Chapter 375: English Premier League Champion

In Notting Hill, inside Emily Blunt's apartment bedroom, the gloomy weather outside did nothing to dampen the warmth inside.

Scattered court costumes and discarded white gloves lay quietly on the carpet.

"My scenes will be done in about a month, then I'll start shooting for The Young Victoria," Emily Blunt said, lying softly on Charles's chest.

She was wrapping up her scenes for Sherlock Holmes before moving on to The Young Victoria!

"British people sure do like making historical dramas," Charles chuckled, rubbing the woman's smooth back.

"Oh, by the way, Arsenal is playing their last match against Sunderland tomorrow. Aren't you going to watch the game?" Emily Blunt asked, hinting that Arsenal was on the verge of another championship.

"The team leaves today. I'll head to Sunderland's Stadium of Light tomorrow morning," Charles replied. Sunderland is in the northeast of England, in the same county as Newcastle, Tyne and Wear.

"If nothing goes wrong, Arsenal will win their fourth Premier League title," Charles continued.

Since the Premier League started in 1992, Manchester United had the most titles with nine. Arsenal, including this year, would have four, Chelsea with two, and Blackburn with one in the 94-95 season.

However, Arsenal hadn't achieved much in the Champions League.

"This year, I guess you'll be shaking things up in the Premier League again," Emily Blunt laughed.

"Well, it's not just me. The Premier League is about to enter a new era with big money. The Abu Dhabi royal family from the UAE is preparing to buy Manchester City," Charles commented, seemingly looking forward to the Middle Eastern billionaires investing in the Premier League. The injection of money would further boost its commercial value.

On May 11, at 2 PM London time, Arsenal faced Sunderland in their last match, while Manchester United played away against Wigan Athletic.

Arsenal led Manchester United by two points, but United had a better goal difference. If Arsenal didn't win their final match and United won, the Premier League title would go to Manchester United.

As for Chelsea, they trailed Arsenal by four points and had no hope of winning the championship.

Sunderland and Wigan Athletic were both relegation-threatened teams, with just a point separating them. However, both had secured their spots in the league in the previous round, so they had nothing to fight for now.

In the final round, either Arsenal would lift the trophy at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, or Manchester United would defend their title at Wigan's JJB Stadium.

Over 5,000 Arsenal fans traveled from London to Sunderland by train to cheer on their team.

In the first half, Arsenal's Sanchez scored a goal. Sunderland's current coach was former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, and Sunderland played fiercely and combatively.

"Looks like Roy Keane still has deep feelings for Manchester United," Charles observed as the second half began, noticing Sunderland's intensified effort.

In the box, Emily Blunt laughed and explained, "Manchester United is also leading Wigan 1-0. Sunderland just needs a draw, and Manchester United will likely win the title!"

"Haha, I think the FA should just send the trophy over here already," Charles said confidently, though he was a bit anxious inside. Could it go off the rails?

Finally, in the 78th minute, Adebayor scored another goal. Relief washed over him!

"Oh, Manchester United is leading 2-0 as well," Emily Blunt continued to follow the United vs. Wigan match closely.

"Haha, look at our fans already starting to celebrate," Charles pointed to the Arsenal jersey-clad fans outside.

Charles then turned to another side where Sheikh Ahmad was watching the game intently and laughed, "Mr. Ahmad, what do you think? Isn't the Premier League exciting? See, the champion isn't decided until the last round!"

Sheikh Ahmad laughed, "Mr. Capet, you're absolutely right. Arsenal is indeed an extraordinary club! I've decided that our Emirates sponsorship for Arsenal's shirt front should be revised."

"Huh? You're revising the shirt front sponsorship deal?" Charles was puzzled for a moment.

Sheikh Ahmad continued, "Starting next season, our Emirates sponsorship for Arsenal's shirt front will be 15 million pounds a year for six years, totaling 90 million pounds. The 13.75 million pounds we paid for the shirt front sponsorship in the first two seasons won't count in this."

"Uh, this..." Charles thought it through but could only conclude it amounted to an extra 3.75 million pounds. The previous shirt front sponsorship was 55 million pounds over eight years.

Sheikh Ahmad then added with a smile, "I heard Manchester United's deal with AIG was 56.5 million pounds over four years, the highest in the Premier League."

"Now that Arsenal has won the title, I believe Arsenal deserves the top shirt front sponsorship in the Premier League!"

*****

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