Social Zone: Guardiola backs Southampton to thrash Liverpool, plus Iga Swiatek goes on a rampage
With Manchester City dropping two points over the weekend, Pep Guardiola has backed Southampton to do his side a massive favour.
City were forced to overturn a two-goal deficit away at West Ham to earn a 2-2 draw and retain their slight advantage in the title race.
Liverpool, who have played a game less and are four points behind, take on Southampton on Tuesday night in a must-win encounter.
While the Saints have struggled for results in recent weeks, Guardiola has remained optimistic about their chances and has backed Ralph Hasenhuttl's men to put on a clinic.
Fun fact - Saints did enjoy a win over Liverpool in their last meeting at St Mary's. Perhaps Guardiola's wish wasn't as outlandish as first thought.
Pep Guardiola urges Southampton to beat Liverpool 4-0 on Tuesday to deliver them the Premier League title 🏆🤣pic.twitter.com/OX3TE5FmkH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2022
Mark Noble was given an incredible send-off by West Ham, and a truly deserved one following 22 years of service.
The midfielder made his league debut for the Hammers when they were still in the Championship. He leaves with the club, certain of a place in Europe next season. Legend.
Thank you, Mr West Ham.#MN16 pic.twitter.com/aOndI9vDph
— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 15, 2022
There were also some rather disgraceful scenes at West Ham.
Here's Declan Rice delivering a filthy nutmeg on a poor little kit.
Declan Rice nutmegs and slide tackles the West Ham kids 🤣 🤣 🤣@_DeclanRice pic.twitter.com/xuh7w7rdCg
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 15, 2022
Away from the world of soccer, rugby league fans in Australia were treated to this extraordinary offload in the NRL.
Be honest, you've never seen anything like it.
Incredible!pic.twitter.com/uphLfQ0p48
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) May 15, 2022
Is this the worst time to be a women's tennis player? Probably.
Iga Swiatek won her fifth straight title and her 28 straight game over the weekend. The rest of the WTA field might as well flog their French Open tickets online - they simply don't stand a chance.
Iga Swiatek walking around the WTA tour @iga_swiatek pic.twitter.com/tNIY0i4Z7u
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 14, 2022