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Crisis continues at Manchester City

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Manchester City 1 - 1 Everton Erling Haaland saw his second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford as Manchester Cityā€™s struggles continued with a lacklustre Premier League draw against Everton at the Etihad Stadium. Author - Macca Pep Guardiolaā€™s side, once an unstoppable force, now find themselves in uncharted waters, having won just once in their last 13 matches across all competitions. The result leaves the reigning champions in sixth place, five points behind Arsenal in fourth and a daunting 14 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool. City came close to a dream start in the third minute when Josko Gvardiolā€™s towering header struck the post. Their early dominance eventually paid off in the 14th minute, as Bernardo Silva capitalised on Jeremy Dokuā€™s pass, squeezing a deflected shot past Jarrad Branthwaite into the far corner. Phil Foden nearly doubled the lead, setting up Silva in the box, but the Portuguese midfielderā€™s first-time effort went wide. Everton, however, made their...

Premier League: City champions. Arsenal finish in 2nd

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 Arsenal 2 - 1 Everton Manchester City 3 - 1 West Ham United Manchester City are the 2023/2024 Premier League champions Arsenal narrowly missed out on their first Premier League title since 2004, despite securing a victory over Everton, as Manchester City ultimately clinched the title. For Arsenal to have been crowned champions, they needed to defeat Everton and hope that City failed to win against West Ham. šŸŽ¶ @LouisDunford ā€™s ā€˜The Angelā€™ rings around the Emirates Stadium before kick-off. šŸŽ¶ North London Forever šŸŽ¶ šŸŽ„ @jamesbenge pic.twitter.com/HFOGqwPOCg ā€” afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 19, 2024 Arsenal faced an early setback when Idrissa Gueyeā€™s deflected free-kick gave Everton the lead. However, Takehiro Tomiyasu equalised just three minutes later. While Arsenal eventually fulfilled their part with Kai Havertz's late winner, City's victory over West Ham dashed their title hopes. How the action unfolded in North London and East Manchester Phil Fodenā€™s early brace for City a...

Manchester is red this Christmas

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Manchester City 1 - 2 Manchester United Manchester United delivered a sensational late comeback to snatch victory from Manchester City in a dramatic derby at the Etihad Stadium. Author - Olivia T City had looked set for the win after Josko Gvardiolā€™s first-half header, but United turned the game on its head in the dying moments, securing a crucial early triumph for new manager Ruben Amorim. The standout performer was Amad Diallo, who won an 88th-minute penalty after being brought down by Matheus Nunes. Bruno Fernandes coolly converted to level the score. Moments later, Diallo capitalised again, slotting home from a tight angle to complete the turnaround. It was a game of few clear chances, with both sides struggling to create much of note. United appeared to have squandered their best opportunity to equalise when Fernandes, put through by Rasmus HĆøjlund, chipped Ederson but missed the target with 17 minutes remaining. However, the match erupted in the final moments, leaving Cityā€™s ...

Chelsea move closer to another WSL title

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Manchester City 1 - 2 Chelsea Erin Cuthbert struck a dramatic injury-time winner at Manchester City as Chelsea recovered from their midweek Champions League setback to keep their pursuit of a sixth consecutive Womenā€™s Super League title on track. Author - Macca Stadium - Etihad Stadium The Scotland midfielderā€™s diving header settled a thrilling third meeting between the sides in just eight days, a contest that saw Cityā€™s Jess Park have a goal controversially ruled out after the referee failed to play advantage. Chelseaā€™s 31-game unbeaten run across all competitions was ended on Wednesday when City claimed a 2-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Joie Stadium. That result avenged Cityā€™s League Cup final defeat four days earlier, with the sides set to meet again in the return leg on Thursday night. Nick Cushingā€™s team looked on course for back-to-back victories after dominating the first half, with winger Kerolin opening the scoring in the 32nd minute wit...

Premier League reaction: City and Liverpool title race goes to the last minute

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Let's explore a dramatic final day in the Premier League title race This video from ESPN UK explores everything that went on across the league.  ESPN UK - YouTube Manchester City 3 - 2 Aston Villa  Manchester City staged a late comeback with three goals in five minutes to beat Aston Villa and win the Premier League. Pep Guardiola's side needed a win to secure their fourth title in five seasons, but were facing the prospect of ending the season empty-handed as goals either side of the interval from Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho put Villa 2-0 ahead and in control. It looked as if Villa manager Steven Gerrard might help his former club Liverpool secure the title, until City turned the game on its head in an atmosphere bordering on hysteria. Ilkay Gundogan gave City hope with a far-post header in the 76th minute. Etihad Stadium was a wall of noise when Rodri drove a low finish past Villa keeper Robin Olsen two minutes later. The highlights of the match can be found in the vid...

UCL: Final preview

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It has been another dramatic season in the Champions League. In the final, Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund. Which side will come out on top? How did Real Madrid reach the final? The recently crowned Spanish champions snatched an incredible semi-final victory, scoring late goals to beat Bayern Munich and set up this Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. UCL: Real Madrid progress after astonishing drama (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) In a previous round, Madrid had knocked Manchester City out on penalties. They beat City in a dramatic quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium, ending the 2023 winners' hold on the Champions League.  After Antonio Rudiger's penalty secured the victory for Real Madrid, City's players slumped in despair, while what seemed like dozens of Real players and officials headed off to their supporters tucked in the far corner of Etihad Stadium. After this match, Francis, a Real Madrid fan, told us: "I am so happy that we progre...

UCL: Manchester City lose on penalties

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Manchester City 1 - 1 Real Madrid Real Madrid won 4-3 on penalties Real Madrid beat Manchester City in a dramatic quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium, ending their hold on the Champions League after a penalty shootout. Some incredible celebrations in the #RealMadrid end last night. #MCFC https://t.co/sibOvrXJB0 https://t.co/ZuTAUAqK7V ā€” Jay Dee (@JDESFNews) April 18, 2024 The holders came back from an early goal scored by Rodrygo to put pressure on Real Madrid's defence. They eventually managed to equalize 14 minutes before the end of normal time when Kevin de Bruyne took advantage of Antonio Rudiger's clearance. It was the least City deserved for their almost total domination, but a lack of the finishing touch cost them as Real, despite being exhausted and mounting a desperate rearguard action, held out for spot-kicks. UCL and UEL news and stories UCL: Madrid and City play out a classic  A Dramatic Penalty Shootout It all started well for City. Real Madrid players and f...

UCL: Inter hold City

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Manchester City 0 - 0 Inter Milan Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by a determined Inter side, as the Premier League champions experienced a frustrating start to their Champions League campaign. Despite City controlling possession, Inter posed a real threat on the counter-attack, managing 10 shots in the first half ā€“ the most City have faced under Pep Guardiola in a home Champions League match, and more than theyā€™ve conceded in any Premier League game. City's chances were limited, with Phil Fodenā€™s effort on his return the closest they came, while Ilkay Gundogan missed two promising headers. It was far from a vintage performance from Guardiolaā€™s men. On the other hand, Interā€™s manager, Simone Inzaghi, will likely be frustrated by his teamā€™s inability to capitalise on their counter-attacking opportunities. Champions League: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) A closer look at what happened in Manchester and the wider context of the result The extended format...

Feyenoord silence Etihad with late comeback

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Manchester City 3 - 3 Feyenoord Manchester City squandered a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League, extending their dismal run of form at a shell-shocked Etihad Stadium. Author - Macca A remarkable evening in Manchester https://t.co/SoSZpMS13p https://t.co/g5nOKIUHZj ā€” European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) November 28, 2024 The above tweet probably sums it up quite well.  A closer look at what happened Pep Guardiolaā€™s team appeared to be in full control after Erling Haaland netted twice and Ilkay Gundogan added a third, giving the hosts a commanding lead. However, Feyenoord mounted a remarkable comeback, delighting their 5,000 travelling supporters. Anis Hadj Moussa capitalised on a Josko Gvardiol error to spark the revival, before substitute Santiago Gimenez scored in the 82nd minute. David Hancko completed the dramatic turnaround in the 89th minute, leaving Guardiola visibly frustrated and some City fans voicing their displeasure at full-time. City,...

Manchester City's current malaise continues with Champions League defeat

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Juventus 2 - 0 Manchester City Manchester Cityā€™s struggles continued as they suffered a potentially damaging defeat to Juventus, leaving their Champions League knockout stage hopes hanging by a thread. Author - Macca Second-half goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie sealed a crucial win for the Italian side, bolstering their chances of progressing automatically as one of the top eight teams in the league phase. For City, however, it marked yet another setback in a torrid run of form, with just one win from their last 10 games in all competitions and a seventh defeat during this miserable spell. The result leaves City languishing in 22nd place in the Champions League standings, with only two group games remaining. They face Paris Saint-Germain away on 22 January and host Club Brugge a week later. The top eight teams secure automatic progression, while those finishing between ninth and 24th must navigate a two-legged play-off. City remain just one point above PSG in 25th...

Man City host beleaguered Leicester in midweek clash

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Manchester City v Leicester City preview Manchester City will look to strengthen their bid for a Champions League spot when they host relegation-bound Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. Author - Macca Pep Guardiolaā€™s side secured their customary place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a weekend win over Bournemouth, while Leicester have had a fortnight to reflect on another dismal Premier League defeat. Despite a turbulent 2024-25 campaign, City have maintained their dominance in domestic cup competitions, reaching their seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final. Meanwhile, Leicester, who stormed to the Championship title under Enzo Maresca last season , have struggled to adapt to the top flight. Alongside Ipswich Town and Southampton, they find themselves adrift at the bottom of the table. The Foxes have endured a miserable run of six straight league defeats without scoring, shipping 16 goals in the process. Their latest setback (a 3-0 home loss to Manchester United...

UCL: Madrid and City play out a classic

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Real Madrid 3 - 3 Manchester City There was a quite incredible night of football in Real Madrid. Let's explore what happened.  This video below is from the official Real Madrid YouTube account. The current Champions League holders Manchester City took took the lead in the second minute when Bernardo Silva intelligently placed a 25 yard free-kick round the wall and past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. This lead was quickly overturned. Deflected strikes from Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo helped 14-time European champions Real overturn the deficit at the Bernabeu. A lot of fans and pundits were saying that City were lacking quality in the final third. This was until Phil Foden, who had been on the periphery of the game, found some space outside the area to turn and fire into the top corner to pull last year's Treble winners level. 2-2 quickly became 2-3 which then became 3-3 Only a few moments later, Josko Gvardiol cut in and found the far corner with a superb right-foot shot to scor...

PL news: Fernandinho to leave Man City

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Manchester City captain Fernandinho has announced his plans to leave the club in the summer. The midfielder revealed his intentions prior to City's game at Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Fernandinho, 36, signed a one-year contract extension with City last June. When asked if he expected to still be at Etihad Stadium next season, he said: "No, I want to play regularly." The midfielder has won a number of trophies during his time in Manchester. This includes four Premier League titles and six EFL Cups since joining City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013. He has made 23 appearances for the club this season, but started just six times in the Premier League as the club bid to retain the title. Reaction The news has come as a surprise to the Manchester City boss: "I didn't know it. We will see what happens at the end of the season. We don't know what's going to happen. "Fernandinho, I've said many times, is s...

City interested in Theo Hernandez

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Rumours regarding Manchester City's rebuild are starting to increase  It has been reported that Theo Hernandezā€™s contract talks with AC Milan are at a standstill and Manchester City are considering a summer move for the left-back.  Author - Macca Experts believe that left-back is a position Pep Guardiola is keen to strengthen and Hernandez is one of the players that has been shortlisted His contract with Milan expires in 2026 and an extension is unlikely. This allegedly means that the Italian giants are looking to sell him this summer and get a decent transfer fee whilst they can.  City's position is now believed to be one of concrete interest. This is expected to be the start of a busy summer with five or six players expected to arrive as Guardiola looks to get his club back to to the top of English and European football?  Would this be a good signing for Manchester City? It has been a poor season by their standards Hernandez is one of the most attacking ful...

The greatest Manchester derbies

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Let's take a look at some of the memorable Manchester derbies from the past. It has provided some incredible moments. Man United 0-1 Man City, April 1974. Did Denis Law really relegate Manchester United?  Technically no. United would have been relegated anyway after Birmingham beat Norwich City in their final game of the campaign, It was a definite low point for United though. Seeing their former hero delivering a cruel blow. Man United 4 - 3 Man City, September 2009. Was this the greatest of all Manchester Derbies?  Not long after signing Carlos Tevez, City travelled to United trying to make a statement that they had finally joined the elite of English football. Seven goals and a Michael Owen winner later, they had certainly arrived but it was ultimately heartbreak on this occasion.   Man City 3 - 3 Man United, November 1990 Coming a year after City's historic 5-1 win over United, the reds were out for revenge but found themselves trailing again. Two late go...

Draw has been made for the FA Cup 3rd round

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There has the potential to be some classic matches in the FA Cup 3rd round in 2025 Holders Manchester United face a tough test in their quest to retain the up as they have been drawn away to 14-time winners Arsenal. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football Premier League leaders Liverpool have a home tie against League Two side Accrington Stanley. The famous EFL side will be dreaming about what could be one of the greatest upsets of all time. Speaking of potential upsets, Manchester City will host Salford City, the club part-owned by members of the 'Class of 92'. Co-owners Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes had some amazing and terrible moments against City. A win for Salford at the Etihad Stadium would potentially top any previous wins against the current Premier League champions.  Tamworth, one of just two non-league teams still in the competition, will welcome Tottenham to their home ground. They will still be celebrating their victory at Burton ...

Premier League: Manchester City 0 - 2 Crystal Palace

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Pep Guardiola said many things went wrong for Manchester City after Crystal Palace ruined his 200th Premier League game at the club. Wilfried Zaha pounced on an Aymeric Laporte error to put Palace ahead and the France defender was later sent off for a professional foul on the Eagles forward. Conor Gallagher's late second goal sealed the visitors' victory after Gabriel Jesus had seen an equaliser chalked off by the video assistant referee. Guardiola spoke about the red card after the match: "It could be a yellow card, could be a red, it depends on the decision of the referee. The disallowed goal, I didnā€™t see it but we didnā€™t lose because of that." The Manchester City manager added: "We conceded an early goal, played a good first half but at the same time there was the sending off and the interpretation from the referee. "Unfortunately it went wrong with many, many things. We didnā€™t have many chances in the first half but we had enough to score. Even wit...

Premier League rumours: Is Gundogan on the move?

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 What's the future looking like for Ilkay Gundogan? Manchester City fear Ilkay Gundogan will snub their contract offer to leave on a free transfer, It is believed that the Premier League champions are keen to keep hold of the Germany international, who turned 32 last week. His current contract expires at the end of the season, and he will be free to agree to a pre-contract with a foreign club from 1 January. More Premier League news (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)     Gundogan scored a crucial goal in the final stages of the 2021/2022 season to help City clinch the Premier League title. Credit -  Man City - YouTube It is believed that Gundogan has suitors from the Premier League as well as on the Continent. There are fears at the Etihad Stadium that he is keen on a new challenge. He has remained a key member of Pep Guardiolaā€™s team this season and has started 12 Premier League and Champions League matches among 16 appearances in all competitions. The German was th...

PL reaction: Manchester United 0 - 2 Manchester City

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Manchester City cruised to victory with almost embarrassing ease at Old Trafford. This Manchester City win was not as emphatic as Liverpool's magnificent 5-0 victory here in United's last home league game but City were far too comfortable. The pressure has only increased on the Manchester United manager.  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke with the media after the game and said: "Itā€™s very disappointing. Last week, it felt like we made a step forward, this is a big step backwards. It is a way of losing we donā€™t like. You want to see a better Man United than that. "When you concede the first goal in an unfortunate way as early as that it makes it difficult. They pressed us really well. We never got to the level we need to be at to beat good teams." United's Donny van de Beek tweeted:"A disappointing day. But your support means everything." View from the blues The reaction from everyone associated from Manchester City was obviously more positive. The Manch...

Italy: Ruben Loftus-Cheek joins AC Milan

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 AC Milan have completed the signing of Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea on a four-year contract. The two clubs did not disclose the fee involved. However, it has been reported that Milan will pay Ā£15m plus add-ons. The 27-year-old had been at Stamford Bridge since he was a youth player. He has scored seven goals in 155 club appearances, winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the Uefa Super Cup. The midfielder has also had loans at Crystal Palace and Fulham where he made an additional 54 Premier League appearances. It has already been a busy summer of outgoings for Chelsea. They have sold Kai Havertz to Arsenal and Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City. Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have moved to Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, and N'Golo Kante has agreed a deal with fellow Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad. What are people saying about the move?  Lauren, a Chelsea fan, was sad to see him go. She said: "When he played for Sarri he looked like the real deal. He su...