Premier League bosses facing major headache as they brace for unprecedented final-day ‘fake’ trophy dilemma
PREMIER LEAGUE bosses are putting plans into place for an unprecedented end to the season amid a thrilling fight for the title.
But there is one potential headache…
What will they do with the winners’ trophy if it goes down to the final day with three sides still in the race to finish top?
On nine occasions since 1992, two teams have fought out top spot on the final day, with Liverpool and Manchester City doing so two years ago.
Yet if the table looks the same on Sunday, May 19 as it does today, City, Arsenal or Liverpool could all be crowned champions.
All three sides are at home — Arsenal face Everton, Liverpool host Wolves and City play West Ham.
There are two identical, solid silver trophies which were originally cast by Asprey London, the Crown Jewellers.
Trophy No1 remains with the holders until they hand it back three weeks before the end of the campaign.
There is also a second trophy which the Premier League takes around the world for various sponsorship events.
Obviously, the two trophies cannot be in three different places but SunSport understands a solution is in place.
Premier League Productions is a company which provides studio shows and commentators for worldwide viewers of the English game.
It is based at Stockley Park in Uxbridge — which is also home of the VAR control room.
At PLP, a Premier League trophy is on display and while it is neither identical or solid silver, it is a convincing stainless steel version.
So this is likely to be the trophy which would be at the home of the third-placed team on the final day, in case they leapfrog the other two sides.
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Whoever lifts the trophy on May 19 will initially have to hand it back after two weeks so it can be cleaned by expert specialists.
The silverware is always filthy after title celebrations due to the huge number of people who have held it.
BRAZIL GUNNING FOR GLORY
TOTTENHAM star Richarlison and his Brazil team-mates are based at Arsenal’s training ground ahead of their sold-out friendly against England on Saturday.
It is the Samba Boys’ first match against a European nation — outside of a World Cup — since they beat the Czech Republic in Prague in 2019.
Brazil used to play friendlies regularly in Europe and they drew 0-0 at Wembley in 2017.
But the Nations League has had a major impact on all South American countries coming here as the international calendar is more congested.
SARNIE OF CHAMPIONS
WANT to know the food of champions?
Erling Haaland likes a colossal sandwich with Parma ham, burrata cheese, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, truffle oil, rocket and pistachios.
Manchester City invited a Sardinian couple, who run Italian sandwich shop Ad Maiora in the city, to treat the squad after the derby win over Manchester United.
The players chose the ingredients and Haaland apparently loved his gut-buster.
And now, until the end of the month, you can buy the Haaland Sandwich — though it will cost you £13.90.