TIG Post

Tag: Man City

  • Four English league titles in a row; Guardiola’s Man City make history

    Four English league titles in a row; Guardiola’s Man City make history

    Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive English league title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham at Etihad Stadium, a historic achievement in the competition’s 136-year history.

    Phil Foden opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, adding another before halftime. Mohammed Kudus pulled one back for West Ham, but Rodri’s strike restored City’s two-goal advantage.

    City’s victory extended their unbeaten run to 19 wins and four draws since their last league defeat in December. This success marks their sixth title in the last seven seasons, a remarkable feat.

    Despite facing 115 Premier League charges for alleged financial irregularities, City’s dominance in English football continues.

    The team’s triumph also highlights the remarkable rise of Phil Foden, who has already won several prestigious awards this season. Foden’s development under Guardiola has been remarkable, with his performance against West Ham showcasing his exceptional skills and composure.

    City’s victory was a result of their dominant display and strong start, with Foden’s early goal setting the tone for the match. Despite West Ham’s efforts, City’s relentless pressure and superior quality were evident throughout the game.

    Guardiola‘s managerial success and his ability to consistently deliver silverware have cemented his status as one of the greatest managers in English football history.

  • You can’t take title from coach who dey train plus evil spirits – X user reacts to Pep’s training video

    You can’t take title from coach who dey train plus evil spirits – X user reacts to Pep’s training video

    Spurs gave Man City a tough run during their clash in race for the Premier League title.

    One of the highlights of the game was Man City’s coach, Pep Guardiola’s reaction to Tottenham’s Son Heung-min’s near goal.

    The incident occured when Manchester City was leading 1-0.

    A slip by Manuel Akanji granted Son Heung-min a clear path towards the goal, presenting Tottenham with a chance to equalise the score.

    Guardiola’s reaction to the tense moment was strikingly dramatic; he dropped to his knees and then lay on his back as Son made a dash towards the goal. This scene was captured and quickly went viral on social media.

    Amidst the moment, a Twitter user named @joe_cavani2 shared a tweet featuring a video of Pep on the training grounds, where he appeared to be gesturing as if he were training with others, despite being alone in the footage.

    His caption was “Coach he dey train plus evil Spirits you want take league from am”

  • Stefan Ortega’s energetic display praised as City draw closer to title

    Stefan Ortega’s energetic display praised as City draw closer to title

    In Manchester City‘s pursuit of an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title, an unlikely hero emerged from their star-studded lineup to make a potentially game-changing contribution.

    Manager Pep Guardiola made a cautious decision to substitute goalkeeper Ederson, who had suffered a nasty blow to the head in a collision with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero. Despite Ederson’s reluctance, Guardiola, acting on advice from the club doctor, replaced him with Stefan Ortega, whom he trusts implicitly.

    Ortega, who has consistently performed well when called upon this season, delivered a stellar 21-minute performance that may have secured City’s sixth title in seven seasons.

    After the final whistle, with City on the brink of clinching the championship, Guardiola showed his appreciation by greeting Ortega with a kiss on the cheek for his vital contribution.

    Guardiola did not hold back with the praise as he said: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper. Ederson did not have concussion, he had a problem with his eye. He could not see properly so the doctor said I should change.”

    Tottenham Hotspur defied skeptics who suggested they might ease off, potentially handing rivals Arsenal their first Premier League title in 20 years.

    Ange Postecoglou’s side, in fifth place, were fully committed to chasing a goal of their own as they sought a place in the Champions League. Despite their efforts, they fell short in their bid to upset Manchester City’s traditional title charge, ultimately securing Aston Villa’s fourth-placed finish and a spot in European football’s top tier.

    Stefan Ortega, City’s goalkeeper, made an immediate impact by denying Spurs substitute Dejan Kulusevski with a crucial save.

    He then repeated the feat shortly after, preventing what could have been a costly equalizer. The most significant moment came in the closing minutes, with City desperately holding on to their one-goal lead. Son Heung-min had a clear opportunity to score, but Ortega stood strong, waiting for Son to make his move before making a crucial save with his right leg.

    Ortega’s heroics drew high praise, with Manchester City captain Kyle Walker likening him to Bayern Munich legend Manuel Neuer. Guardiola, too, expressed his relief and elation at Ortega’s performance, throwing himself dramatically to the ground in the technical area.

    Erling Haaland added a second goal for City from the penalty spot in added time, securing his 38th goal of the season. City’s unbeaten run of 22 Premier League games since their loss to Aston Villa in December has been a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

    With one more win needed to secure the title, City are in a familiar position and are unlikely to falter. Ortega’s crucial saves and overall performance have played a significant role in City’s success this season, earning him praise and gratitude from his teammates and manager alike.

  • Josko Gvardiol has proven “he can do it” – Pep Guardiola

    Josko Gvardiol has proven “he can do it” – Pep Guardiola

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that 22-year-old defender Josko Gvardiol initially struggled to adapt at the Premier League club but has since gained confidence, especially with his recent goal-scoring contributions during the title run-in.

    Gvardiol, who plays as a left back, joined the treble winners from German club RB Leipzig in August, signing a five-year deal for a reported fee of 90 million euros ($97 million).

    Despite not scoring in his first 32 appearances for City, the Croatian international has now scored five goals in his last seven matches, significantly aiding his team’s pursuit of a record fourth successive title.

    “And you cannot forget it is his first Premier League season… so it is not easy to handle it and he struggled in the beginning a little bit, because he came into a team that had just won the treble and he was a little bit shy.

    “He signed for many, many years and he has proved to himself that he can do it and play with us.”

    Guardiola gave his players three days off after their 5-1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers this month.

    “On the first day, he (Gvardiol) went into the training centre to make a recovery, so his focus is football and he wants to be better and better and when this happens, you have something special on your hands,” the Spaniard said.

    City, second in the table with 85 points and one behind Arsenal who have played a game more, travel to fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday.

  • Man City chase Arsenal for title after Fulham win

    Man City chase Arsenal for title after Fulham win

    Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a dominant 4-0 victory over Fulham, thanks to two goals from Josko Gvardiol and strikes from Phil Foden and substitute Julian Alvarez.

    Gvardiol opened the scoring early on with a clinical finish after a well-worked move. Foden doubled City’s lead in the second half with a first-time finish, before Gvardiol added his second with a close-range effort.

    Erling Haaland missed a chance to further extend City’s lead, but Alvarez made it 4-0 from the penalty spot after Issa Diop was sent off for a foul on him in stoppage time.

    The result puts pressure on title rivals Arsenal, who face Manchester United needing a win to keep their title hopes alive. If Arsenal fail to win, City could secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a victory against Tottenham in their next game.

    City have now won seven consecutive league games and look formidable as they aim to clinch another league trophy under Pep Guardiola. Fulham, on the other hand, have had a disappointing end to the season, winning just one of their last eight games.

  • Rio Ferdinand fumes over delayed resolution on Man City’s 115 charges

    Rio Ferdinand fumes over delayed resolution on Man City’s 115 charges

    Rio Ferdinand has voiced his anticipation for the outcome of Manchester City’s financial fair play case, suggesting that Premier League teams could react strongly depending on the verdict.

    The 2023 treble winners face over 100 charges related to financial fair play regulations spanning nearly a decade.

    Despite the charges being leveled in February 2023, a resolution may not be reached until the following year, leaving rival clubs, including Everton and Nottingham Forest, frustrated by the uncertainty.

    Ferdinand speculated that if City were to evade significant penalties, the fallout could be substantial, implying that the league’s landscape may be dramatically altered.

    Speaking on his FIVE podcast, an impatient Ferdinand asked: “When is this going to get sorted out? Because everybody else’s cases seem to be getting sorted out mighty, mighty quick. Everton have had two dockings this season already. Nottingham Forest, all these teams are getting docked points. Manchester City’s are just… [pretends to thumb through pages].

    “If I was those clubs, I’d be like, ‘let’s see what happens with City first’. But if they get nothing or a little slap on the list, I can see them going nuts. When I went to a court case about racism a few months ago, he had one charge. It took two-and-a-half years! They’ve got 115; it’s nuts!”

    The severity of the charges has raised speculation regarding the potential magnitude of the sanctions awaiting City. Suggestions range from hefty points deductions to the stripping of trophies, with relegation even mooted as a possible outcome.

    Premier League CEO Richard Masters revealed that the date is already set for City’s trials during the European League general assembly, but refrained from announcing any further specifics.

    “Obviously we can’t comment on the case; the date has been set and the case will resolve itself at some point in the near future, and I cannot make any further comment on it,” he said.

    City are on the verge of winning the Premier League title again and will return to action on Saturday against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

  • Man City’s Jeremy Doku hints at travelling to Ghana soon

    Man City’s Jeremy Doku hints at travelling to Ghana soon

    Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has expressed his deep longing to rediscover his Ghanaian roots by planning a visit to the country of his parents in the near future.

    Born to Ghanaian parents, David Doku and Belinda Doku, Jeremy Doku opted to play for Belgium instead of Ghana.

    However, despite representing Belgium internationally, Doku maintains a strong bond with his Ghanaian heritage.

    In a recent interview with SuperSport, the player disclosed that he is fluent in Twi and has a genuine appreciation for Ghanaian music, cuisine, and dance.

    “I am also a Ghanaian because my parents are Ghanaians, and I speak Twi. I have been there once, so I have to go there again,” the winger said.

    “I like the way they dance, they talk, and the music. My parents go back often, and I haven’t gone back yet, so I have to go,” he stated.

    While his professional commitments demand careful attention to his diet, Doku confessed his deep affection for the Ghanaian dishes lovingly prepared by his mother.

    “Now I have a chef; it’s not healthy for a footballer to eat a lot, but when I go home, my mom prepares it for me,” the former Stade Rennes player said.

    Since joining Man City, Doku has featured in 25 matches, scoring 3 goals with 7 assists.

  • Kyle Walker’s mistress to be blocked from getting Euro 2024 tickets

    Kyle Walker’s mistress to be blocked from getting Euro 2024 tickets

    Lauryn Goodman, identified as the mistress of Manchester City player Kyle Walker, is reportedly facing obstacles in acquiring tickets for Euro 2024 through official channels.

    Walker, who has two children with Goodman outside of his marriage, is seeking to repair their relationship and avoid distractions during the tournament.

    The Football Association is also focused on maintaining team focus and ensuring that Goodman does not attend matches, despite her reported intention to bring her son to watch Walker play.

    A source is said to have told the Mail: “Lauryn has been saying she will be at the games this summer because Kyle promised their son tickets, but that sets off massive alarm bells for the squad’s team behind the scenes.

    There are special seating areas at each of the matches which are allocated to players and staff for their families and friends, and quite often those tickets get passed on and shared around between those close to the team – and there’s no doubt Kyle’s wife Annie will be there with their kids.

    But Lauryn has been saying she will get hold of some tickets and go along too which would cause massive problems.

    There’s no way any will be issued directly to her the way things are currently, but she could try to get them by another means or through friends within the game – she knows a lot of players and football agents.

    The manager and the team need total focus on the games. Any distraction will be totally clamped down on. Everything in their power, they will do it. Nobody wants a circus ruining their chances.”

    Goodman is said to have told friends that Walker wants her in Germany this summer as he is keen for “Kairo to see me play”, but those claims have been contradicted by the Mail’s source – who says no such invitation has been extended.


    Kilner, who recently welcomed the couple’s fourth child, is anticipated to be present at Euro 2024. England, among the top contenders in pre-tournament betting, will kick off their campaign against Serbia on June 16th.

  • Man City mauls Brighton in 4-0 win in the race for the Premier League title

    Man City mauls Brighton in 4-0 win in the race for the Premier League title

    Manchester City secured another significant victory in their pursuit of a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title.

    Phil Foden, enjoying his best scoring season yet, netted twice in a dominant 4-0 win over Brighton on Thursday.

    Foden’s brace in the first half was complemented by goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Julián Álvarez, as City stretched their unbeaten league run to 18 games.

    The win narrowed the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just one point.

    “I don’t know if it was statement, obviously every game is a lot of pressure but the only thing we can do is try to perform as well as we did today,” De Bruyne told Sky Sports.

    With five games remaining, Manchester City, holding one more than Arsenal, are displaying unwavering form as they approach the final stretch of the season.

    Their upcoming fixtures include trips to Nottingham Forest, Fulham, and Tottenham, along with home matches against Wolverhampton and West Ham.

    Securing victories in all five encounters would crown City as champions once more, a feat unprecedented in English soccer history.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfJXn47Pva0

    Since their goalless draw with Arsenal on March 31, City have been on a rampant winning streak, triumphing in four consecutive league matches and netting an impressive 17 goals along the way.

    Despite the absence of injured Erling Haaland, who shares the league’s top scorer title with 20 goals, City maintained their momentum, allowing Phil Foden to potentially enter the race for the Golden Boot.

    Foden, with 16 league goals this campaign and 24 in 48 appearances across all competitions, delivered yet another clinical performance in front of England coach Gareth Southgate at Amex Stadium, a mere seven weeks before the commencement of the European Championship.

    City took the lead in the 17th minute courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne’s diving header from Kyle Walker’s right-wing cross. Foden doubled the advantage in the 26th minute, his free-kick shot deflecting off Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross and finding the back of the net.

    “It doesn’t happen too much, does it? I think the only way I could reach it was jumping to the ball, and it goes in like a little lob, but it’s obviously not something I’m really good at,” De Bruyne said after netting his first headed goal in the Premier League.

    Foden added a third in the 34th by curling home a low finish from just inside the area after Brighton lost possession attempting to play out from the back.

    Alvarez, starting up front in place of Haaland, slotted in for 4-0 in the 62nd after Walker was given space to roam down the right wing and cut inside before sliding in to challenge goalkeeper Jason Steele and get the ball across to the Argentina striker.

  • Mason Mount likely to feature in Burnley clash after hopeful injury comeback

    Mason Mount likely to feature in Burnley clash after hopeful injury comeback

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has indicated that Mason Mount is likely to make his return to action against Burnley this weekend.

    Mount, who joined United from Chelsea in a £55 million deal, has been plagued by injuries since his transfer, restricting him to just 17 appearances for the club.

    Despite recently recovering from a calf injury, the 25-year-old experienced another setback, causing him to miss United’s last two matches against Sheffield United in the league and Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final.

    Ten Hag told BBC’s Match of the Day: “For coming back for the game against Burnley, I don’t expect (the majority of United’s players to make a comeback). Mason Mount, he will return, I think.”

    However, Ten Hag also disclosed that there would be no additions to the defensive line, as several key defenders are sidelined due to injury. These include Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane, and Willy Kambwala.

    This has left the Dutch tactician with few options in defense, leading him to deploy Brazilian midfielder Casemiro in central defense.

    Despite partnering with Harry Maguire, Casemiro’s inclusion has failed to bring stability to United’s backline, resulting in the team conceding five goals in their last two games.

    Yet Tan Hag backed Casemiro’s abilities as a centre-back and said: “I think he’s a very good centre-back, together with Harry. Very stable in and out of possession.”


    Mount’s potential return could provide a timely boost to United’s midfield, offering additional creativity and attacking impetus in the crucial stages of the season.

    They currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League table, three points ahead of Newcastle United but seven behind Tottenham Hotspur who are holding on to the Europa League spot.

    After hosting Burnley, they will be in line to face Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton in the Premier League.

  • See Pep’s response on Cancelo’s possible return to City as he nears end of Barcelona loan

    See Pep’s response on Cancelo’s possible return to City as he nears end of Barcelona loan

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has stated that he will postpone any decisions regarding Joao Cancelo until the conclusion of the season.

    Cancelo has been sidelined from City’s lineup since January 2023 due to a disagreement with Guardiola. Subsequently, he was loaned to Bayern Munich and then to Barcelona.

    However, Cancelo has faced harsh criticism during his time at Barcelona, particularly for notable errors in matches against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Real Madrid in La Liga.

    “We’ll see at the end of the season,” Guardiola told a press conference when asked whether Cancelo had a future at the club.

    Cancelo has experienced three significant incidents during his time at City. Shortly after his arrival from Juventus in 2019, the Portuguese expressed frustration over Guardiola’s preference for Kyle Walker at right-back.

    In 2020, Sporting director Txiki Begiristain intervened to encourage Cancelo’s greater engagement in training.

    Then, in late 2022, Cancelo was reportedly distracted during team meetings, even listening to music on his headphones while Guardiola was speaking. Despite these challenges, Cancelo remains under contract at City until 2027, signing a lucrative deal in 2022 before being loaned out to Bayern.

    His loan spell with Barcelona is set to conclude at the end of this season, but he has expressed a desire to stay at the Catalan club for two or three more years.

    City will face Brighton on Thursday with the aim of regaining their position in the Premier League title race, especially after Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the table.

    City face Brighton on Thursday looking to reclaim their grip on the Premier League title race after Arsenal hammered Chelsea 5-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table.


    Guardiola said: “I can’t think past Brighton, trying to figure out how they are. I know with Roberto how we need to find the weakness, it will be really tough, they’ll test us in ways we are not used to. We have to be strong – it might be the toughest game. not saying the others are not but the way they play is so difficult and we have to be ready.”

  • Erik ten Hag warns Pep’s Man City ahead of FA Cup Final

    Erik ten Hag warns Pep’s Man City ahead of FA Cup Final

    Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has issued a strong message to Manchester City ahead of next month’s FA Cup final at Wembley.

    The Red Devils booked their spot in the final after a tense encounter against Coventry City, a match that has been widely criticized as ’embarrassing’.

    United initially took control with Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire netting before halftime, followed by Bruno Fernandes extending their lead. However, their defensive frailties resurfaced, allowing Coventry to level the score with three quick goals within 19 minutes.

    Despite the threat of an upset from the Championship side, United managed to hold their nerve and emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, as reported by Sky Sports.

    This sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with reigning champions Manchester City in the final.

    Securing a place in the final of the oldest football competition presents a golden opportunity for Ten Hag’s team to clinch silverware at the season’s end. Yet, they are fully cognizant of the formidable challenge posed by their arch-rivals, who triumphed over them in last season’s final.

    Ten Hag vows to sink Man City in FA Cup final

    However, the Dutchman remains unfazed by the daunting prospect of facing the Citizens and exudes confidence in his team’s capability to seize victory in the final.

    “We are not satisfied by being in the FA Cup final; we want to win it,” the 54-year-old gaffer boldly claimed as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

    He underscores the team’s resolve and confidence in their capacity to attain their objectives via their mentality and strategy.

    “That is what we will go for, and it’s our mentality. That is why we are successful,”
    “That’s why I am successful over 10 years as a manager, I always bring out the maximum of each squad”.


    Man United to sack Erik ten Hag before FA Cup final?

    It was reported that Manchester United have reportedly reached a decision regarding Erik ten Hag’s future at the club amid calls for his dismissal before the FA Cup final.

  • Haaland to miss Man City-Brighton trip due to injury

    Haaland to miss Man City-Brighton trip due to injury

    Manchester City will be without striker Erling Haaland for their upcoming match against Brighton on Thursday, as he continues to recover from injury.

    Erling Haaland is set to receive his award at the FWA Footballer of the Year 75th anniversary dinner in London on May 25

    Haaland’s absence follows his injury during the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, which also caused him to miss the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

    Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that Haaland remains unavailable for the upcoming fixture at the Amex Stadium.

    “Erling is not ready for tomorrow, the other two, they are ready,” Guardiola told reporters on Wednesday. “I know it is not a big issue, but he is not allowed for this game.”

  • Arsenal, Man City race for Guimarães

    Arsenal, Man City race for Guimarães

    According to the Daily Telegraph, Arsenal and Manchester City are eyeing a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães.

    The 26-year-old is aware of the interest surrounding him, with a release clause in his contract allowing him to be signed for £100 million until the summer of 2028.

    Newcastle may consider negotiating a deal for Guimarães at a lower fee to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

    Despite the interest from top clubs, Guimarães has been in stellar form for the Magpies this season, contributing to 10 goals in 31 matches. Additionally, he has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain in recent reports.

    However, it was also recently reported that Guimarães has purchased a brand new house in the north east — so perhaps he has no intention of moving on just yet.

  • Pep hints of a potential return to Barcelona

    Pep hints of a potential return to Barcelona

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the possibility of returning to Barcelona, but not in a managerial capacity.

    Guardiola, who enjoyed immense success at Barcelona, winning numerous titles, including two Champions League trophies, expressed his desire to return to the club in a different role.

    While the idea of his comeback may excite Barcelona fans, Guardiola clarified that he envisions himself as the ultimate authority at the club rather than as a manager.

    He hinted at appointing Aitana Bonmati, a Spanish World Cup winner and recipient of the ‘Laureus Award’ for Sportswoman of the Year in 2023, as the club’s sporting director, should he make a return to Barcelona.

    In the documentary ‘Aitana Bonmati Conca’ on TV-3’s ‘Sense Ficcio’ show, Guardiola said: “I would come for free, do not suffer. It would not be an economic question.

    But here there will be a problem that I must tell you: I will be the president and I will be the one who will sign you as sporting director.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRJR9oEW8OI

    Bonmati responded by saying: “I like to command and it is poor to advance that there are still few women in positions of command. Maybe when you stop coaching at the age of 80…”

    Guardiola immediately cut her short and replied: “Don’t worry, I have no intention of coaching until I’m 80. We’ll see who signs who…”

    After suffering a setback in the Champions League against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola is resolute about leading Manchester City to a domestic double by securing the FA Cup and Premier League titles once again.

    Currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by four points, with two games in hand, City aims to close the gap and reclaim the top spot.

    Additionally, they have a chance to clinch the FA Cup when they face Manchester United in the final at Wembley on May 25.

    Their immediate focus, however, is on their upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton, scheduled for Thursday, away from home.

  • Video: Watch how Real Madrid crashed Man City out of Champions League finals

    Video: Watch how Real Madrid crashed Man City out of Champions League finals

    Manchester City’s Champions League journey came to a heartbreaking end as they fell to Real Madrid on penalties in the quarter-final stage.

    Despite outplaying Madrid, City lacked their usual cutting edge and confidence.

    Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic were unable to find a way past Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in the shootout, sealing City’s fate after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time and extra-time.

    City had numerous opportunities to secure victory but couldn’t capitalise on their chances.

    Even the presence of Erling Haaland couldn’t turn the tide, as he was substituted by Pep Guardiola following another disappointing performance in a crucial match.

    Antonio Rudiger dashed City’s hopes of a comeback with a decisive penalty, putting an end to any hopes of a double-treble.

    Despite falling behind early to a goal from Rodryro, City fought back valiantly. Kevin De Bruyne equalised with a powerful strike after a defensive error from Rudiger.

    However, De Bruyne missed a golden opportunity to secure victory before the end of regular time.

    In extra-time, City continued to dominate proceedings, but failed to find the winning goal.

    Ultimately, penalties proved to be their downfall, with Bernardo and Kovacic faltering at the crucial moment.

  • “I don’t fear them” – Pep warns ahead of second leg with Real Madrid

    “I don’t fear them” – Pep warns ahead of second leg with Real Madrid

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed confidence ahead of their quarterfinal second leg against Real Madrid, stating that he does not fear the 14-time Champions League winners.

    Despite Real Madrid’s formidable history in the competition, Guardiola emphasised that he is not concerned about their past successes.

    City have faced Real Madrid in recent seasons, both winning and losing at the semifinal stage, but Guardiola remains focused on the upcoming decisive match at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

    “I don’t fear them,” Guardiola told a news conference on Tuesday. “I respect them a lot. I’ve faced them many times. I respect Real Madrid and if I say I’m scared of them, I would be false.

    “There’s the rivalry; you want to beat them and do well. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. But I’m not scared of them and if they beat me, as has happened many times, we will say congratulations and wish them well.”


    After last week’s 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Bernabéu, there have now been 23 goals in the last five meetings between the two teams.

    City beat Real Madrid 4-0 at the Etihad in the semifinal second leg last season, but Bernardo Silva insists this version of Carlo Ancelotti’s team is better.

    “Two different seasons, and it never happens to be the same game in football again,” said Silva. “I feel Madrid is stronger this season than last season. That was my feeling when we played them at the Bernabeu [last week].

    For sure, they will want a bit of revenge [for the result in Manchester last season] so it will be a very difficult game.”

    After achieving a historic feat last season as the second English team to secure a Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup treble, City is poised to replicate its success this year.

    A consecutive treble would elevate Guardiola’s side to contention for the title of the greatest club team ever. Silva acknowledges that this possibility serves as a source of motivation for the City squad.

    “It’s obviously an inspiration,” he added. “We know how well this team has done and we want to create that legacy and to do another Premier League to do six in seven years and four in a row and we want to win the Champions League to do two in a row and if we win two trebles in a row that would be a legacy.

    “In one week, we could be out of all the competitions but we are fighting for it.”

  • Manchester City thrashes Luton Town in 5-1 game

    Manchester City thrashes Luton Town in 5-1 game

    In what could be seen as Manchester City’s ideal preparation between two Champions League clashes against Real Madrid, they secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Luton at home.

    The match began with an early own goal, followed by goals from Mateo Kovacic, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Josko Gvardiol, propelling City to the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily.

    In the post-match news conference, Pep Guardiola highlighted another significant achievement – moving 13 points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.

    “We’re close to qualifying for the Champions League,” he said. “People say Pep… [but] no, you have to qualify for the Champions League.

    “With Tottenham [losing 4-0 to Newcastle] today, we are closer. The biggest target every season is to qualify for the Champions League next season. We’re closer today.”

    Guardiola appeared to be in high spirits after Manchester City secured the top spot in the Premier League table for the first time since November.

    He playfully winked at a reporter while claiming to have had a tactical discussion with defender and goalscorer Gvardiol a year ago, even though Gvardiol had not yet joined the club at that time. Guardiola then jokingly stated that he was planning to rest Rodri again for the second leg against Real Madrid, asking, “Do you believe me?”

    Rodri had requested a break following Tuesday’s 3-3 draw in the Champions League quarter-final first leg in Madrid. Despite being on the bench in this match, he is expected to start against Real on Wednesday.

    John Stones was omitted from the squad, and Phil Foden was among the substitutes, but both are likely to be available for the upcoming game. Ederson returned to the goal after a month out, and captain Kyle Walker was on the bench after a similar period of absence.

    City registered 37 shots in the match, their highest in a Premier League game since March 2015 against West Bromwich Albion. Despite their dominance, there was a brief concern that they might not add to their early lead, which came in the second minute. They had 26 shots compared to Luton’s zero before Kovacic scored his first Premier League goal for the team.

    “How many times have you seen in world football the team who are better, better, better don’t win the game. Many times,” said Guardiola, who was almost on the pitch shouting instructions to his players at that stage.

    “After the second and third [goals], it was OK.”

    Despite a slow start and some early misfires, Haaland remained on the pitch long enough to score his 20th Premier League goal of the season from the spot. However, this goal marked only his third in his last eight games for club and country.

    Both Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne, who returned from illness, received standing ovations as they left the pitch, just seconds before Ross Barkley scored for Luton.

    Manchester City faces another crucial week, with the possibility of losing their top spot if Arsenal or Liverpool win their matches on Sunday. They are set to host Real Madrid on Wednesday and then face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday. Another treble is still within reach, a feat that has never been achieved two seasons in a row.

    “We spoke to the players about how incredible it is to be here again,” said the Catalan. “What a privilege. After what we’ve done in previous seasons, we’re still fighting for the Premier League.

    “Against Real Madrid we have the chance to qualify for the Champions League semi-final and all the energy our fans will bring – and the FA Cup next Saturday against Chelsea to again reach the final.

    “What a privilege. Imagine having no chance of the Premier League or other competitions. Try saying ‘one more week, one more week, one more week’.”

    Despite their efforts, Luton remains in the relegation zone after their defeat, with the highlight of their performance being Barkley’s goal, which briefly made it 3-1 for six minutes.

    Manager Rob Edwards admitted that his side was “suffocated” by City.

    “Today was never going to derail us,” he said. “Nobody likes losing 5-1 but let’s be realistic, they’re way ahead of us. Our back four had one centre-back, one full-back and two wingers.”

    He could not pick a title favourite when asked to.

    “After we played Arsenal, I thought they were good. City today were good. Liverpool weren’t bad at Anfield either,” he said.

    “Today was the hardest game we’ve had all season. It felt like the game was in our third the whole time.

    “All three of the teams are so strong. All three of their managers have been respectful and kind. Three amazing teams.”

  • City players “adapt quickly to chaos” – Guardiola after stalemate game against Madrid

    City players “adapt quickly to chaos” – Guardiola after stalemate game against Madrid

    Manager Pep Guardiola commended Manchester City’s adeptness at “adapting quickly to chaos” in their 3-3 first-leg draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

    The reigning champions took an early lead in the second minute when Bernardo Silva skillfully curled a 25-yard free-kick around the wall and past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

    However, deflected goals from Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo saw Real Madrid overturn the deficit at the Bernabeu.

    “We were 2-1 down, playing here without much composure,” Guardiola said.

    “This game, in the first three seasons together, we’d have lost 4-1 or 5-1 as we were not stable emotionally.”

    City, who secured their first Champions League title last season as part of a historic Treble, entered this match with Kevin de Bruyne on the bench. The Belgium midfielder fell ill before kick-off.

    Guardiola said: “One of the secrets at the high levels is to adapt quickly to chaos. There is no time to complain.

    “You need time to learn and now we are more stable and hopefully in the future we can do better and better.”

    City had struggled to create quality chances in the final third until Phil Foden, who had been relatively quiet in the game, found space just outside the area and unleashed a shot into the top corner to level the score.

    Shortly after, left-back Josko Gvardiol cut inside and scored with a brilliant right-footed shot, marking his first goal since joining City from RB Leipzig in the summer.

    However, Madrid responded with a remarkable volley from Federico Valverde to equalize, setting up an exciting second leg on Wednesday, 17 April, at the Etihad Stadium. City notably defeated Madrid 4-0 in last season’s semi-finals at the same venue.

    “We take the result and in one week in Manchester, with our people, it will be sold out and they will help us,” Guardiola added.

  • Fierce Madrid-City game ends in stalemate, teams head to Etihad

    Fierce Madrid-City game ends in stalemate, teams head to Etihad

    Manchester City and Real Madrid ended their Champions League quarter-final first leg in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

    The match was a rollercoaster of lead changes, setting the stage for an exciting second leg in eight days.

    Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City within two minutes, but Real Madrid quickly responded with an own goal from Ruben Dias and a deflected goal from Rodrygo.

    City then regained the lead in the second half with goals from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol, only for Federico Valverde’s brilliant volley to equalize for Madrid.

    The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu was intense, with the home fans expecting a tough match against City. However, City surprised everyone with an early goal from Bernardo Silva, taking advantage of a free-kick opportunity.

    Real Madrid fought back with two quick goals, thanks to unfortunate deflections off Dias and Akanji. Despite Real’s pressure, City remained composed and dominated possession in the second half. Foden and Gvardiol scored two brilliant goals to put City ahead, but Valverde’s strike ensured a draw for Madrid.

    The match ended 3-3, setting up a thrilling second leg at the Etihad Stadium. City will look to continue their unbeaten run in the Champions League, while Madrid will aim to secure a spot in the semi-finals.

  • “I didn’t want to” – Rodrygo tells why he rejected €3m Liverpool swoop

    “I didn’t want to” – Rodrygo tells why he rejected €3m Liverpool swoop

    Real Madrid’s talented player, Rodrygo, has revealed why he turned down an offer from Liverpool in 2017.

    Despite being just 23 years old, the forward was already catching the eye of European clubs while playing for Santos in Brazil.

    Liverpool expressed interest in signing him at one point, but Rodrygo opted to wait for a transfer to Real Madrid, which eventually happened in 2019.

    Explaining that decision, Rodrygo has said: “We didn’t close the deal because I didn’t want to. I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good. The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football.

    It had always been my dream to play in Europe. Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club. And that’s what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it’s true; I almost went to Liverpool.”

    In his upcoming match, Rodrygo will face English opponents once again, marking a significant moment since his impactful performance off the bench in a semi-final match against Manchester City two years ago. This time, he will be up against the current Premier League title holders.

    He added on being handed a tough draw in the quarter-final of continental competition: “It brings back good memories but also bad ones. This was an opponent that, to be honest, we didn’t want to face. And they think the same as well: they didn’t want to play against us.

    It’s a game that everyone expects to be the final, but it’s going to be now. Man City are very good, but our team is also very strong. It’s going to be good to meet them again.

    “They’re the Champions League winners, they’re the world champions, today they’re the best team in the world, so we have total respect for them. There are no bad or medium [City] players. There’s no player you can think of like: ‘This one I’m going to press because he isn’t good and he will give us a goal or a great chance.’ They have a very good control of the game and of the ball. It’s a very beautiful game, a very difficult team. It’s very annoying to play against them but I believe in our team.”

    Real Madrid, currently leading La Liga, will welcome Manchester City on Tuesday for the first leg of a high-stakes quarter-final encounter.

    Rodrygo, aiming for another impactful performance, will be eager to play a significant role in the fixture following his decisive brace in the previous match against Athletic Club.

  • Quick to forget – Pep hits back at Roy Keane over ‘League Two player’ jibe at Haaland

    Quick to forget – Pep hits back at Roy Keane over ‘League Two player’ jibe at Haaland

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded to Roy Keane’s criticism of Erling Haaland by defending the young striker.

    Keane had commented after Manchester City’s draw with Arsenal that while Haaland excels at scoring goals, his overall performance is reminiscent of a player from a lower division.

    This remark has stirred discussions among football fans and analysts.

    Speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports, Manchester United legend Keane said: “The levels of his general play are so poor, and not just today. His general play for such a player is so poor, I think he has to improve that he’s almost like a League Two player.”


    Guardiola, however, vehemently opposed Keane’s assessment and told reporters: “I do not agree with him, absolutely not. It’s like [if] I said he’s a manager for the second or third league. I don’t think so.

    “He’s the best striker in the world and he helped us win what we won last season and the reason why we don’t create many chances [against Arsenal] is not from Erling. He is exceptional. We need more presence in the final third with more people and we played an exceptional game against Arsenal. I reviewed it.”


    Guardiola expressed surprise at the criticism directed towards Haaland, particularly coming from a former player like Keane. He believes that ex-players, having experienced the rigours of professional football first-hand, should demonstrate a deeper understanding and empathy towards current players.

    “I am surprised when it comes from former players. It’s like referees when they retire, they always criticise the refs,” he said.

    “That always surprises me. The memory disappears quickly. The problems players have now, they had too. They missed it a thousand, million times and were hurt when they were criticised by former players. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but I am not a guy who is going to criticise my colleagues when I retire.”

    Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring record further bolstered Guardiola’s defence of the player. With 52 goals in 53 games last season and 29 goals in 35 games this term, Haaland’s prowess in front of goal is undeniable, cementing his status as one of the most prolific strikers in modern football.
    As City continue their pursuit of the Premier League title, Guardiola’s spirited defence of Haaland shows his unwavering faith in the striker’s abilities.

    Nonetheless, the Spaniard admitted that modern superstars should get used to the criticism. “It’s their job, accept it,” he said.
    “If you can’t accept it as a footballer, you have to dedicate to another job, like reading books or . . . .”


    Haaland will have an opportunity to silence his critics when he takes to the pitch against Aston Villa on Wednesday evening.

  • ‘Kill someone!’ – Pep Guardiola fumes over ‘frustrating’ Arsenal defense in goalless draw

    ‘Kill someone!’ – Pep Guardiola fumes over ‘frustrating’ Arsenal defense in goalless draw

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola responded with humour when questioned about how to counter Arsenal’s defensive strategy following their 0-0 draw.

    The highly anticipated match between the Gunners and the reigning champions ended in a stalemate at the Etihad Stadium.

    Despite Arsenal’s impressive goal-scoring form leading up to the game, Mikel Arteta’s defensive approach resulted in a lacklustre offensive display against the defending champions.

    Talking after the match, Guardiola said [via The Telegraph]: “How to beat Arsenal’s low block? Kill someone. Play with nine. They defend well and a lot. Surrounding Erling [Haaland]. Be patient and find the pass. They defended well with a lot of people. There are different ways. They did well with the press and then after the block.

    “It doesn’t matter how many players you defend: the main target is not to concede. The low block was really difficult [to play against]. We prefer to win obviously but we take the draw.”

    According to Guardiola, the Premier League title is now Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp’s to lose. He stated that his Manchester City side is currently the third favorite to win the league, with Arsenal positioned as the second favorite.

    Liverpool leads the race with 67 points, closely followed by Arsenal, while City trails behind by three points in third place.

    With only nine matchdays left in the season, the battle for the title between these three teams is expected to be intense.

    Guardiola and Manchester City can only focus on winning their remaining games and hope for slip-ups from both Arsenal and Liverpool if they are to secure the title for the third consecutive year.

  • Kyle Walker, John Stones to miss Manchester City’s game against Arsenal

    Kyle Walker, John Stones to miss Manchester City’s game against Arsenal

    Manchester City will face Arsenal this weekend without key players Kyle Walker and John Stones, confirmed Pep Guardiola in his pre-match press conference.

    The England duo sustained injuries during the international break, with Walker suffering a hamstring problem against Brazil and Stones coming off with an adductor issue against Belgium.

    When asked ahead of the game about team news, Guardiola said: “Kyle and John, out.”

    He was then asked if he had a timescale for either, but he couldn’t provide one.

  • Man City’s Steph Houghton to retire at the end of this season

    Man City’s Steph Houghton to retire at the end of this season

    Former England captain ,Steph Houghton has announced her retirement from professional football at the end of this season.

    Over her 20-year career, she has played for four different clubs, including Sunderland, Leeds United, Arsenal, and Manchester City, winning a total of 16 domestic trophies.

    Houghton, 35, has represented England 121 times and captained the team at three major tournaments, as well as competing for Team GB at two Olympics.

    Despite missing out on the 2022 Euros due to injury, her illustrious career includes three Women’s Super League titles and numerous accolades.

    Announcing her decision on social media, Houghton said: “There is no easy way to say it, but I am retiring from football at the end of the current WSL season.

    “Taking the decision to retire, is such a difficult thing to do. Whilst age comes to every player, it makes it no easier having to say the words out loud. Football has been my life; my passion and I have loved the career I have had.”

  • Man City optimistic about De Bruyne’s fitness ahead of Arsenal clash

    Man City optimistic about De Bruyne’s fitness ahead of Arsenal clash

    Man City are hopeful that Kevin De Bruyne will be ready for their important Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday, according to sources familiar with the situation.

    De Bruyne sat out the FA Cup quarterfinal victory over Newcastle United due to a groin injury, which also sidelined him for Belgium’s recent friendlies against Republic of Ireland and England.

    However, there’s increasing optimism that the midfielder could be back in contention for the Arsenal game, as he successfully completed a training session with the Under-23s on Tuesday.

    Jack Grealish, who was absent from the England squad due to ongoing recovery from a muscle injury, has also been training at the City Football Academy this week.

    Medical staff will continue to monitor De Bruyne’s condition, but he is expected to participate in first-team training when it resumes on Thursday. Most of City’s international players are set to return to the club by Friday to prepare for the match against Arsenal.

    De Bruyne’s potential return is a welcome development for manager Pep Guardiola, who is concerned about the fitness of Kyle Walker and John Stones.

    Walker suffered a hamstring injury during England’s recent defeat to Brazil, while Stones was substituted early in the match against Belgium due to an adductor problem. Although Walker’s injury is not believed to be severe, he faces a race against time to prove his fitness before facing Arsenal.

    Meanwhile, sources have informed ESPN that City are displeased with the scheduling of their FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea.

    Initially, City anticipated the game to be played on Sunday, April 21, four days after their Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Real Madrid.

    However, they have since been informed that the fixture will be held at Wembley on the Saturday, leaving Guardiola and his squad with only three days to recover from the clash with Real Madrid.

    Neither Manchester United nor Coventry, the teams in the other semifinal, are involved in European competitions and had initially expected to play on Saturday.

    Additionally, City are scheduled to face Brighton at the Amex on April 25 before traveling to Nottingham Forest three days later on April 28.

  • Man City’s 115 charges: New evidence emerge likely to affect treble winners

    Man City’s 115 charges: New evidence emerge likely to affect treble winners

    Man City’s upcoming trial concerning their 115 Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges may face implications due to new revelations involving the club’s sponsors.

    The 2023 Treble winners are accused of breaching FFP regulations on multiple occasions, with Etihad Airways reportedly playing a significant role in these breaches.

    According to German outlet Der Spiegel (via The Mirror), it is alleged that the Emirati airline only paid £8 million ($10.1m) of their £67.5m ($85.3m) obligation to City, with the remainder covered by disguised equity funding from the club’s owners.

    However, recent reports suggest that these claims may not hold true following Etihad Airways’ decision to go public by floating on the stock exchange.

    Sources in the Middle East, as cited in The Mirror, indicate that this move would necessitate an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for Etihad, requiring full disclosure of their financial records and corporate practices.

    Stock market experts believe that such transparency would not be offered if Etihad, and consequently City’s owners, had anything to conceal.

    In essence, if fraud had indeed occurred, as has been suggested, it is unlikely that Etihad would willingly subject itself to such scrutiny.


    A senior figure in the banking industry is quoted in The Mirror’s article as saying: “If it came to light that Etihad executives were indeed involved in manipulating the sponsorship deal with City, it could cause serious damage to the company’s reputation in the eyes of potential investors. Etihad would also have an obligation to disclose any ongoing investigation into the company’s accounts or conduct before the IPO was launched.

    “What the Premier League is alleging is extremely serious, not just in terms of football’s rules and regulations. The accusation is that City executives have colluded with officials from Etihad and have lied not only to the club’s independent auditors but to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    “By extension, that also calls into question what information was disclosed by City’s owners to Silverlake before the American private equity firm bought a significant stake in the club in 2019. That’s why the Premier League’s allegations go way beyond accusing City of failing to meet Profit and Sustainability Rules.”


    The Premier League champions persist in asserting their innocence, believing that this evidence will significantly bolster their defense against the 115 charges leveled against them. The trial to investigate City’s alleged misconduct is tentatively scheduled for late autumn of this year, at the earliest.

  • Haaland still dreams of playing for Real Madrid – Sources

    Haaland still dreams of playing for Real Madrid – Sources

    Manchester City’s Erling Haaland still envisions himself playing for Real Madrid in the future, despite a potential delay caused by Kylian Mbappe’s expected transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Los Blancos this summer, according to AS.

    Initially planning to join the Spanish giants in 2025, Haaland’s timeline may have shifted, but the 23-year-old remains keen on a move to Real Madrid.

    He sees City’s upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash with Carlo Ancelotti’s side as an ideal opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities for a potential future transfer.

    Although he played the full 90 minutes in both legs of last season’s semifinal against Madrid, he failed to score in either match.

    While Haaland’s current contract with Manchester City extends until 2027, the club is reportedly expediting the process of renewing his deal.

    His contract includes a €200 million release clause, enabling him to leave this summer if triggered.

    His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, aims to include a similar clause in any future agreement to facilitate a potential move to Real Madrid. Although there is no specific clause regarding Pep Guardiola in Haaland’s contract, the manager’s future could also influence the striker’s decision.

    Financial constraints may pose a challenge for Real Madrid in acquiring both Mbappe and Haaland, raising questions about how the club would manage such high-profile signings.

  • Man City join race for Everton’s Branthwaite

    Man City join race for Everton’s Branthwaite

    Manchester City has entered the competition to secure the signature of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, as reported by the Daily Mail.

    The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season with the Toffees, attracting interest from various clubs across Europe, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid.

    Despite already possessing a wealth of top central defenders, City sees Branthwaite as a promising talent akin to John Stones.

    Like Stones, Branthwaite is a homegrown player known for his ball-playing abilities and comfort in playing out from the back with both feet. Stones himself made a similar move from Everton to City for £47.5 million in 2016.

    Branthwaite’s potential transfer is estimated to be valued around £60 million. He recently earned his first call-up to the England senior squad for the current international window and is expected to feature in the match against Belgium on Tuesday night.

    Having already established himself as a key member of the England Under-21s, a standout performance for Gareth Southgate’s side could further enhance Branthwaite’s burgeoning reputation as a talented young center-back.

  • Man City risk an ‘expulsion’ from Premier League if found guilty of “major” FFP breaches

    Man City risk an ‘expulsion’ from Premier League if found guilty of “major” FFP breaches

    Manchester City have been warned they could face “expulsion” from the Premier League if found guilty of breaching FFP rules.

    Premier League champions Manchester City and rival Chelsea have both been warned they could face being thrown out of the English top flight if found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

    City is facing 115 charges and their case will be heard in the autumn. Chelsea may also find themselves in hot water due to their big-spending habits if major sales are not made this summer.

    The commission that docked Nottingham Forest four points for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules this week made it clear in their 52-written reasons the type of sanctions available for more serious issues, as reported by The Sun.


    Robert Glancy KC, sports law specialist Mark Hovell and accounting expert Steve Holt wrote that available punishments “range from a warning through to expulsion from the Premier League.”.


    The trio went on to say: “Where a PSR breach is ‘minor’, then it will be for other commissions to determine if any point deduction is necessary, appropriate or proportionate.


    “But if the breach is properly described as ‘major’ then it may be the case that even a very severe sanction such as expulsion is more appropriate.”


    The news of deductions for Everton and Forest has already led some commentators to suggest City could be hit hard if found guilty. Former Liverpool defender and television pundit Jamie Carragher has claimed the Premier League champions could “end up in the National League North,” while boxer and Everton fan Tony Bellew has called the current situation “a disgrace” and has tipped the Cityzens to be relegated to the Conference.


    City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted his club is innocent of the charges and has vowed to stay on even if the club are sanctioned and relegated to League One.

    It has been suggested that City may also be stripped of their trophies if found guilty, but the Manchester outfit are likely to add more silverware before their case is heard as they remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

  • It should have been a penalty – Mac Allister on encounter with Man City’s Doku

    It should have been a penalty – Mac Allister on encounter with Man City’s Doku

    Alexis MacAllister was adamant that his team should have been given a penalty in the dying moments of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

    Despite already converting a penalty earlier in the match, the Argentine believed he was fouled in the box by City’s Jeremy Doku, but neither the on-field referee nor the VAR official agreed, much to the surprise of spectators both at the stadium and watching from home.

    Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Mac Allister said of the decision: “I think it’s a clear penalty. I cannot say much more.

    “I think the ref did a very good job throughout the game, but I think he made a mistake in the last decision.”


    Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was furious with the decision after the game, saying in his post-match interview: “Isn’t it [VAR] there for making the right decision?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N5irSbefyc

    This situation in all positions on the pitch is 100% a foul. And it is a yellow card. He hits the ball, but if the ball is not there, he kills him.

    Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, who now works as a referee analyst for Nottingham Forest, admitted in his column for the Daily Mail that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty.

    He wrote: “The ball bounces up. Alexis Mac Allister moves towards it. Jeremy Doku’s foot is high. He catches Mac Allister in the chest.

    “Outside of the box, this would have resulted in a free-kick every day of the week. Just because it happened inside the box does not suddenly transform it into a clean challenge when Mac Allister might be left playing connect the dots on his chest on Monday morning.

    “Regardless of the magnitude of the match and the fact it happened in the 98th minute, this was an incident worthy of a penalty. “

  • Tottenham’s penalty victory over Manchester City was no fluke – Vilahamn

    Tottenham’s penalty victory over Manchester City was no fluke – Vilahamn

    Robert Vilahamn has emphasized that Tottenham’s penalty victory over Manchester City was well deserved as his side secured their spot in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.

    This historic win marks Tottenham’s first-ever entry into the competition’s semi-final stage. The victory came after a tense shootout, which Spurs won 4-3 following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

    Manchester City took the lead early with a deflected strike from Australian international Mary Fowler and appeared dominant in the first half. However, despite their early advantage, City failed to capitalize further, and Tottenham capitalized on a mistake from City’s goalkeeper Khiara Keating, with Bethany England equalizing in the sixth minute of injury time.

    In extra time, Tottenham took control of the game, leading to Amy James-Turner’s winning penalty kick.

    Vilahamn believed that his team’s victory was well-deserved, highlighting their strong performance throughout the match.

    Vilahamn said: “I actually think we deserved it. The game the girls played tonight was amazing.

    “All the players coming in, you could feel it. When we scored to make it 1-1 in the last second, we deserved that and in extra-time we were actually going for it.

    “To then win the penalties, it’s a wonderful feeling.

    “It was very frustrating to give them a goal so easily early on but that’s football. The character we showed after that was really good.

    “We pushed them down and showed we wanted to dictate this game. We won the duels, were very sharp with the ball.

    “I’m very proud of the girls because we show now that we not only compete but we can actually beat the top three teams.”

    Vilahamn added: “She’s been training very well the last few weeks and then she got her chance in the last game. I thought she was great against Arsenal.

    “She’s so calm in the goal with her feet, making her saves and then in the shootout. I’m so happy for her.”

    Spurs join holders Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester in the semi-finals, with the draw set to be made on Tuesday morning.

  • Man City’s Foden set to receive a new contract – Reports 

    Man City’s Foden set to receive a new contract – Reports 

    Manchester City are poised to commence negotiations with England international Phil Foden regarding a new contract.

    Foden, 23, has been delivering exceptional performances this season and is a crucial player as City aim to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

    Football Insider reports that the Stockport-born talent is seeking a substantial increase on his current contract, which would elevate him to one of the club’s highest-paid players.

    In 2022, Foden signed an extension that tied him to the Etihad until 2027, reportedly earning £200,000 a week. However, since then, the 31-cap international has emerged as one of Pep Guardiola’s most indispensable players and played a pivotal role in their Treble success last season.

    Guardiola recently praised Foden as the “best player in the Premier League right now,” further bolstering his case for improved terms.

    During his seven years with the champions, Foden has amassed over 250 appearances and secured 12 major trophies.

    While it’s unlikely that he would ever actively seek to leave his childhood club, a breakdown in contract talks would undoubtedly alert Europe’s top clubs.

  • Man City’s Taylor contests penalty given Chelsea to reach Conti Cup final

    Man City’s Taylor contests penalty given Chelsea to reach Conti Cup final

    Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor expressed anger over the refereeing decisions in their 1-0 semi-final loss to Chelsea.

    Lauren James’ goal in the first half secured Chelsea’s fifth consecutive Conti Cup final appearance and set up a thrilling final against London rivals Arsenal.

    In the closing moments of the game at the Joie Stadium, there was controversy as Alex Greenwood seemed to be fouled in the box. Taylor was adamant that it should have been a penalty, adding to his frustration with the outcome of the match.

    The 51-year-old told the BBC: “I just don’t understand sometimes these decisions that go against us.

    “That’s a blatant penalty on Alex Greenwood.”

    Taylor also explained how disappointed he was with the lack of added time awarded by the officials.

    He said: “We’re the team with the ascendency, we play five minutes of added time.

    “Here earlier in the season it was 11 minutes and went to 13.

    “When we went down there [Chelsea] it was nine minutes and goes to 12.

    “I mean come on, that’s not five minutes there of time when Hannah Hampton is choking the clock up.”

    Despite the loss, Taylor was pleased with his team’s performance, highlighting their dominance in possession and their 10 shots on target.

    The City boss said: “We were magnificent tonight. I thought Hampton was their best player and that told a story.

    “I couldn’t have asked for much more from the players.

    “Of course we needed to score a goal but their goalkeeper had to make many saves in the second half.”

    Manchester City is enjoying a strong season in the Women’s Super League, currently level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table. When asked about the potential psychological impact of their loss against Chelsea, Taylor remained confident in his team’s performance.

    He responded: “No, because it was full of positives. Why would we dwell on it?

    “There is so much to take from this game. For us it’s using this game as a benchmark.

    “We always knew it was going to be tight margins. When two good teams come together, it’s always going to be fairly tight.”

  • Manchester City progress to UCL quarterfinals

    Manchester City progress to UCL quarterfinals

    Manchester City had a comfortable victory over Copenhagen, setting the stage for their upcoming crucial Premier League match against Liverpool.

    This win secured their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals for the seventh consecutive season.

    With a two-goal advantage from the first leg, City quickly extinguished any hopes of a Copenhagen comeback with early goals from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez.

    Despite a brief response from the visitors, Erling Haaland scored City’s third goal before half-time, adding to his impressive tally for the season.

    Haaland’s form is a positive sign for City and manager Pep Guardiola ahead of their clash with Liverpool. Guardiola had stated that he would focus on the Copenhagen match before thinking about Liverpool, evident in the seven changes he made to the team and the substitution of key player Rodri at half-time.

    Despite the changes, City’s performance was not affected, highlighting their strength and depth. With this victory, City continue their remarkable run of successive Champions League quarter-final appearances, second only to Manchester United’s record from 1996-97 to 2002-03.

  • Pep raises doubts about rule after Man Utd’s behaviour irks Man City supporters

    Pep raises doubts about rule after Man Utd’s behaviour irks Man City supporters

    Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration with the rule regarding time-wasting after Manchester City’s derby match against United, where goalkeeper Andre Onana’s slow play drew ire from City fans.

    Throughout the game, Onana took his time with every goal kick, prompting early whistles from the City supporters.

    Despite City’s attempts to pressure their opponents, Onana’s deliberate pace in restarting the game effectively thwarted their efforts.

    Despite objections from fans and communication from Guardiola and players to the officials, referee Andy Madley did not see fit to issue a booking to Onana.

    The match saw three minutes added at the end of the first half and eight minutes added at the end of the match.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujRkIoJUHS0
  • Documentary: Netflix to tell Man City’s treble story in a blockbuster deal next month

    Documentary: Netflix to tell Man City’s treble story in a blockbuster deal next month

    Netflix has secured the rights to air the behind-the-scenes story of Manchester City’s historic Treble-winning season.

    The club had embedded a camera crew within the first-team squad, capturing their journey to victory in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.

    Although the footage was initially compiled by City Studios, the club’s in-house production company, there was considerable interest from external companies in acquiring it for their own platforms.

    After a competitive bidding process, Netflix emerged as the winner, agreeing to a seven-figure deal with City to broadcast the six-part series titled ‘Together: Treble Winners’.

    The series will be available in over 200 countries worldwide starting in April, with a trailer expected to be released soon. Additionally, it will be dubbed or subtitled to cater to various language markets.

  • Gareth Taylor poised for contract extension as he drives Man City’s WSL title bid

    Gareth Taylor poised for contract extension as he drives Man City’s WSL title bid

    A report by Kathryn Batte in the Daily Mail shows that Taylor is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract until the end of the 2026–27 season.

    City is reportedly satisfied with the progress made under the 51-year-old manager this season and is eager to secure his services with a new deal sooner rather than later.

    Taylor faced scrutiny last season after City finished outside the top three in the WSL for the first time since their debut top-flight season in 2014, following significant player turnover in the summer of 2022.

    Despite this, he was granted a new one-year deal for the 2023–24 season.

    The club’s patience has paid off, with City currently trailing only behind Chelsea in the WSL table due to a slightly inferior goal difference.

    Taylor’s team has impressively won their last 12 consecutive games across all competitions.

    In addition to challenging Chelsea for the WSL title, City are set to face them in the Conti Cup semi-finals this Thursday, having recently defeated them in the league.

    Following this, they will take on Tottenham in an FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday. With their current form, there’s a strong possibility that City could secure a domestic treble by the end of the 2023–24 season.

  • Man City form isn’t really different from ours – Erik ten Hag after loss to “the citizens”

    Man City form isn’t really different from ours – Erik ten Hag after loss to “the citizens”

    Manchester United suffered a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, leaving them trailing their cross-town rivals by 18 points in the standings.

    Despite the loss, United manager Erik ten Hag, aged 54, dismissed the notion of a significant difference in class between the two teams.

    The match saw Marcus Rashford score an early goal for United, but City responded with two goals from Phil Foden and a late strike from Erling Haaland, securing the victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.

    City now sit just one point behind league leaders Liverpool.

    This defeat marks the 11th consecutive season that United are set to finish below their rivals.

    However, when questioned about whether the result highlighted the gap between the teams, Ten Hag adamantly disagreed, stating,

    “No, I don’t think so, absolutely not.”We have many problems now with injuries, but we still had an opportunity. By a very small margin. We could have scored the second goal. You see, the gap is not that big.

    “When we have everyone on board, we can be really competitive and we also showed, for instance, in the FA Cup final against them when it can be really close. But don’t forget this, City is, at the moment, the best team in the world.

    United, who are sixth, next host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

  • Let City be your guide to make us better – Casemiro tells Man Utd club owners

    Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has suggested that the club’s new minority owners should look to Manchester City as a model to guide them in returning the team to the pinnacle of English football.

    United suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of City at the Etihad Stadium, despite initially taking the lead through Marcus Rashford.

    The match served as a stark reminder of the disparity between the two sides, especially following the confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stake in Old Trafford.

    Asked whether he sees positive signs from the new minority ownership group and if there is a long way for United to go to reach City, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil: “That is the big objective, we also have to be humble to accept that they are at the moment, not in history, as the history of Manchester United speaks for itself, but they are today the team to beat. Everyone wants to beat City.

    “We have a mirror here, which is City, and they have been doing a great job.”
    Ratcliffe, chairman and CEO of chemical company INEOS, has pledged to “knock City off their perch” within three years.

    There is hope that the arrival of the British billionaire, 71, will trigger a resurgence after more than 10 years without a title — a period during which City have won the Premier League six times.

    “Of course, when people from outside arrive, who want to add to and evolve the club’s level, it is always important,” Casemiro said.

    “It is very clear that the company [INEOS] and the new owners want to do this. I hope that they [new owners] arrive and grow together with us, as it is important for the club to have people who want to grow here.”

    United seized the lead against City courtesy of a spectacular goal from Rashford, but found themselves outplayed for the majority of the match.

    Guardiola’s side registered 27 shots on goal compared to United’s mere three attempts. However, Erik ten Hag contended that the outcome did not accurately reflect a substantial difference between the two teams.

    “No, I don’t think so, absolutely not,” the United manager said.

    “You can see we have many problems with injuries and still we had an opportunity. Really small margins and we could have scored the second goal in a debatable moment.

    “It’s not that big [a gap] and when we have everyone on board, we can be competitive. I think we also showed up in the cup final against them when it was really close but City is, at this moment, the best team in the world. Don’t forget this. We were really close to winning or at least get a point here.”

  • Man City see comeback win against The Red Devils

    Man City see comeback win against The Red Devils

    Phil Foden’s second-half brace propelled Manchester City to a crucial 3-1 comeback victory over rivals Manchester United in a highly anticipated Premier League clash.

    United took an early lead with a stunning strike from Marcus Rashford, but City responded emphatically, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Foden equalized with a long-range effort before putting City ahead with a goal in the 80th minute. Erling Haaland sealed the win with a goal in stoppage time.

    The victory narrowed the gap between City and league leaders Liverpool to just one point ahead of their upcoming clash at Anfield.

    Foden, who also scored the winner against Bournemouth last week, continued his impressive form and is emerging as City’s standout performer this season. Rashford’s early goal showcased his quality, but United struggled to maintain their lead against City’s relentless pressure.

    Despite United’s occasional counter-attacks, City remained dominant, with Foden and his teammates creating numerous opportunities. Haaland, in particular, missed a clear chance to score before Foden’s equalizer.

    United protested the goal, believing Rashford had been fouled in the build-up, but the referee allowed the goal to stand. The equalizer reignited the atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium, and City continued to push for a winner.

    Foden’s winning goal, assisted by Julian Alvarez, demonstrated City’s attacking prowess, while Haaland’s late goal sealed the victory and added to his impressive goal tally for the season.

    The result was a crucial one for City as they continue their pursuit of the Premier League title, while United will be disappointed to have squandered an early lead.

  • Jack Grealish ruled out of Manchester City-Utd clash over injury

    Jack Grealish ruled out of Manchester City-Utd clash over injury

    Football fans are in for an exciting showdown as Manchester City prepares to host arch-rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

    The Cityzens are eager for a victory, sitting just one point behind table-toppers Liverpool. With so much on the line, the team needs all hands on deck for this crucial fixture. However, it appears they may have to face the challenge without some key players.

    During his press conference, Pep Guardiola provided a significant update on Manchester City’s injury situation. Despite his confidence in the team’s abilities, Guardiola acknowledged that they might have to navigate the game without a few key names.

    One such player is winger Jack Grealish, who sustained a groin injury during the team’s recent 6-2 victory over Luton in the FA Cup. Guardiola confirmed that Grealish will be unavailable for the match against United, with no clear timeline for his return.

    Additionally, there are concerns that he could miss upcoming international fixtures in the coming months.

    The Spaniard stated, “He has to recover well to use him as much as possible. I didn’t speak to Gareth [Southgate].”

    While the injury to Jack Grealish poses a challenge for the Cityzens, the team boasts several players who can fill his position. However, there are concerns surrounding Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness, despite his impressive performance against Luton.

    Reports indicate that De Bruyne is still not at full fitness, even though he returned from a hamstring injury in February. Pep Guardiola and his management team must exercise caution as they navigate a demanding series of fixtures.

    Although De Bruyne was available for the game against Luton, he was rested for subsequent matches against Everton and Brentford to ensure sufficient recovery time.

    The upcoming clash against Manchester United will be a test of De Bruyne’s fitness, as both teams employ high-pressure tactics. Any setback for the Belgian midfielder could prove detrimental to City, especially with challenging fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham on the horizon.

    The question remains whether Guardiola will opt to play De Bruyne in consecutive matches in the coming weeks. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

  • “Good morning, how may I assist you?” De Bruyne’s hilarious post after Haaland’s 5 goals in Luton clash

    “Good morning, how may I assist you?” De Bruyne’s hilarious post after Haaland’s 5 goals in Luton clash

    Four out of Erling Haaland’s five goals in the FA Cup match against Luton Town were assisted by Kevin De Bruyne.

    The Belgian midfielder provided a total of four assists as Haaland secured a remarkable five goals, propelling Manchester City to a convincing 6-2 victory over Luton Town and securing their place in the FA Cup quarter-final.

    Following their dominant performance against the Hatters, De Bruyne took to social media to humorously message his teammate Haaland.

    On Instagram, De Bruyne shared a series of photographs from their demolition of Luton and wrote a caption that read, “Good morning, how may I assist you?”

    Since joining Manchester City, the Norwegian goal-scoring sensation has shattered numerous records and achieved multiple hat-tricks.

    However, his latest feat marked the first occasion where he scored three or more goals in an away match for the club.

    Following the game, he expressed gratitude towards Kevin De Bruyne for his assists and praised the 32-year-old as ‘massive’.

    With their confidence soaring, Pep Guardiola’s team will now prepare to face their rivals Manchester United in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday, as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.

  • City’s goal machine! Haaland nets five goals in clash against Luton, with 4 assists from De Bruyne

    City’s goal machine! Haaland nets five goals in clash against Luton, with 4 assists from De Bruyne

    Erling Haaland etched his name in history by netting five goals in Manchester City’s commanding 6-2 victory over Luton in the FA Cup.

    Kevin De Bruyne also played a pivotal role, contributing four assists in what proved to be an extraordinary match.

    However, it was Haaland who stole the spotlight, becoming the first Manchester City player since 1926 to score five goals in an FA Cup fixture.

    This achievement matched the feat of Frank Roberts, who accomplished a similar feat nearly a century ago in an 11-4 demolition of Crystal Palace.

    Haaland wasted no time in making his mark, finding the net within minutes of kickoff after De Bruyne expertly set him up with a precise pass from Matheus Nunes.

    The duo continued to wreak havoc on Luton’s defense, with Haaland adding another goal following an impressive long ball from Stefan Ortega, expertly assisted by De Bruyne.

    Despite Luton’s goalkeeper thwarting Haaland’s attempts at securing a hat-trick, the Norwegian striker capitalised on another sublime pass from De Bruyne, gracefully chipping the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper, Tim Krul.

    The match also saw Luton clawing their way back into contention, with Clark unleashing a stunning strike from 25 yards out, assisted by Barkley, to bring the score to 3-2.

    However, City’s dominance prevailed as they continued to assert their superiority, ultimately sealing a convincing victory in a memorable FA Cup encounter.

  • Kevin De Bruyne to Saudi? Pep speaks on midfielder’s future

    Kevin De Bruyne to Saudi? Pep speaks on midfielder’s future

    Pep Guardiola has addressed speculation surrounding Kevin De Bruyne’s potential departure from Manchester City, amidst reported interest from the MLS and Saudi Pro League.

    De Bruyne, whose contract with the Cityzens runs until 2025, has emerged as a target for clubs in both the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.

    With negotiations for a new deal with the Premier League outfit yet to materialise, the 32-year-old could entertain the possibility of leaving the team during the upcoming summer transfer window.

    In response to queries about De Bruyne’s future, manager Guardiola expressed his desire to see the Belgian midfielder conclude his career at the Etihad Stadium.

    However, he emphasised that the ultimate decision rests with De Bruyne himself.

    Speaking to reporters, the Catalan manager said, “It’s a question for him; I’d love for him to stay but I don’t know. I heard some links but I don’t know if there’s an offer. I don’t know if Saudi Arabia wants him. I would love for him to stay until the end of his career, but everyone is everyone.”

    Numerous reports indicate that the Saudi Pro League is gearing up to present a tempting offer to lure the Manchester City star to the Middle East for the upcoming season.

    In contrast, The Athletic suggests another potential path for the former Chelsea player, hinting at a scenario akin to Lionel Messi’s recent contract, which could see him earning approximately $150 million over two years.

    The star midfielder’s next appearance for his club is set for Tuesday, as they face Luton Town in a fifth-round FA Cup clash at Kenilworth Road.

  • Life in Saudi Arabia “is so hard” – Riyad Mahrez’s wife Taylor Ward opens up

    Life in Saudi Arabia “is so hard” – Riyad Mahrez’s wife Taylor Ward opens up

    Taylor Ward, the wife of Riyad Mahrez, has candidly discussed the challenges of adjusting to life in Saudi Arabia following the winger’s transfer during the summer.

    Ward shared her emotional journey on “Married To The Game,” a reality series that showcases the experiences of partners of footballers including Ilkay Gundogan, Jorginho, Matt Turner, and James Tarkowski.

    The Algerian’s move to the Saudi Pro League after 10 seasons in England came as a shock to Ward, who suddenly faced the prospect of moving away from her native Manchester with the couple’s young daughter. “I feel like it is so hard, there are times I can’t, I just don’t like it,” confessed Ward.

    The model recounted a story where she asked to use the hotel pool, only to be told it was off limits. “I won’t lie, I had a freakout yesterday. I called the hotel to ask, ‘I’m coming with my baby, What do people wear around the pool?’, I know it is a lot more conservative there and you have to dress a certain way. ‘

    “I said, ‘I just want to check when I come with a baby: what is the best thing to wear, Do I need to wear something covered if I am going in the water?’ “They were like, ‘Oh no, sorry, it’s just a man’s pool, it is just a gents pool’”.


    The summer transfer window in Saudi Arabia witnessed a surge in the signings of top-tier players, marking an unprecedented spending spree in the league. However, reports suggest that several players and their families have encountered difficulties adapting to life in the kingdom.

    England’s Jordan Henderson terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq after just five months, despite enduring significant financial consequences, as he struggled to settle in the league. Eager to continue playing European football ahead of this summer’s European Championship, the midfielder subsequently joined Dutch powerhouse Ajax.

    Meanwhile, on the field, Riyad Mahrez’s Al-Ahli team has encountered challenges, failing to mount a title challenge and suffering defeat upon their return from the Saudi winter break last week.

    Currently positioned third in the league table, they trail leaders Al-Hilal by 16 points and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr by nine. Mahrez and his teammates are set to face struggling Al-Tai in their upcoming match this Saturday.

  • Haaland shuts his critics with the winning goal in Brentford clash – Pep

    Haaland shuts his critics with the winning goal in Brentford clash – Pep

    Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland shut his critics up by scoring the only goal in Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Brentford.

    Haaland had nine attempts without scoring in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Saturday and missed a golden chance with a second-half header.

    But against Brentford on Tuesday, the Norway striker, whose grandmother passed away last week, scored his 22nd goal of the season to hand City a narrow win and close the gap with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League to one point.

    “Top scorers, top strikers, score a lot of goals; don’t criticise; he will shut your mouth,” Guardiola said. “Sooner or later, he is there. He was out for two months; he lost his grandmother. It is not easy for a human being. In this type of game like Brentford, you need Erling.“

    City had 31 shots against Chelsea and another 25 against Brentford for a combined two goals. It looked like a frustrating night against Thomas Frank’s side before defender Kristoffer Ajer slipped midway through the second half to allow Haaland to race onto Julián Álvarez’s pass and score the winner.

    “I think throughout the game we were brilliant,” Frank said. “Very proud and pleased with the players’ performance. They believed and it gives me a lot of belief in them going forward.

    “If he doesn’t slip, I’m convinced it would not be a goal. Haaland is quick but Kristoffer is as quick. City are good so they don’t need the margins going their way.”

    In the aftermath of the match, Guardiola disclosed that Kevin De Bruyne was omitted from the starting lineup against Brentford due to discomfort in his hamstring. The midfielder, who previously endured a five-month absence following hamstring surgery, was included on the bench for Tuesday’s game. However, despite being listed as a substitute, the 32-year-old did not participate in warm-ups before or during the match.

    “Today we could not use Kevin because he had niggles in his hamstring and I didn’t want to take a risk,” Guardiola said. “He is OK. Just precaution because he didn’t feel comfortable and after five months off, we didn’t take any risk.”

    Brentford manager Thomas Frank lamented the misstep that led to Haaland’s goal.

    “It was an unlucky situation, if Kristoffer doesn’t slip, I’m convinced it was never going to be a goal,” said Frank. “Haaland is quick, but Kristoffer is just as quick and it would never have been a goal. City are good enough with their quality, they don’t need the margins going their way.

    “I think we needed it more than them.”

  • Kalvin Phillips felt ‘useless’ with little game time at Man City

    Kalvin Phillips felt ‘useless’ with little game time at Man City

    Kalvin Phillips has opened up about his departure from Manchester City, expressing feelings of being ‘useless’ during his time at the club.

    Phillips, who joined West Ham United on loan during the January transfer window, had only made four league appearances for Manchester City this season. Since his move from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, he has made just 16 league appearances for the club.

    His debut for West Ham against Bournemouth was marred by a mistake early in the match, and he faced criticism from Roy Keane following an error against Manchester United last weekend.

    However, Phillips is gradually regaining match fitness after struggling with a shoulder injury.

    Despite the challenges, Phillips admitted feeling ‘very sad’ about leaving Manchester City and revealed feeling ‘useless’ during his time at the Etihad.

    “It’s obviously a massive decision for me and my family, but I think it was a decision that I needed to make because I wasn’t getting much game time,” he told West Ham’s official website.

    “The one thing that I wanted when I left Man City in January was to be back playing and to be enjoying myself playing football as well. When you don’t play football for so long, you kind of feel a little bit useless because you’ve not been doing anything. So, for me, it was just more coming to a good club with good fans and just enjoying my football again.”

    The 28-year-old added: “I was very sad when I knew that my next step had to be to move on, but I got over that quite quickly and was just more excited than anything to get down here and see the place and see how London is, which is very busy. I was very excited to get going.”

    Phillips will be hoping for a run of games at West Ham so he can regain his form in view of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

  • Poch content with results from City-Chelsea game

    Poch content with results from City-Chelsea game

    Mauricio Pochettino expressed delight at Chelsea’s spirited performance in their 1-1 draw with champions Manchester City at the Etihad.

    Raheem Sterling’s goal put the Blues ahead just before half-time, but Rodri’s late equalizer salvaged a draw. Despite Chelsea’s inconsistent Premier League campaign, Pochettino, 51, found encouragement in their latest performance.

    The Argentine told the BBC: “I’m so pleased. I told the players I feel so proud. In the last three games we’ve started to create a very good spirit. 

    “That’s the way we want to build our team. Today was a very good opportunity to show we’re going where we want.

    “The first half was really, really good. We only conceded one chance — against a team like Manchester City who, for me, are the best team in the world.

    “In the second half they force you to go deep, but we created chances to score the second goal and things could have been different. 

    “It’s important that the players realise that football is really competitive and to reach the level we want, we need to suffer.”

    Chelsea looked dangerous on the counter throughout the game, with Nicolas Jackson missing an early chance from Malo Gusto’s cross. Ederson also denied Sterling a second goal from point-blank range in the second half.

    Despite City’s 71% possession, they were frustrated by Chelsea. Pochettino will be hoping his side can replicate this performance in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool next Sunday. He previewed the encounter and emphasized the importance of his side believing they can lift the trophy at Wembley.

    He added: “Now we have a very good game against Liverpool [in the Carabao Cup final]. 

    “The most important thing is to keep believing. Now we have to recover and prepare for the game as well as possible.”

  • Man City and Chelsea share spoils

    Man City and Chelsea share spoils

    Rodri’s late equalizer salvaged a point for Manchester City against Chelsea, maintaining their long unbeaten home record but losing ground in the title race. Despite this, it was seen as a point gained considering how close they came to defeat.

    Chelsea took the lead just before half-time through Raheem Sterling, who finished off a brilliant counter-attack by curling his shot home after meeting Nicolas Jackson’s cross and cutting inside Kyle Walker.

    The visitors threatened on the break throughout the game, with Jackson and Sterling both missing chances to extend their lead. City had their opportunities too, with Erling Haaland missing a glaring header from a Kevin de Bruyne cross.

    City faced their first home league defeat since November 2022 until Rodri’s strike in the 83rd minute. His ferocious first-time shot took a slight deflection off Chelsea‘s Trevoh Chalobah on its way into the net.

    The draw sees City drop to third in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand. Chelsea, minutes away from a third successive away win, remain in 10th place but head to the Carabao Cup final on a positive note.