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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 vide

Transfer Rumour: City want Kimmich

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Press reports from across Europe are suggesting that Manchester City are about to make some big moves in the transfer market. Would Joshua Kimmich be a good signing for City and Guardiola? Kimmich is reportedly eager to reunite with Pep Guardiola, despite the possibility that his former boss could leave in a year. Kimmich, a crucial player for Germany's Euro campaign, has one year remaining on his contract with Bayern Munich and is attracting interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool. Manchester City's Guardiola is also interested. Kimmich is particularly drawn to reuniting with the manager who launched his career at Bayern in 2015, making the Etihad an appealing destination. Kimmich’s representatives are keen to know if Guardiola plans to extend his stay beyond next summer, but the player is so eager to work with him again that he is ready to take the chance. While Bayern’s manager Vincent Kompany is eager for Kimmich to remain, the club would prefer to sell him

Premier League: City and Arsenal cancel each other out

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 Manchester City 0 - 0 Arsenal  Manchester City and Arsenal played out a goalless draw, giving Liverpool the advantage in the Premier League title race. Liverpool are now at the top of the table, two points ahead of Arsenal and three ahead of City . They came from behind to beat Brighton at Anfield, and their delight increased even more when their two closest rivals cancelled each other out. This game failed to live up to its billing as a potential classic, as Arsenal's defensive tactics shut down City while the Gunners had limited chances.  Nathan Ake came close with a header early on but it was saved by Arsenal keeper David Raya. City striker Gabriel Jesus posed an occasional threat for the away side. He nearly scored but failed to connect with Bukayo Saka's cross.  The best reaction Lewis, a Chelsea fan, gave us the perspective of a neutral fan: "Manchester City will remain confident in their ability to retain their Premier League title, but their manager, Pep Gua

Manchester City lose again

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Brighton & Hove Albion 2 - 1 Manchester City Pep Guardiola endured a fourth consecutive defeat for the first time in his Manchester City tenure, as Brighton staged a comeback to overcome the Premier League champions. It marks City’s first run of four successive losses since 2006. Author - Macca City looked set to break their losing streak when Erling Haaland found the net in the 23rd minute at the Amex Stadium, finishing on his second attempt from Mateo Kovacic's pass in a promising start. Brighton, however, kept their composure and gained control after the interval. Poor finishing prevented them from equalising earlier, but substitute Joao Pedro eventually struck amidst a goalmouth scramble 12 minutes from time. City, showing signs of vulnerability, were soon under immense pressure. Brighton claimed a deserved lead when Matt O'Riley , recently returned from injury since joining from Celtic, sliced through City’s exposed defence and slotted past Ederson just five minut

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 – the most City have faced under Pep Guardiola in a home Champions League match, and more than they’ve conceded in any Premier League game. City's chances were limited, with Phil Foden’s effort on his return the closest they came, while Ilkay Gundogan missed two promising headers. It was far from a vintage performance from Guardiola’s men. On the other hand, Inter’s manager, Simone Inzaghi, will likely be frustrated by his team’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

Premier League: Chelsea 0 - 1 Manchester City

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Manchester City picked up an impressive win away at Chelsea. How important could this result prove to be? Everyone associated with City will be delighted that they got revenge after last season's Champions League final defeat. Gabriel Jesus settled the close affair when his 53rd-minute effort took a deflection off Jorginho to beat Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy. Very few could question City's right to the win and many would argue that the victory margin should have been far more emphatic. Chelsea were unusually conservative in their style of play throughout the match. Some interesting stats Despite being the away side, City had more possession (59% to Chelsea's 41%) and more shots (15 to Chelsea's 5). The home side didn't have one single shot on target. Pep Guardiola has also become Manchester City's most successful manager in terms of victories.  Manager reaction When speaking to BT Sport, Pep Guardiola said: "“Today the guys were outstanding. At this stad

Amorim saves greatest Sporting victory until near the end

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Sporting 4 - 1 Manchester City New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim marked his final home game with Sporting by delivering one of his greatest triumphs, inflicting a third straight defeat on Manchester City. Author - Macca This was City’s heaviest loss since September 2020 and only the second time Pep Guardiola has suffered three consecutive defeats in a single season during his trophy-filled tenure. To add to City’s misery, star forward Erling Haaland smashed a second-half penalty against the crossbar. Sporting’s own Scandinavian star, Viktor Gyökeres, played a leading role with a fantastic hat-trick. He levelled Phil Foden’s early opener in the 38th minute, then held his nerve to score twice more from the spot in the second half. The first penalty followed a disastrous start to the second half for City, as Sporting took the lead just seconds after the restart when Maximiliano Araújo latched onto a through ball and struck a precise shot into the corner. Find more Champions

Tottenham thrash City

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Manchester City 0 - 4 Tottenham Hotspur A remarkable evening in Manchester. Who saw this result coming? James Maddison netted a brace as Tottenham swept past Manchester City, handing them a fifth consecutive defeat – a streak they hadn’t endured since 2006. Author - Macca Pedro Porro smashed in a third, and Brennan Johnson sealed the victory with a last-minute fourth on a remarkable night that saw City’s 52-match unbeaten run at the Etihad come to an end. That streak had stretched back to just before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This was City’s heaviest home defeat since their 5-1 drubbing by Arsenal in 2003. It also marked the first time Pep Guardiola’s side had suffered three consecutive Premier League defeats under his leadership, just 48 hours after he signed a new two-year contract extension. For Spurs, it was a stunning turnaround. Despite being without both first-choice centre-backs, fielding five teenagers on the bench, and coming off a 2-1 home loss to Ipswich two weeks ag

Transfer News: Huge few days of breaking news

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Let's explore all the latest headlines and all the reaction Tyrell Malacia signs for Manchester United The player is clearly delighted with the news: "“I think I cannot describe the feeling. So much has happened in the last few weeks and I am happy to be here.” Ken, a Manchester United fan from Glossop who has been going since 1970, told us: "The first of many hopefully. We need a few more players if we're going to compete next season." Check out this video from UnitedPeoplesTV Fulham agree £10m fee for Andreas Pereira: This story is still ongoing. A BBC Sport story states: "Premier League newcomers Fulham have agreed a £10m deal - including add-ons - for Manchester United and Brazil midfielder Andreas Pereira. Pereira, 26, spent last season on loan at Flamengo and is set to sign a three-year deal with the Cottagers. One United fan told us: "This is a great move for everyone involved." Read more here -  Andreas Pereira: Fulham agree £10m fee for

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 didn’t see it but we didn’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 didn’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 Guardiola’s team this season and has started 12 Premier League and Champions League matches among 16 appearances in all competitions. The German was the first signing

Premier League rumours: Raheem Sterling on the move

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Reports have said that Manchester's City Raheem Sterling would be open to playing abroad if he does not get more game time  The forward has only started one Premier League game since the opening weekend of the season. He was in City's side for their Champions League defeat against Paris St-Germain in September. You can see some of his best moments for his current club in the video below. Since joining City from Liverpool in 2015, he has won the Premier League three times, the FA Cup once and the EFL Cup four times. Speaking at the FT Business of Sport US summit, he said: "I am not someone who complains, I have not tried to make it a bigger deal than it is. I am just raring to go, play football and score regularly." This is the place for more Manchester City news The arrival of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa has increased competition for forward places at City, although the absence of Ferran Torres for at least a month with a fractured foot does reduce Guardiola

UCL: Manchester City 2 - 1 Paris Saint Germain

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Manchester City came back from behind to beat Paris St-Germain and secure qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League. They have also done so as group winners.  The home side's outstanding display reaped the reward it deserved, as they showed great character after Kylian Mbappe swept PSG into the lead. The PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was left disappointed as City hit back in style to turn the game around. Raheem Sterling's recent good run carried on as he turned home Kyle Walker's far post touch to equalise after 63 minutes. Then Gabriel Jesus was the beneficiary of a superb pass from Bernardo Silva to beat Kaylor Navas from close range.  All the reaction Pep Guardiola said: "Of course, PSG, what a team, what players, what could I say. Performance is quite similar to Paris a month ago. Today we created more chances in the first half. We played well and always we had the sense that they could run in behind." Kyle Walker tweeted: "Buzzing

From the archives: Real Madrid 2 - 6 Barcelona. 2009

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Let's have a look at a time when Barcelona went to Real Madrid and scored six This was a key moment in one of the greatest campaigns in the club's history What happened then? Gonzalo Higuain had actually headed Real ahead but Thierry Henry curled an equaliser and Carles Puyol then nodded Barca in front. Lionel Messi slotted past Iker Casillas and, after Sergio Ramos replied with a glancing header, Henry clipped into an empty net and Messi rolled in another. Gerard Pique later tapped in the sixth Barcelona goal of a remarkable match. Then Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said the following after the match:  "It is not easy to win at the Bernabeu and this is one of the happiest days of my footballing life, as we have made a lot of people happy." "We have taken a very big step towards winning the title. We wanted to kill it, to kill the league here. It's a very sweet night winning at this stadium and in front of these fans. "It is not going to hurt ahead

PL News: McKenna signs four-year deal at Ipswich

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We have some good news for Ipswich fans Kieran McKenna has signed a new four-year contract to stay as the manager of Ipswich Town, following the club's remarkable rise to the Premier League. We are delighted to announce that Manager Kieran McKenna has signed a new long-term contract at Portman Road. — I(P)SWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) May 30, 2024 The 38-year-old's new agreement at Portman Road was confirmed a week after it seemed likely he might decline the club's offer. McKenna had been linked to the managerial vacancy at Brighton and was shortlisted by Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino. However, he withdrew from the race for the Stamford Bridge role on Sunday. EFL: Ipswich promoted to Premier League (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) This is the place for all the latest EFL news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Under McKenna's leadership, Ipswich achieved consecutive automatic

Community Shield: Arsenal win on penalties

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Arsenal 1 - 1 Manchester City Arsenal won 4-1 on penalties  The Community Shield victory gave Arsenal's title hopes a psychological boost as they beat Pep Guardiola's side on penalties. Cole Palmer curled home a stunning strike. He thought he would win it for City after a largely forgettable 70 minutes in the season curtain-raiser. However, Leandro Trossard equalised in the 101st minute after his shot was deflected into the net. In the end, Arsenal won on spot-kicks after Kevin de Bruyne struck the crossbar, Rodri had his effort saved, and then Fabio Vieira converted to seal the victory. A statement of intent from Arsenal? Despite leading the Premier League for over 240 days last season, Arsenal's challenge fell apart as City overtook them in the final stages to win the Treble along with the Champions League and FA Cup. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta spoke with a lot of media outlets before the match. He admitted that the end of last season still hurt, and was clearly despe

PL News: Arsenal boss Arteta signs new contract until 2027

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has penned a new three-year contract with the club The Spaniard was due to see his current contract expire at the end of the season, but he has now extended his stay until 2027. Arteta, who was working as a coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, was appointed to replace Unai Emery as Arsenal's manager in December 2019. He led the team to victory in the FA Cup final at the end of the 2019-2020 season, securing his first major trophy as a manager. Under his guidance, Arsenal has finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League for the past two seasons, with the 42-year-old aiming to bring the club its first top-flight title since the 2003-04 season. So, is this a good move? Arsenal have undeniably regained their competitive edge under Arteta, and this new three-year deal underscores the club’s belief that he is the man to end their long wait for a Premier League title. Given the strong relationships he’s built within the club an

Premier League: Liverpool 2 - 2 Manchester City

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Liverpool and Manchester City produced the game of the season so far with an absorbing encounter at Anfield. All four goals came in the second 45 minutes with City twice pegging Liverpool back. You can see some of the best moments from the game in the video below. Both teams will ultimately feel they might have won this game. Manchester City’s attack looks like it can cause problems for any team in the world but you'd still have to wonder if City's main weakness is their lack of an out and out striker.  There was some top-class football on show from both sides but there were some controversial moments. James Milner will know he was extremely lucky not to be sent off here for persistent fouling before he was eventually substituted just after 70 minutes.  Reaction from the men in charge The Liverpool manager said after the match:  "Probably less than average, we were too passive with and without the ball and played right into City's hands. That was the worst half we ha

Community Shield: City win on penalties

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Manchester United 1 - 1 Manchester City Manchester City won 7-6 on penalties Manchester City avenged their FA Cup final loss to Manchester United as Pep Guardiola's team emerged victorious in a penalty shootout after the Community Shield ended in a draw at Wembley. Bernardo Silva equalised for City in the dying moments of the match, but his fortunes quickly turned as his penalty was saved by Andre Onana, giving United the upper hand.  However, Ederson kept City in the game by stopping Jadon Sancho’s effort. Later, experienced defender Jonny Evans sent his shot over the bar. Manuel Akanji then stepped up to secure City's first win in this competition since 2019, in front of a crowd of 78,416. It had earlier seemed Alejandro Garnacho had sealed the victory for United with a composed finish into the bottom corner, nine minutes from time, after a well-orchestrated move led by captain Bruno Fernandes. Community Shield: Some of the best ever matches (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.

Transfer Rumour: Walker wanted by Bayern Munich

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Bayern Munich want to sign another English player It is believed that they want to sign Kyle Walker from Manchester City Bayern came close to signing the Manchester City's star player last summer. However, Pep Guardiola convinced him to stay at the 11th hour and he signed a new contract, potentially keeping him at the Etihad until June 2026. He has proved to be an important player in Manchester City's quest for a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title. Earlier this season, when Kevin De Bruyne was injured, Kyle Walker took over as the captain. Walker has since been in excellent form, which has reignited Bayern's interest in him. This video from Monsif Attoui would perhaps explain why Bayern interested in signing Walker despite his age. They will be hoping to put together a team that can bring the title back from Leverkusen next season.  Both City and the player in question are aware that the Bundesliga giants are interested in signing the right back du