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Tag: Manchester City

  • Rice labels Bellingham ‘the future of English football’

    Declan Rice has described Jude Bellingham as “the future of English football”, claiming his international midfield partner is the most talented 19-year-old he has ever seen.

    Although England suffered relegation from the top tier of the Nations League last week, Bellingham has done no harm to his chances of starting at the upcoming World Cup during the international break.

    With Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips enduring an injury-blighted campaign, Bellingham started alongside Rice in matches against Italy and Germany, impressing in a box-to-box role.

    In Monday’s 3-3 draw with Germany, Bellingham led England’s charts for passes completed (41), touches (67), touches in the opposition box (six), duels won (eight), tackles won, interceptions and fouls won (all three).

    Rice believes the Borussia Dortmund star’s all-round ability is unique for someone of his age, telling the Daily Mirror: “I don’t think I’ve seen anyone as good as he is for 19.

    “I look at a lot of 19-year-olds, whether it’s at a club, around the world, around the country. To have the whole package is a hard thing and I feel like he’s got that.

    “He’s 19 but he’s got the body of a 28-year-old – he’s a man. He thinks like a man, plays like a man and shows personality and character.

    “I’ve been around and played so many more games than he has in my career, but you can just tell as a 19-year-old what he brings to the team already, the energy he’s got.

    “He can play in a holding role, he can play as an eight, he can play as a 10.

    “He’s a man – you can see it when he plays for Dortmund. As a 19-year-old, you’re normally scared to talk to the referee but he’s in the referee’s face demanding answers, demanding decisions and he leaves himself on the pitch constantly.

    “He really pushes you on the pitch. We push each other on and it’s a privilege to play next to him.


     

  • Hayes admits Chelsea were lucky in City win

    Emma Hayes admitted Chelsea were fortunate to beat Manchester City after recovering from a poor first-half showing to claim a 2-0 win.

    The champions got their Women’s Super League season up and running thanks to goals from Fran Kirby and Maren Mjelde after the break at a sold-out Kingsmeadow.

    It was harsh on City, who registered more shots on target than their counterparts and were particularly dominant during the opening period.

    But after coming through that pressure to claim their first points of the season following an opening weekend defeat to Liverpool, the Blues boss felt her side ultimately deserved the win.

    Hayes, 45, said: “I thought we over-played in the first half and just kept playing ourselves into trouble.

    “We went from kicking long against Liverpool last week to now playing out in every situation and giving Man City their best chances.

    “To say we didn’t carry out the game plan is unfair to the team but we over-carried out the game plan and played ourselves into trouble.

    “In the second half, we adapted something to draw them underneath and play in the right moments, which really worked, but they also stopped pressing.

    “We were lucky in the first half and a little bit tentative. It felt like today was the season opener rather than last week and it was two teams without momentum, but I thought it was comfortable in the end after a poor first half.”

    Positive signs for new-look City

    Gareth Taylor saw positives despite Manchester City's winless start to the season
    Gareth Taylor saw positives despite Manchester City’s winless start to the season

    It is now two defeats from two for the Citizens after a shock 4-3 loss to Aston Villa on the opening weekend.

    But following a summer of upheaval with plenty of personnel changes, manager Gareth Taylor was encouraged by a lot of what he saw on Sunday despite the result.

    On their winless start, he said: “It’s not great but it is what it is.

    “We’ve had two away games, two tough away games. We’ve gone to Villa who are a new team and have done tremendously well on the day and coming here was always going to be difficult.

    “They don’t really give much away, Chelsea — they lost last week, something was going to give today but I think the reaction and the levels that we showed today was really impressive and gives us something to build on.

    “Our situation now is slightly different to what we had last season. It’s not injuries, it’s just a new team and new players to bed in.

    “These will be really good players and this will be a really good team. Unfortunately at the moment we’ve had a couple of defeats which are tough to take but I think there were really positive signs there today.”

    Park shines in Merseyside derby

    Jess Park scored a wonderful solo goal during Everton's 3-0 win in the Merseyside derby
    Jess Park scored a wonderful solo goal during Everton’s 3-0 win in the Merseyside derby

    Brian Sorensen hailed Jess Park’s extraordinary display as Everton ran out 3-0 winners against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby in front of 27,000 at Anfield.

    The 20-year-old forward, who is on loan from Manchester City, scored undoubtedly the pick of the goals after showing composure to round goalkeeper Rachael Laws and stroke home.

    The Toffees boss said: “I’m really happy. I think the girls did exactly what we’ve been training on. In a game like this to have the coolness and calmness to do well.

    “Jess has been a bit sick last week. In pre-season she hasn’t had the best ride so we are really lucky that she performed today and she was extraordinary.

    “We are putting in a strategy in terms of how we want to play in a clear plan. The identity we want to show is really aggressive, our pressure was good today but we were composed.

    “We saw the situation and we did not always have to send it long and chase it all the time.”

    Park’s performance has led to calls for the youngster to gain international recognition with England.

    While Sarina Wiegman has a wealth of options in the Lionesses’ attack, Kelly Smith believes the forward has all the attributes to be a future star for the European champions.

    The former England forward told Sky Sports: “If she keeps working hard, and she’s got all the vision, technique, pace and power, the world is her oyster.”

    Record crowds ‘just the start’

    Beth Mead scored the opener in Arsenal's 4-0 win over Tottenham, which was watched by a record crowd
    Beth Mead scored the opener in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Tottenham, which was watched by a record crowd

    Arsenal star Beth Mead says the record WSL crowd for the North London derby is a sign of things to come for women’s football.

    Mead, 27, scored a superb opener in the Gunners’ 4-0 victory over Tottenham, which was watched by 47,367 at the Emirates Stadium.

    It follows a record-breaking summer for the women’s game, with England’s victorious Euro 2022 final against Germany attracting 87,192 spectators at Wembley — the most for a men’s or women’s European Championship showpiece.

    Player of the Tournament Mead said: “It was incredible what we did in the summer but now we want to continue this and hopefully this is still just the beginning.

    “I’ve never experienced that before, the fans were incredible.”

    England captain and Arsenal team-mate Leah Williamson added: “It was incredible. Days like this, you want to celebrate the occasion but, actually, we have a job to do and we need to make sure we win, and that’s what we did and quite convincingly as well.

    “It’s almost a relief we have performed in a way that might bring them back again. The occasion is great but you still have to turn up and do the job, and people still have to turn up next time.

    “I feel very privileged because I have had an opportunity in an England shirt and an Arsenal shirt to be in these record-breaking crowds, it feels incredible.

    “But I’m proud it’s Arsenal and it’s fitting that the club who have always been here for women’s football have pushed the boundaries and set new boundaries again.

    “Setting another record on the back of the summer is exactly what we wanted.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Yaya Toure is my idol; he is the best – Ghanaian midfielder Baba Alhassan

    Ghanaian international, Baba Alhassan has opened up about his love for Ivorian football legend Yaya Toure.

    According to the FC Hermannstadt central midfielder, he is a big fan of the former Manchester City hero and hopes to reach his level in the future.

    “Premier League (England) and Yaya Toure. I love the football there, especially for the dedication and involvement in every game, and as for Yaya…Yes, he is the best,” Baba Alhassan said in an interview for LPF.ro.

    The youngster further disclosed that this season, he wants to improve his goal involvement at FC Hermannstadt.

    “Personally, my goal is to help the team and score goals. If the assists come, so much the better! Here we are like a family and we take care of each other. We respect each other a lot,” the midfielder said.

    Prior to the international break, Baba Alhassan displayed fantastic form. This season, he has made 10 appearances in the Romanian Superliga where he has contributed six goals and one assist.

    Source: footballghana

     

  • Jude available for £83m as top-four rivals step up pursuit

    Jude Bellingham will reportedly be available for just £83million next summer as long as the fee is paid up front.

    The midfielder, 19, is being chased by Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United thanks to his accomplished performances for Borussia Dortmund and England.

    His current employers are believed to want £130m to let him go but The Sun claim that their demands could take a significant reduction in order to secure the cash in a one-off payment.

    The report adds that Pep Guardiola’s Citizens believe they have the money and draw to ensure they beat their rivals to the signature of one of the brightest talents in world football.

    City won the race for former Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland last summer and the Norwegian has already racked up 11 goals in seven Premier League appearances.

    Bellingham enjoys a good relationship with the prolific marksman and spoke highly of his former team-mate ahead of Dortmund’s Champions League defeat against the Citizens.

    Liverpool have long been thought to be in pole position to sign the playmaker, who has made 100 first-team appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, as Jurgen Klopp looks to refresh his ageing midfield.

    Big-spending Manchester United and Chelsea will also have their say in the pursuit, while Real Madrid have also been tipped to make a move.

    In other news

    Emi Martinez's performances have caught the eye of Atletico Madrid
    Emi Martinez’s performances have caught the eye of Atletico Madrid

    Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on Aston Villa stopper Emi Martinez in case they need a replacement for Jan Oblak, according to The Mirror.

    The same outlet claim that Chelsea are ready to shell out £30m to land 17-year-old Fulham forward Luke Harris, who is in the Wales squad for tonight’s clash with Poland.

    United are preparing to trigger a 12-month extension clause in Marcus Rashford’s contract to avoid losing him for nothing as talks drag on, report the Daily Star.

    Source: Livescore

  • Jack Grealish says criticism of England boss Gareth Southgate was ‘very harsh

    Criticism of England manager Gareth Southgate this summer was “very harsh”, Jack Grealish has said.

    England failed to win any of their four Nations League games in June, including 1-0 and 4-0 defeats by Hungary.

    “I thought it was harsh but sometimes that’s what you get if you’re English. I’ve had my fair share,” Manchester City winger Grealish said.

    “We reached the [Euro 2020] final last year – then [there was] the [loss to] Hungary at the start of the last camp, but before that the last time we’d lost a game over 90 minutes was Belgium in November 2020.”

    England drew with Italy and Germany either side of the defeats by Hungary in internationals at the end of the last league season.

    After the four games, Football Association chairwoman Debbie Hewitt insisted English football’s governing body has confidence in Southgate.

    Grealish was speaking prior to England’s Nations League games against Italy on Friday and Germany three days later, which are the team’s last fixtures before the 2022 World Cup.

    The attacking midfielder, who was signed for £100m by City from Aston Villa, also responded to remarks from club team-mate Kevin de Bruyne who suggested that English players are treated more harshly in the media.

    “I can obviously see where he’s coming from a little bit,” said Grealish.

    “But I think that’s just the way it is in this country, especially if you’re myself, playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, who are winning trophies every single year.

    “Obviously when I have the price tag on my head that I have, people are going to want to talk. It’s just something that I need to [get on with].

    “I keep going back to it, saying embrace it and it’s just part and parcel, but I do see where he’s coming from a little bit.”

    Source: BBCsports

  • Keira Walsh completes world-record move to Barcelona from Man City

    Barcelona has signed a world-record deal with England midfielder Keira Walsh, who leaves Manchester City.

    The fee, £400,000, breaks the previous record for a female player set by Chelsea, who paid more than £250,000 for Pernille Harder in 2020.

    The 25-year-old follows fellow England international Lucy Bronze in swapping Manchester for Barcelona.

    Defensive midfielder Walsh, who has signed a three-year-deal with Barca, played an influential role in England’s Euro 2022 triumph.

    She won the Player of the Match award in the 2-1 extra-time final win over Germany at Wembley.

    City had turned down previous bids made by the Catalan club, who won their third successive Primera Division title last season.

    Barcelona are currently without Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Alexia Putellas, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament while training with Spain in July before the Euros.

    Walsh has been ever-present for City since making her debut in 2014, making 211 appearances and winning eight major trophies with her childhood club.

    She played 18 times for Gareth Taylor’s side in the Women’s Super League last season, scoring once and registering nine assists.

    Since earning her first cap for England in 2017, Walsh has made 50 appearances for the Lionesses.

    City have also lost England midfielder Georgia Stanway to Bayern Munich and Scotland’s Caroline Weir to Real Madrid this summer, while both Ellen White and Jill Scott announced their retirement from football last month.

  • Guardiola lauds Grealish upon return from injury

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has commended Jack Grealish for his efforts after returning from injury.

    Grealish played an hour in his first game back from injury in Tuesday’s 4-0 Champions League win at Sevilla.

    At a post-game press conference, Guardiola said “Jack arrived incredible in the pre-season,”

    “In the first game against West Ham unfortunately he had a little injury. It’s important for him to have again this 53, 60 minutes. The pitch was uncomfortable for the players. He was so aggressive in the first half, more than aggressive than Phil [Foden] in terms of goal and making the movements in there,” he added.

    According to him, the club’s needs Grealish this season.

    “Jack will be so important. He played a really good game,” he said.

    Due to Grealish’s injury, he did not play any game since City’s 4-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth on August 13

    The pressure is on the 26-year-old England international, who underwhelmed in his first season at City after joining from Aston Villa in August last year for £100million.

    Grealish played 38 times, scoring six goals in all competitions last season for City, but did not live up to the expectations of his hefty transfer fee, nor play with his typical freedom.

    The midfielder started and played 62 minutes against Sevilla, and while he did not score or provide an assist, Guardiola was delighted with his return.

     

    Guardiola was also rapt with the debut of deadline-day signing Manuel Akanji, who only joined team training earlier this week following his move from Borussia Dortmund.

    “We are delighted, just training one day and a half with us,” Guardiola said.

    “He showed in Dortmund his experience in Europe. A really, really good central defender that City bought to us.

    “He played really well, his focus, attention. He has a quality quite similar to Aymer [Laporte], he can break the lines with a pass. He read the spaces really well. I am very pleased for him.”

    Erling Haaland grabbed two of City’s four goals, taking his season tally to 12 since his move from Dortmund.

    “I think his numbers in his career, not just here, in previous teams is quite similar,” Guardiola told BT Sport. “He has an incredible sense of goal.”

    Haaland became the first City player to score on both his Premier League debut and Champions League debut for the club.

    The 22-year-old is also the fastest player to 25 goals in Champions League history, coming across 20 games, bettering Ruud van Nistelrooy and Filippo Inzaghi’s mark of 30 games.


     

  • Deadline day: Chelsea want Aubameyang & Liverpool chase Arthur – transfer news

    Four hours to go

    Here are the completed deals involving Premier League sides so far today:

    Confirmed signings:

    Manuel Akanji – [Borussia Dortmund - Manchester City] Undisclosed

    Antony – [Ajax - Manchester United] £82m

    Wout Faes – [Reims - Leicester City] Undisclosed

    Willy Boly – [Wolves - Nottingham Forest] Undisclosed

    Jack Stephens – [Southampton – Bournemouth] Loan

    Layvin Kurzawa – [PSG – Fulham] Loan

    Idrissa Gueye – [PSG – Everton] Undisclosed

    Martin Dubravka [Newcastle United – Manchester United] Loan

    Willian – [Unattached – Fulham] Free

    Source; BBCsports

  • Erling Haaland breaks Premier League goalscoring record in 6-0

    Famed for being a tough league to adapt to, Erling Haaland is taking to the Premier League like a duck to water.

    After scoring his first hat-trick for Manchester City at the weekend — in its 4-2 win over Crystal Palace — having joined from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, Haaland repeated the feat on Wednesday night.
    It took the Norwegian striker just 26 minutes between his first and third goal in the first half to complete the feat, as City romped to a 6-0 win over newly-promoted Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium.

    It means that Haaland has now scored a remarkable nine goals in his first five Premier League appearances, breaking the previous record of eight set by Mick Quinn and City’s all-time top goalscorer, Sergio Agüero.
    Afterwards, Haaland hailed his teammates and the impact they’ve had on his game, calling the team’s performance “amazing.”
    “It was about keep doing what we did in the second half against Crystal Palace,” he said

  • Transfer Talk: Magpies eye late deals after strong start to the season

    Mega-rich Newcastle had been surprisingly restrained before snapping up Alexander Isak on Friday — but the Magpies could still splash more cash before the transfer window slams shut.

    Eddie Howe’s men have made an admirable start to the season, drawing 3-3 with reigning champions Manchester City last Sunday to maintain their unbeaten status.

    But Iska was just the fourth signing of the summer, joining Nick Pope, Sven Botman and former loanee Matt Targett at St James’ Park.

    Ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Wolves this afternoon, we take a look at where they could strengthen in the coming days.

    Picky Magpies

    Howe has made it clear that Newcastle only intend to make signings that improve the quality of their squad.

    He said: “If there’s a player that we can attract that we can afford and all the other things that you need to fall into place, I want to sign the best player I can.

    “But it needs to fit. Everything, those are the conditions that we’ve got and are proving quite difficult.

    “It’s a small pool of players but not through us not widening the search — it’s because there’s not a huge amount of players that will make our group better and that’s the confidence [we have] in the players we have. I think we’ve got a really good squad.

    “Certainly, I’d love to add someone that can make us better but that is very difficult.

    “Our search has been high and wide and far-reaching but I don’t expect the pool of players that we have to pick from to change between now and the end of the window.”

    Joao Pedro

    Despite spending £60m on Isak, the Magpies could yet target further firepower up front.

    They have been linked with a plethora of strikers since the beginning of the window, including Hugo Ekitike, Liam Delap and Goncalo Ramos.

    The latest target appears to be Watford’s Joao Pedro. The Brazilian, 20, is also capable of operating on the left and Newcastle have reportedly submitted a bid worth up to £30m for the young attacker.

    Alongside new man Isak, Howe’s present central striking options are Callum Wilson and Chris Wood — but both are 30 and the former has often struggled with injury issues.

    Acquiring another young, energetic alternative would be a smart move by the Magpies.

    James Maddison

     

    James Maddison has already struck twice for struggling Leicester this term
    James Maddison has already struck twice for struggling Leicester this term

    An area where Newcastle clearly need quality reinforcements is in central midfield.

    Their first-choice trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock and Joelinton has looked bright in the Tynesiders’ opening three games — however, there is not a great deal of depth beyond them, with only the injured Jonjo Shelvey likely to dislodge any of his team-mates upon his return.

    The Magpies reportedly made a bid of £50m plus add-ons for Leicester’s James Maddison at the start of the month, signalling their intent to upgrade in the centre of the park.

    The 25-year-old’s 12 Premier League goals last season is one more than the aforementioned Newcastle trio managed between them in 2021-22, so he would clearly add firepower to Howe’s armoury.

    Jack Harrison

    Jack Harrison has started this season in impressive creative form for Leeds
    Jack Harrison has started this season in impressive creative form for Leeds

    Newcastle already possess a winger of exceptional quality in Allan Saint-Maximin.

    But on the opposite side, Miguel Almiron — for all his endeavour and industry — is simply not of the same calibre.

    The Paraguayan scored just one Premier League goal in 30 appearances last season and did not register an assist.

    Reserve options Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy do not represent an obvious step up in quality either — hence the Magpies’ pursuit of a top-class wide man.

    They chose to walk away from the hefty-priced Moussa Diaby of Bayer Leverkusen and have since turned their attention to 25-year-old Leeds star Jack Harrison.

    The Magpies have reportedly been rebuffed twice in their efforts to land the left-footed winger, though, with bids of around the £20m mark deemed insufficient by the Yorkshire outfit.

    Left-back cover

    Newcastle would benefit from acquiring another left-back to compete with Matt Targett
    Newcastle would benefit from acquiring another left-back to compete with Matt Targett

    Left-back is not a position of immediate concern, given Targett’s loan deal has just been made permanent.

    However, the former Aston Villa full-back picked up an injury against Nottingham Forest on the opening day, with Dan Burn called upon to fill in.

    The towering defender played in that position frequently for Brighton, though Howe clearly sees him primarily as a centre-back and would prefer to utilise him in the middle.

    Despite that desire, Burn has been selected on the left ahead of Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett and Jamal Lewis — indicating a lack of trust in those options.

    If Howe can move some of his fringe players on, finding a capable alternative to Targett may be an avenue he looks to pursue.

    Source:livescore

  • Manchester City vs Crystal Palace predictions: Hosts to triumph

    Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will be well aware of the threat posed by Crystal Palace when they host the Eagles for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.

    Palace’s record of two wins and a draw from their last four Premier League games at the Etihad speaks for itself and they have already upset the apple cart this season, nabbing a point at Anfield earlier this month.

    City are looking to return to winning ways after a thrilling 3-3 draw with an Allan Saint-Maximin-inspired Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekend.

    Pep Guardiola’s men, who showed their mettle when coming from two goals down on Tyneside, can expect to face another couple of deadly dribblers in the visiting Eagles team this weekend, with Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze both starting the season in fine form.

    Team news

    City’s latest injury problem concerns Kalvin Phillips, who sustained an injury in their midweek friendly with Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

    The England midfielder had only played one minute of Premier League football in the first three games of the campaign, but his loss comes at a time when Guardiola would have been looking to rotate more.

    Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri will therefore probably all start in the engine room once more, although the Catalan coach could drop Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden into deeper roles in order to freshen up the attack.

    Aymeric Laporte remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery over the summer, while Jack Grealish (ligament) and Nathan Ake (groin) are both doubts.

    Ruben Dias, who replaced Ake in the first half against the Magpies last Sunday, is set to be recalled at centre-back — alongside John Stones, Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo in City’s back four.

    Patrick Vieira experimented with his formation in Palace’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool two weeks ago, opting for a 5-4-1 at Anfield, and could re-implement the system on Saturday.

    That would probably see Odsonne Edouard, one of only two from last weekend’s line-up to start against Oxford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, dropping back down to the bench.

    Zaha would switch back to a roaming role in attack with Nathaniel Clyne returning to a full-back role and Joel Ward moving inside as one of three central defenders.

    Edouard’s place is under threat even if Vieira sticks with a 4-3-3 system that was deployed at home to Aston Villa last weekend after fellow striker Jean-Philippe Mateta popped up with a crucial goal off the bench.

    On the injury front, James McArthur is doubtful with a groin problem, while James Tomkins (calf), Jack Butland (broken wrist) and Nathan Ferguson (foot) all remain sidelined for the visitors.

    The stats

     

    Wilfried Zaha has made a fine start to the season
    Wilfried Zaha has made a fine start to the season

    City have lost just two of their last 54 league games played at 3pm on Saturdays, both of those defeats came against Palace.

    City (3.77) and Palace (2.93) finished first and second for the most expected goals created in the division last weekend.

    De Bruyne has assisted goals in all three of City’s Premier League matches this term and his 12 chances created is the most of any player in the top flight.

    Eze, who has been involved in six goals in his last eight league starts away from home, has recorded the most successful dribbles (14) in the division.

    Eagles winger Zaha is off to a flying start in 2022-23, netting three times in three appearances after registering a career-best 14 goals last term.

    Prediction

    City cannot take anything for granted against the Eagles this weekend and will probably refocus on solidifying their structure after the rare occurrence of them conceding three times last weekend.

    Palace’s objective will be to block off all the usual passing lanes that Guardiola’s men are trained to exploit, which is where five across the back will stand them in good stead in defending the wide overloads City love to create.

    Zaha could be cut adrift in attack, however, and that will limit their prospects of counter-attacking on City or earning attacking set-pieces from which to score.

    The champions could well win this with a clean sheet if it all goes to plan, although they will be made to work hard for their openings.

    Source:livescore.com

  • Guardiola believes Haaland signing shows Man City are elite

    Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola has made comments suggesting that the signing of major players is because his side is an elite club.

    Man City in May signed Erling Haaland, who was also on the wish list of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

    An amount of £51.2million (€60m) was spent to get the striker.

    Guardiola told BBC’s Football Focus that Man City has been able to create a niche for themselves, hence contributed to the signing of the Norway international.

    “Yeah, maybe it’s right. We cannot deny how incredible his numbers and talent are. From what I saw of him so far, he’s a huge competitor in every training session, he’s incredibly focused to do it, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

    “But we had a lot of legends here, whose contribution has been [important] to the way we are right now. Sergio, Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, David Silva, many of these,” Guardiola added.

    Man City have lifted the Premier League trophy four times in the six full seasons in England, and according to Guardiola, that can now attract players who would previously have preferred huge European clubs such as Bayern, Madrid or Barcelona.

    “You’re right, maybe we could not do it or they choose another club, because the charisma of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid was higher than us. In the highest [level] of Europe, we are new, just one decade, and they have long, long histories.

    And maybe you’re right. We know the most followed strikers or players now come here, that is the proof that we have done really well. I remember in pre-season, in the [United] States five years or six years ago, there were few blue shirts in the stands. These last games against Bayern Munich and [Club] America [in July], there was a lot.

    “People follow the winners and we won a lot in these last years, and people support us around the world, which is incredible. It’s a big honour,” he said.

    Haaland has started brightly, scoring three goals in his first three league games.

    The Norway international is just the third player to score on both of his first two away trips in the Premier League for City, after Emmanuel Adebayor and Emile Mpenza, having followed up his opening-game double at West Ham with a goal in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Sunday.

    City’s all-time record goalscorer Sergio Aguero, meanwhile, is the only other player to score twice on his Premier League debut for the club, having done so against Swansea City in August 2011.

     

  • Carabao Cup draw: Chelsea and Man City to clash in third round

    The third round of the Carabao Cup tournament will see Manchester City and Chelsea face off at the Eithad Stadium.

    From November 8-10, 2022, several other clubs will also compete in the third round.

    The other games include; Nottingham Forest v Tottenham and Manchester United against Aston Villa.

    Liverpool will go up against Derby County, whereas Newport County and Gillingham will travel to Leicester City and Brentford respectively.

    Arsenal will play Brighton, Wolves will host Leeds, Newcastle shall take on Crystal Palace and Bournemouth faces Everton.

    Full draw:

    Leicester v Newport County

    West Ham v Blackburn

    Wolves v Leeds

    Nottingham Forest v Tottenham

    Manchester United v Aston Villa

    Bournemouth v Everton

    Liverpool v Derby

    Burnley v Crawley

    Bristol City v Lincoln

    Manchester City v Chelsea

    Stevenage v Charlton

    MK Dons v Morecambe

    Newcastle v Crystal Palace

    Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday

    Arsenal v Brighton

    Brentford v Gillingham

  • Haaland cites ‘insanely good’ Benzema as inspiration as he looks to evolve

    Erling Haaland, a striker for Manchester City, has pledged to constantly improve at the Etihad Stadium and has credited the “insanely talented” Karim Benzema as his inspiration.

    Since moving to England for £51 million (€60 million) from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has established himself well, scoring three goals in as many Premier League games for the league leaders.

    In the race to sign the Norway international, City beat out some of the biggest clubs in the world, including defending LaLiga and Champions League champion Real Madrid.

    Madrid talisman Benzema played an instrumental role during their successful 2021-22 season, top-scoring in both competitions along the way, while he recently surpassed Raul (323) as the club’s second-leading marksman of all-time behind only Cristiano Ronaldo (450).

    The 34-year-old appears certain to be in the running for the top prize at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, and his recent exploits have provided inspiration for a player 12 years his junior.

    “I don’t know what will happen, but it must always be about learning, about developing,” Haaland told FourFourTwo. “You can never stop looking for new ways to become better.

    “Look at Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. He’s 34 now and suddenly, he’s developed into an even better player over the last couple of years that’s insanely good. I want to always do that.”

    Source:livescore.com

  • Man City executive Soriano expects Silva to stay despite Barcelona interest

    Bernardo Silva will stay at Manchester City despite Barcelona’s interest in signing the midfielder, according to the Premier League champions’ chief executive Ferran Soriano.

    Barcelona have enjoyed a busy transfer window as they attempt to close the gap on last season’s LaLiga and Champions League winners Real Madrid, signing Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, while they also hope to bring in Marcos Alonso from Chelsea.

    But the Blaugrana have also been credited with a strong interest in Silva, who refused to rule out a move earlier this month when declaring City “know what I want”.

    Silva could make a Camp Nou appearance on Wednesday when City take on Barca in a friendly arranged to raise funds to fight motor neurone disease, but Soriano is adamant the Portugal midfielder will not be returning to Barcelona on a more permanent basis.

    Speaking to El Chiringuito de Jugones, Soriano said: “Of course, I can say that Bernardo Silva will stay at Man City.”

    Pep Guardiola has also affirmed his desire to keep Silva on multiple occasions.

    Silva made 50 appearances for City in all competitions last season, a tally only bettered by Joao Cancelo (52), with the 28-year-old scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists.

    Meanwhile, only Kevin de Bruyne (129) and Jack Grealish (78) created more chances for City than Silva’s 76 last term, and he got off the mark for the new campaign by scoring the equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday.

    Source:livesscore.com

     

  • Man City charged for final-day pitch invasion

    Manchester City have been charged by the Football Association after fans invaded the pitch following last season’s Premier League title win.

    Thousands of City fans poured on to the pitch as the club won its fourth title in five seasons by beating Aston Villa 3-2 on the final day at Etihad Stadium.

    Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen was attacked during the disorder, while a crossbar was broken.

    City have until Thursday, 25 August to respond to the charge.

    An FA statement said: “It is alleged that after the final whistle of this fixture that Manchester City failed to ensure that its spectators – and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers – conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and refrained from using threatening and/or violent behaviour whilst encroaching onto the pitch.”

    In May, two people were charged in connection with the pitch invasion, while Greater Manchester Police said last month that it was still investigating a number of offences, including criminal damage.

    City scored three goals in five minutes as they came from 2-0 down with 15 minutes remaining to beat Villa and win the title by one point from Liverpool.

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    Source: bbc.com

  • Nunez scores as Liverpool win Community Shield

    Summer signing Darwin Nunez sealed victory as Liverpool landed the first blow of the season on champions Manchester City by winning a thrilling Community Shield encounter.

    The FA Cup winners were pipped to the Premier League title by a single point last term after a season-long fight with City, but came out on top in a tremendous game in Leicester.

    Playing at the King Power Stadium rather than Wembley – which will host Sunday’s Women’s Euros final – the two sides did not hold back in a match that tends to be badged as a ‘glorified friendly’.

    Reds full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the opening goal with a curling effort from the edge of the box which took a slight deflection off Nathan Ake and nestled in the far corner.

    He celebrated by raising his finger to his lips in front of the City supporters, who had helped generate a thunderous atmosphere by trading jibes with their Liverpool counterparts.

    City’s star summer signing Erling Haaland showed glimpses of what he will bring by drawing a good save from Adrian, while Nunez had a one-on-one effort kept out by Ederson.

    But it was another newcomer – Julian Alvarez – who scored next, staying alert after Phil Foden’s shot was saved to poke home the equaliser from close range, with the goal awarded after a lengthy VAR check.

    Mohamed Salah edged Liverpool back in front by scoring from the penalty spot with eight minutes remaining after referee Craig Pawson adjudged – from looking at the pitchside monitor – that Ruben Dias had handled inside the area.

    And Nunez had the final say, stooping to head in from close range before wheeling off to celebrate in front of his new supporters.

    Nunez makes his mark

    Liverpool came agonisingly close to a quadruple last season as they won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but they missed out on the league by the narrowest of margins and were defeated in the Champions League final by Real Madrid.

    Just 63 days on from that loss in Paris, the Reds were back in action against the side they have formed an intense but respectful rivalry with over the past four years.

    Liverpool came out flying in trademark fashion from kick-off, hassling and harrying the City backline, and Salah – fresh from signing a bumper new contract in the summer – struck the side-netting in just the third minute.

    Andrew Robertson headed into the side-netting too, before fellow full-back Alexander-Arnold broke the deadlock with a curling effort, albeit via a nick off Ake’s head.

    It sparked jubilant scenes in the red end of the ground, where the Liverpool fans lit flares and filled the stadium with smoke.

    The scenes were similar to those at Wembley after their FA Cup triumph over Chelsea in May, but this time the Football Association said it is investigating the use of flares following the introduction of stricter measures to tackle “anti-social and criminal behaviour in football grounds”.

    On the pitch, Nunez has been brought in from Benfica to replace Sadio Mane, who joined Bayern Munich, and the Uruguay international was brought on just before the hour mark.

    He almost made the perfect start to his Liverpool career when latching on to Jordan Henderson’s perfectly weighted through ball only to strike his shot straight at the advancing Ederson.

    But he was involved for Salah’s goal as his header struck Dias’ arm inside the box, and the Egyptian stepped up to net the penalty.

    There was still time for Nunez to head home late on, as the £64m man sealed victory to complete the domestic trophy set for manager Klopp.

    Haaland draws a blank

    City have won four of the past five Premier League titles and are looking to become just the second side after Manchester United to lift the trophy in three successive seasons.

    The City fans were not shy of reminding their Liverpool counterparts, their chants of “You nearly won the league” prompting a riposte of “Where’s your European Cup?”

    Pep Guardiola’s men went into the closing weeks of the season aiming for a Treble of their own, but their hopes were dashed by semi-final defeats in the FA Cup by Liverpool, and in the Champions League by Real Madrid.

    The £51m acquisition of Norway international Haaland from Borussia Dortmund gives them a different dimension up front, following the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling.

    Haaland outmuscled Robertson in the first half, taking the ball down on his chest only for his side-footed shot to be batted away by Adrian, then he could not get enough connection on a stretching effort.

    Argentina international Alvarez, who signed in January but stayed with River Plate until the end of their season, did level after coming on, to highlight the options Guardiola has at his disposal.

    But the joy was short-lived as Salah and Nunez both scored, before Haaland missed a sitter from a couple of yards out in the final minute.

    Source: BBC

  • Arsenal sign versatile Zinchenko from Man City

    Arsenal have completed the signing of versatile Ukraine player Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.

    The 25-year-old flew back from City’s pre-season tour of the USA to complete the move after Arsenal agreed a £30m deal, which includes £2m in add-ons.

    He has signed a long-term contract with the London club and is their fifth signing of the summer.

    “This is a boyhood dream come true, because I was a massive fan when I was a kid,” said Zinchenko.

    “Since Thierry Henry and young Cesc Fabregas was playing here, I was just enjoying watching those games, that Arsenal. And obviously I started to love this club, so I am so excited and I cannot wait to play for this amazing club.”

    ‘A hope and smell for titles’

    Predominantly a midfielder for his country, Zinchenko largely featured at left-back for the Blues, but only played 15 times last season as Pep Guardiola’s side retained the Premier League title.

    He says he has spoken to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta about his role in the team but would keep the details “private”, adding: “If the manager tells me one day I need to be goalkeeper, I will be there.”

    Zinchenko worked with Arteta when the Gunners’ boss was on the coaching team at Manchester City and says the experience played “the most important role” in his decision to move.

    “Since the first day at City I knew that he’s going to be a very good manager,” Zinchenko added.

    “I am here to achieve big things and I hope we can win some titles, and I hope we are going to fight for every title in which we are going to be involved.

    “Even from the last season, I was watching Arsenal’s games and I could smell it’s coming, you know? The team is growing up so quickly and I think it’s time. It’s time to do our best and to achieve something big.”

    Zinchenko is the second player to move from City to the Emirates this summer.

    Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus joined the Gunners for £45m earlier this month.

    Technical director Edu said Zinchenko had been a “main focus” in their recruitment and backed the new recruit to help the squad reach a “different level”.

    Manager Arteta added: “Alex is a high quality player who will give us options and versatility.

    “He’s a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City.

    “It’s not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence.

    “Alex is a person with great human qualities and character, and I’m delighted that everyone has made this huge effort to bring Alex to the club.”

    Source: BBC

  • Manchester City: John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan & Phil Foden miss US tour

    John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden will miss Manchester City‘s pre-season tour of the United States because they do not meet entry requirements.

    City have not given any further information.

    The players will instead train with the club’s elite development squad in Croatia for their pre-season.

    City play Club America and Bayern Munich in the US before the Community Shield against Liverpool on 30 July.

    Aymeric Laporte was not named in the 26-man touring party because he is not fully fit. He will continue his rehabilitation in Manchester.

    New signings Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Julian Alvarez were included, and Oleksandr Zinchenko was also named in the squad despite being linked with Arsenal.

    Nathan Ake will also travel after Chelsea, who were interested in signing him, failed to meet City’s valuation.

    Premier League champions City are scheduled to face Mexican side Club America in Houston, Texas, on 21 July and German champions Bayern Munich in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on 23 July.

    Source: BBC

  • Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus praises new strike partner Eddie Nketiah Published

    New Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has extoled the qualities of Ghanaian attacker Eddie Nketiah.

    Nketiah looks to be building a strong partnership with the Brazilian after creating one of the goals for Jesus in the 5-3 win against Nurnberg.

    Jesus, who joined from Manchester City, seems to be enjoying the link up with the English-born Ghanaian.

    “Two strikers, it was a little bit different. It was so good to play with him [Nketiah],” he said in a post-match interview.

    Johan Geis opened the scoring in the 25th minute before English born Ghanaian Kwadwo Duah made it two four minutes later.

    However, two quick second half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Al Neny saw Arsenal pull parity.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Raheem Sterling: Chelsea make contact with Manchester City over a move for the England forward

    Chelsea have made contact with Manchester City about a move for England forward Raheem Sterling.

    Sterling, who joined from Liverpool in a £49m deal in 2015 and has scored 131 goals in 339 games, is a major transfer target for new Blues owner Todd Boehly.

    It is understood Chelsea are yet to lodge a formal bid for the 27-year-old, but one is expected shortly.

    Sterling has a year left on his contract and is understood to be reviewing his options.

    Sterling, who has 77 England caps, has never made any secret of his desire to play as much as possible and be a central figure in a team that challenges for major honours.

    He could be the Blues’ first major signing since they were taken over by a consortium led by Boehly in May.

    Chelsea are looking to boost their attacking ranks after allowing Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku to rejoin Inter Milan on a season-long loan.

    Haaland’s arrival changes the dynamic

    Since Pep Guardiola became manager in 2016, only Sergio Aguero (124) has scored more goals for City than Sterling (120).

    Sterling scored 13 goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season as he won his fourth league title and ninth major honour in seven seasons with City.

    However, he was on the bench for both legs of the Champions League semi-final defeat by Real Madrid and the epic final game of the season against Aston Villa.

    Sterling did spark the memorable last-day league title success by coming on to set up Ilkay Gundogan’s crucial first goal as City came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and pip Liverpool by a point.

    Of City’s attacking players, only Bernardo Silva started significantly more Premier League games last season – 33 to Sterling’s 23.

    Phil Foden started one more and £100m man Jack Grealish one fewer.

    But Erling Haaland’s summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund appears to change the dynamic, with the Norwegian likely to be a starter, especially in the biggest games.

    Argentina forward Julian Alvarez will also be arriving at the Etihad this summer from River Plate after a deal was agreed in January.

    Source: BBC

  • Raheem Sterling: Chelsea target Manchester City winger

    Chelsea are targeting Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling as their major summer signing.

    Sterling’s Manchester City future is in doubt as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

    The England forward, 27, has attracted interest from major clubs overseas but Chelsea believe they can persuade him to remain in the Premier League.

    The Blues have the obvious attraction of being in the Champions League for the London-born player.

    Sterling scored 13 goals in 30 Premier League appearances as he won his fourth title last term.

    However, he was on the bench for both legs of the Champions League semi-final defeat by Real Madrid and the epic final game of the season against Aston Villa.

    Sterling did spark that memorable last-day comeback by setting up Ilkay Gundogan’s crucial first goal as Pep Guardiola’s side came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and pip Liverpool to the Premier League.

    Source: BBC

  • Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says champions are ‘legends’

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said his side were “legends” after they secured their fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

    City won the league by a point over challengers Liverpool with a stunning 3-2 comeback win against Aston Villa on the final day at Etihad Stadium.

    It is Guardiola’s 11th trophy in six years since coming to England.

    “We are legends. We will be remembered. This group of players are absolutely eternal in this club,” said Guardiola.

    “What we achieved, it is so difficult to do it. Sir Alex Ferguson with Manchester United has done it years ago – two or three times – now I realise again the magnitude of doing this. Now we are part of this.”

    City were 2-0 down to Villa with 15 minutes left before substitute Ilkay Gundogan scored twice, either side of midfielder Rodri’s goal, in a sensational five-minute comeback.

    Had they not won, Liverpool would have been champions.

    “The last game is always special – a lot of emotion,” Guardiola said. “Aston Villa gave everything but the first goal changed everything. We had to handle it.

    “When you win the Premier League in this country four times in five seasons, it is because these guys are so, so special.

    “Winning at home in front of our people is the best. The moment we equalised, we had the feeling we had the chance to score the third.

    “It was the best atmosphere I have ever lived since I am here. Hopefully tomorrow we can celebrate together in Manchester’s streets with our cigars and beers. I will bring my cigars, don’t worry.”

    Liverpool won 3-1 at home to Wolves but could do nothing to stop Manchester City defending their title.

    The top two sides lost just five games between them in the league all season.

    “The magnitude of the achievement is related to the magnitude of our rival and I have never seen a team like Liverpool in my life,” Guardiola added.

    “Congratulations to Liverpool – they have made us better and better each week.”

    Asked whether he planned to stay beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next season, he added: “I don’t have the energy or desire to think about next season now.

    “Every season is more difficult. I would not betray the club – they give me probably the most incredible moments in my life but I have to feel it, the players have to feel it and the club has to feel it.

    “Now it is time to celebrate. We are champions again.”

    Forward Jack Grealish joined City for a British record £100m in August from Aston Villa and he said he was “nearly crying” when he finally got his hands on the Premier League trophy.

    It was the first time in 17 years that City had come from 2-0 down in a league game to win.

    “I’ve had a few moments in my life and in football but this is certainly right up there. I’ve come here to win trophies and to do it is unbelievable,” Grealish told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “Truthfully I didn’t think we were going to win, I just didn’t. Sometimes you have those bad feelings in your head and I just didn’t think we were going to do it.”

    Forward Raheem Sterling, who spent three years at Liverpool, said Jurgen Klopp’s team had “pushed” City to achieve more success.

    “Each year we come in and we know how difficult it will be with the teams we have,” he said.

    “Liverpool are a great opponent and every year they push us to the wire and this is why we achieve stuff like this.”

    Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who was named Premier League player of the year earlier this week, said his side fought until the end because they had nothing to lose.

    “You just go for it – you’re losing anyway. You want to change the situation and that’s what we did,” he added.

    ‘Proud to bring this title to Ukraine’

    Oleksandr Zinchenko
    Oleksandr Zinchenko was in tears at full-time as he wore the Ukrainian flag across his shoulders

    Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko came on at half-time for Manchester City and made an impact when he set-up the second goal for Rodri.

    He celebrated on the pitch afterwards with a Ukrainian flag draped across his shoulders, posing for photos, before wrapping it around the trophy.

    “[These are] unforgettable emotions for me – for all Ukrainians who at the moment are starving, and surviving in my country because of Russian aggression,” he said.

    “I am so proud to be Ukrainian and to bring this title to Ukraine, for all Ukrainian people, because they deserve it.

    “It means everything for me – I would die for these people and their support. What people gave me and what they have done for me during this period – the toughest period of my life – I am so appreciative and I will never forget this, never in my life.”

    ‘You won’t get many better seasons’

    Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said it would have been a “travesty” if City had missed out on a trophy this season, with Liverpool having picked up the two domestic cups as well as setting up a Champions League final against Real Madrid.

    Former England striker Alan Shearer added: “What a team, what a season and what a standard of football we’ve witnessed.

    “It’s just unbelievable what Pep Guardiola’s got at Manchester City and what Jurgen Klopp has at Liverpool. It was a brilliant afternoon for the neutral.

    “I was nervous and I don’t really care who wins it – so god knows what those supporters were going through, as that was one tense afternoon. Incredible.”

    Liverpool boss Klopp said it was a “joy” to work with his players each week, but they needed “a bit more consistency in the first half of the season” to beat City to the title.

    However, he described their achievements this season as “insane” and said they had pushed “the best team in the world” to the final day.

    “[Finishing second] is the story of my life,” he said. “I’m still record-holder for not getting promoted in Germany with the highest points tally. You need to get more points than every other team, but we didn’t do that.

    “You can’t do more than give your absolute best and that’s what the boys did again. We chased the best team in the world to the wire. That’s absolutely special. We’ll build a team again and go again.

    “These boys played an insane season. This is not the end, just a result of the season.”

    Source: BBC

  • ‘I’m so proud to be Ukrainian’ – Man City’s Zinchenko

    After winning the English Premier League title for the fourth time with his club Manchester City, Ukrainian footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko has said he found it hard to even think about football after Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

    Speaking to Sky Sports after draping the Ukrainian flag around the Premier League trophy, an emotional Zinchenko called it an unforgettable moment.

    “I’m so proud to be Ukrainian,” he said. “I would love to one day bring this title to Ukraine, for all Ukrainian people, because they deserve it.”

    Zinchenko said the time since the invasion began was the “toughest period in my life”.

    In an interview with BBC Sport’s Gary Lineker soon after the start of the war, the Manchester City defender said he could not count the number of times he had cried since Russia’s invasion began.

  • Title, top four and relegation to be decided – Premier League set for dramatic final day

    Will Manchester City or Liverpool be champions? Can Tottenham seal a Champions League spot ahead of north London rivals Arsenal? Which of Burnley or Leeds are heading for the Championship?

    These are the main questions to be answered on what promises to be a dramatic and emotional final day of the 2021-22 Premier League season.

    It is the first time in 10 years that the title, top four and relegation are all still to be fully decided before the final day.

    BBC Sport takes a detailed look at everything at stake on what promises to be a gripping and tense finale.

    The BBC will be providing the usual coverage on Sunday, with live text commentary on all 10 games on the BBC Sport website and Radio 5 Live audio commentary on Manchester City v Aston Villa, with updates from around the grounds.

    As a special bonus, Final Score will be showing the goals and best action from the seven Premier League games not being shown live elsewhere – those being the matches at the Etihad, Anfield and the Brentford Community Stadium.

    City’s title to lose

    Premier League top two

    Manchester City hold a one-point advantage at the top of the table after their draw at West Ham and Liverpool’s victory at Southampton in the penultimate round of games.

    Few people expect the defending champions to surrender their lead, and not just because no side has ever started a Premier League final day top and not ended it there.

    The main reason is that City have been simply superb this season, winning 28 games to stay out in front despite Liverpool clawing back what was at one stage a double-digit lead.

    Pep Guardiola’s men host Aston Villa on Sunday, knowing a win would make Liverpool’s result at home to Wolves academic and seal a fourth league title of their Spanish manager’s six-season reign.

    Claiming the league crown would put some salve on the wounds inflicted on City in the latter stages of this season by the Reds, who beat them in the FA Cup semi-final, and Real Madrid, who stunned them with a late comeback in the Champions League last four.

    It would also deny Jurgen Klopp’s side a shot at a historic quadruple, with the Carabao and FA Cups already in the Anfield trophy cabinet and the Champions League final to come.

    All Liverpool can do is beat Wolves at home and hope Villa can do them a favour at the Etihad, with a draw no good for them because of their goal difference, even if City lose.

    This season is the third time in four campaigns that the pair have claimed the top two spots. If they match each other’s result on Sunday, it will be the second time, after 2018-19’s gripping race, that they have been separated at the top by just a point.

    North London tussle for fourth spot

    Premier League race for fourth spot

    Spurs are often mocked for doing things described as ‘Spursy’ – meaning throwing away leads and grasping defeat from the jaws of victory.

    It would take something especially ‘Spursy’ for them to miss out on a Champions League spot this season.

    Their hard-fought win over Burnley on Sunday, followed by Arsenal’s deserved defeat at Newcastle the following day, means Tottenham go into the final day two points ahead of their fierce rivals.

    With their vastly superior goal difference, Antonio Conte’s side can afford a draw at relegated Norwich.

    Only a win will do for Arsenal, who are at home to an Everton side now assured of Premier League football next season. If the Canaries can provide a dead cat bounce at Carrow Road and beat Spurs, a win will see the Gunners nick it.

    Premier League sixth and seventh

    There is also an outstanding European issue still to be settled a bit lower down the table, as Manchester United and West Ham fight it out on Sunday to decide who will be playing in the Europa League and who in the Europa Conference League.

    The sixth-placed Red Devils can end a disappointing season by sealing a Europa League spot with a win at Crystal Palace. Anything less, though, leaves the door open for the Hammers, who trail by two points in seventh but have a vastly superior goal difference.

    David Moyes’ side are at Brighton on Sunday, hoping to get another shot at a competition in which they reached the semi-finals this season.

    Below this there will be the usual jockeying for league placings on the final day, with each place higher in the division worth an estimated extra £3m.

    For a club like Aston Villa, for example, it could mean an extra £12m if they can lift themselves from 14th to 10th on the final day.

    Burnley or Leeds for the drop?

    Snapshot of the bottom of the Premier League table: 15th Southampton, 16th Everton, 17th Burnley, 18th Leeds, 19th Watford & 20th Norwich

    At half-time at Goodison Park on Thursday, it looked as though three sides would be battling it out to avoid joining Watford and Norwich in the Championship next season.

    But Everton’s remarkable comeback win over Crystal Palace leaves Burnley and Leeds to duke it out for survival on the final day.

    The pair are level on 35 points but the Clarets have the edge courtesy of a vastly superior goal difference, meaning they only need to match Leeds’ result on the final day to stay up.

    Mike Jackson’s side also have home advantage on Sunday, albeit against an in-form Newcastle side hoping to seal a top-half finish.

    Golden boot, gloves and the rest

    Manchester City and Liverpool are not just battling it out for the title – their respective goalkeepers are also locked in a tussle for the division’s golden gloves.

    City’s Ederson and Liverpool’s Alisson both have 20 clean sheets to their name.

    There is a very close race taking place at the top of the Premier League goalscorers charts too, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah currently one ahead of Tottenham’s Son Heung-min.

    Golden boot 2021-22
    Player Team Goals
    Mohamed Salah Liverpool 22
    Son Heung-min Tottenham 21
    Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United 18

    If Salah prevails, it will be his third English golden boot after he came out on top in 2017-18 and 2018-19. For Son, it would be a first.

    With 18 goals to his name, it would take something truly special for Cristiano Ronaldo to muscle his way in, although the Portuguese has been performing remarkable goalscoring feats for much of his career.

    Speaking of Ronaldo, could Sunday be the final time we see him in Premier League action?

    The summer arrival of Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s new boss is expected to mean a major overhaul at the club, with speculation that the 37-year-old could be one of those moved on.

    One player who will definitely be saying farewell to his club’s fans is Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who has agreed to join Real Madrid this summer.

    The West Ham fans at Brighton’s Amex Stadium will be seeing the last of the retiring Mark Noble and the soon-to-be-out-of-contract Andriy Yarmolenko in a Hammers shirt.

    Will Sunday be the last Arsenal appearance of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah? Could Christian Eriksen be saying ‘thank you and goodbye’ to Brentford? Will cult hero Divock Origi get a last run-out at Liverpool?

    Potential answers to these questions and more will be provided on what promises to be a gripping Premier League 2021-22 finale.

    Source: BBC

  • Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne named 2021-22 Premier League player of the season

    Manchester City‘s Kevin de Bruyne has been voted the 2021-22 Premier League player of the season, while team-mate Phil Foden was named best young player.

    Belgium midfielder De Bruyne has scored 15 goals and registered seven assists, with City top of the league before the final day of the campaign on Sunday.

    “To win this award for a second time is an achievement that I am really proud of,” he said.

    Foden, 21, is the first player to win his prize in successive seasons.

    De Bruyne, 30, was chosen after the votes from the public on the Premier League website were combined with those of the 20 Premier League club captains and a panel of football experts.

    His City team-mate Joao Cancelo, Liverpool pair Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Tottenham forward Son Heung-min and Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse were also nominated.

    De Bruyne also claimed the honour in 2019-20 and joins Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic in winning it more than once.

    “There is so much quality in the Premier League and it is a pleasure to be nominated with so many other great players who have had incredible seasons for their clubs,” added De Bruyne.

    “I think my performances this season have been good and I am happy that I have been able to contribute with goals and assists throughout the season.”

    Foden secured the most combined votes from the public and a Premier League panel, to win the young player trophy for a second time.

    The England international has scored nine goals and provided five assists this season.

    Foden beat Alexander-Arnold, Crystal Palace’s on-loan Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, Palace full-back Tyrick Mitchell, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Arsenal duo Aaron Ramsdale and Saka, and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to the award for players aged 23 or under.

    “I’m very proud to have won for a second season in a row,” he said.

    “I have been really happy with my performances this season and it has been great to contribute to this team in what will hopefully be another successful year for us all.

    “To be nominated alongside so many great players is an honour as they have all had great seasons for their clubs.”

    De Bruyne and Foden can help City retain the Premier League title on Sunday – when they host Aston Villa – as their side go into the final round of fixtures one point ahead of rivals Liverpool, who are at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

    Source: BBC

  • Women’s FA Cup final: Everything you need to know as Chelsea play Manchester City at Wembley

    Will it be Chelsea or Manchester City who are crowned Women’s FA Cup winners when the two sides face each other at Wembley Stadium on Sunday?

    Holders and three-time winners Chelsea are going for the double, having lifted the Women’s Super League title last Sunday.

    Manchester City are also aiming for their fourth FA Cup triumph and second piece of silverware this year after their thrilling 3-1 Continental League Cup final victory over Chelsea in March.

    The past five finals have been won by Chelsea or City, but it will be the first time the teams have met in the showpiece event, which will be shown live on BBC One.

    For the first time, the men’s and women’s finals will be played across the same weekend, with Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea taking on Liverpool the day before

    New crowd record?

    The current record for a Women’s FA Cup final stands at 45,423, which was set when Chelsea beat Arsenal at Wembley in 2018.

    A record attendance looks on the cards, with the FA announcing on 11 May that more than 50,000 tickets had already been sold.

    The FA had been optimistic of breaking that record in December for the final delayed from the previous season, but after issuing more than 45,000 tickets for the match the attendance on the day at Wembley was 40,942.

    Double-double for dominant Chelsea?

    Chelsea are aiming to lift the trophy for a second consecutive season, after they beat Arsenal in the final for last year’s competition.

    Victory five months ago handed the Blues their first domestic treble, joining the WSL title and League Cup they had won in 2020-21 to wrap up a dominant campaign.

    Should Emma Hayes’s side triumph this season, they will have won five of the past six domestic trophies on offer.

    In this league campaign they beat City 1-0 at home in February and 4-0 away last November, although that latter match took place when Gareth Taylor’s team was plagued with injuries.

    Chelsea have been sensational in the WSL this campaign, winning 18 of their 22 fixtures, including their past nine in the top flight.

    In-form City aiming for number four

    Since losing 1-0 to Chelsea in February, City have won 13 straight games in all competitions – a run that includes March’s League Cup final win over Sunday’s opponents.

    In the league they claimed the final Champions League spot, finishing third, above Manchester United, despite a torrid start to the season.

    Last November, after a 4-0 defeat by Chelsea, City sat in ninth place, a distant 12 points off the top.

    It has been a remarkable turnaround and now the the three-time-FA-Cup-winners can move one clear of opponents Chelsea in the record books if they secure a fourth title.

    The North West outfit have won three of the past five FA Cups and have never lost an FA Cup final.

    Unstoppable in attack and immoveable in defence

    Chelsea’s route to Wembley saw them edge past Aston Villa and thrash Birmingham City and Leicester City, before a feisty last-four encounter with Arsenal was settled thanks to goals by Guro Reiten and Ji So-yun.

    Despite facing WSL opposition at every stage of this year’s tournament, they have conceded only one goal and scored 17 across their four ties.

    Gareth Taylor’s City team have also been dominant in the cup this season. They beat third-tier Nottingham Forest 8-0, embarrassed rivals Manchester United 4-1 and defeated Everton 4-0 in their first three rounds.

    The 4-1 semi-final win over West Ham United was emotional for City, with forward Chloe Kelly scoring her first goal since returning from a serious knee injury.

    City last lifted the FA Cup in November 2020 thanks to late extra-time goals from Georgia Stanway and Janine Beckie against Everton in a behind-closed-doors tie.

    Source: BBC

  • Father of Barcelona wonderkid Moriba reveals he cancelled flight to Manchester to scupper City transfer

    The father of Barcelona wonderkid Ilaix Moriba has revealed that he cancelled a flight to Manchester just as the midfielder was about to join City in 2019.

    Moriba made his long-awaited senior debut for Barca at the start of the year, and hit headlines after scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-0 win over Osasuna on March 6.

    The 18-year-old is now being tipped to become a star for the Blaugrana’s next-generation, but his father claims his career path could have turned out differently had he not intervened when City tried to sign him two years ago.

    Mamady Kourouma told SPORT: “With Barca, the negotiations [over his first professional contract] did not advance. We met with Txiki Begiristain [Man City sporting director] and he explained his entire project to us.

    “We liked it because they bet a lot on him. A few weeks later we had the tickets to travel to Manchester and sign the contract.

    “I cancelled it the morning that we had to go there. I wanted Ilaix to be an example and a reference for the next generations of Barca.

    “His friends were gone. If he stayed, it was proof that Barca was betting on the youth players. We managed to reach an agreement where we all came out winning.”

    Moriba joined Barca’s academy ranks in 2010 after a stint at Espanyol, and has since worked his way up to first-team level.

    The teenager broke into the club’s B team at the age of just 17, earning comparisons with Manchester United star Paul Pogba due to his physicality, technical ability and vision.

    Similarities were also drawn between Moriba and City legend Yaya Toure, who won two Premier League titles at Etihad Stadium after joining the club from Barcelona at the height of his career.

    City were hopeful that Moriba would follow in Toure’s footsteps, but he opted to continue his development at Camp Nou by committing his future to the Blaugrana through to 2022.

    Moriba will be back in contention for a place in Ronald Koeman’s squad when Barca host Huesca in La Liga on Monday night. He could also feature when the Spanish giants travel to Real Sociedad five days later.

    Source: goal.com

  • Taller people face higher risk of catching coronavirus – Survey

    People over six feet tall are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with the coronavirus, the results of a new survey reveal.

    The global team of researchers, including experts from the University of Manchester and Open University, surveyed 2,000 people in the country, as well as the U.S., to determine whether their personal attributes, work and living practices might play a role in transmission, The Telegraph reported.

    The results found that taller people are at a higher risk, which researchers say suggests that the contagion is spreading through the air — because height would not be a factor if the virus was only contractible through droplets, according to the report.

    “The results of this survey in terms of associations between height and diagnosis suggest downward droplet transmission is not the only transmission mechanism and aerosol transmission is possible,” Professor Evan Kontopantelis, of the University of Manchester, told the outlet.

    “This has been suggested by other studies, but our method of confirmation is novel,” he added.

    “Though social distancing is still important because transmission by droplets is still likely to occur, it does suggest that mask-wearing may be just as — if not more — effective in prevention. But also, air purification in interior spaces should be further explored.”

    Droplets are larger than aerosols and are thought to travel relatively short distances and plummet from the air, according to the report. But aerosols, which can build up in poorly ventilated areas, are carried by air currents.

    The study also found that using a shared kitchen or accommodation played a large role — especially in the U.S., where those circumstances made the chances of contracting the bug 3.5 times as high.

    In the U.K., chances were 1.7 times higher.

    Source: Fox News

  • Manchester City 12-0 Watford, City sets record in the premier after win at Watford

    Manchester City are always a side no other team will love, hope or want to face due to their attacking qualities and squad quality overall.

    They have been a dreadful team since Pep Guardiola took over at Etihad Stadium in 2016/2017 season, dominating England for the past three years, lifting the Premier League trophy back-to-back couple with league cups.

    Manchester City are known to play beautiful and attacking football with quality and speedy attackers, like Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus, which sometimes makes their attack plays easy with their trickiness.

    Its no news and fluke that the team at Pep Guardiola’s disposal is as a result of the money he has pumped into his side, though his personal quality and managerial masterminds is massive and can not be written off.

    Manager Pep Guardiola is a winner, and has done so in all of his previous clubs even with City, but where his luck seems to fail him at City is in European Competition, they have not come this close to carrying the Champions League, a competition they have always and virtually disintegrated teams, in group stages.

    However, Manchester City have set a record in the Premier League, evidence of their goal scoring fluidity and prowess in the league, as they have and can boast of the best numbers of goals recorded each seasons since Pep Guardiola’s reign.

    City beat Watford at Vicarage Road with a scoreline of 4-0, a match Sterling took the game away from the home side before half-time, with a brace firing in a rising shot to open the scoring before doubling the advantage by following up his own saved penalty, awarded after Will Hughes committed a foul one the England international in the 18 yard box.

    Phil Foden added a third after Ben Foster had parried a Sterling shot before Aymeric Laporte nodded in from Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick, meaning that Watford who are fighting for a survival for the top four do not stand a chance.

    The first leg on Saturday, 21st September, 2019, featured Manchester City score a whooping eight, as Bernardo Silva got his first hat-trick as a Manchester City player, with David Silva, Kun Aguero, Riyad Mahrez, Otamendi and De Bryune all getting on the score sheet on that encounter.

    City ran riot as they clinched their best and biggest league win for Pep Guardiola since he took charge, a match the Cityzens hit the woodwork twice.

    In aggregate, from their first and second leg encounters respectively, Manchester City have scored 12 goals to nill against Watford, setting a Premier League record, a joint top-flight record for one team against another in a single season.

    Source: opera.com

  • Ariana Grande reflects on Manchester bombing ahead of anniversary

    Ariana Grande has sent a heartfelt message to fans ahead of the third anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing.

    The pop star had just finished playing at the venue on 22 May, 2017, when a terrorist detonated a homemade explosive device, killing 22 people.

    Writing on Instagram, Grande shared a message of solidarity with the victims.

    “Not a day goes by that this doesn’t affect you and all of us still,” the 26-year-old wrote.

    “I will be thinking of you all week and weekend.”

    Acknowledging “the sadness and tremendous heaviness of the anniversary”, she added: “My heart, thoughts, prayers are with you always.”

    The star signed off with a black heart and a bee emoji. The bee, representing Manchester’s industrial past, became a symbol of hope in the wake of the attack.

    Grande, who said she suffered PTSD as a result of the atrocity, returned to Manchester last year to headline the city’s Pride festival.

    Memorial plans The bombing was carried out by Manchester-born Salman Abedi. The youngest of those who died was eight years old. Almost 1,000 people were injured.

    The terrorist’s brother, Hashem Abedi, was convicted of murder earlier this year for his role in planning the attacks. His sentencing has been postponed due to travel restrictions in place due to the coronavirus.

    The pandemic has also affected plans for this year’s memorial to the victims, with social-distancing measures putting a halt on church services.

    It means Manchester Cathedral will have to broadcast two services on its Facebook page, urging people to log on at home rather than attend in person like previous years.

    “Before the restrictions, it was really important we had connectedness and reached out, family and friends, but also the wider community, to come together,” said Figen Murray, whose son Martyn Hett died in the attack.

    “We can’t do that this year. It’s going to be very strange.

    “I’m normally a really robust and resilient person, but I’ve had so much time on my hands. I’m struggling a bit.

    “I can’t have people to visit, it is very raw. I have noticed I am very reflective, I dream a lot.”

    Instead, Mr Hett’s family and friends will join a group chat on the video conferencing app Zoom, raising a toast to the 29-year-old PR manager from their homes.

    Mrs Murray said: “Zoom will do this year. Since the pandemic, we have all had to adapt and I think that shows how strong the human spirit is.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Leroy Sane: Man City unwilling to let winger leave cheaply for Bayern

    Manchester City would prefer to let winger Leroy Sane enter the final year of his contract rather than let him leave cheaply for Bayern Munich.

    Bayern have been interested in Sane for 12 months, with the player understood to be keen to return to Germany.

    Manager Pep Guardiola sees the 24-year-old as a key part of his squad, though.

    While it is not out of the question City would sell if the price was right, speculation regarding a £35m bid from Bayern is understood to be wrong.

    BBC Sport understands a bid in that region for Sane – who is ready to return after spending all season on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery – would be dismissed out of hand.

    It is accepted that City would not currently be able to command the £100m they were looking for last summer, but they would still require a significant offer to consider selling a player who was a key figure in their 2017-18 Premier League title-winning squad.

    City are understood to be relaxed about the situation and are happy to keep Sane next season if no deal is agreed.

    Sane has not played since suffering knee ligament damage during the Community Shield in August.

    He was close to a return when the Premier League season was stopped in March and it is anticipated the former Schalke winger will be fit to play if the campaign resumes as hoped in June.Manchester City would prefer to let winger Leroy Sane enter the final year of his contract rather than let him leave cheaply for Bayern Munich.

    Bayern have been interested in Sane for 12 months, with the player understood to be keen to return to Germany.

    Manager Pep Guardiola sees the 24-year-old as a key part of his squad, though.

    While it is not out of the question City would sell if the price was right, speculation regarding a £35m bid from Bayern is understood to be wrong.

    BBC Sport understands a bid in that region for Sane – who is ready to return after spending all season on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery – would be dismissed out of hand.

    It is accepted that City would not currently be able to command the £100m they were looking for last summer, but they would still require a significant offer to consider selling a player who was a key figure in their 2017-18 Premier League title-winning squad.

    City are understood to be relaxed about the situation and are happy to keep Sane next season if no deal is agreed.

    Sane has not played since suffering knee ligament damage during the Community Shield in August.

    He was close to a return when the Premier League season was stopped in March and it is anticipated the former Schalke winger will be fit to play if the campaign resumes as hoped in June.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Man City face damages claim in High Court over Bennell abuse

    Manchester City will face a High Court trial over damages claims from eight men who were sexually abused by paedophile football coach Barry Bennell.

    Bennell’s abuse took place while he is said to have been working for City as a scout and coach of their “feeder teams”, which featured players too young to be signed as schoolboys.

    The eight men, who are now in their late 40s or early 50s, are all claiming damages against the Premier League club for the “very serious psychiatric injuries” they suffered as a result of the abuse.

    Bennell is currently serving a 30-year jail term for multiple offences against 12 boys he coached, some of whom are bringing the High Court action, between 1979 and 1991.

    Bennell, who is thought not to have received an official salary from City, had two three-year spells within the club’s youth network between 1976 and 1984.

    He then went on to work as Crewe’s youth team coach for seven years.

    The claimants argue that, while Bennell was not officially on City’s “books”, the club is still vicariously liable for the abuse.

    All but one of the eight are claiming damages for “the loss of a chance to pursue a career as a footballer”.

    Two of the men are also bringing claims against Crewe, where Bennell was employed as a youth coach after leaving City.

    Both City and Crewe deny that they are vicariously liable for the abuse committed.

    City and Crewe also argue that the claims have been brought too late to be heard by the court, and dispute the extent to which the abuse is said to have caused the claimants financial or other losses.

    Mrs Justice Lambert ordered that all eight claims be heard together at an eight-week trial which is provisionally listed to start in October 2021.

    Source: france24.com

  • Asamoah Gyan opens up on failed Manchester City move

    Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer Asamoah Gyan has opened up on his failed transfer to Manchester City after playing at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

    Gyan, who was playing for Serie A side Udinese then, had a difficult tournament for the Black Stars on home soil.

    The 34-year-old bagged only goal – a penalty in the opening game against Guinea for the Stars and this led to a lot of criticism from the fans who expected more from the striker.

    Speaking to GTV Sports+, the former Sunderland striker said he regrets representing the senior national team at the tournament because he was injured and that impacted his move to Man City.

    “I regret playing at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations because I was injured but I felt I needed to sacrifice but yet I was criticized [for my performance],” Gyan said.

    “I really regret playing in the tournament because even after that I had to go out for five months.

    “I was supposed to sign for Manchester City but I missed.

    “That has been one of my biggest regrets with the National team.”

    The Ghana international has previously played for Liberty Professionals and finished 3rd on the top- scorers chart before moving abroad in 2003.

    He went to feature for clubs in Italy, France, England, Turkey, UAE, China, and India

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Gyan reveals how Afcon 2008 cost him Manchester City deal

    Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has disclosed playing at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) cost him a big move to Manchester City.

    Then on the books of Italian side Udinese, the frontman had a challenging tournament for the Black Stars on home soil as he fell out with fans for perceived ‘underwhelming’ performances.

    He netted once at the championship – a penalty in the opening game against Guinea.

    “I regret playing at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations because I was injured but I felt I needed to sacrifice but yet I was criticized [for my performance],” Gyan told GTV Sports+.

    “I really regret playing in the tournament because even after that I had to go out for five months.

    “I was supposed to sign for Manchester City but I missed.

    “That has been one of my biggest regrets with the National team.”

    After the second group game, Gyan threatened to walk out of the Ghana team after it emerged his family was attacked by angry fans following the match.

    Reports said it took a presidential intervention to prevent him from leaving the camp.

    After the tournament where the Black Stars suffered a semi-final elimination, Gyan moved from Udinese to French side Rennes in the summer.

    Source: goal.com

  • Manchester United to introduce safe standing next season

    Manchester United will introduce a section of safe standing next season after getting approval from Trafford Council.

    The aim is to have the section, which will be 1,500 seats in J-stand in the North East quadrant, in place for the start of the next season, whenever that may be.

    The club have been working with safety advisory organisations and fan groups to introduce the rail seating in a hope it will enhance fan safety in a part of the stadium where there is persistent standing.

    United conducted a feasibility study and a formal proposal was put to the local Safety Advisory Group in December 2019 and has now been given approval from Trafford Council. It is understood if the trial is successful the club will look at potentially installing the rail seating in other areas of the stadium to promote safe standing.

    Managing director Richard Arnold said: “It should be stated, up front, that our overwhelming priority is to keep our people safe from the Covid-19 pandemic. It may seem strange to talk about stadium plans at this time, but football and our fans will return when it is safe, and our preparations for that must continue in the background.

    “This announcement is the latest step in what has been a long journey with our fans. We have listened to their feedback, in particular, the representations made by Manchester United Supporters’ Trust [MUST], and worked with Trafford Council to develop and approve this proposal.

    “Our belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where as with other clubs we have seen examples of persistent standing. It also allows us to future-proof the stadium in the event of any changes to the current all-seater stadium policy.

    “If the trial is successful, we may consider further implementation of barrier seating in other parts of the stadium.

    “We will now move on to develop the installation, compliance and licensing plan for the trial, with a view to having the new seats installed for when we can welcome our supporters back to Old Trafford.”

    MUST, who have worked with the club on trying to get rail seating installed, said: “We are delighted that the slub has been given the green light to proceed with a barrier seating trial at Old Trafford. This area works for the club logistically and it was also preferable due to being an area where fans now stand and therefore barrier seats should enhance safety.”

    Fan groups across all clubs have been lobbying Government officials to change the law on standing at football and to bring in rail seating to increase safety for supporters who stand for the entire game.

    Wolves became the first Premier League side to trial rail seating in January 2019 and Tottenham included 7,500 seats – 5,000 in the home end and 2,500 in the away – which could be turned into a safe standing section at their new stadium, which opened in April 2019.

    Source: goal.com

  • Man Utd may be pushed into Pogba decision by coronavirus crisis

    Ed Woodward’s admission that it would not be “business as usual” for Manchester United during the next transfer window should come as little or no surprise to anyone.

    The club will find itself in a better position than most when the market reopens but the impact of Covid-19 on the global economy is undoubtedly going to have an effect on football’s finances.

    Indeed, right now, it represents a trip into the unknown.

    Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said earlier in the month that he hopes to “exploit” the transfer market to strengthen his squad and financial experts are of the opinion that United will be one of the few clubs in a position to spend.

    However, certain deals are already being ruled out due to the biggest financial crisis the game has ever faced.

    Tottenham striker Harry Kane was under consideration but senior figures at United had already abandoned the idea of signing the England captain before Woodward addressed the fans’ forum on Friday.

    “Nobody should be under any illusions about the scale of the challenge facing everyone in football and it may not be ‘business as usual’ for any clubs, including ourselves, in the transfer market this summer,” the executive vice-chairman said.

    “As ever, our priority is the success of the team, but we need visibility of the impact across the whole industry, including timings of the transfer window, and the wider financial picture, before we can talk about a return to normality.

    “On this basis, I cannot help feeling that speculation around transfers of individual players for hundreds of millions of pounds this summer seems to ignore the realities that face the sport.”

    Those realities are unavoidable, even at United. It’s now possible that the club will entertain ideas that would previously have been dismissed out of hand.

    Last summer, United valued Paul Pogba at £180 million ($224m). However, with so much uncertainty now surrounding the market due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the World Cup winner would now be lucky to fetch even half of that figure.

    Paul Pogba Man Utd PS

    Pogba’s present contract expires in 2021 but United have the option to extend it for a further year. They have yet to do so, though, and the Covid-19 crisis leaves them with a trickier decision to make this summer than they were expecting.

    Cash in now before Pogba’s value falls even further? Or trigger the extension and hope that prices return to something resembling their previous levels next year?

    Pogba has already made it clear he wants a challenge away from United and his agent Mino Raiola has been doing his best to try and engineer a move for the 27-year-old France international.

    So, does Solskjaer even want to retain a player that isn’t committed to his rebuilding project? If not, then selling the France international this summer, even at a knockdown price, would make sense, as it would still generate a considerable amount of money for new signings.

    England winger Jadon Sancho remains a priority, given his youth and pace, but striking a deal with Borussia Dortmund won’t be easy.

    “There is no new situation. Currently no club will risk anything in making a big-money move – not even in England,” BVB chief Michael Zorc said on Monday. “We have a long-term contract with Jadon Sancho and that is why we are totally relaxed.”

    The former Manchester City star would likely cost around £100m ($124m) a sum that Woodward has conceded is no longer a legitimate price to pay so it’s easy to understand why Zorc and the Dortmund hierarchy feel relaxed over a potential transfer.

    However, United are still going to be one of a handful of clubs who will be able to spend, while some of their cash-strapped rivals may be forced to accept cut-price deals for their stars.

    So, if United offload players they deem surplus to requirements, such as Pogba, it may be possible to land a top target after all.

    Source: goal.com

  • You have to go – Van Persie explains how Van Gaal told him to leave Manchester United

    Robin van Persie has opened up on his Manchester United exit five years ago, insisting he planned to see out the final year of his contract before sitting down for a meeting with “ruthless” Louis van Gaal.

    The Red Devils snapped up Van Persie for an initial £22.5 million ($28m) from arch-rivals Arsenal in the summer of 2012, tying the prolific forward down to a four-year deal at Old Trafford.

    The ex-Netherlands star instantly provided a return on the club’s investment, scoring 26 goals in his first 36 Premier League appearances to help fire United to the title.

    Unfortunately, his spell in Manchester took a turn for the worst when Sir Alex Ferguson left the club, as he was reduced to a bit-part role under the legendary manager’s successor David Moyes.

    Van Persie’s fortunes didn’t improve much when Van Gaal was drafted in to replace Moyes ahead of the 2014-15 season, with a string of injuries significantly limiting his contribution to the team.

    Van Gaal ultimately deemed the former Arsenal frontman surplus to requirements a year before his final deal was due to expire, and he was sold to Fenerbahce for a cut-price fee of £4 million.

    “I had this chat with Louis van Gaal and he told me: ‘OK Robin, our ways will part. I’m the coach, you’re the player – you have to go, your time is up’,” Van Persie told the High Performance Podcast of his acrimonious departure.

    “I was like: ‘Yeah but I still have a contract?’ He said: ‘I don’t care’.

    “Ruthless. Towards the end of it, I saw something coming but not this ruthless. And the way he said it as well. And then a lot of things go through your mind when you get a message like that.

    “I still had a contract, my family was happy, it was my 11th year in England. We love living in England. What’s next?

    “My kids are going to school, they have their friends and everything. So in a split second, all these things come across [your mind]. How do you react to that?

    “I said: ‘We will see what happens. That’s your opinion. But I have a contract and I’m happy in England at Manchester United. So we will see what happens’. And I stood up, shook his hand and left it.”

    Source: Goal.com

  • Pep Guardiola’s mother dies after contracting coronavirus

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s mother, Dolors Sala Carrio, has died aged 82 in Barcelona after contracting coronavirus.

    “Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends,” said Manchester City on social media.

    Monday’s increase of 637 coronavirus deaths means 13,055 have died in Spain.

    Last month, Guardiola donated 1m euros (£920,000) to help fight the outbreak.

    The money will be used to purchase medical equipment and protective material for staff involved in treating those admitted to hospital.

    Barcelona is in Catalonia, which is one of the areas in Spain with the most concentrated number of cases.

    Manchester United posted on social media to say the club was “saddened to hear this terrible news”, adding: “We send our heartfelt condolences to Pep and his family.”

    Spaniard Guardiola, 49, has been in charge of Manchester City since July 2016 after spells as manager of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola donates 1m euros to fight virus

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated 1m euros (£920,000) to fight the coronavirus outbreak in Spain.

    Guardiola, who is at his home in Barcelona, has been working with his lawyers over the past few days to work out the best way of using the money.

    It will go to a campaign being promoted by the Medical College of Barcelona and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation.

    Spain is one of the worst affected countries in Europe.

    Official figures on Tuesday showed that 2,696 people had died in the country and close to 40,000 are infected.

    The money will be used to help purchase medical equipment and protective material for the hospital staff involved in treating those admitted to hospital.

    The Catalan region is one of the areas in Spain which has the most concentrated number of cases.

    Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both reportedly donated 1m euros to coronavirus campaigns this week.

    Mundo Deportivo reported that Barcelona forward Messi has donated a total of 1m euros to two hospitals, one in Barcelona and the other in his native Argentina.

    Juventus and Portugal star Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes have donated 1m euros to three intensive care units for patients suffering from coronavirus at hospitals in Lisbon and Porto.

    Last week Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski donated 1m euros to fight the coronavirus pandemic in Germany.

    Source: bbc.com

  • De Bruyne doubtful for Manchester derby – Pep

    Kevin De Bruyne is a doubt for Sunday’s Manchester derby after missing City’s FA Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday with a shoulder injury, according to manager Pep Guardiola.

    Guardiola said the Belgian landed awkwardly on his back and shoulder in the latter stages of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.

    The 28-year-old did not travel to Hillsborough for Wednesday’s fifth-round tie, which City won 1-0, and Guardiola is unsure if he will be fit for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

    Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Kevin had a problem here [points to shoulder]. He was not fit.

    “In the last game, the last minutes he fell down in a bad position and had a problem in his back. We don’t know how long [he will be out]. Hopefully not much.”

    Asked if he would be fit for the derby, Guardiola added: “I don’t know.”

    City were not overly troubled by their Sky Bet Championship hosts at Hillsborough but were made to work hard for their victory by the spirited hosts.

    A firm left-foot finish from Sergio Aguero, which squirmed under goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith on 53 minutes, proved the difference and means City, the holders, will travel to Newcastle in the quarter-finals.

    “This is our fourth game away in a row and we have another one on Sunday at Old Trafford,” Guardiola added. “We spent a lot of mental energy in the last games and then came here.

    “But the players were absolutely ready, we didn’t concede one shot on target and that means a lot for our capacity to read the game. At the end we scored a goal and could have scored much, much more.”

    Guardiola felt the game would put City in good heart for the derby, adding: “It’s better to go there winning games, being in the FA Cup, than being out.

    “Tomorrow we’re going to watch a little bit of United versus Derby to analyse what they have done the last game, and we’re going to go there to try to win.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Man City appeal against European ban registered by Court of Arbitration for Sport

    Manchester City’s appeal against their two-year ban from European club competition has been registered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

    The Premier League champions were also fined 30m euros (£25m) for “serious breaches” of Uefa’s financial regulations.

    City chief executive Ferran Soriano has said the breaches are “simply not true”.

    Cas says “it is not possible” to say when the matter will be resolved.

    Cas arbitration procedures involve an exchange of written submissions between the parties while a panel of arbitrators is convened to hear the appeal.

    The independent adjudicatory chamber of the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) said it found City had broken the rules by “overstating its sponsorship revenue in its accounts and in the break-even information submitted to Uefa between 2012 and 2016”, adding that the club “failed to cooperate in the investigation”.

    At the time, City said they were “disappointed but not surprised” by the “prejudicial” decision and would appeal.

    Uefa launched an investigation after German newspaper Der Spiegel published leaked documents in November 2018 alleging City had inflated the value of a sponsorship deal, misleading European football’s governing body.

    Reports alleged City – who have always denied wrongdoing – deliberately misled Uefa so they could meet financial fair play rules requiring clubs to break even.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Manchester City stun Real with late Bernabeu comeback

    A Gabriel Jesus header and cool penalty from Kevin De Bruyne sealed a thrilling 2-1 comeback win for Manchester City at Real Madrid, who had captain Sergio Ramos sent off in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

    Isco had put the hosts ahead at the Bernabeu on 60 minutes but Pep Guardiola was rewarded for his surprise selections and set-up when Jesus nodded in De Bruyne’s cross (78) and the Belgian ended City’s penalty woes by converting his spot-kick seven minutes from time.

    Real Madrid’s misery was compounded moments later when Ramos was shown a straight red card for chopping down Jesus on the edge of the box as the City striker looked set to make it three and it’s advantage City ahead of the second leg at the Etihad on Tuesday, March 17.

    There was bad news for City in the first half, though, when key defender Aymeric Laporte limped off with an injury, having only just returned to the first-team fold after a long-term knee problem, but that was the only disappointment on what was a historic night for Guardiola and his side.

    Jesus had plenty of defensive work to do in the opening stages as Dani Carvajal got forward, but he was still a threat at the other end of the pitch as City created the first clear cut opportunity of the game after 20 minutes. De Bruyne played Jesus in behind the Real defence and the Brazilian cut inside onto his right foot before unleashing a shot that was pushed away by Thibaut Courtois.

    For the most part, Guardiola’s tactics were nullifying Real, but they were given a huge scare just before the half-hour mark.

    Ferland Mendy’s cross was powerfully headed towards the bottom corner by Karim Benzema and Ederson produced a superb save to push the ball out to the edge of the six-yard box. Vinicius Junior appeared well placed to latch onto the rebound, but the 19-year-old slipped as he attempted to tap the ball home from close range.

    Despite the setback, it was the visitors who came close to an opener before the break as Courtois made a mess of a De Bruyne corner in first-half stoppage time before a combination of Ramos, Casemiro and Federico Valverde cleared Jesus’ shot off the line.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Ramos equals Champions League red card record with Man City dismissal

    Sergio Ramos claimed his share of a rather unwanted record on Wednesday as he saw red during Manchester City’s stunning Champions League comeback.

    The Real Madrid captain was largely untested for much of the first hour at Santiago Bernabeu as Pep Guardiola’s men took on an unusually cautious approach to the last 16 tie.

    With no recognised centre-forward on the pitch and Gabriel Jesus utilised on the left wing, Ramos was allowed to indulge his attacking instincts, surging into the box shortly after Isco had put the hosts ahead 1-0 and blazing a decent chance over the bar.

    When the tables were turned, however, the Spain legend looked shell-shocked, with dimunitive Jesus towering over him to win a header and equalise for Pep’s charges with 77 minutes played.

    Barely five minutes had passed before City completed their comeback, Kevin De Bruyne slotting home from the spot to end the club’s recent penalty woes and put the visitors 2-1 up.

    And Madrid’s misery was compounded when Ramos chopped down Jesus with the Brazilian was clear on goal, leaving referee Daniele Orsato no choice but to show the red card.

    That expulsion took the star up to four in his long Champions League career, a tally that many observers might be forgiven for thinking is on the low side given his notoriously on the limit, antagonistic style of play.

    Nevertheless, he now shares in a competition record, with only two other players in history earning as many early baths in Europe.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Substitute Jesus grabs Man City win at Leicester

    Substitute Gabriel Jesus’s late goal gave Manchester City a 1-0 win at Leicester to strengthen their hold on second place in the Premier League.

    Latching onto former Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez’s pass after a superb run, Jesus slipped past Kasper Schmeichel (80), after the Dane had saved a Sergio Aguero penalty (62).

    In the battle of third versus second, Jamie Vardy hit the post for Leicester early on after being put through one-on-one in a goalless opening period, before Aguero’s penalty miss following a Dennis Praet handball, and Jesus’ eventual winner.

    The result means second-placed Manchester City are now seven points ahead of Leicester, while the Foxes are now only six points ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea with 11 to play.

    The two sides, on an island of their own in the Champions League spots, cancelled each other out in the first half, though the hosts had by far the better chance.

    Player ratings
    Leicester: Schmeichel (8), Pereira (7), Evans (6), Soyuncu (7), Fuchs (6), Chilwell (7), Praet (6), Tielemens (6), Maddison (7), Iheanacho (6), Vardy (7).

    Subs: Barnes (7), James (NA), Perez (NA)

    Man City: Ederson (6), Walker (6), Fernandinho (6), Laporte (5), Mendy (6), Rodri (6), De Bruyne (7), Gundogan (6), Mahrez (8), B Silva (6), Aguero (6)

    Subs: Otamendi (6), Jesus (7)

    Man of the match: Riyad Mahrez

    Source: skysports.com

  • Manchester City cruise past sorry West Ham

    Manchester City returned to winning ways after a tumultuous week off the field with a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Ham on Wednesday.

    Postponed by 10 days due to Storm Ciara, the champions let their football do the talking with a display of attacking dominance in their first game since receiving a two-season ban from all UEFA competition.

    Rodri opened the scoring on the half hour with his first Etihad Stadium goal before Kevin de Bruyne wrapped up the three points after the hour as Pep Guardiola’s side consolidated second in the Premier League by moving four points clear of third-place Leicester, who they face on Saturday.

    For West Ham and David Moyes, their failure to register a single attempt on target on their way to a fourth league defeat in six leaves the Hammers in the relegation zone and in desperate need of points.

    Player ratings

    Man City: Ederson (7), Walker (7), Otamendi (7), Laporte (7), Mendy (7), Rodri (8), David Silva (7), De Bruyne (8), Bernardo Silva (7), Jesus (6), Aguero (7).

    Subs: Stones (6), Gundogan (6), Foden (n/a).

    West Ham: Fabianski (5), Fredericks (5), Diop (4), Ogbonna (4), Cresswell (5), Masuaku (5), Snodgrass (5), Noble (4), Rice (6), Soucek (5), Antonio (5).

    Subs: Zabaleta (6), Bowen (n/a).

    Man of the Match: Kevin de Bruyne

    Source: skysports.com

  • Manchester City’s two-year European ban explained

    Manchester City have been banned from UEFA club competitions for the next two seasons after being found to have committed “serious breaches” of financial regulations.

    The reigning Premier League champions, who have also been fined £24.9m, intend to appeal against the sanctions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

    City have been found to have overstated sponsorship revenue and break-even information in accounts submitted to UEFA between 2012 and 2016. UEFA acted on the decision of the independent Adjudicatory Chamber of the Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) following a hearing held last month.

    UEFA opened an investigation into City following a series of new allegations about the club in the media, led by German magazine Der Spiegel.

    In the absence of a successful appeal, City will be unable to play in Europe in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.

    Yes. City have been drawn against 13-time European champions Real Madrid in the last-16 of this season’s competition. The first leg of that tie will be played on February 26 at the Bernabeu, with the return match scheduled for March 10 in Manchester.

    May, 2014 – City were handed a £49m fine by UEFA – £32m of which was suspended – for failing UEFA Financial Fair Play rules and were restricted to a 21-man Champions League squad for the 2014-15 season.

    November, 2018 – German magazine Der Spiegel, citing documents and emails provided by the whistle-blowing platform Football Leaks, published a series of articles which accused City of trying to get around European football’s FFP rules. City had repeatedly described Der Spiegel’s reports as the product of a “clear and organised” attempt to tarnish their reputation.

    March 7, 2019 – UEFA announced it had launched a formal investigation into alleged breaches of FFP rules by City following a series of fresh allegations in the media. City said in a statement: “Manchester City welcomes the opening of a formal UEFA investigation as an opportunity to bring to an end the speculation resulting from the illegal hacking and out of context publication of City emails. The accusation of financial irregularities are entirely false. The club’s published accounts are full and complete and a matter of legal and regulatory record.”

    March 8 – The Premier League confirmed it was investigating City over alleged FFP breaches.

    May 16 – UEFA’s club financial control body chief investigator referred City’s case to UEFA’s adjudicatory chamber following the conclusion of his investigation.

    June 6 – City asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to throw out the FFP case brought against them by UEFA.

    Nov 15 – City failed in their bid to get UEFA investigation kicked out.

    Feb 14, 2020 – City were banned from UEFA club competitions for the next two seasons and fined £24.9m after being found to have “committed serious breaches of the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations”. City announced they would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    What is Financial Fair Play (FFP)?

    FFP was introduced by UEFA as an attempt to prevent clubs falling into serious financial difficulty by overspending. Clubs are expected to operate within their means and meet break-even targets, while dealings have to be transparent.

    What are the rules?

    Regulations, which must be adhered to by all clubs participating in UEFA competitions, were drawn up in 2009 and introduced at the start of the 2011/12 season. Clubs must balance their books over the course of three years. Income needs to be generated by the club, including for example matchday takings, TV revenue, advertising, sponsorship, player sales and prize money.

    What are the punishments for breaking the rules?

    There are a variety of sanctions available for non-compliance. These range from warnings and reprimands, to disqualification from a competition, exclusion from future competitions and being stripped of a title. Fines, points deductions and restrictions on the registration of players are also possible.

    How could a European ban affect the club?

    City have been Champions League regulars for the past decade. An absence of European football would result in a major loss of revenue. Additionally, big-name transfer targets may be deterred and choose rival clubs, while current City players desperate for European glory could question their futures.

    Who would benefit from City’s European expulsion?

    At the moment, Sheffield United. With City on course for a top-four Premier League finish, UEFA regulations dictate their Champions League place being passed to the team which finishes fifth, a spot currently occupied by the Blades. Tottenham, Manchester United, Everton and Wolves are the main contenders just behind Chris Wilder’s side.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Sterling fires Man City into last four

    Raheem Sterling’s double sent Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals as they beat Oxford United 3-1 on Wednesday night.

    With Mikel Arteta in the dugout alongside Pep Guardiola -A swift counter-attack saw Phil Foden – making his third successive start – spring Cancelo, who drove into the box then saw his shot take a hefty deflection Elliott Moore and beat the helpless Jordan Archer.

    Read:Sterling scores hat-trick as England thrash chech

    Almost right from the restart, Oxford managed to haul themselves level – albeit in somewhat controversial circumstances. Shandon Baptiste took a free-kick quickly with the ball still rolling, but the officials did not spot it as he fed Taylor, who beat his marker before finishing low into the bottom corner.

    Despite his reported talks to become Arsenal manager this week – City took the lead midway through the first half at the Kassam Stadium as Joao Cancelo struck, before Matty Taylor levelled proceedings for the League One side just after the break.

    Read:Raheem Sterling in talks with Man City over new long-term deal

    City responded quickly, though, as Sterling struck twice to put the tie to bed, sending the defending back-to-back champions through to the last four, where they will face Manchester United over two legs in January.

    Oxford gave a fine account of themselves in the first half and were slightly unfortunate in the way they fell behind.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Man City players to miss club’s Christmas in bid to avoid festive slump

    Pep Guardiola is hoping to guard against a similar run of results around the holiday period as they suffered last season. Manchester City players will be forced to miss the club’s Christmas Party in a bid to ensure they are in peak condition for the busy festive period.

    Pep Guardiola was unhappy with his side’s performance shortly after last year’s celebrations, believing it may have had an effect on the first team’s performance.

    And Goal has learened that Thursday night’s party at a city centre venue will be off-limits to his first team ahead of Sunday’s trip to Arsenal.

    Read:Holders Man City cruise into EFL Cup quarter-finals after beating Southampton

    The Premier League champions have started a tradition in recent years of holding an annual Christmas party for all employees of the club – totalling more than 400 – including the senior squad as well as coaching staff and senior executives.

    But last season’s bash came immediately before a 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace, with Guardiola fearing that a late night had contributed to the surprise home loss.

    City also lost at Leicester City four days later as they slipped further behind Liverpool in a title race they would eventually go onto win.

    Read:Sterling blasts 11-minute treble as Man City run riot

    But with City trailing Liverpool by 14 points, Guardiola has tried to guard against a similar slump this Christmas.

    At the event 12 months ago, players mingled with club employees but some of the first team carried on the evening at the Chinawhite nightclub until the early hours of the morning.

    According to the book ‘Pep’s City – the Making of a Superteam’ – written with Guardiola’s full co-operation – all the players attended training the following day, but the City boss believed the night contributed to their surprise home defeat.

    December and January is a busy period for Guardiola’s side with 11 games in just five weeks and sports science staff are wary of any potential dangers ot a drop in performance.

    Read:Sergio Aguero: Man City forward out for a few weeks with injury, says Pep Guardiola

    City players did attend a lavish Gatsby-themed party to celebrate Raheem Sterling’s 25th birthday on Sunday, the day after the recent Manchester derby defeat.

    Source:goal.com

  • Jesus hat-trick flattens Zagreb

    Gabriel Jesus scored his second Champions League hat-trick as Manchester City ended their Group C campaign with a 4-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb.

    City had already guaranteed their spot as Group C winners and were perhaps suffering an early hangover from their surprise defeat to Manchester United on Saturday when Dani Olmo skilfully fired Zagreb in front (10).

    That goal put Zagreb into the runners-up spot but the Croatians were left furious when Jesus headed home the leveller (34) despite two of their players being down injured.

    City, who will find out their last-16 opponents on Monday, turned on the style after the break as the recalled Phil Foden played a big part in Jesus’ next two goals (50 and 54) before the young Englishman rounded off the scoring himself (83).

    Read:Jesus double fires Man City to victory

    Due to Atalanta’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk, Zagreb finished bottom of Group C and exited Europe.

    Pep Guardiola’s side are back in action on Super Sunday when they visit Arsenal.

    Zagreb defended strongly as City initially had little answers to their deep defensive block.

    A reply didn’t look likely despite City bossing possession, but it came in controversial fashion on 34 minutes. With two Zagreb players down injured, City decided to play on and worked the ball out to Riyad Mahrez on the right.

    City outnumbered Zagreb players three-to-two in the box and Jesus rose above his marker at the back post to head home which drew angry protests from the Zagreb players who surrounded the referee to no avail.

    ReadMan City striker Jesus signs contract extension until 2023

    Foden had yet to really influence the game on his first start since October but sparked City into life when linking up with Jesus as City took the lead on 50 minutes.

    His quick passing down the left with Jesus opened up the Zagreb defence and the Brazilian showed amazing composure to throw a dummy past Arijan Ademi and curl into the bottom corner.

    Zagreb looked visually demoralised by the task facing them and City sensed their vulnerability. Foden again dictated an attack down the left and Benjamin Mendy whipped in a fantastic cross that was swept home by the red-hot Jesus, whose last 13 goals for City have all come away from home.

    The remainder of the contest played out like an exhibition game and Foden got the goal his second-half performance merited when turning home Bernardo Silva’s low cross.

    Source: skysports.com