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Tag: Manchester City

  • Manchester City seal Reijnders’ move from AC Milan

    Manchester City seal Reijnders’ move from AC Milan

    Manchester City have completed the £46.3 million ($64.47 million) signing of Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan.

    The Premier League club have confirmed the 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.

    His arrival makes it four signings in a week for City, who announced deals for £30.5 million midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon and Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on Tuesday, while left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri joined from Wolves in a £31.3 million move on Monday.

    Those transfers have been finalised in time for the players to be registered for the group stages of the Club World Cup this month.

    Reijnders arrives at City after impressing in an otherwise disappointing season at Milan, who finished eighth in Serie A and missed out on qualification for Europe.

    He scored 15 goals in the 2024-25 campaign and will bolster Pep Guardiola’s midfield options following this summer’s departure of Kevin De Bruyne.

    The Dutchman said: “I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City. City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities.

    “Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years. It is also a dream come true to play in the Premier League.

    “This league has seen many of the best Dutch players perform through the years and it’s an inspiration to follow in their footsteps.

    “I am really looking forward to getting going, meeting the other players and showing the Manchester City fans what I can do.”

    City’s latest transfer activity continues an overhaul of the squad that began with the January signings of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.

    Further deals are also possible as the club respond to a disappointing season in which they failed to mount a strong Premier League title defence and exited the Champions League before the last 16.

    Director of football Hugo Viana added: “We are very happy that Tijjani has joined us and we’re excited for him to join Pep’s squad.

    “Tijjani adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield, and working with Pep and our coaches will only see him go from strength to strength.”

    City will play their first match in the Club World Cup against Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca on June 18 and have further group games against Al Ain of Abu Dhabi and Juventus.

  • EPL: Arsenal crush Manchester City to stay in title hunt

    EPL: Arsenal crush Manchester City to stay in title hunt

    Arsenal delivered a statement of intent in the Premier League title race with a 5-1 hammering of champions Manchester City to close the gap at the top to six points on Sunday.

    Captain Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal into a second-minute lead and City were finished off in ruthless fashion after the break with teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri both on target for the rampant Gunners.

    Erling Haaland’s 55th-minute equaliser, his 250th senior career goal, had briefly raised City’s hopes, but they could have no complaints as any lingering chance of winning a fifth successive title surely disappeared into the north London night.

    Arsenal are now 14 games unbeaten in the league and have 50 points from 24 games with leaders Liverpool on 56 from 23. Manchester City are a distant fourth with 41.

    Arsenal have been accused of being over-reliant on set-piece goals this season but on Sunday they played with fluency and flare to rack up their biggest home win of the league season.

    “It was a top game, a top performance and with the fans and the atmosphere it can’t be better, so very happy. In the end, I think we got what we deserved, “Odegaard said

    City, whose six-game unbeaten run in the league had suggested they were returning to form, were generally second-best apart from a lively spell before halftime when Arsenal keeper David Raya was forced into a couple of crucial saves.

    “It is difficult. I think all of us don’t take losing well,” City defender John Stones said. “It is hard to put into words straight after a game like that. How we played in the last 30 minutes was not acceptable.”

    Sloppy City gifted Arsenal the lead when Manuel Akanji was put in trouble by teammate John Stones and was dispossessed before Kai Havertz calmly set up Odegaard to sweep home from close range despite an attempted block by Stones.

    With City at sixes and sevens, Arsenal thought they had made it 2-0 shortly afterwards when Gabriel Martinelli lifted a shot past Stefan Ortega but was adjudged to be offside.

    City were spared further punishment when they again lost the ball playing out from the back and Havertz, with the whole goal to aim at, somehow dragged his shot wide.

    Haaland touched the ball only six times in the first half but came alive in the 55th minute to head in Savinho’s cross.

    For a moment it looked as though Arsenal’s earlier misses might haunt them but 38 seconds after the restart Phil Foden gave the ball away and Thomas Partey’s shot deflected off Stones to leave Ortega with no chance.

    With their tails up, Arsenal looked to rub City’s noses in the dirt and Lewis-Skelly took a pass from Declan Rice before sending a right-footed shot past the diving Ortega.

    Havertz made up for his earlier miss with a clinical finish from Gabriel Martinelli’s pass after a counter-attack.

    The party was already in full swing when substitute Nwaneri left Ortega for dead with a sublime curling finish after a long passing move.

    Arsenal will now try to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final at Newcastle United.

    While City will have to dust themselves down as a seismic Champions League playoff against Real Madrid looms.

  • Guardiola’s Man City celebrates landmark win over Leicester

    Guardiola’s Man City celebrates landmark win over Leicester

    Manchester City ended their five-game winless run as Pep Guardiola celebrated victory in his 500th game in charge with a 2-0 win at Leicester City on Sunday.

    Savinho’s first-half goal and an Erling Haaland header after the break earned a much-needed three points for the faltering champions at the King Power Stadium.

    It was just their second Premier League victory since the end of October, but the frailties of the last two months – where they lost nine of their previous 13 matches – were still on show.

    Leicester provided a stern test and might feel they could have got something out of the match as Facundo Buonanotte hit the post and Jamie Vardy missed a key chance at 1-0 down.

    While their title challenge is probably over, sitting 11 points behind leaders Liverpool who play later on Sunday.

    City moved back in touch with the top four and will hope this can be a stepping stone to a full revival.

    The Foxes have now lost four in a row and their bounce under new boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was restricted to two games as they remain in the relegation zone.

  • Haaland misses penalty as Manchester City’s woes continue

    Haaland misses penalty as Manchester City’s woes continue

    Erling Haaland missed a penalty as Manchester City’s torrid run continued with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

    The ailing champions at least avoided a 10th defeat in 13 outings in all competitions but their troubles were hardly eased as they were pegged back by the battling Toffees on Boxing Day.

    Haaland squandered the chance to get them back to winning ways in the Premier League when his second-half spot-kick was saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

    City had led early in the game through Bernardo Silva but Iliman Ndiaye levelled before the break.

    It was another creditable result for manager Sean Dyche’s side after stalemates against Arsenal and Chelsea in their previous two outings.

    Yet for City boss Pep Guardiola the questions continue, although injuries were once again a major factor.

    Already without the services of Rodri, Ederson and Ruben Dias, John Stones, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker were added to the list of absentees since the weekend.

    That left the out-of-form Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan as the senior stars on an inexperienced bench that featured four teenagers and a 20-year-old.

  • Guardiola reacts after Man City lose 4th consecutive game

    Guardiola reacts after Man City lose 4th consecutive game

    Manchester City’s misery continued with a 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday.

    This was after late goals from substitutes Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley handed the champions their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions.

    The defeat marks the first time City coach Pep Guardiola has lost four in a row in his managerial career.

    The result kept his side second in the league standings on 23 points from 11 matches. Brighton climbed to fourth on 19 points.

    City looked poised to end their ugly run after Erling Haaland scored in the 23rd minute when Mateo Kovacic threaded a long pass between Brighton’s two centre backs, and the Norwegian striker booted in his own rebound to extend his league scoring lead to 12 goals.

    Brighton improved after the break and Pedro drew the hosts level in the 78th minute when City could not clear the ball and the Brazilian pounced to lash it past Ederson.

    “Last season we dropped too many points and the gaffer told us to believe in ourselves this season and we are doing well this season against the big teams,” Pedro told Sky Sports.

    O’Riley made his Premier League debut a memorable one when he secured the well-earned victory five minutes later, latching onto Pedro’s through ball and slotting home from close range past Ederson’s outstretched arm.

    Guardiola will rue City’s squandered first-half chances, including a couple from Haaland in the span of a few minutes that on a different night could have seen the Norwegian celebrating a hat-trick.

    The first chance saw goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen dive to stop a blistering Haaland shot with his right ankle at the near post. Haaland then headed just over the bar.

    While Brighton had only 39.5% possession, it felt like a goal was coming in the second half. The hosts had a terrific chance soon after the break when Jack Hinshelwood leapt high to head down a looping cross from Pervis Estupinan that an alert Ederson swatted away.

    City have been hit by injuries with Nathan Ake, John Stones, Jack Grealish and Ruben Dias missing on Saturday, alongside longer-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb.

    Their previous three defeats were a 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur that eliminated them from the League Cup.

    A shock 2-1 league loss at Bournemouth, and a 4-1 Champions League thrashing by Sporting that had midfielder Bernardo Silva saying City were in a “dark place”.

    “Well… welcome! There is always time for a first in life,” Guardiola said on four defeats in a row for the first time in his career.

  • Manchester City suffer shock defeat at Bournemouth

    Manchester City suffer shock defeat at Bournemouth

    Manchester City suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday that ended their 32-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

    Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson scored for the Cherries who claimed their first ever win over the visitors.

    The result dropped City — who had not lost in the league since a 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa on Dec. 6 to second with 23 points after 10 matches, two points behind Liverpool.

    Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth climbed to eighth on 15 points.

    “We knew we couldn’t match the intensity,” City manager Pep Guardiola told the BBC. We’ve talked about it. It was an open game. We had chances at the end but I congratulate Bournemouth for the victory.”

    Bournemouth were rewarded for their strong start with Semenyo’s ninth-minute goal.

    Milos Kerkez superbly worked the ball up the left side to the byline before sending a low cross to Semenyo, who turned and beat goalkeeper Ederson.

    Evanilson doubled the lead in the 64th when he latched onto Kerkez’s cross and slotted home.

    City, who have been struggling with injuries to key players, made it a nervy finish after pulling a goal back in the 82nd minute when Josko Gvardiol leapt to meet Ilkay Gundogan’s cross, his looping header pushed in off the bar by keeper Mark Travers.

    That came two minutes after City’s scoring machine Erling Haaland had his side’s first shot on target and the visitors kept the pressure on Travers, who had had little to do up to that point, and Bournemouth’s defence in the dying minutes.

    Travers made a terrific save in added time to help secure Bournemouth’s win when he stopped Haaland’s header from close range. The striker then fired his own rebound off the post.

    City have been hampered by a long list of injuries, although winger Jeremy Doku made a surprise return and the second-half substitute instantly made his presence felt.

    Neither captain Kyle Walker nor key midfielder Kevin de Bruyne were expected to play either but the former started and the latter returned to the bench where he stayed.

    Phil Foden also had a decent chance for City but dragged his shot wide of the net in the second half.

    Haaland went down after a challenge from Lewis Cook just before the hour but VAR determined it was a fair tackle.

    The Norwegian was on the ground for several minutes receiving treatment before continuing but could not find the net.

    It was the second consecutive home victory for the south-coast side, who also stunned title hopefuls Arsenal 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium two weeks ago.

    “It feels amazing,” forward Semenyo said. “The best team in the world. We made it tough for them and everyone is buzzing with the result. A win is a win. It doesn’t matter if it is one goal or three, we deserved it.

    “We have belief,” added the 24-year-old. “We train hard every day and take it onto the pitch. Everyone is going to write us off but we know what we can do.”

  • Top 5 EPL talking points this weekend

    Top 5 EPL talking points this weekend

    The Premier League continues this weekend as the champions look to recover their form whilst many sides are still searching for their first victory, here are 5 talking points ahead of this week’s action.

    Manchester City look to bounce back at the top of the table after double draws

    Manager Pep Guardiola will be looking to bounce back this weekend after two consecutive draws against Newcastle United and Arsenal in recent weeks as they slipped to second in the table.

    City face Fulham for the first time in 5 months with the last meeting ending 4-0 just before they clinched the title. The Cottagers have not beaten the Citizens in well over a decade but after a strong start to the season Marco Silva’s side are on a five-game unbeaten run.

    Fulham could escape with an unexpected result especially as Guardiola’s side have conceded in each of their last five league games. Anything less than a win here would be a huge disappointment for City who have struggled to find their feet so far.

    Wolverhampton Wanderers aim to climb from bottom of the league 

    Wolves lost 2-1 to Liverpool in their last league clash which led to midfielder Mario Lemina posting a message to fans on his social media having broke down in tears after the hard-fought game

    “This group, this club, all the people around the club deserve much better than that. We are not gonna give up! 100 per cent. I know well my brothers. We are fully committed to change the future. Big challenge ahead of us.”

    Gary O’Neil’s side sit bottom of the table with a –10 goal difference and a talented squad who just cannot seem to blend this season. Their position is truly unprecedented and as they prepare to welcome Brentford to the Vitality Stadium this week, they will have the idea of relegation on their minds which could well be a possibility.

    Erik Ten Hag faces Aston Villa test that could decide his future at Manchester United 

    Ten Hag has been backed by United bosses this week after a worrying start to the season which has left many pundits scratching their heads, especially after the club’s mass spend over the summer window.

    The club’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham felt like a breaking point for the Dutch manager who will be hoping to grab a result at Villa this weekend.

    United sit 13th and despite their FA Cup win last season it is difficult to justify their position and performances which has given them just 5 goals in 6 games. Villa boss Unai Emery has the chance to make life difficult for Ten Hag and after their 7-game unbeaten run, which includes the likes of Bayern Munich, it’s very possible the Dutchman’s future is in his hands.

    Crystal Palace search for first win of  season with Oliver Glasner close to sack

    Selhurst Park welcomes Liverpool this weekend in another difficult game for a Palace side who are yet to win a game in their opening 6 fixtures. Everton produced a shock 2-1 comeback last time out against the Eagles, meaning they sit in the relegation zone separated by the points earnt via only draws so far.

    Glasner’s side will take confidence from Palace’s last clash against Liverpool, however, as an Eberechi Eze goal separated the two sides in their 1-0 victory.

    Much like Ten Hag, Glasner could face the sack if he does not earn at least another point against the Reds this Saturday.

    Can Villa continue their unbeaten streak?

    The opening five games of the season have pointed strongly to the fact that last season’s Champions League qualifying campaign was not a fluke and that in fact this Villa side under Unai Emery is aiming for even more.

    Villa sit third and after beating Bayern Munich this week and ending their historic 41 game Champions League run, they seem unstoppable.

    Emery’s side face Manchester United this weekend with all signs pointing towards yet another victory for the Villans, who have had an almost perfect start to the season.

    Tribalfootball

  • EPL: Brighton shock United 2-1, City thrash Ipswich 4-1 at Etihad

    EPL: Brighton shock United 2-1, City thrash Ipswich 4-1 at Etihad

    João Pedro secured a dramatic 95th-minute winner for Brighton, preserving their perfect start to the season and handing Manchester United a painful defeat. United thought they had clinched the victory when Alejandro Garnacho tucked in Bruno Fernandes’ low cross with 18 minutes left. However, VAR ruled out the goal for offside after the ball brushed substitute Joshua Zirkzee just before crossing the line.

     

    This opened the door for Pedro to seize the moment, as he headed in Simon Adingra’s cross at the far post, giving Fabian Hürzeler a dream start as Brighton manager. Former United striker Danny Welbeck had earlier put Brighton ahead with his fifth Premier League goal against his former club, and he nearly doubled the lead when his header struck the crossbar in the second half.

     

    Although Amad Diallo equalized for United on the hour mark, and despite Garnacho’s disallowed goal, United’s best attempts came from long-range efforts by Scott McTominay and Casemiro, neither of which troubled the Brighton goal. The final whistle sparked celebrations at the Amex Stadium, with Hürzeler visibly overjoyed and Billy Gilmour, linked with a move to Napoli, earning Man of the Match honors to the delight of the home fans.

     

    Meanwhile, Erling Haaland’s hat-trick powered Manchester City to a dominant victory over Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium, offering the newly-promoted side a harsh introduction to Premier League life. Ipswich, back in the top flight after 22 years, had a promising start when Sammie Szmodics scored on his full debut, slipping a shot through Ederson’s legs after just seven minutes.

     

    However, their joy was short-lived as City responded with three goals in just four minutes. Haaland equalized from the penalty spot after a VAR review overturned the initial decision of a dive by Savinho. Kevin De Bruyne then took advantage of a mix-up by Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric to make it 2-1 before Haaland added his second, rounding Muric to score City’s third by the 16th minute.

     

    City could have extended their lead further, hitting the woodwork twice, while Ipswich had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Leif Davis was brought down by Savinho inside the box. The second half saw a warm reception for Ilkay Gündogan, who returned to City on a one-year deal from Barcelona, as he made his first appearance since rejoining the club.

     

    Just when Ipswich thought they might limit the damage, Haaland completed his hat-trick with a late long-range strike, sealing a comfortable win for City. The victory means City have a 100% record from their two games, while Ipswich are still searching for their first points after a challenging start to their Premier League campaign.

  • Transfer: Real reason Gundogan is leaving Barcelona to Man City for free

    Transfer: Real reason Gundogan is leaving Barcelona to Man City for free

    Ilkay Gundogan is set to return to Manchester City after agreeing to rejoin the Premier League club on a free transfer from Barcelona. The 33-year-old German midfielder will sign a one-year contract with City, with an option to extend for another 12 months.

    Gundogan had joined Barcelona last summer following the expiration of his City contract in June 2023. Despite playing 36 matches in his debut season, he has been informed that he is not part of new head coach Hansi Flick’s future plans.

    The midfielder is said to be surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the reason why FC Barcelona are so eager to part ways with Gundogan is down to complications with registering new signing, Dani Olmo.

    To facilitate his return to Manchester City, Gundogan is forgoing the remaining two years of salary he was entitled to at Barcelona, which was secured when he played over 60 percent of the team’s games last season.

    During his first stint with Manchester City, Gundogan made 188 appearances and played a key role in their success, winning the Premier League five times, the FA Cup twice, and the Champions League once.

    City manager Pep Guardiola has approved the move after discussions with Gundogan, making City the frontrunners for his return.

    So far, City’s transfer window has been relatively quiet, with the Brazilian Savinho being their only senior signing, while Julian Alvarez has moved to Atletico Madrid.

    City won their opening Premier League match against Chelsea and are set to play Ipswich Town next.

    Earlier this week, Gundogan announced his retirement from international football after captaining Germany at the European Championship, which took place on home soil this summer.

  • PFA Awards: Foden, Shaw steal Spotlight with top wins(Full list)

    PFA Awards: Foden, Shaw steal Spotlight with top wins(Full list)

     

    Manchester City stars Phil Foden and Bunny Shaw were among the top honorees at this year’s PFA Awards.

    Foden clinched the PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Male) award, surpassing teammates Erling Haaland and Rodri.

    Bunny Shaw took home the PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Female) award.

    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was recognized as the PFA Young Player of the Year, while Manchester United’s Grace Clinton won the women’s equivalent.

    Here’s a complete list of winners at this year’s PFA Awards:

    – **PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Male):** Phil Foden
    – **PFA Players’ Young Player of the Year (Male):** Cole Palmer
    – **PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Female):** Khadijah Shaw
    – **PFA Players’ Young Player of the Year (Female):** Grace Clinton
    – **PFA Merit Award:** Dean Lewington
    – **PFA Team of the Year:** David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice, Rodri, Martin Odegaard, Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, Erling Haaland

     

    Foden clinched the PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Male) award, surpassing teammates Erling Haaland and Rodri.

     

    Bunny Shaw took home the PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Female) award.

     

    Chelsea’s Cole Palmer was recognized as the PFA Young Player of the Year, while Manchester United’s Grace Clinton won the women’s equivalent.

     

    Here’s a complete list of winners at this year’s PFA Awards:

     

    – **PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Male):** Phil Foden

    – **PFA Players’ Young Player of the Year (Male):** Cole Palmer

    – **PFA Players’ Player of the Year (Female):** Khadijah Shaw

    – **PFA Players’ Young Player of the Year (Female):** Grace Clinton

    – **PFA Merit Award:** Dean Lewington

    – **PFA Team of the Year:** David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice, Rodri, Martin Odegaard, Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins, Erling Haaland