campaign may be in highlighting to Arteta exactly where his team is short – and to use that knowledge to go one step further in the future. He has seen they lack depth overall, but also in key areas. While the variety of forwards means they can weather the loss of Gabriel Jesus, it doesn’t look like they can do similar with William Saliba and Martin Odegaard. They also need another strong midfielder - with the club set to battle West Ham’s Declan Rice this summer. The season has at least served to show what Arteta requires. Arsenal are also one of few clubs that at least have the resources and size to sustain something like a challenge over a medium-term spell. This is central to sizable summer ambitions, that involve a higher class of player. Arteta wants at least four. Arteta needs that: “What we have ahead of us next summer is extremely important and we have to absolutely nail it,” he said. Lock down key stars Two of Arsenal’s best players this season – Bukayo Saka and William Saliba – see their contracts run out next season. Saka is currently in negotiations and is expected to sign a new deal making him among the very highest earners at the club, but supporters will only relax when pen is put to paper for one of the best young wingers in Europe. The club have an option to extend Saliba’s contract for a further year, but will look to agree a new deal to tie down the 22-year-old centre-back for the long term. Gabriel Martinelli’s new contract has already been agreed but there remain deals to be done with Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Aaron Ramsdale and Takehiro Tomiyasu over the coming months too in order to keep the core of this squad together for years to come. Rewarding key players for their contribution to this title push while retaining a well-balanced wage structure will be a new challenge for Edu and the Arsenal hierarchy. Make tough decisions Granit Xhaka has been one of Arsenal’s players of the season, unquestionably one of the reasons for the club’s improvement this year. The midfielder’s journey from being booed off at the Emirates and to becoming a fan favourite is symbolic of what Arsenal have achieved this year - a clear reference point of where they came from to where they are now. And yet, it hasn’t been enough to get Arsenal to where they want to get to, and Xhaka is now symbolic of another phase of the journey. The midfielder is 30, he has one year left on his contract, and there is reportedly a £13m offer from Bayer Leverkusen on the table this summer. Arsenal need to twist, and selling Xhaka to recoup a fee is a necessary step as they plot moves for Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo. It is therefore a crossroads both for Arsenal and Xhaka - a reminder of how brutal football can be, that the best times can end so suddenly, but the club needs to make tough decisions to take this team to another level. Learn from the experience Rewind 12 months and Arsenal’s collapse at Newcastle cost the Gunners fourth place and Champions League football. Few predicted Arteta’s side to challenge again and many assumed that the door had closed, only for Arsenal to make a spectacular start to the next season and exceed expectations by competing for the title. The fact that Arsenal are back in the Champions League is barely mentioned now, as was the rate of their progress under Arteta. If Arsenal were a year ahead of their development by competing for the title this year, next season may see the Gunners present a truer reflection of where they are at. Given that, the past few months will be invaluable for the squad and those costly draws at Liverpool and West Ham in April should strengthen their resolve when they face difficult moments next campaign. Arteta will set the standards. “The demands, the expectations, the challenges next season will be even higher,” he said. Read More Five titles in six years: Are Manchester City destroying the Premier League? Man City’s quest for legitimacy is a battle they may never win Pep Guardiola says Arsenal ‘took us to our limits’ and targets Champions League

John Stones is determined not to ease up as Manchester City chase the treble. City claimed the first of a potential three trophies in the coming weeks as they wrapped up the Premier League title over the weekend. They now have their sights on the FA Cup final against Manchester United on June 3 and the Champions League final in Istanbul the following week, in which they will face Inter Milan. Defender Stones, now a five-time Premier League winner, said: “We’re back in training on Monday and we’ll go from there. We’ve got to keep the rhythm. “The hunger is there and we know what’s ahead of us now, that we can try and make some more history.” City were presented with the Premier League trophy after celebrating their success with a comfortable 1-0 win over Chelsea, courtesy of a Julian Alvarez goal, at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Their title triumph – their fifth in six seasons and a third in succession – had been confirmed the previous evening when second-placed Arsenal lost at Nottingham Forest. City trailed the Gunners by eight points last month but have surged past their closest rivals on a run of 12 straight wins. I've been here nearly seven years now and we just keep going from strength to strength with the players that we've got, the team that we've got and the improvement John Stones Stones said: “I don’t think I had time to doubt what we can do. I think it was just focusing on what was ahead of us, focusing on winning. “We’ve done it so many times now. We just came on this run, and it’s just incredible what kind of team we’ve got. “I’ve been here nearly seven years now and we just keep going from strength to strength with the players that we’ve got, the team that we’ve got and the improvement. “The titles that we’ve won – I think it speaks for itself.” Stones has been one of City’s key players during their strong run throughout the spring, playing in a hybrid defence-midfield role. The England international has been part of the back line, at either centre-back or right-back, when opponents have been attacking but has stepped into midfield when City have been in possession. Consequently he has made a big impression at both ends of the field. “I absolutely love it,” he said. “It’s something new for me that I’m learning, giving my everything, every game. “I don’t know if it’s my best football but I’m absolutely loving playing. “It’s always easy when you’re winning and playing the football that we are, but it’s another string to my bow and I am absolutely enjoying it.”

Vasiliy Lomachenko’s team plan to appeal his decision loss to Devin Haney, according to the Ukrainian’s manager. Lomachenko suffered a unanimous points defeat by the American in Las Vegas on Saturday, as Haney remained unbeaten and retained the undisputed lightweight titles. Many fans, boxers and pundits felt that Lomachenko had done enough to win, however, and the 35-year-old’s team plan to appeal the decision, which had “Loma” losing 116-112, 115-113, 115-113. “The biggest robbery in the daylight,” said Lomachenko’s manager Egis Klimas, via Sky Sports. “Haney’s team got Christmas in the summer. “We’re going to appeal this decision. Those judges, they do not understand how the boxers are working hard. “I guarantee we’re not going to let that go. We want to show there has to be justice.” The result marked a third professional defeat for Lomachenko, a former multiple-weight world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Lomachenko, who was filmed crying backstage after his loss on Saturday, also said he felt he had beaten Haney. “I win this fight,” he said in the ring. “Twelve rounds end, I was sure I won this fight. I feel I controlled this fight.” Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Devin Haney edges past Vasiliy Lomachenko to remain unbeaten and undisputed Katie Taylor chases rematch after decision loss to Chantelle Cameron Katie Taylor’s long reign as boxing queen over despite heroic last stand

Brooks Koepka now has five major championships with his two-shot win at the PGA Championship

Rio Ferdinand has called for the football authorities to do more to protect Vinicius Jr. after the Real Madrid forward again suffered racial abuse. The Brazilian was sent off in stoppage time of Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday after a clash with Hugo Duro. The game had earlier been briefly halted after Vinicius pointed out a number of supporters who had directed racial abuse at him. It is not the first time this season that the 22-year-old has been targeted, with La Liga having filed as many as eight instances of “racist behaviour” against him to the Spanish courts before Sunday’s game. And Ferdinand believes more must be done. “Who is protecting Vinicius Junior in Spain?” Ferdinand asked on social media. “He receives a red card after being choked and receiving racial abuse during the game...wtf. “How many times do we need to see this young man subjected to this s***? I see pain, I see disgust, I see him needing help...and the authorities don’t do s*** to help him. “People need to stand together and demand more from the authorities that run our game. No one deserves this, yet you are allowing it. “There needs to be a unified approach to this otherwise it will be swept under the carpet again.” La Liga has said in a statement that it will investigate the latest incidents and take “appropriate legal action” if a hate crime is identified. Vinicius, though, accused the league of “belonging to racists”. “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third,” the forward said on Instagram. “Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the federation does too and the opponents encourage it. “A beautiful nation, which welcomed me and which I love, but which agreed to export the image of a racist country to the world. I’m sorry for the Spaniards who don’t agree, but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. “And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. I agree. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists. Even if far from here.” Read More Brazilian president Lula and players support Vinicius Junior after racist attack in La Liga match ‘Racism is normal in LaLiga’: Vinicius Junior sent off after facing racist abuse at Valencia Real Madrid at critical juncture after impotent and powerless Champions League exit Eric Cantona to Joey Barton – the Premier League’s longest bans Ronnie O’Sullivan shows how versatile his book is – Thursday’s sporting social Commentator sparks outrage for criticising Vinicius reaction to facing racist abuse

A LaLiga TV commentator has sparked outrage online by claiming Vinicius Jr “is not an angel” and that he “provokes other teams” after the Real Madrid star was sent off for his reaction to being the victim of racist abuse from the stands during a 1-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday. The match had been halted for 10 minutes in the second half as Vincius pointed out to the referee which fans had racially abused him. The Brazilian was later red-carded in injury time after becoming involved in a brawl with Valencia players that saw him raise his hands to the face of Hugo Duro, although he also appeared to be put in a headlock by the Valencia forward. Vinicius has been consistently subjected to racist abuse this season. Before Sunday’s match, LaLiga have filed as many as eight instances of “racist behaviour” against the forward to the Spanish courts this season, including against Real Madrid’s rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. However, punishments for offending clubs have been minimal. Covering the game for LaLiga TV, co-commentator Toni Padilla said that while it’s important to stand against racism, Vinicius should not be free from blame for the sending off as he’s “not a saint” and often provokes both the opposition and their fans. “It’s the worst that could happen,” said Padilla as Vinicius was shown red. “Because the player that hits out and you say ‘that’s a red card always’ is also the player that suffered some verbal abuse. “We should stand with Vini Jr if he suffered racial abuse but it’s never justified that he hits Hugo Duro. It’s Vini’s mistake. It’s not a question of who’s the bad one. Look at Vini Jr [as he walks off the pitch gesturing to the Valencia fans] - you are going to second division. “We should stand against racism always but we should also say that Vini Jr is not an angel, he’s not perfect. Sometimes he provokes the other teams. Every time he’s suffering verbal abuse, we should stand against racism and we should stand with Vini Jr. But also we cannot say he’s a saint. “He’s always committing a lot of mistakes and we saw it within five minutes. It’s a really complicated moment and it’s been going on all season, situations like this one. It explodes today here in the stadium.” The Independent have contacted LaLiga TV for a response. Padilla’s comments have subsequently sparked outrage online, with journalist Colin Millar tweeting: “Sorry, this is absolutely shocking stuff. Victims of racial abuse are victims of racial abuse. There is no further context required.” Another commenter wrote on Twitter: “Commentators all wrong on this, Vinicius completely the victim. He’s being driven out of Spanish football.” A further comment read: “Your co-commentator STINKS. Imagine trying to justify and make a point about Vinicius being in the wrong. After the game, Vinicius angrily posted to social media, slamming the racists and LaLiga’s lack of action in sorting the problem, saying “the championship that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi today belongs to racists”. “It wasn’t the first time, nor the second, nor the third,” Vinicius added. “Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition thinks it’s normal, the Federation does too and the opponents encourage it. “Today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists. And unfortunately, for everything that happens each week, I have no defence. But I am strong and I will go to the end against racists.” In a statement, LaLiga said it will open an investigation into Sunday’s incident at Valencia and will take legal action if “any hate crime is detected”. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti also unequivocally backed his player and said LaLiga “has a problem” after revealing he wanted the referee to stop the match following the racist abuse. “I don’t want to talk about football today, there is no meaning in talking about football today,” Ancelotti explained. “What we saw today is unacceptable. An entire stadium chanting racist slurs. “I asked him if he wanted to keep playing, and he stayed in the game. “LaLiga have a problem here. For me Vinicius is the most important player in the world. LaLiga has a problem, these episodes of racism have to stop the match.” Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand have been among those to speak out about the incident. Match of the Day presenter Lineker commented on the unfairness of the situation, saying: “Once again, the player being abused is the only person to be punished.” Meanwhile, ex-Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted: “How many times do we need to see this young man subjected to this s***? Bro you need protecting... who is protecting Vinicius Junior in Spain??” Read More ‘Racism is normal in LaLiga’: Vinicius Junior sent off after facing racist abuse at Valencia Brazilian president Lula and players support Vinicius Junior after racist attack in La Liga match Rio Ferdinand demands protection for Vinicius Jr after racism storm Perfect moments help Man City and Real Madrid set up thrilling encore Leeds on the brink of relegation after West Ham fight back to win

After spending more than 300 days in Russian custody last year, Brittney Griner made an emotional return to her WNBA home court in the Phoenix Mercury's 75-69 defeat by the Chicago Sky.

Indiana is trying to avoid having its own place in the WNBA record book with a 21st consecutive loss

The Los Angeles Angels are 25-23, so they appear poised to improve on last season’s dismal 73-89 mark

A West Ham fan received a heroes welcome at the club’s most recent game after helping to fend off rival team AZ Alkmaar ultras days prior. 58-year-old Chris Knoll, known affectionately as Knollsy, was involved in helping to fend off hooligans on Thursday (18 May) during West Ham’s away match against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League. Along with another fan, Knollsy defended the area where the family and friends of West Ham players and staff sat as a mob of ultras tried to reach them. Despite Knollsy saying in an interview that he is “no hero”, it would appear fellow West Ham fans disagree as he was given a standing ovation at the team’s home game against Leeds United on Sunday (21 May). Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter A clip of fans chanting, “We love you Knollsy, we do” was shared on TikTok, while other fans reported he was given a standing ovation as he took his seat in the stadium. @eraybeyi Last week he held back AZ Alkmaar ultras who tried to break into the area where the West Ham Players families were sitting. What a legend! #WestHam #Knollsy #COYI Someone tweeted: “Standing ovation on arrival for Knollsy.” Another fan wrote: “Knollsy has just received a standing ovation on his way to his seat to the right of the press box.” Knollsy’s efforts were also recognised outside the stadium, as fans chanted, “Knollsy is massive everywhere we go”. “Knollsy outside the London stadium getting hero status,” one tweet read. Since the violence that was witnessed at the Dutch side’s stadium, AZ Alkmaar apologised in a statement. It read: “While everyone hoped for a historic European match, it turned into a pitch-black evening due to the events occurring at the referee’s final whistle. It turned into a night to reflect on with shame. “Not because of the football game played, but because of the behaviour of some attending. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word ‘supporters’ for these people. “What happened is beyond all bounds. The club again sincerely apologises to West Ham and the thousands of well-minded AZ supporters who have also been inconvenienced by the misconduct. “In the coming period AZ will – together with the police, Public Prosecution Service, and Alkmaar’s municipality – evaluate exactly what happened, how it could have happened and what needs to be improved from now on. It is clear that things need to be improved. “Part of the evaluation is a thorough review of all available footage so that appropriate consequences may follow for those responsible for this outrageous behaviour. “AZ is a civilised club where sportsmanship and norms and values are paramount. The club will do everything possible, together with the authorities involved, to identify these persons and to take appropriate measures.” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

The Miami Heat are just one win away from the NBA Finals after a crushing 128-102 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday.