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Tag: Manchester City

  • Gareth Southgate advise players to exercise caution during win celebrations

    Gareth Southgate advise players to exercise caution during win celebrations

    Gareth Southgate, the England manager, acknowledged that there is a boundary that his players must not exceed, referring to Jack Grealish’s extravagant celebrations after winning the treble.

    However, Southgate refrained from openly criticizing the forward, even though his partying attracted significant media attention.

    Grealish accompanied his Manchester City teammates for a night out in Ibiza after their 1-0 Champions League victory against Inter Milan, securing the treble. They returned on Monday in preparation for their trophy parade.

    Southgate’s comments suggest that while he recognizes the need for certain limits, he chose not to publicly reprimand Grealish for his actions.

    The 27-year-old, Phil Foden, Kalvin Phillips, John Stones and Kyle Walker linked up with the England squad on Tuesday ahead of Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Malta.

    They will not start and Southgate insisted any celebrations should not go over the top.

    He said: “There is a line but in our head we weren’t thinking of including the City players for this game.

    “I have spoken with the players. We have talked about where the focus needs to be, where we need them to be and acknowledged what they have experienced and that’s for me to manage.

    “A few of our players would be teetotal. What is different is that everyone posts everything. I wouldn’t have liked a few of my nights out to be posted publicly. My generation would have a lot more problems.

    “We know, talking to Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier what that game takes out of you.

    “It’s a huge occasion and we needed to give those guys the time to take everything in but, point number one, they all wanted to come in to be with the group, which is fantastic.

    “I don’t think they would have felt anything unusual about how we have dealt with this and how we have embraced the players back in to the group.

    “We have also got the dynamic that while they are chuffed to bits and we are proud of them, a few others are pretty p****d off that they have won it at their expense. You are always really conscious of that.”

    England’s last trip to Malta — a World Cup qualifier in 2017 — ended with a 4-0 victory but only after three goals in the final five minutes from Kane, Ryan Bertrand and Danny Welbeck.

    It saw fans turn on the team, who were drawing 0-0 at half time and Southgate remembers the atmosphere, with the squad abused on the coach driving to the stadium, during and after the game.

    He said: “Myself and Steve Holland were talking about it as we landed because it wasn’t a pleasant journey to the stadium and it was less pleasant going home.

    “I’m not sure everyone knew we had won 4-0 because they were in the bar at 1-0, some at 0-0.

    “For us it was a good reference to how far the relationship with the fans has come. The performances of the team are going to ebb and flow, the connection with the fans feels completely different now.

    “It doesn’t matter what we have done in the last few years, last few games, we have to go again tomorrow night and make sure that we give our fans something to be excited about.”

    Meanwhile, Trippier believes the squad needs to embrace their final games of the season.

    England, top of Group C, also host North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday aiming to solidify their lead following March’s wins over Ukraine and Italy.

    It will cap a season which also saw the first winter World Cup in November and December with the Premier League having finished three weeks ago.

    The Newcastle defender said: “It’s difficult. It has been a tough season for myself and obviously the lads in Europe as well.

    “We know at the end of the day we are coming away with England and they are two massive games. We want to be going to Germany next year.

    “We know the challenges but for me it is easy to flip the switch and get back into that mode again.

    “It’s been a good week of training. Everyone is buzzing to be back together and hopefully we can get the result.

    “You have to be professional in terms of not doing too much and overloading. It’s about ticking over and just getting yourself in the best possible shape to be with England.”

  • Grealish spent ÂŁ47,000 on drinks during PL title celebrations – Dad claims

    Grealish spent ÂŁ47,000 on drinks during PL title celebrations – Dad claims

    New reports suggest that Manchester City players celebrated their treble triumph with extravagant celebrations, accompanied by a significant bar bill.

    After winning their third consecutive league title, followed by the FA Cup and the coveted Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s team enjoyed a historic season.

    The players’ celebrations were expected to last for days, and Kevin Grealish, the father of Jack Grealish, revealed details about one particular night.

    Following their Premier League victory, the City players gathered at the Tunnel Club, an exclusive suite at the Etihad Stadium, to continue their festivities.

    Grealish’s dad was part of the celebrations that night, and in a wide-ranging interview with The Mirror, he narrated how one of the parties went down.

    “To be fair to City, they’ve been brilliant with the celebrations and all the parties. There was one for winning the Premier League at the Tunnel Club a few weeks ago.” He said.

    “The drinks bill came to ÂŁ47,000, FORTY SEVEN GRAND! – I saw the receipt – and before you say it, that wasn’t just Jack’s drinks bill. He actually went home early that night!”

    Grealish’s wild ways

    While Grealish may have had a quiet night after the Premier League triumph, that was certainly not the case once his team secured the treble.

    The former Aston Villa man was at the centre of celebrations and went viral for donning his match-day kit, more than 36 hours after the Champions League final.

    After a four-day partying spree, Grealish reportedly told Ben Stokes via text message that he was in a ‘world of pain’.

    Despite presumably having the hangover of a lifetime, Grealish still linked up with his England teammates ahead of the Euro qualifier against Malta on Friday, June 16.

    Ahead of the game, England boss Gareth Southgate sounded a subtle warning to Grealish to ease up his partying ways, as per The Guardian.

    Kai Havertz approves Arsenal move

    Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Arsenal’s pursuit of Kai Havertz, who has reportedly given the North Londoners the green light to sign him.

    Arsenal are looking to push for Havertz’s move once they wrap up the transfer of West Ham United’s midfield maestro Declan Rice, who is their top transfer target.

    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted the German ace has already given the green light over a move to north London as he would not have any problem agreeing to personal terms.

  • Guardiola gifts win bonus to Man City staff after record-breaking season

    Guardiola gifts win bonus to Man City staff after record-breaking season

    To celebrate a historic season where Manchester City secured the treble, Pep Guardiola has presented gifts to the members of the club’s backroom staff.

    Manchester City joined an elite group of English clubs by achieving the treble, following their victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on June 10, which marked their first-ever European title.

    Prior to this remarkable feat, Guardiola’s team had successfully defended their Premier League title, surpassing long-standing frontrunners Arsenal, and also emerged victorious against their cross-city rivals, Manchester United, in the FA Cup final.

    The Telegraph now reports the City manager has decided to give his share of the bonuses to the unseen members of his backroom staff.

    The exact figure is not known, but players often get around €750,000 for winning silverware and the head coach is believed to be getting a more or less similar amount.

    Who did Guardiola gift?

    Among those gifted include the security personnel and receptionists at the club. Daily Mail adds that the staff who work on the administration side are often gifted bonuses for each trophy won.

    City players have been on a four-day party since the Champions League win, before those who were called up left to join their respective national sides on the global state.

    Guardiola will be aiming to win his fourth consecutive title next season.

    Meanwhile, Man City will be looking to bolster their ranks in the transfer window with the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva in doubt. They have already been linked with moves for Chelsea’s Matteo Kovacic and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.

    Managers who have won treble

    Manchester City are still in a celebratory mood after winning their first-ever UEFA Champions League, beating Inter Milan 1-0 to complete the treble.

    City joined other European clubs completing the treble, while Guardiola became the only manager to win it twice after doing so with Barcelona.

    Sports Brief has looked at the six managers to have won the UEFA Champions League, domestic league and domestic cup in one season.

  • Local businessman Danson has successfully completed Wigan takeover

    Local businessman Danson has successfully completed Wigan takeover

    Manchester City, aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title, will kick off their campaign with an away match against Burnley, managed by their former captain Vincent Kompany.

    On the evening of August 11, the Treble-winning City side will visit Turf Moor to face Kompany’s newly-promoted team, marking the beginning of the 2023-24 season.

    This encounter will be the second time Kompany, who led City to four title victories as captain, will face his former club as a manager. In their previous meeting during the FA Cup quarter-final in March, City emerged as dominant 6-0 victors at the Etihad Stadium.

    Earlier this week Latics were served a winding-up petition by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs over unpaid tax bills but, as a result of the takeover, all players and staff will be paid immediately, along with other creditors.

    “I am delighted to become involved in Wigan Athletic Football Club. I was born in Wigan, I grew up locally and the community of the town is close to my heart,” said Danson.

    “I want to recognise that the club has a hugely-important part to play in the local community, not just for players, but for fans, employees and all its suppliers, business partners and numerous community groups.

    “We have worked hard to provide the EFL with a realistic financial plan to stabilise operations.

    “We look forward to a fresh start for the club and planning for the upcoming season.”

  • City to defend league title in clash against former captain, Kompany’s Burnley

    City to defend league title in clash against former captain, Kompany’s Burnley

    Manchester City, aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title, will kick off their campaign with an away match against Burnley, managed by their former captain Vincent Kompany.

    On the evening of August 11, the Treble-winning City side will visit Turf Moor to face Kompany’s newly-promoted team, marking the beginning of the 2023-24 season.

    This encounter will be the second time Kompany, who led City to four title victories as captain, will face his former club as a manager.

    In their previous meeting during the FA Cup quarter-final in March, City emerged as dominant 6-0 victors at the Etihad Stadium.

    Premier League debutants Luton will play their first top-flight fixture since 1992 away to Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton on August 12, having to wait until the following weekend for their first home game when Kenilworth Road will become the smallest ground to host a fixture in the competition for the visit of Burnley.

    Fellow newcomers Sheffield United kick off their season with a home game against Crystal Palace.

    The outstanding fixture of Matchday 1 will be at Stamford Bridge where Mauricio Pochettino begins life as Chelsea manager against Liverpool on Sunday, August 13, with both sides looking to bounce back after disappointing campaigns.

    Arsenal, following an anticlimactic conclusion to last season’s title challenge, open at home to Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s lunchtime game, with fellow Champions League qualifiers Newcastle hosting Aston Villa that evening and Manchester United beginning against Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday, August 14.

    Ange Postecoglou’s first game in charge of Tottenham will be away to Brentford at 2pm on August 13, Bournemouth open at home to Europa Conference League winners West Ham, and Everton, looking to avoid a third straight relegation scrap, begin at home to Fulham.

  • “I thought you were a girl!” – Foden’s son screams to Haaland during UCL win celebrations

    “I thought you were a girl!” – Foden’s son screams to Haaland during UCL win celebrations

    A funny video has surfaced on social media showing Erling Haaland, a player for Manchester City, having an amusing encounter with Phil Foden’s son.

    The Manchester City team has been in a celebratory mood after achieving a historic treble in the 2022/23 season, including winning the club’s first-ever Champions League trophy.

    During the celebrations, Phil Foden’s son, Ronnie, approached Haaland while he was holding the Champions League trophy. The video has gained popularity online due to its lighthearted and humorous nature.

    Quite innocently, the little Ronnie can be heard telling Haaaland , “I thought you were a girl!”, a statement which clearly caught the Norwegian striker off guard.

    The young lad then briefly plays with the Champions League trophy before getting called back to join his dad.

    According to The Mirror, Ronnie is Foden’s first of two children who he shares with his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke.

    The couple also has a daughter, who was born in 2021.

    Haaland for Man City

    Since signing from Borussia Dortmund last summer, Haaland has been a revelation for Manchester City.

    Despite not scoring in the 1-0 win over Inter, the 22-year old has been integral for Pep Guardiola’s side.

    According to Transfermkt, he has scored 52 goals in 52 appearances for The Citizens.

    Ronnie Foden and Rico Lewis

    Sports Brief also reported on the cute moment involving Ronnie Foden and Rico Lewis.

    As seen in a Snapchat video shared on Twitter by ESPNFC, fellow academy star Rico Lewis shared a car side moment with Foden’s son. He enjoyed it so much that he asked for the video be sent to his dad.

    The 23-year-old added the Champions League to his haul of trophies for his boyhood club. Lewis and Cole Palmer are the other academy graduates to join Foden in the first team this year.

  • This is what PSG must learn from the UCL winners, Manchester City

    This is what PSG must learn from the UCL winners, Manchester City

    Manchester City secured their first-ever Champions League title with a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in Istanbul.

    The triumph represents a significant accomplishment for the Citizens, as it fulfills their long-standing ambition of capturing the most prestigious club competition in Europe.

    Both Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) had set winning the Champions League as their ultimate objective in recent seasons, having dominated their respective domestic leagues.

    Manchester City has claimed five out of the last six Premier League titles in England, showcasing their domestic prowess.

    Similarly, PSG has been dominant in Ligue 1, clinching the league title all but twice since 2013.

    However, it was Manchester City who ultimately emerged victorious in the Champions League, attaining their sought-after goal.

    After a failed final effort in 2021, Man City would finally go on to conquer Europe and be crowned UCL winners for the first time over the weekend.

    However, PSG seem to have their house in disarray after another woeful season in the competition.

    Sports Brief has outlined where PSG must emulate Manchester City if they intend to one day be crowned Champions League winners.

    1. Assemble a balanced squad

    PSG has a star-studded squad but one that is not balanced, making the club’s bid to conquer Europe all the more challenging.

    The Parisians have spent considerable sums bringing world-class players such as Lionel Messi, Neymar Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Sergio Ramos into their fold but still needed more in-depth quality.

    PSG had one of the best attacking line-up in Europe last season with Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Photo by Aurelien Meunier Source: Getty Images

    Pep Guardiola has been praised for his tactical genius in creating a monstrous Man City team, but he would only have achieved that by having quality players all around.

    The Citizen’s bench is as good as their first team, as witnessed in the Champions League final when an injured Kevin De Bruyne was replaced by Phil Foden while Kyle Walker was as a subtitute.

    With PSG, however, the first team seems to have much of the quality while the bench consists of average players who would only work if given the mantle to lead the team.

    2. Stick with a world-class manager

    Paris Saint-Germain have witnessed at least seven people come and go as managers of the Ligue 1 giants since 2012 – when the club started the real push to win the Champions League.

    Top-rated managers such as Carlo Ancelotti, Unai Emery, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino had brief reigns in the French capital but were let go after failing to win the European crown.

    According to Goal, PSG’s latest manager, Christophe Galtier has also been shown the door after just one season at the helm, with the club now said to be on the lookout for a new manager.

    Man City, meanwhile, has stuck with Guardiola for six seasons despite his previous failure to land the UCL trophy.

    3. Turn the fans into supporters

    PSG has been plagued with too many distractions from their fanbase this season, with some players – chiefly Messi – getting booed by their supporters.

    According to Marca, hundreds of fans showed up with megaphones, flares, and banners at the club headquarters, calling for the Argentine and Neymar to leave.

    This has not been the case for past winners of the UEFA Champions League, where their fans have stuck with their respective teams through good and bad times.

    With Man City, their fans have been there through the rough patches and supported their team, while the PSG fans always look for scapegoats whenever the team fails to perform.

    PSG dealt another transfer blow

    Earlier, there were reports on PSG’s management plans suffering a blow after ZinĂŠdine Zidane reportedly turned down their offer to replace Galtier at the Parc des Princes.

    It has been widely reported the former OGC Nice manager, who only arrived at the club last summer, has already been informed by management that he must now leave.

  • Wenger warns Guardiola on transfer decisions after City’s treble win

    Wenger warns Guardiola on transfer decisions after City’s treble win

    Manchester City has received a warning not to become complacent following their historic achievement of winning the UEFA Champions League and completing the elusive treble.

    The team reached their second-ever final and went one step further this time, defeating Inter Milan 1-0 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, having previously lost to Chelsea in their first final two years ago.

    The decisive goal came from Spanish midfielder Rodri in the second half, as he skillfully found the net while evading two Inter defenders and goalkeeper Andre Onana.

    This victory marks Pep Guardiola’s second treble, with his first coming during his inaugural season as the manager of Barcelona in 2008/09. This achievement formed part of an extraordinary sextuple-winning season for the Catalan club.

    Despite this remarkable success, it is cautioned that Manchester City must not become complacent and should continue to strive for further accomplishments in the future.

    Wenger issues warning to Guardiola

    Legendary former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger is critical even in celebrations of City’s achievements and has sent a warning to Guardiola on what to do next to keep the team afloat.

    “What do you do now at City? Do you go for a new challenge? Motivate yourself for a new challenge? Or do you stay, take advantage of the credit and continue to develop this team?” he said, via Mirror UK.

    The Gunners legend believes it is certain the club will also lose important players in short order.

    “This team is not an old team but there are no young players. Apart from Haaland, who is 22 now, all the others are between 24 and 32 years old. So two or three new players will need to change. They have to find the same quality again.”

    Wenger’s advice is something the former Barcelona boss is already a master at. He has the ability to move players on before they degenerate totally in the team.

    According to The Sun, City are planning a summer overhaul which includes Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo, Kalvin Philips, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez.

    Ferguson sends message to Guardiola

    It was also reported on Sir Alex Ferguson sending a message to Guardiola ahead of the final, which saw City become the second English club to win the treble after the Scot’s 1998/99 squad.

    The Citizens also won their third consecutive Premier League title this season, matching another of Fergie’s records, which he achieved twice during his 27 years at the helm of Manchester United.

  • Rodri honored as 2023 Champions League best player

    Rodri honored as 2023 Champions League best player

    UEFA has named Rodri as the Champions League Player of the Season while seven Manchester City players honored Team of the Season.

    The Erling Haaland have also received Goal of the Season honors.

    Rodri’s 68th-minute strike made the difference as City beat Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul to lift the European Cup and complete a remarkable treble.And on Sunday the 26-year-old was named player of the season by UEFA’s technical observer panel.

    Rodri played in all but one of City’s Champions League matches this season, with Saturday’s match-winner his second goal in the tournament this campaign.

    The Spain midfielder was joined by six club mates in the team of the season as Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker were all included.Inter’s Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni were also selected along with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Vinicius Junior.

    City also scooped the goal of the season award through Haaland for his acrobatic strike against former club Borussia Dortmund during the group stages, when he twisted to turn Joao Cancelo’s curling pass into the net during City’s 2-1 win.

  • Inter Milan: Road to the Champions League final

    Inter Milan: Road to the Champions League final

    Inter Milan will face a challenging task as they aim to defy the odds and secure victory in the Champions League final against Manchester City on Saturday.

    Since their last triumph in the 2009-10 season, Inter Milan has struggled to progress beyond the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, this season, they have already proven their critics wrong by reaching the final.

    As they prepare to take on Manchester City in Istanbul, Inter Milan is determined to continue their impressive journey and crush City’s dreams of securing a historic Treble.

    With three previous victories in the competition, Inter Milan is eager to add a fourth European triumph to their illustrious history.

    Group stage

    The Nerazzurri were drawn in a difficult Group C alongside European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Barcelona, as well as Czech champions Viktoria Plzen.

    After a defeat and a win against Bayern and Plzen respectively, Inter put themselves in command in the race for second place by overcoming Barca 1-0 at the San Siro through Hakan Calhanoglu’s effort.

    A thrilling 3-3 draw at the Camp Nou a week later meant progression as runners-up could be sealed if they beat Plzen in the following match — and they did so in emphatic style with a 4-0 success.

    That result dumped the Blaugrana out at the group stage for the second season running and meant Inter’s knockout place was already secured prior to another 2-0 loss at Bayern.

    Round of 16

    First leg: Porto 0-0 Inter Milan. Second leg: Inter 1-0 Porto. (Inter win 1-0 on agg)

    In their first-leg encounter, both Inter and Group B winners Porto squandered numerous opportunities before Romelu Lukaku, who came off the bench, found the back of the net in the 85th minute to secure the victory.

    After Lukaku’s initial header struck the post, the Chelsea loanee reacted quickly to score on the rebound. This goal proved to be the decisive moment in the tie, as the second leg in Portugal ended in a goalless draw.

    Lukaku’s impact off the bench and his persistence in seizing the opportunity played a crucial role in Inter’s triumph over Porto.

    Quarter-finals

    First leg: Benfica 0-2 Inter Milan. Second leg: Inter 3-3 Benfica. (Inter win 5-3 on agg)

    Romelu Lukaku scored from the spot as Inter Milan won 2-0 at Benfica
    Romelu Lukaku scored from the spot as Inter Milan won 2-0 at Benfica

    Some had earmarked Primera Liga outfit Benfica as outside contenders to reach the latter stages but Inter saw them off in convincing style.

    A 2-0 victory at the Estadio da Luz courtesy of a Nicolo Barella header and Lukaku’s penalty handed them a major advantage to take back to the San Siro.

    Progession was all but sealed after they raced into a 5-1 aggregate lead before two late goals from the Eagles made it a more respectable 3-3 on the night and 5-3 overall.

    Semi-finals

    First leg: AC Milan 0-2 Inter Milan. Second leg: Inter 1-0 AC Milan. (Inter win 3-0 on agg)

    The ruthless efficiency Inter have exhibited throughout the competition was on show once again in their semi-final against bitter rivals AC Milan.

    A dominant opening period in the first leg saw Simone Inzaghi’s men race into a 2-0 lead through Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

    A fifth clean sheet in six knockout games eliminated any hopes of a dramatic second-leg turnaround for the Rossoneri in a controlled display.

    And when Lautaro Martinez fired home his third Champions League goal of the campaign in the 76th minute, jubilant Inter supporters began to book their flights to Turkey’s capital.

  • Haaland ready to grow with ‘best coach’ Guardiola and ‘best players’ at City

    Haaland ready to grow with ‘best coach’ Guardiola and ‘best players’ at City

    Despite enjoying a remarkable debut season at Manchester City, Erling Haaland remains determined to continue improving his game.

    As City prepares to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final, aiming to complete a historic Treble after securing the Premier League and FA Cup, the 22-year-old striker has been the standout performer for Pep Guardiola’s team, netting an impressive 52 goals across various competitions.

    However, the talented Norwegian sensation humbly acknowledges that he still has untapped potential and room for growth in his career.

    He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I am still young and can improve a lot. There are a lot of things I can do as there is a lot to improve.

    “But I am in the perfect place, working with the best coach and the best players in the world. Pep is a details freak and is all about developing them.”

    European dream

    Erling Haaland has been sensational in the Champions League this season
    Erling Haaland has been sensational in the Champions League this season

    Winning the Champions League would be the ultimate achievement for Haaland. He said: “I have been dreaming about it as long as I can remember.

    “When Chelsea played Manchester United [in the final in 2008], when I saw the celebrations, I thought I wanted to do that.”

    There is another reason why Haaland was desperate for City to go all the way in Europe. 

    He added: “I listen to the theme song in my car. I love this competition and it’s a really nice song.”

    Credit: Livescore

  • Walker absent as City train for Champions League final

    Walker absent as City train for Champions League final

    Manchester City on Tuesday conducted an open training session in preparation for the upcoming Champions League final.

    Kyle Walker was however absent from the proceedings. The England full-back had been substituted in the later stages of City’s FA Cup final win against Manchester United at Wembley over the weekend.

    While all other players were present, Walker’s absence raised questions about his fitness for the final showdown against Inter Milan in Istanbul.

    Manager Pep Guardiola is scheduled to provide an update on the squad’s fitness during a press conference later in the day.

    Ahead of that, he said “We will do our best. A final is how you behave [in] that specific 95 minutes, [it’s] not about history. We have to be better than the opponent.”

  • PSG looking to secure transfer of Silva by making a substantial offer

    PSG looking to secure transfer of Silva by making a substantial offer


    PSG appears to be preparing for an eventful summer and has expressed a strong interest in acquiring Bernardo Silva as their latest high-profile signing.

    Since joining Manchester City in 2017, the Portuguese midfielder has been a standout performer for the club.

    However, reports suggest that the 28-year-old is eager for a new challenge after an unsuccessful attempt to leave last year.

    Silva is expected to play a crucial role in Manchester City’s pursuit of victory in today’s FA Cup final against their rivals, Manchester United.

    Ahead of the game, we explore what he would bring to the Ligue 1 champions.

    Pointing to Paris

    Silva is reportedly a priority target for PSG. 

    Lionel Messi is leaving the French capital on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract and the Lisbon native could be seen as a potential replacement. 

    Earlier this season, Silva suggested that a move away from the Etihad could be on the cards. 

    He said: “The plan is to end the season well, win the Premier League, go against United in the FA Cup final, and then Inter [in the Champions League final]. 

    “After that, in the summer, we will see what happens.

    Clutch contributor
    Bernardo Silva won the penalty that led to the opening goal against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals
    Bernardo Silva won the penalty that led to the opening goal against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals

    Silva has produced in key moments for City this season. 

    His tallies of seven goals and six assists across all competitions do not necessarily catch the eye but his contributions have been significant, including two strikes in the Champions League semi-finals. 

    He has proven incredibly tricky to contain in the Premier League, completing 28 dribbles and creating 31 chances while being fouled five times in the final third. 

    He could prove decisive once again at Wembley this afternoon.

    Paris Saint-Germain look set for a busy summer and are keen to make Bernardo Silva their latest marquee signing. 

    The Portuguese midfielder has played a starring role at Manchester City since his arrival in 2017. 

    But the 28-year-old is reportedly keen on a move away following a failed exit last year.

    He will likely be key to City’s chances of emerging victorious in this afternoon’s FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.

    Ahead of the game, we explore what he would bring to the Ligue 1 champions.

    Pointing to Paris

    Silva is reportedly a priority target for PSG. 

    Lionel Messi is leaving the French capital on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract and the Lisbon native could be seen as a potential replacement. 

    Earlier this season, Silva suggested that a move away from the Etihad could be on the cards. 

    He said: “The plan is to end the season well, win the Premier League, go against United in the FA Cup final, and then Inter [in the Champions League final]. 

    “After that, in the summer, we will see what happens.”

    Tireless team player

    In addition to his obvious technical qualities, Silva works tirelessly off the ball. 

    City’s No20 hounds opposition defenders, ranking second among his team-mates in the Premier League for tackles (44). 

    Only Jack Grealish and Rodri competed in more ground duels than Bernardo (21), while he also managed to win possession an impressive 66 times in the middle third.

  • City’s Haaland “can’t live normal anymore”

    City’s Haaland “can’t live normal anymore”

    Erling Haaland is thoroughly enjoying his inaugural season in English football with Manchester City and has made an intriguing revelation about his personal life away from the game.

    Having joined City for a significant sum of ÂŁ51m last summer, the Norwegian goal-scoring sensation wasted no time in adapting to his new surroundings, leaving an indelible mark on the Premier League in a manner rarely witnessed before.

    Haaland shattered records by netting an astonishing 36 goals in the league, surpassing the achievements of all his counterparts in a single season. This extraordinary feat earned him the prestigious golden boot, as well as the titles of Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

    Erling Haaland and manager Guardiola

    He still has the opportunity of adding to the Premier League with the FA Cup final against Manchester United set to come later today and the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan next week.

    Haaland: My life has changed

    The 22-year-old is making things happen for Pep Guardiola’s team on the pitch, which has a resultant effect on his life off the pitch.

    Speaking to Mirror UK ahead of the FA Cup final, he revealed what changes have occurred in his life and how he can no longer do this as before.

    “My life has changed of course. I can’t live so normally any more. That’s how my life is, I can’t complain. I try to enjoy every single moment of it and that’s how it is,” he said.

    “I’m 196cm tall and have got long blond hair so wherever I go people are going to see me. So that’s how my life is. There’s nothing I can do, that’s my life. I have to try to enjoy it as much as I can. Of course I wish I could walk into wherever I want without anyone filming me, but that’s not possible,”.

    According to Sun Sport, he earns £375,000 per week and drives around the neighbourhood in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan worth £300,000.

    Varane has plans for Haaland

    Sports Brief reported that Manchester United defender Raphael Varane revealed his plans for Haaland ahead of the FA Cup final later today at Wembley.

    The former France international is no stranger to facing the best strikers in the world but admitted United have to work as a team to stop City.

  • Manchester City almost messed up their title run

    Manchester City almost messed up their title run

    Manchester City posed a formidable challenge to Arsenal in the Premier League title race and eventually surpassed them. However, there was a point where City could have lost the title as well.

    Throughout the season, City trailed behind Arsenal, but they managed to secure the championship with three games remaining.

    Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest played a significant role in City’s victory, as it ensured Forest’s safety and helped City claim the title.

    Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City clinched their third consecutive title and their fifth in the past six years.

    The only team to interrupt their dominance was Liverpool, who were crowned champions in 2020.

    Ilkay Gundogan lifts the Premier League trophy with his Man City teammates after beating Chelsea. Photo by Visionhaus.

    City are on course for a treble with the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan still to come in the next 10 days.

    City nearly lost EPL title

    One of the advantages Man City had over Arsenal was beating the challengers home and away with an aggregate scoreline of 7-2, which proved helpful in the long run.

    However, City’s away form nearly collapsed their own title aspirations.

    According to SportBible, against teams who finished in the top nine, the champions only won once – against Arsenal – while also drawing three and losing five.

    Attention was somewhat put on Manchester United. According to The Independent, the Red Devils failed to win away against any top nine teams, securing only a draw against Tottenham, but City have it almost the same.

    Three consecutive draws against Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton were crucial to Arsenal’s collapse, but Caught Offside reports that a poor home form where only five teams conceded more goals also cost Mikel Arteta’s side.

    City should not underestimate Inter

    Manchester City are the odds-on favourite to win the Champions League final against Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 10.

    However, Sports Brief analysed two important reasons why City should not underrate Inter, or they could be in for a shocker similar to their loss to Chelsea in 2021.

  • Haaland, Harry Kane others ranked top 10 goal scorers across Europe’s top five leagues

    Haaland, Harry Kane others ranked top 10 goal scorers across Europe’s top five leagues

    The king of goal scorers in Europe this year is Erling Haaland.

    In his debut season in England, the Norwegian forward led Manchester City to their third consecutive Premier League triumph by scoring the most goals.

    Erling Haaland was presented with the Premier League Golden Boot after finishing as top scorer in the league with 36 goals. Photo by Stephanie Meek

    Robert Lewandowski, who switched from Bayern Munich to Barcelona, finished as La Liga’s top scorer in his first year in the Spanish top flight as he also propelled the Catalan giants to the league title.

    The Polish marksman finished as Europe’s top scorer last season when he scored 35 goals for Bayern Munich to win the Golden Shoe in 2022.

    Sports Brief, alongside Goal, has revealed the top ten goal-scorers in Europe’s top five leagues following the conclusion of the 2022/23 football season.

    1. Erling Haaland, Manchester City

    36 goals

    Haaland reigned over England in his first season in the Premier League, netting 36 league goals for eventual champions, Manchester City.

    The Norwegian forward looks certain to overthrow Lewandowski to become the 2023 Golden Shoe winner. No marksman in Europe’s top five leagues could get close to his goal tally.

    Haaland boasts power and pace in abundance, and one of the most sought-after talents on the planet did not disappoint when bursting out of the blocks for the Premier League champions.

    2. Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur

    30 goals

    Harry Kane scored a remarkable 30 goals this season for Tottenham, but that was not enough to earn the England forward the top scorer’s award in the English Premier League.

    Harry Kane

    Kane, who has over 180 Premier League goals to his name, was six goals shy of Haaland’s mark in the EPL, but second among the top scorers in Europe’s top five leagues.

    3. Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain

    28 goals

    Kylian Mbappe was voted as the best player in Ligue 1 for the 2022/23 season, beating the likes of Lionel Messi to the prestigious award in France.

    Kylian Mbappe

    After netting 28 goals for Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe once again topped the scorer’s chart in France and also landed as the third most lethal forward across Europe.

    4. Alexandre Lacazette, Lyon

    27 goals

    Former Arsenal talisman, Alexandre Lacazette is back to his best since transferring back to his boyhood club, Lyon last summer.

    Troyes Lyon

    The French forward scored a total of 27 goals in Ligue 1, although his effort was not good enough to help Lyon secure a European spot for next season.

    5. Victor Osimhen, Napoli

    25 goals

    Napoli would be nowhere without Victor Osimhen’s goals this season.

    The Nigerian forward powered the Naples club to their first Serie A title in 33 years, after he netted 25 goals to become the league’s top scorer this season.

    Victor Osimhen gestures during Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Udinese.

    Osimhen also broke numerous records on the way to becoming the goal king in Italy, after eclipsing George Weah’s all-time goal-scoring record in Serie A and surpassing Samuel Eto’o’s highest goal tally by an African in the Italian top flight.

    6. Jonathan David, Lille

    24 goals

    Lille certainly know how to produce top goal-scorers in Europe. Jonathan David has become the hitman for the Ligue 1 side this campaign, with the Canadian forward netting an impressive 24 goals to see his stock rise.

    Jonathan David, Lille
    7. Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona

    23 goals

    Lewandowski is a bona fide goal-scoring machine. The Polish forward is unfazed by his competitors as he scores goals for fun.

    Robert Lewandoski

    Lewandowski again showed why he is one of the most-feared strikers in the world, after he netted an impressive 23 goals in his first season in Spain.

    His goals propelled Barcelona to their first La Liga title in three seasons, while he also finished as the top scorer in the division ahead of Karim Benzema.

    8. Lautaro Martinez, Inter Milan

    21 goals

    Lautaro Martinez is one of the biggest reasons why Inter Milan are Coppa Italia champions and also in the final of the UEFA Champions League this season.

    Lautaro Martinez, Inter Milan

    In Serie A, the Argentina forward was also lethal in front of goal for the Nerrazurri, netting 21 goals to finish second in the top scorers’ chart in Italy.

    9. Habib Diallo, Strasbourg

    20 goals

    Habib Diallo had scored up to 12 goals in a season previously in Ligue 1.

    Habib Diallo
    10. Ivan Toney, Brentford

    20 goals

    Ivan Toney might be facing off-field issues, but the England forward has proved this season that he is one of the best strikers in Europe.

    Ivan Toney, Brentford

    The Brentford man scored 20 goals this season to finish third in the Premier League scorers’ chart ahead of Mohamed Salah and Marcus Rashford.

    Players with most goals, assists

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the most lethal players in Europe are superstars from PSG, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester City, both in scoring and setting up opportunities.

    Some well-known names are among the footballers with the most goals and assists in European football this season, from the old guard to the upcoming stars of the next generation.

    Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland all make up the top five players with the most goals and assists in Europen competition this season.

  • Haaland equals Thierry Henry’s record during Brighton, City game

    Haaland equals Thierry Henry’s record during Brighton, City game

    Erling Haaland, the rising star for Manchester City, kept up his remarkable Premier League form on Wednesday, May 24, when his team competed against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

    Pep Guardiola felt the necessity to choose a quality lineup for the EPL cracker even though the game had little relevance for City.

    The match, according to The Guardian, concluded in a 1-1 draw with goals from Phil Foden and Julio Enciso for each team.

    Haaland was also on target for the champions in what should have been the winner but saw his goal chalked off after a VAR review.

    Foden opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute of the clash before Enciso restored parity in the 38th minute with what would potentially be a goal-of-the-season contender.

    Haaland equals Thierry Henry’s record

    Despite Haaland’s goal being ruled out, it was not all gloom and doom for the Norwegian star, whose contribution in the match saw him equal a record held by Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry.

    The former Borussia Dortmund ace was responsible for City’s opener, scored by Foden as he set up the Englishman for the goal.

    According to Squawka, this was Haaland’s 44th goal involvement in the Premier League, having previously scored 36 goals and bagged eight assists.

    The tally is enough for him to match Henry’s, with the former Arsenal star setting the record during the 2002/03 campaign.

    At the time, the Frenchman scored 24 goals and bagged an incredible 20 assists.

    Haaland has an opportunity to break that record and set his own, with City still yet to play two matches.

    Haaland joins fans in dance

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Haaland was once again the center of attention during Man City’s Premier League trophy presentation.

    The Norwegian was involved in a heartwarming moment with City fans, leaving an on-pitch interview to join supporters in dance.

    Sky Sports had managed to get hold of the striker for an interview before he rushed away to celebrate with jubilant home supporters.

  • Pep banned Man City’s “60 bottles of champagne” celebrations after Madrid win

    Pep banned Man City’s “60 bottles of champagne” celebrations after Madrid win

    To celebrate making it to the Champions League final, Manchester City had “60 bottles of champagne” in their locker room after Madrid game, but their manager, Pep forbade all of it.

    On Saturday, June 10, the championship match of the top-tier European club football competition will take place.

    Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Turkey will host the major match between City and Inter Milan of Italy.

    The Cityzens defeated Real Madrid 4-0 to advance to the championship game with a 5-1 overall score.

    Guardiola’s men are now odds-on to win the treble this season.

    They are just three wins away from wrapping up the Premier League title, FA Cup and Champions League.

    However, despite reaching the final of the Champions League for just the second time in their history, City’s manager was in no mood to let his boys get on the bubbly to celebrate.

    The Daily Mail claims that “security staff removed 60 bottles of champagne that had been ordered for the home dressing room” following Wednesday’s demolition job of the current holders.

    They claim that Guardiola has banned celebrations until they have won their first trophy in their Treble pursuit.

    Officials at the club were allegedly “told that the champagne had been dispatched in error by hospitality staff” and it was instead “intended to be placed in the dressing room on Sunday” when they could potentially clinch a fifth Premier League title in six years.

    And it is not only the champers that the star-studded squad has to look forward to.

    Guardiola is believed to have promised to take his players and their families “out for a celebratory meal and drinks at the end of the season” even if they fail to land any silverware.

    City’s attention has now returned to the Premier League, where they can wrap up the title with a win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

    They could seal it 24 hours earlier though if Arsenal lose to Nottingham Forest, or win it with a draw if that’s the result the Gunners get at the City Ground.

    The FA Cup final comes next when the two Manchester clubs meet at that stage for the first time ever at Wembley on June 3.

    Then all eyes will turn to the Champions League for the showdown with Inter.

  • Who wins Premier League next season? Supercomputer predicts

    Who wins Premier League next season? Supercomputer predicts

    Following Manchester City’s successful defense of the Premier League title this season, a supercomputer has generated predictions for the next season’s table.

    City secured the crown with three games remaining, defeating Arsenal, while Nottingham Forest effectively dashed the Gunners’ hopes of claiming the title on Saturday.

    Mikel Arteta’s team had been considered strong contenders for the championship, given their impressive form leading up to the season.

    The north Londoners had dominated the league this term as they enjoyed an eight-point lead at the top at some point.

    However, a string of poor results in recent weeks denied them a chance to win the title, with their defeat to Nottingham crashing their hopes altogether, per The Guardian.

    Supercomputer predicts next season’s winners

    While Arsenal are keen to give the title challenge a fresh shot next season, a supercomputer has painted a grim picture of their chances of winning the trophy.

    According to The Sun, citing Ladbrokes’ prediction, Man City will retain the trophy once again next season.

    Arsenal are billed to finish second once again, with Liverpool, who face the prospect of missing out on a Champions League spot this term, securing a third-place finish.

    Manchester United, who have hopes of challenging for the title, will have to contend with a fourth-place finish, with Chelsea billed to finish fifth.

    Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are both predicted to finish outside the top four.

    Haaland joins fans in dance

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Erling Haaland was once again the centre of attraction during Man City’s Premier League trophy presentation.

    The Norwegian hotshot was involved in a heartwarming moment with City fans as he was caught on camera leaving an on-pitch interview to join supporters in dance.

    Talksport reports that Sky Sports had managed to get hold of the striker for an interview before the incident happened.

  • Xhaka vouchs Arteta is ‘more than the right manager’ for Gunners

    Xhaka vouchs Arteta is ‘more than the right manager’ for Gunners

    Arsenal midfielder, Granit Xhaka, remains resolute in his belief that Mikel Arteta is the ideal candidate, the right manager to lead the club into the future.

    Although the Gunners’ aspirations of winning the Premier League title were dashed with a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest, resulting in Manchester City securing their fifth championship in six seasons, Arteta’s team has garnered praise for the progress they have made this year.

    Arsenal enjoyed a commanding position at the top of the league for 248 days and held an eight-point advantage over City in March.

    Xhaka and Arteta

    Despite their late setback, Arteta’s side has been recognized for the positive strides they have taken.

    When asked whether he thought Arteta was the man to lead the pursuit of City, he said: “You can forget this question — he is more than the right manager for this team.”

    The Gunners have faltered badly in their last eight games, winning just twice, but Xhaka says this season has to be the blueprint for progression.

    “We don’t need to forget how we work for the last 11 months,” he said.

    “Even when we lost now in the last two games, of course the people see what happens now, but don’t forget the 11 months we worked.

    “If someone told us before the season that we will be here, I think everyone would sign it. Our goal for sure was to be back in the top four. Now we are second. Of course when you are so close to the title you want to win the title.

    “But we are there where we are, deserve to be where we are, and let’s see what happens next season. We have to go and do the next step.”

    Forest’s victory meant that they stayed up against the odds in their first season back in the Premier League.

    They did it the hard way, having signed 30 new players across the two transfer windows and were on an 11-game winless run up until the end of April.

    But 10 points from the last five games has seen them move out of the relegation zone and midfielder Ryan Yates was happy to prove people wrong.

    “That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “I have had a lot of that individually, this season is no different. That was always going to come with the amount of players brought in and the amount of money spent.

    “During those periods we have had, we have had to show real togetherness and resilience.

    “All credit to the manager, because he has really instilled that belief in us that we can still achieve. This is really special, let’s kick on again next season.”

  • Haaland abandons interview to dance with fans after clutching Premier League Cup

    Haaland abandons interview to dance with fans after clutching Premier League Cup

    Following Manchester City’s title triumph on Sunday, Erling Haaland, the forward for the club, displayed his humble nature by briefly stepping away from an on-pitch interview to join the fans in a celebratory dance.

    The Premier League crown was officially awarded to City after their match against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.

    According to The Mirror, Pep Guardiola’s team sealed the championship with three games remaining as their title contenders, Arsenal, stumbled yet again in their game against Nottingham Forest.

    The Gunners were stunned 1-0 by the lowly Forest, with the result all but ending their title dream after what seemed like a promising season.

    Despite being declared champions on Saturday, City had to wait until Sunday before they could finally lay their hands on the English top flight trophy.

    Haaland joins fans in dance

    Haaland was once again the centre of attraction during Man City’s Premier League trophy presentation.

    The Norwegian hotshot was involved in a heartwarming moment with fans as he was caught on camera leaving an on-pitch interview to join supporters in their dance.

    Haaland dances with fans

    Talksport reports that Sky Sports had managed to get hold of the striker for an interview before the incident happened.

    Haaland has been a revelation at Man City since his arrival in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund.

    The 22-year-old has played a vital role in helping the Citizens retain the crown, with the forward boasting an eyewatering 36 Premier League goals so far.

    City stars herded off pitch

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man City players had to be ushered off after jubilant fans invaded the pitch at the Etihad Stadium moments before the Premier League title presentation.

    Overjoyed supporters of the Citizens ran onto the pitch in celebration shortly after the final whistle, sparking a briefly tense moment when officials and security had to get involved.

    Man City’s triumphant stars, including Kevin De Bruyne and Norwegian star, Haaland, had to be guided to the tunnel as fans spilled over onto the turf to celebrate their club’s title victory.

  • City ‘feels unstoppable’ thirst for more trophies

    City ‘feels unstoppable’ thirst for more trophies

    After winning their fifth Premier League championship in as many years, Manchester City’s stars praised the club as “unstoppable” and one of the best squads in league history.

    City sealed the deal in spectacular fashion by defeating Chelsea 1-0 for their 12th straight league victory after Arsenal’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday made it clear that they could not be overcome.

    Kyle Walker, a defender, said to Sky Sports: “Of course, every single one is a very important occasion.

    “I think to not be sitting at the top of the league for as long as we were, I think it was 11 points at one stage, so to then come back just needing a victory out of one of the three games, it’s brilliant.

    “This group of lads are second to none. They’re professionals, they’re winners and I think that’s how we get across the line more times than not. 

    “But we’re not finished. We’ve got the FA Cup against our bitter rivals Manchester United and then we’ve got the Champions League final.”

    City face United in the FA Cup final on June 3 before meeting Inter Milan a week later as they chase a first Champions League crown.

    Walker. added: “It would be fantastic but there’s a lot of football to be played before we can start saying about the Treble.

    “We’ve got two massive finals. I think, just for this club and this group of lads that I’ve been involved with for six years, to say we’re up there with one of the greatest Premier League teams of all time, I think we have to go and conquer some of that.

    “To go and get this, I think we can really stamp our mark on being one of the greatest teams of all-time in the Premier League.”

    Jack Grealish has been a key player in their recent winning run, and he said of his second Premier League title: “Obviously it’s different. For me personally, I feel this year especially I’ve played much more of a part.

    “I feel good in myself, I feel confident, back to my normal self and what I knew I could do.”

    Asked if City feel invincible, the England forward added: “It’s mad because I spoke to some of the lads not long ago and I said, ‘Imagine if someone would have said to you to win the league you’ve got to go and win 12 games in a row?’

    “I’m not saying I didn’t think we could do it but it was going to be difficult. We’ve got so much talent in this squad and I think at the moment we feel unstoppable.”

    It was a first title for goal machine Erling Haaland, who said: “(It’s) a dream. I don’t know what to say. It’s just unreal and I’m so happy. These are memories I will remember for the rest of my life. We’ve been fighting so hard.

    “Debut season, 36 goals so far, Premier League trophy and two finals left — not a bad start.”

    Kevin De Bruyne is now an old hand at winning titles with City, and he added: “I know people expect us to win a lot but we work every day for this and a lot of people sacrifice for us so we’re very grateful.

    “I think sometimes it’s more tough mentally than it is physically because you have to go again, again, again, but the team is hungry. I want to win more and keep going while I still can.”

    The emotions were a little different for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who finally made his first Premier League start for the club.

    “Obviously it was a great feeling,” he said. “When I came in this morning the manager told me I was playing and I was just happy, to be honest.

    “But I was happy because we won the league the night before and I knew there might be a chance I could play. I just went home, relaxed, and I enjoyed every moment out here.

    “It’s been unbelievably tough, it’s probably been one of the lowest points in myself, confidence-wise, in my career. But, with the guys around me, the leaders that have kept me going, they told me I’d get my chance and luckily today I did.

    “I’m very lucky that I’ve got the guys around me to keep pushing me and working me as hard as possible.”

  • Man City win Premier League title for the third time in a row

    Man City win Premier League title for the third time in a row

    In a straightforward manner, Manchester City celebrated their latest Premier League title triumph with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday.

    Having already secured the title due to Arsenal’s loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s Treble-chasing side took to the field at the Etihad Stadium amidst a festive atmosphere.

    Despite fielding a much-changed lineup, City delighted their fans with an early goal from Julian Alvarez.

    While Chelsea had a few bright moments, City never seemed to relinquish control, although they couldn’t replicate the intensity they displayed in their midweek victory over Real Madrid. The fans were in a celebratory mood, basking in the sunshine and even performing the famous ‘Poznan’ celebration on multiple occasions.

    As City entered the field, they were honored with a guard of honour from their opponents. The Blues were left chasing shadows as City confidently moved the ball around, highlighting the gap between the two teams.

    It was only a matter of time before the opening goal arrived, and it came in the 12th minute. City won possession in midfield, and Cole Palmer found Alvarez in front of the goal.

    The Argentinian World Cup winner took a touch before unleashing a powerful shot across Kepa Arrizabalaga, marking City’s 100th home goal in all competitions this season.

    Chelsea struggled to match City’s pace and precision, mirroring their disappointing end to the season under temporary manager Frank Lampard. Former City forward Raheem Sterling attempted to rally the Blues, making promising runs behind the City defense, but he failed to find a teammate on one occasion and had his shot saved by Stefan Ortega on another.

    Conor Gallagher came close to equalizing when he headed against the post from a cross by Lewis Hall.

    Overall, it was a dominant display by Manchester City, who showcased their superiority and celebrated their fifth Premier League title in six seasons. Chelsea, on the other hand, were left facing a challenging afternoon and a reminder of the gap they aspire to bridge.

    Yet City always seemed in command and Phil Foden was only narrowly off-target with an attempted chip and Kalvin Phillips, finally making his first league start for the champions, blasted wide.

    Phillips was inches away from getting on the scoresheet after the break when he met a Riyad Mahrez free-kick with a firm header but it rebounded off the foot of the post.

    At the other end, Hall and Sterling both shot at Ortega. Sterling had another effort cleared off the line by City substitute John Stones, although an offside flag was raised anyway.

    Alvarez thought he had claimed a second with just under 20 minutes remaining but Mahrez controlled the ball with his arm before teeing up the Argentinian.

    With it being City’s last home match of the season, star pair Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were given a run-out in the latter stages. Rodri also came off the bench as City closed out their 12th successive Premier League win.

    Thousands of fans invaded the pitch after the final whistle, delaying the trophy presentation.

    After the celebrations subside, City have further league games at Brighton and Brentford before they play the FA Cup and Champions League finals next month.

  • What next after trophy wins? City’s Pep answers

    What next after trophy wins? City’s Pep answers

    Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has reportedly discussed the possibility of leaving the club after guiding them to the Premier League title.

    City successfully defended their Premier League crown on Saturday, May 20, as Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.

    According to The Sun, Guardiola has now won a total of five top-flight titles since assuming the managerial role at Manchester City seven years ago.

    Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City

    The Spaniard still has more trophies to change before the end of the season, with the FA Cup and the Champions League trophies on the horizon.

    However, Guardiola would need to help see off rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final and Serie A giants Inter Milan for a chance to win a historic treble with City.

    Should this happen, City will become the first Premier League team to win the treble since 1999, when Man United did it under Sir Alex Ferguson.

    Pep hints at quitting Man City

    Despite Guardiola’s significant success with Man City, it has emerged that the Spaniard could still dump the club.

    The former Barcelona boss gave a rather cryptic answer when asked about his future at the Etihad Stadium before Arsenal’s defeat handed his side the Premier League title.

    Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola was asked if he would quit City if there is nothing left to fight for in terms of trophies.

    “First, we have to win it. [Then] you can ask me after and I will tell you how I feel and how I think,” he said.

    “Of course, if we achieve then I will tell you,” he added.

  • Man City wins third consecutive league title as Arsenal’s form dips against Nottingham

    Man City wins third consecutive league title as Arsenal’s form dips against Nottingham

    On Saturday, May 20, Arsenal experienced a significant defeat against Nottingham Forest, further dampening their title aspirations, however

    Meanwhile, Manchester City clinched the championship without even playing a match over the weekend.

    Arsenal entered the game against Forest fully aware that only a victory would have kept their hopes of securing the title alive.

    Despite being overwhelming favourites, Mikel Arteta’s side went behind through Taiwo Awoniyi’s 19th minute strike as a wave of dejavu engulfed Gunners fans on social media.

    Man City wins title in a row

    Forest, who needed an unlikely win at the expense of Arsenal to ensure their safety from relegation, did brilliantly to keep out the Gunners, who exhibited some symptoms of burnout from what has been a high-stake campaign for them.

    Ultimately, they failed to find an equalizer, and the full time whistle confirmed City as champions for the fifth time in the last six campaigns.

    City come up against Chelsea on Sunday, and it will certainly be a game played in celebratory mood at the Etihad.

    Arsenal’s collapse- How it happened

    On April 7, Manchester City were a massive eight points behind Arsenal, with the season running down fast.

    At that point, it was difficult to bet against the Gunners winning their first league title since 2004, but a combination of Manchester City’s experience, brilliant run of form and Arsenal’s fatigue led to the Gunners getting leapfrogged spectacularly by May.

    Arsenal’s title hopes dipped after they dropped points to City

    Since the last time Arsenal had an 8-point lead, City have gone on to drop just two points out of a possible 42, winning 11 league games in a row in the process.

    In contrast, the Gunners completely lost steam in recent weeks, as a run of three successive draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton allowed City back in the race.

  • Adult site presents shirt sponsorship proposal to Inter Milan

    Adult site presents shirt sponsorship proposal to Inter Milan

    Inter Milan have received a lucrative shirt sponsorship proposal from an adult site as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City next month in Istanbul.

    After triumphing over their city rivals and stadium neighbors, AC Milan, with an impressive 3-0 aggregate scoreline, Inter Milan has reached the final for the first time since their victorious campaign in 2010.

    Their formidable opponents, Manchester City, have displayed remarkable dominance, having defeated the 14-time champions Real Madrid with a convincing 5-1 aggregate scoreline in the other semi-final.

    According to Goal, Nerazzurri have removed their main shirt sponsor DigitalBits after the cryptocurrency company failed to make any payment for this season.

    Inter receive sponsorship offer

    The black-and-blue side of Milan have played with blank shirts since the game against Lazio, which they won 3-1. They won both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Milan in the same way.

    Inter Milan players and club vice president Javier Zanetti celebrating after reaching the Champions League final. Photo by Piero Cruciatti. Source: Getty Images

    Simone Inzaghi’s men battled through an inconsistent season to reach the final of Europe’s most prestigious competition.

    They are set to play at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul with a blank shirt again, but an offer has arrived from an adult subscription company, as reported by Daily Star.

    Their previous sponsorship was worth ÂŁ75m, while the new offer is worth ÂŁ80m, with an offer to be their sponsor until 2029. It remains to be seen whether the deal will be sanctioned.

    AS Roma, who were also sponsored by the digital assets company, removed the brand and replaced it with SPQR, an old Roman abbreviation that means ‘Senatus Populusque Romanus’ or ”the Senate and People of Rome”.

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the Inter shirt without any sponsorship inscriptions
    Why Inter could win UCL

    Sports Brief reported that a fans theory predicted Inter as UCL winner come June 3 in Istanbul despite Manchester City being the clear favourite.

    Since Mario Mandzukic with Bayern Munich in 2013, a Croatian player has been on the winning side of the Champions League. Luka Modric won in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022. Mateo Kovacic won 3 with Real Madrid and with Chelsea in 2021.

    Ivan Rakitic won with Barcelona in 2015, while Dejan Lovren won with Liverpool in 2019. Inter have midfielder Marcelo Brozovic in their team.

  • City’s star jabs Vinicius Jnr after Madrid’s lashing defeat

    City’s star jabs Vinicius Jnr after Madrid’s lashing defeat

    Kyle Walker is relishing his triumph as Manchester City secured their place in the Champions League final with an impressive victory over Real Madrid.

    The right-back from England played a crucial role in neutralizing Real Madrid’s key attacker, Vinicius Junior, throughout the second-leg match, which City won convincingly with a 4-0 scoreline.

    Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.

    According to Madrid Universal, Walker acknowledged Vinicius after the semi-final encounter but couldn’t resist making a subtle remark about their respective abilities, implying a comparison between them.

    “You have to be arrogant. You have to be like attackers. I’m very confident in my speed and going one-on-one. I’m bigger than him, and I thought I could use my physical advantage.

    He’s a fantastic player, but I have to use my strengths. I made it as difficult for him as I could.”

    Vinicius failed to muster a single shot on target against Manchester City as Real Madrid failed in their quest to defend the Champions League title they won last season.

    Vinicius laments Real Madrid’s UCL loss

    Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior has blamed Real Madrid’s ouster from the Champions League on failure to listen to the coach’s instructions in their loss to Manchester City, Daily Post reports.

    Real Madrid were pummelled 4-0 by the Citizens thanks to a brace from Bernardo Silva and two second-half goals from Eder Militao and Julian Alvarez.

    Vinicius scored Real Madrid’s goal against City in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu but was kept quiet by the English defence in the second leg.

    Vinicius appeared to disagree with Ancelotti

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Carlo Ancelotti and Vinicius Jr. appeared to have gotten in each other’s faces after Real Madrid conceded the first goal against Manchester City.

    The Brazilian forward gestured with his arm and pointed to the goal, as if he were telling his manager what went wrong in the preceding play.

    Vinicius Jr and Carlo Ancelotti

    Real Madrid will want to forget that night quickly, as they were dominated and embarrassed by City in front of a packed Etihad Stadium.

  • Ancelotti still wants to stay with Madrid even after City’s thrashing defeat

    Ancelotti still wants to stay with Madrid even after City’s thrashing defeat

    Manager of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, has reaffirmed his intention to stay on as the team’s head coach despite Wednesday night’s humiliation at the hands of Manchester City.

    The Citizens destroyed Real Madrid 4-0 to secure a spot in the Champions League championship game.

    According to Football Espana, Bernardo Silva scored twice to get Pep Guardiola’s team going before Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez added insurance goals to the tally.

    The second leg at the Etihad Stadium was Ancelotti’s 191st as a manager in the Champions League, which takes him ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson as having the most appearances in the competition.

    However, it was a night to forget for the Italian manager, who acknowledged that Man City were by far the better team on the night, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

    “We have lost to a team with more quality and more intensity than us. Last year we were superior, and this year they were superior. It’s a defeat that hurts a lot. They’ve been much better, there’s no other choice but to think about next season.”

    When asked about his future, Ancelotti was similarly upbeat, and he fully anticipates sitting on the bench for Real Madrid in the upcoming campaign.

    “Next season, I will be here to fight to win another Champions League. No one doubts me. I think the president was very clear 15 days ago. What he tells me in private, I’m not going to say here.”

    Ancelotti has a contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2024.

    Meanwhile, Man City will face Inter Milan in the UCL final on June 10 in Istanbul, Turkey, with the Citizens chasing the elusive treble.

    City fans humiliate Real Madrid

    There had been talks of City fans acting too elite and not getting behind their team with a proper atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium, but the night was different.

    The stadium was packed and loud from start to finish with City’s white and blue colours all over the seats ahead of kickoff and supporters making themselves heard.

    After City’s third goal, they hit the famous Poznan celebration – rising from their seats, turning their backs, and suggesting the game was already over, per ESPN.

    Ancelotti angrily chews gum

    Sports Brief reported earlier that Ancelotti cut a worried figure as he watched his Real Madrid side helplessly go down two-nil at half-time in their Champions League semi-final reverse tie against Man City.

    Carlo seriously munch on his gum while he watched his side crumble against City

    The Italian’s side came into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium with the tie poised at 1-1, with both teams eyeing a spot in the final against Inter Milan, yet he watched his side slip down two-nil by the break.

  • City thrashes Madrid to progress to Champions League final

    City thrashes Madrid to progress to Champions League final

    Manchester City are celebrating their return to the Champions League final after delivering one of the most remarkable performances in the club’s history by crushing reigning champions Real Madrid.

    Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, who is pursuing a historic treble, City dominated the 14-time European champions with an emphatic 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. This resounding win secured their spot in the highly anticipated Istanbul final, with an aggregate scoreline of 5-1.

    The victory was thoroughly deserved, as City’s relentless pace and power proved too much for Madrid to handle. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’s heroics prevented an even more significant goal margin for the English side.

    Bernardo Silva paved the way for City’s triumph with two first-half goals, followed by an own goal from Eder Militao and a late fourth from Julian Alvarez.

    Now, City sets their sights on lifting the coveted trophy and seeking redemption for their defeat in the 2021 final. With the possibility of achieving a glorious treble, their upcoming final clash against Inter Milan holds immense significance for the club.

    The first of those trophies could come on Sunday if they beat Chelsea to clinch the Premier League with the FA Cup final against Manchester United on June 3.

    City manager Guardiola said: “In the Premier League we are close, we know we need one more game.

    “We play against our neighbours and against an Italian team in the finals. The season is really, really good. Now we have to lift it. We are close and of course we are going to try.”

    Last week’s semi-final first leg against Madrid in the Bernabeu Stadium had been an even contest.

    City dominated possession for large spells but Real were more incisive on the counter-attack.

    This time City refused to allow their opponents to sit back and feel comfortable soaking up pressure. They were far more dynamic and the Spanish giants could not handle their speed and movement.

    The resounding win made for sweet revenge for City’s heartbreaking loss to Real and the same stage last season.

    Guardiola said: “It was really tough losing the way we lost. In that moment we had to swallow poison but football and sport always gives you another chance.

    “When the draw was Madrid, I said, ‘yeah I want it’.

    “Everything was there – the energy we had from a year of being criticised as players for not having character when we lost.”

    Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the dethroned champions, could not begrudge City their victory.

    “I think that Manchester City deserved to win because they played better than us,” the Italian said.

  • Partey’s loss of form linked to Arsenal’s title collapse

    Partey’s loss of form linked to Arsenal’s title collapse

    Former defender for Manchester United and England, Gary Neville, thinks Thomas Partey’s poor play at a vital point in the season hurt Arsenal’s chances of winning the league’s title.

    Due to a terrible run of performances by the Ghanaian international, Arsenal lost to Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton, losing points.

    Jorginho displaced Partey, who hasn’t started for the Gunners in their last three games.

    Neville claims that the Black Stars player was absent during pivotal times.

    “He’s been in a shadow of himself in the last few weeks, Partey,” said Neville, as quoted by Metro.

    “He has been nowhere near it. A large part of the season, he has been fantastic. His form and composure have deserted him at the most vital time.”

    Arsenal lost to Brighton over the weekend, giving Manchester City the edge with a game in hand.

    The Citizens could win the league if they beat Chelsea in their next game, extending the Gunners’ 20-year wait for the Premier League title.

    However, Arsenal are making a return to the UEFA Champions League after a six-year absence from Europe’s elite competition.

    Partey reacts to Casemiro comparison

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghana and Arsenal midfielder, Partey has welcomed the comparison between him and Manchester United star, Casemiro.

    The duo has been head-to-head this season in terms of the roles they play at their various clubs and their importance to their respective teams.

    While Partey has been key to Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table, Casemiro helped the Red Devils to their first trophy in six years.

    Partey pays tribute to Atsu

    Sports Brief also reported on Ghana international, Partey discussed his emotional tribute to late former teammate, Christian Atsu.

    The Black Stars winger was among those tragically killed following the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6.

    During the Gunners’ comeback win against Bournemouth earlier in the year, Partey dedicated his goal to his compatriot.

  • PSG eyes Man City star to replace Messi

    PSG eyes Man City star to replace Messi

    Midfielder for Manchester City, Bernardo Silva,has been chosen by Paris Saint-Germain as Lionel Messi’s ideal successor and is already part of the French champions’ succession plan.

    Messi joined the Parisians in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, and he has had two exciting seasons with the team.

    However, when his contract ends at the end of the current season, he wants to depart.

    Silva is ready to leave Manchester City this summer for a new challenge outside of England, and according to Barca Universal, PSG and Barcelona are prepared to compete for his signature.

    Bernado Silva

    PSG believe they have the financial might to lure the Portuguese midfielder to the Parc des Princes Stadium this summer, unlike Barcelona, who have still not recovered fully from their financial crisis.

    Silva has almost won everything during his time at Manchester City, except for the Champions League, which he stands a good chance of winning this season.

    Crystal Palace unhappy with PSG

    Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are said to be unhappy with the French giants over their pursuit of Anglo-French-Nigerian winger, Michael Olise, All Nigeria Soccer reports.

    The English Premier League club believe that the Parisian’s interest in the forward may hinder their efforts to sign Olise to a new contract, which expires in 2026.

    PSG director, Luis Campos is said to have contacted Olise’s representatives about the possibility of moving to Parc des Princes in the summer, as part of an overhaul of their current squad.

    Silva sends Real Madrid warning

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester City will begin their revenge mission against Real Madrid when both teams meet again in the Champions League semi-final on May 9.

    The Cityzens were minutes away from reaching a consecutive Champions League final last season, before they saw their hopes erased, with late goals from Rodrygo to force extra-time.

    Bernardo Silva has now stated that Man City are confident they can defeat Real Madrid this term, as they are not afraid of the Spanish giants despite their impressive UCL resume.

  • CR7 allegedly unfollows Bernardo after Ballon d’Or comment

    CR7 allegedly unfollows Bernardo after Ballon d’Or comment

    Football fans on social media are certain that Bernardo Silva was unfollowed by as a result of the Manchester City player’s remarks on the Ballon d’Or discussion.

    After a second stint at Manchester United marred by crises, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to the Middle East, where he now plays for Al-Nassr, and has since slid down the pecking order.

    Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off in an exhibition match earlier this year

    When he was at the height of his powers, Silva, who shares the international locker room with Ronaldo, discussed how he used to feel when he didn’t win the most coveted individual accolade.

    “I was in the selection two or three times when he won it. We congratulate him and we talk. When he doesn’t win, we’re not happy too because he’s a player who really likes to be on top. He talks to people: ‘I thought I deserved a little more’, a really competitive player, who is into this type of thing.

    He likes to be on top a lot,” he said, as quoted by Sportskeeda.

    The 28-year-old then backed either Erling Haaland or Messi to win this year’s award.

    The Paris Saint-Germain forward won the Qatar World Cup with Argentina, and it is believed he is already a frontrunner to win his record-extending eighth title.

    It is these comments that fans believe made Ronaldo unfollow Silva.

    It is not understood if he followed him in the first place, but the national team captain follows a number of Selecao regulars like Pepe, Joao Moutinho, and Bruno Fernandes.

    Neville settles Ronaldo, Messi debate

    Sports Brief has also reported that Gary Neville is the latest high-profile ex-footballer to weigh in on the eternal argument on who the football GOAT is between Ronaldo and Messi.

    The debate over which football star rules between the Portuguese icon and his long-time Argentine adversary has frequently caused division among fans, pundits and even players.

    Neville praised the legendary duo of Ronaldo and Messi as the best players of all time before seemingly basing his decision on which of the two he had personally interacted with.

    The debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as to who is the greatest player of all time is a long-standing and highly contested topic in the world of football. Both players have achieved incredible success and have consistently performed at an exceptional level throughout their careers.

    Lionel Messi, an Argentine forward, spent the majority of his career with Barcelona before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

    Messi is known for his exceptional dribbling skills, close ball control, and vision on the field. He has won numerous individual awards, including the prestigious Ballon d’Or, and has broken multiple records, including the most goals scored in a calendar year.

    Most won Ballon d’Or players, Lionel messi and CR7

    On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese forward, has played for several top clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and currently, Al-Nassr.

    Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al-Nassr on April 9, 2023. Photo by ABDULAZIZ ALNOMAN.

    Ronaldo is known for his incredible athleticism, goal-scoring ability, and versatility on the field. Like Messi, he has also won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and holds various records, including being the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League.

    The debate over who is the greatest player of all time often boils down to personal preferences and opinions.

    Messi is often praised for his natural talent, exceptional playmaking ability, and consistency, while Ronaldo is admired for his incredible work ethic, physical prowess, and goal-scoring prowess.

    Supporters of Messi argue that his style of play is more aesthetically pleasing, and his ability to control the game with his dribbling and passing sets him apart.

    Argentine star and PSG forward, Lionel Messi

    They also point to his incredible longevity at the top level and his numerous team accomplishments with Barcelona.

    Ronaldo’s supporters, on the other hand, emphasize his unmatched athleticism, goal-scoring record, and versatility to excel in different positions. They argue that Ronaldo has proven himself in multiple leagues and has achieved success with various clubs, demonstrating his adaptability and impact.

  • Haaland’s bizzare meal “disgust” fans

    Haaland’s bizzare meal “disgust” fans

    The Manchester City striker, 22, is understood to “eat like a bear” by consuming six meals a day; and his bizzare meal preferences has left fans in awe.

    Erling Haaland scored his 52nd goal of the season on SaturdayCredit:Getty

    He has a particular love for Chinese food and kebab pizzas.

    Swordfish, sea bass, sea bream and fresh vegetables are also said to be on Haaland’s regular menu.

    But a more left-field option was posted on social media by the Norwegian on Sunday evening.

    Haaland snapped a picture of his dinner for his 29.4 million Instagram followers – just hours after Arsenal’s defeat to Brighton left Man City on the brink of Premier League title glory.

    Football fans were left horrified by Haaland’s home-cooked dinnerCredit Instagram

    Another novelty has to do with the sporting directors who would be obliged to travel and get to know future signings in depth.

    “You don’t buy a house without visiting it,” explained Henry and continued, “I’ve seen many players arrive at places without anyone knowing if they could adapt to the place.”

    And the final change would be to introduce temporary injury substitutes to prevent teams from being down to ten players when someone needs medical attention from doctors.

    And fans were quick to decipher that the scattered pieces of meat on the baking tray were beef liver.

    In response, one person said: “I’m confused. This is like faeces 😕🙈.”

    Another added: “Never let bro cook again 😭.”

    A third replied: “Forgot to let his dog out before the game.”

    And a fourth simply responded: “That looks disgusting.”

    Haaland bagged his 52nd goal of the season in Man City’s 3-0 win over Everton.

    It was also his 36th in the Premier League this season as he continues to add to his record-breaking campaign.

    Title rivals Arsenal then slipped up 3-0 at home to Brighton to hand Pep Guardiola’s men the chance to wrap up the league at home to Chelsea on Sunday.

    But before then they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

    The Premier League leaders head into the clash off the back of a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu last week.

    If victorious, they will move one step closer to the treble – which includes an FA Cup final against Manchester United and a potential Champions League final against either Inter Milan or AC Milan

    Haaland recently uploaded images of himself sipping two enormous bottles of milk while posing in the sunshine on a seat.

    He captioned the pictures, “Me and my magic potion.”

    The Norwegian star is not only known for his exceptional football skills but also for his disciplined eating habits. Haaland is known to follow a strict and carefully planned diet to optimize his performance on the pitch.

    As an athlete, Haaland understands the importance of fueling his body with the right nutrients. He emphasizes a balanced diet that includes a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

    His meals typically consist of lean meats like chicken and fish, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

    Protein intake is crucial for Haaland’s muscle growth and recovery, so he ensures he consumes an adequate amount.

    This often includes sources like eggs, chicken breast, and fish, which are rich in protein. Carbohydrates provide the necessary energy for his demanding training sessions and matches, and he often incorporates complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and sweet potatoes into his meals.

    While Haaland maintains a disciplined approach to his diet, he also allows himself occasional treats and indulgences. Moderation is key, and he understands the importance of finding a balance between enjoying food and adhering to his nutritional goals.

  • Arteta advises Arsenal to focus on League title instead of future transfers

    Arteta advises Arsenal to focus on League title instead of future transfers

    Mikel Arteta has advised his Arsenal players to prioritize their Premier League title pursuit over discussions about their future.

    Currently, the Gunners are one point behind league leaders Manchester City, albeit having played an additional game.

    Brighton, a team vying for European qualification, will visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

    Although Arsenal has performed well this season, there are unresolved matters to address as they approach the summer.

    England pair Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka are believed to be close to signing new deals while Reiss Nelson is out of contract and Granit Xhaka has this week been linked with a move back to Germany.

    But Arteta batted away questions on the future of some of his key players on Friday and is keen for focus to remain solely on the challenge for a first league title in 19 years.

    “Obviously where we are with each individual is probably different in terms of timing but the clarity is there,” he said of deals for players that may be in the offing.

    “We have communicated to each of them what the intentions are and we are trying to get that done as quickly as possible but respecting and not losing any focus on what is the real deal right now.

    “The moment there is anything to announce with any individual, we will do that as a club like we always do. It’s not the moment to talk about that.”

    While the deals for Saka and Ramsdale are all-but finalised, Nelson could yet leave for free in the summer.

    Xhaka has been linked with a move away – with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly chasing his signature – but Arteta would not be drawn on the future of the Switzerland captain.

    “As you can understand I’m not going to be replying to certain stories,” he added.

    “I’m extremely happy with Granit, I think he is having an incredible season, probably the best season he has had at the club and we are really happy to have him.”

  • Skinner adopts professional approach to the Women’s FA Cup final

    Skinner adopts professional approach to the Women’s FA Cup final

    Manchester United manager Marc Skinner believes that approaching the sold-out Women’s FA Cup final against Chelsea as a business-like event will give his team the best chance to win their first major trophy.

    The match, which is set to break attendance records, will take place at Wembley.

    Skinner draws lessons from his previous experience when Manchester City defeated his Birmingham team 4-1 in the 2017 FA Cup final, emphasizing the need to strip away emotions and focus on the task at hand.

    Skinner said: “What we got wrong at Birmingham is that we made it a massive event. We made it bigger than it should have been.

    “Everyone knows it’s a big deal, but we put quotes on the wall from players and families. We made mistakes, and that was naivety.

    “It became an emotional event rather than a clear business-like event.

    “You can celebrate after if you win the cup and be as emotional as you want, but the reality is there’s going to be enough emotions in the game that we need to save them up.

    “I’ve learned from that and we have to manage stages of the game better than we did at Birmingham. These are the factors we are looking to develop for this one.”

    United’s women’s team have had a remarkable rise since their formation in May 2018.

    They were promoted from the Championship in their inaugural season and currently top the Women’s Super League, holding a one-point lead over serial winners Chelsea who have a game in hand.

    Emma Hayes’ Chelsea are chasing a third successive league and cup double, but Skinner insists the Wembley clash will have no bearing on the title race.

    He said: “I’m not thinking about that at all. I am solely focused on a one-off game.

    “For the first time I’ve allowed our players to separate the games and we are looking at this before two difficult games in the league (against Manchester City and Liverpool).

    “This has no effect in our league and we are going to treat it as such, play it as the one-off event that it is.”

    Skinner is adamant there is no extra pressure on him on Sunday, even though women’s football will be under a fierce spotlight both in the stadium and around the country with a nationwide television audience.

    “It’s not pressure I don’t have every day,” said Skinner. “I even think there’s more pressure on us than Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City because we are Manchester United.

    “I feel that because every Manchester United fan will want us to win and we are huge around the world.

    “I’m sure there will be some nerves, but I’m fuelling my focus and attention to maximise this because, if we win, it will be massive.”

    United captain Katie Zelem is available after suspension as Norway defender Maria Thorisdottir misses out with the foot injury that ended her season prematurely.

  • Controversial calls follow after De Bruyne’s goal is allowed to stand

    Controversial calls follow after De Bruyne’s goal is allowed to stand

    The introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) a few seasons ago was intended to aid officials in making accurate decisions during games.

    While it may have caused a loss of momentum in some instances, it did assist in several situations.

    However, when the VAR makes an incorrect decision, it can create a chaotic scenario, as seen with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on May 9.

    Ancelotti, who rarely appears agitated, was visibly frustrated by the incident.

    He is the epitome of calmness and sobriety on the touchline but against Manchester City, he was absolutely sure his team had been robbed.

    KDB’s goal should not count

    Kevin De Bruyne had just scored a thunderbolt to equalise proceedings. There was nothing wrong with the Belgian’s shot, only that a few seconds earlier, Bernardo Silva had retrieved the ball after it had crossed the line for a throw-in, but the officials failed to spot it.

    VAR failed to review the incident and Ancelotti was so furious that he got himself booked. One can only imagine the scenes if that becomes the goal that eliminates Real Madrid next week.

    As history shows, there have been more scandalous decisions in the Champions League in the past; goals and decisions that stood that weren’t supposed to.

    Let’s take a look at some of these controversies.

    1. RVP’s red card at Camp Nou

    Well, this was more of a harsh booking. This game was characterised by Jack Wilshere’s masterclass, helping Arsenal carry a 2-1 advantage to the second leg.

    Barcelona V Arsenal The Champions league Picture; Andy Hooper Van persie sent off

    Robin Van Persie was through on goal but fluffed his shot wide, only to turn around and see the offside flag raised.

    The centre referee adjudged the Dutchman had kicked the ball away after hearing the whistle and he sent him off on a second yellow. Arsenal would go on to lose the tie 4-3.

    2. Luiz Adriano at Shakhtar

    The Brazilian striker enjoyed a glittering nine-year spell in Ukraine, but it was marked by a few dubious moments. The biggest of them all was a group stage match against NordsjĂŚlland in 2012.

    Adriano got a hat-trick in that game, but his first goal elicited reactions. Willian, then at Shakhtar, had played the ball back to the opposition, as fair play after an injury.

    To everybody’s bewilderment, Adriano chased down the ball, rounded the goalkeeper and scored. The referee allowed it to stand.

    Like everyone else, NordsjĂŚlland’s goalkeeper had expected the ball to roll back to him so that he could restart play, but the opposition man had other ideas.

    3. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Bayern Munich

    As Thomas Muller will tell you, Cristiano Ronaldo has always been the antidote to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Only that in 2017, the Bavarians’ faithful felt aggrieved after he scored two goals from an offside position.

    The five time Ballon d’Or winner put the ball past Manuel Neuer in extra time while in an offside position. Minutes later, the same happened when Marcelo squared the ball to him while he was in front of the ball, which technically, is not allowed.

    Both goals were allowed to stand. While VAR had not been introduced then, it did not make the decisions any less scandalous.

    For Ancelotti and his troops, they can only hope that De Bruyne’s goal won’t be the difference in this tie – because such defeats sting.

    Courtois sure Madrid will progress

    Sports Brief also reported that Thibaut Courtois is optimistic about the chances of Real Madrid progressing to the UCL final ahead of his side’s second-leg semi-final clash with Man City.

    Vinicius Junior and De Bruyne traded breathtaking goals as Los Blancos and the Citizens shared the spoils in the first leg of their last four blockbuster at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

    Madrid’s veteran shot-stopper, Courtois – who pulled off some stupendous saves in the tie – is confident his side will have the last laugh regardless of Man City’s impregnable home record.

  • Real Madrid’s Carvajal says they have ‘nothing to fear’ but there to win in second leg at City

    Real Madrid’s Carvajal says they have ‘nothing to fear’ but there to win in second leg at City

    Dani Carvajal is confident that Real Madrid has nothing to worry about when they travel to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week.

    In the first leg, played on Tuesday at the Bernabeu, the two sides put on an exciting display, with Vinicius Junior scoring a breathtaking goal to give Real the lead in the first half.

    Kevin De Bruyne matched that with a similarly stunning goal in the second half, levelling the score at 1-1, leaving the tie delicately poised for the return fixture.

    Real right-back Carvajal said: “They have world-class players, they move the ball very well, they’re tactically very well worked – but I don’t think we saw a City side that are superior to Madrid.

    “The team goes home knowing that we played well and that if we get things right, if we take our chances in Manchester, we have a chance of going through.

    “We go there with nothing to fear. We have to go there to win, to play our game, and the team believes in it.”

    City dominated early on at the Bernabeu but it was Real that took the lead against the run of play when Vinicius lashed home from 25 yards on 36 minutes.

    From then on the hosts did their best to disrupt City’s flow by employing some rough tactics.

    Carvajal particularly pushed things to the limit and was involved in a running battle with Jack Grealish. At one point he barged the England midfielder into the advertising hoardings and then fell to the ground theatrically when Grealish reacted angrily.

    “It’s a semi-final, everyone is playing to the limit, every challenge is a war,” the Spain international said.

    City drew level on 67 minutes, during a period when Real had been dominating, when De Bruyne connected with a fierce drive from a similar range to Vinicius.

    The draw was the least the Premier League leaders deserved but Real did have a gripe over the equaliser, with suggestions the ball may have gone out of play in the build-up.

    Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was booked for his protestations as De Bruyne celebrated.

    Carvajal said: “In general I think the referee (Portugal’s Artur Dias) was good, he controlled it pretty well. It’s complicated to referee a Champions League semi-final.

    “We have to congratulate him for that but if the ball did go out then that’s an error that could cost us the tie.”

  • City-Madrid clash: Yaw Dabo’s comical post-match analysis on Marca TV goes viral

    City-Madrid clash: Yaw Dabo’s comical post-match analysis on Marca TV goes viral

    Yaw Dabo, a Ghanaian actor, has been making waves on social media after his appearance on the Spanish TV show Marca following Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City.

    Despite claiming to be 24 years old during the interview, the small-statured actor expressed his excitement about the 1-1 draw at Santiago Bernabeu and believes that Real Madrid will advance to the final.

    In the match, Kevin De Bruyne’s 67th-minute goal canceled out Vinicius Jr’s first-half goal, resulting in a draw.

    As the European champions head to England for the second leg, the tie remains evenly balanced.

    In a video shared severally on social media, Dabo is seen analyzing the game, praising Real Madrid for cutting supplies to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

    Dabo is currently on an European tour and has already visited PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be hoping to get a positive result at the Etihad as they eye back-to-back Champions League final.

    Pep Guardiola is also poised on winning the trophy that has eluded him since leaving Barcelona in 2012.

    Kudus welcomes Dabo to Ajax
    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudus took time off to show actor Yaw Dabo around following his visit of the Netherlands.

    Dabo has been in Europe since last week touring some big clubs as he monitors how these teams are run due to his involvement in the game.

    The diminutive actor owns a soccer academy in Ghana and has taken the opportunity to establish relationship with some of these European clubs.

    Yaw Dabo visits Dortmund

    Ghanaian actor, Yaw Dabo continued his tour of Europe with a visit to German giants Borussia Dortmund.

    The president of Dabo Soccer Academy spent time at the club’s training venue, where he was also given a tour of the club’s facilities by former Ghana coach Otto Addo.

    Dabo met some of Dortmund’s stars, including English midfielder Jude Bellingham and teen sensation Youssoufa Moukoko.

  • Man City maintain unbeaten run as Madrid game ends in stalemate

    Man City maintain unbeaten run as Madrid game ends in stalemate

    Manchester City’s unbeaten record in the Champions League now stands at 21 games.

    Pep Guardiola’s team has been unbeaten since early February, with 17 victories and four draws, as they prepare for the finish of the season and a possible trophy treble.

    City are aiming to repeat Manchester United‘s 1998-99 achievement of winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League all in the same season.

    Thirty-seven points from the past 39 available have enabled them overtake long-time league leaders Arsenal, with four games remaining and a one-point advantage over the Gunners.

    They have beaten their title rivals twice in that time, 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium and 4-1 back home a fortnight ago.

    Improbably, relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest are the only side to take a point off them in that time after Chris Wood’s late equaliser.

    Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester, Fulham, West Ham and Leeds are their other victims, with 36 goals scored in those 13 games and 10 conceded.

    Their other draws have come in the away legs of their three Champions League ties, all 1-1 against RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Real.

    The home legs against the two Bundesliga sides saw Leipzig beaten 7-0 and Bayern 3-0, while in the FA Cup they beat former City captain Vincent Kompany’s Burnley 6-0 and two other Championship sides, Bristol City and Sheffield United, 3-0 to set up a Manchester derby in the final.

    Such form in the run-in is nothing new to City, who won last season’s league title by a point after finishing with a 12-game unbeaten run including nine wins and also won their last 14 in succession to pip Liverpool to the 2018-19 title – as part of a domestic treble.

    Erling Haaland is unsurprisingly City’s top scorer in the current run with 20 of City’s 61 goals.

    That includes back-to-back hat-tricks against Leipzig – with an astonishing five goals – and Burnley, helping him past a half century for the season while he has a record 35 for a Premier League campaign.

    Kevin De Bruyne’s stunner against Real was his seventh goal of the run while Haaland’s sometime deputy Julian Alvarez has six.

    There have been five apiece for Riyad Mahrez, who scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup semi-final against the Blades, Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan. Twelve City players in all have scored, in addition to an own goal from Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham.

    Winger Jack Grealish spoke after the draw at the Bernabeu of his confidence of reaching the Champions League final, based on City’s formidable home record.

    “Within ourselves at the Etihad, we feel unstoppable there,” the England international told BT Sport after playing his part in a feisty first-leg encounter.

    His view is borne out by the statistics, City winning all 11 home games in their current run with 40 goals scored and just five conceded.

    That sequence at the Etihad extends to 15 straight wins since their New Year’s Eve draw with Everton and 17 unbeaten since losing to Brentford in November.

    Away from home, since the Tottenham defeat, City have won six games and drawn four, scoring 21 goals and conceding eight.

  • Madrid’s Rodrygo prays ‘unstoppable’ Haaland doesn’t score against them

    Madrid’s Rodrygo prays ‘unstoppable’ Haaland doesn’t score against them

    Ahead of Tuesday’s first-leg tie in the Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes has expressed admiration for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

    The two teams met in last year’s semifinal, which Real Madrid won 6-5 on aggregate, including a thrilling 3-1 comeback at the Bernabeu.

    Since then, City has acquired Haaland, who has scored an impressive 51 goals across all competitions since joining Pep Guardiola’s side from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

    The Norwegian goal machine has also forged an effective link with his teammates outside the box.

    According to UEFA, Haaland is the top scorer in this year’s Champions League, scoring 12 goals in just eight appearances this season.

    And Speaking with RTVE, via Madrid Universal, Rodrygo said:

    “Haaland scores a lot of goals, no one knows how to stop him. I hope he doesn’t score against us.

    “Manchester City is always scary. They’re a great team, they play very well, but we are confident that we can win.”

    Rodrygo’s 2022/23 season

    In Real Madrid’s previous five games, Rodrygo has three goals and an assist to his credit. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian has had a strong season and has established himself as a regular starter.

    The Brazilian has made 30 league appearances for Real Madrid this season, contributing eight assists and six goals.

    He also creates 10 major chances and averages 1.4 critical passes per game, per Madrid Universal.

    Haaland Set to Pocket ÂŁ5million

    Erling Haaland is in line to pocket a huge £5million jackpot in bonuses if he helps Manchester City win the treble this season, Sports Brief reported earlier.

    City are on course to secure a historic treble under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, with the club in the race to lift the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

    The Citizens have been in incredible form and are currently topping the charts with 82 points, four points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.

  • City to soon emerge as Champions League champions – Toure is optimistic

    City to soon emerge as Champions League champions – Toure is optimistic

    Kolo Toure, a former Manchester City defender, believes it’s just a matter of time before the club wins the Champions League under their current manager, Pep Guardiola.

    City are currently aiming for a treble and are set to face Real Madrid, who have won the European competition a record 14 times, in the first leg of a highly anticipated semi-final match on Tuesday at Santiago Bernabeu.

    Despite Guardiola having lost six out of nine Champions League semi-finals, no other manager has lost more at this stage.

    But Toure is convinced a City success in Europe’s elite club competition will come sooner rather than later and believes this could be the year for Guardiola to win his third Champions League crown, and first with City.

    “It is a matter of time, we all know that and you can see that,” Toure, who played for City between 2009 and 2013, told Stats Perform.

    “City has been dominant in the Premier League, of course. 

    “And in Champions League, they haven’t got as far, but they’ve been so unlucky a few times. In football, you need that luck element, it’s maybe that one or two per cent. 

    “At the moment it doesn’t go to Man City, but you can feel it’s coming. For Pep, he knows it is coming anyway. 

    “He is breeding the team he wants. Of course, when you’re not winning it and for a manager of his stature, everybody is just trying to put the pressure on, but there’s no pressure because within the Champions League you play against unbelievable teams.

    “Keep calm, keep the process, keep improving the team if it doesn’t work. Sometimes they are teams who will press very well. You have to be able to value the game, you cannot be predictable.

    If they know you’re going to pass short, they will go at you, and you can lose the ball and that can be damaging. 

    “And there are moments you have to feel as a player that, ‘we have to go over because this guy is pressing so well’. City have that and for me, it can help them to reach the Champions League [final].

    “You just need to find that key element with which will help them to win that Champions League, which for me is coming.” 

    This season Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already seen off Liverpool and Chelsea in the knockout stages, but Toure is confident City can progress after beating RB Leipzig 8-1 on aggregate and then ruthlessly dismissing Bayern Munich 4-1 over two legs.

    Toure said: “For me, when I look at both teams, I see City going on further because I believe that they have the right team. Now, when I say the right team, I mean they are really well-balanced. 

    “Defensively, they look really strong. In the middle they are strong, but at the same time, they are in form. They look really, really good this year.

    “With [Manuel] Akanji signing, they look very good [in defence]. Going forward they have Erling Haaland which brings another dimension in the game because City always been a team that always want to play short ball all the time, but now Kevin De Bruyne can go over the top as well.

    “One thing Pep has been doing really well this season, it’s been managing the [minutes] really well, managing the energy.

    “Every time they’re winning 2-0 or 3-0, he just takes the key players out, to rest them to make sure they don’t get fatigued to make sure they don’t get injured. 

    “That management this season will help the players to be fresher because when you go to the end on the Champions League, it is right at the end of the season, and sometimes players are tired [physically] and they are mentally tired because they’ve been playing so many games. That will make you fatigued, that’s where you lose the lucidity that you need. 

    “A few years ago, you always saw them and at the end of the season not feeling that fresh because we’ve been over overworked really. But this season, I look at the Manchester City team and they look really fresh.”

    After the match in Spain, City will travel to Everton in the Premier League on Sunday before the return leg against Madrid in Manchester on May 17.

  • Possible Man City line up vs Real Madrid

    Possible Man City line up vs Real Madrid

    The next eight days will see Manchester City play Real Madrid in a two-game semifinal of the Champions League, providing fans of football with a mouthwatering matchup.

    Pep Guardiola will be attempting to reach just his second final as City’s manager, but in order to do so, he must defeat a team who eliminated him at the same point last year.

    The Los Blancos late comeback won’t happen again this season, which is something the Premier League’s defending champions will be hoping for.

    They enter the match having had a fantastic league run, but history has shown that Madrid always has a surprise in store for them when it comes to Europe’s top competition.

    Stocked with Erling Haaland and a near impossible-to-beat formation of 3-2-4-1, Guardiola will fancy his chances in the Spanish capital and in Manchester.

    As MEN reports, his latest game against Leeds United might have provided subtle indications of who will start on Tuesday night.

    City survived a late scare from Sam Allardyce’s men to take another step to winning a fifth league title in six years.

    Haaland surprisingly lasted the entire duration of the game alongside Julian Alvarez. Kevin De Bruyne was also given a full 90 minutes after missing the last two games through injury. Haaland and De Bruyne are sure starters on May 9.

    City’s lineup vs Real Madrid

    Jack Grealish, John Stones, Ruben Dias and Rodri were also given rest, but the Spanish holding midfielder came in the latter stages as Leeds threatened to cause an upset. The quartet is also in line to start from the word go against the record Champions League winners.

    First-choice goalkeeper Ederson is among the starting eleven despite giving way in midweek.

    Nathan Ake’s resurgence this season could have seen him become a sure starter, but the Dutch centre-half picked up an injury on Saturday. His involvement remains in doubt, paving way for Kyle Walker.

    Vinicius Junior plan

    Last season, Walker managed to keep Vinicius Junior silent, with the Brazilian only finding space after Walker went off injured. Manuel Akanji similarly did well against the pacy Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry and could be called upon to deal with Vinicius.

    Bernardo Silva was also rested, and he could play either in the right wing or alongside De Bruyne should Guardiola choose to drop Gundogan. The Spanish manager wasn’t too impressed that his captain missed a penalty against Leeds and clearly ignored him after he took him off, per Sky Sports.

    Should Gundogan be dropped, that will open a chance for Riyad Mahrez to slot in.

  • Manchester City seek vengeance against Real Madrid

    Manchester City seek vengeance against Real Madrid

    The first leg of the Champions League semifinal between Manchester City and Real Madrid will take place at the Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday May 9, 2023.

    Here, the PA news agency looks at some talking points ahead of the game.

    The tie is a rematch of last year’s semi-finals when City left the Bernabeu heartbroken after letting a place in the final slip through their grasp.
    City had been leading 1-0 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate heading into stoppage time when they suddenly capitulated and conceded twice. Real went on to win in extra time.
    Pep Guardiola’s men will certainly hope revenge is in the air and they will want to use the fact the home leg comes second this time to their advantage.

    City certainly approach the match in form having hit their stride over the last three months.
    They are unbeaten in 20 matches – 17 of which they have won – and have a strong chance of winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
    Arguably, the Spanish giants are the toughest obstacle left to clear as they look to win the treble.

    Real’s form is more difficult to assess. With the LaLiga title seemingly out of reach, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have lost two of their last three league matches, suggesting the wily Italian has been prioritising other fixtures.
    Those would be Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Osasuna, which they won 2-1, and the two City encounters over the coming week.
    Their triumph at the weekend, secured after two goals from Rodrygo, should certainly have raised confidence levels.

    Erling Haaland has been a sensation for City this season, scoring 51 goals in all competitions and with the high likelihood of more to come.
    After years of near misses in the Champions League, City are hoping the prolific Norwegian is the last piece of the jigsaw as they look to finally land the big prize.
    He has revelled in Europe, not least when he fired five past RB Leipzig in the last 16 and then struck in both quarter-final legs against Bayern Munich. All eyes will be on him to see if he can deliver at the Bernabeu.

    Cynics would suggest there is little coincidence over the timing of recent reports from Spain that the much-coveted Jude Bellingham is set to join Real in the summer.
    The England midfielder is widely expected to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer and Manchester City were reportedly among the interested parties.
    Whether the development would actually unsettle an outfit as composed as Guardiola’s City is debatable, but it certainly adds to the pre-match hype.
  • Arsenal maintains title aspirations with victory at Newcastle

    Arsenal maintains title aspirations with victory at Newcastle

    For the year, Martin Odegaard scored his 15th goal.

    Arsenal defeated Newcastle United in a nail-biting match at St. James’ Park, cutting Manchester City‘s lead over them in the Premier League standings to one point.

    The team led by Mikel Arteta, who has played one more game than the champions, responded admirably to the pressure created by Manchester City’s victory against Leeds United to win in an exciting game on Tyneside.

    Newcastle got off to a fast start in an effort to boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season, with Jacob Murphy hitting the post and having a penalty call reversed by video assistant refereeing.

    Arsenal, however, showed their strength and it was inspirational captain Martin Odegaard who followed up his double against Chelsea in midweek by drilling his 15th Premier League goal of the season past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope from 25 yards after 14 minutes.

    What followed was a magnificent game full of opportunities in a frenzied atmosphere, Pope saving crucially from Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Odegaard before half-time. Martinelli also struck the bar after the break.

    Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale also produced vital stops from Joe Willock and Fabian Schar, with Alexander Isak heading against the post, before The Gunners broke clear to wrap up the three points – Schar turning Martinelli’s cross into his own net in the 71st minute.

    More to follow.

    helpHow to play

    Rate players out of 10 throughout or after the game. The rater will close 30 minutes after the final whistle.

    Rating range key1 = Give it up10 = Pure perfection

    Newcastle United Starting XIAvg Squad number 22 Player name Pope Average rating

    6.01

    12345678910Squad number2Player name Trippier Average rating

    5.62

    12345678910 Squad number 5Player name Schär Average rating

    4.95

    12345678910 Squad number 4 Player name Botman Average rating

    5.23

    12345678910 Squad number 33 Player name Burn Average rating

    5.01

    12345678910 Squad number 7 Player name Joelinton Average rating

    5.26

    12345678910 Squad number 39 Player name Bruno GuimarĂŁes Average rating

    5.03

    12345678910S quad number 28 Player name Willock Average rating

    5.46

    12345678910 Squad number23 Player name Murphy Average rating

    5.31

    12345678910 Squad number 9 Player name Wilson Average rating

    5.45

    12345678910 Squad number 14 Player name Isak Average rating

    5.68

    12345678910 Substitutes Avg Squad number 8 Player name Gordon Average rating

    4.66

    12345678910 Squad number 10 Player name Saint-Maximin Average rating

    5.44

    12345678910Squad number13Player nameTargettAverage rating

    4.58

    12345678910 Squad number 24 Player name AlmirĂłn Average rating

    4.92

    12345678910 Squad number32 Player nameAndersonAverage rating

    4.61

    12345678910Share your Newcastle player ratings withFacebookTwitterWhatsAppCopy and share linkArsenalStarting XIAvgSquad number1Player nameRamsdaleAverage rating

    8.32

    12345678910Squad number4Player nameWhiteAverage rating

    7.66

    12345678910Squad number15Player nameKiwiorAverage rating

    7.42

    12345678910Squad number6Player nameGabriel MagalhĂŁesAverage rating

    7.60

    12345678910Squad number35Player nameZinchenkoAverage rating

    6.96

    12345678910 Squad number 8 Player nameØdegaardAverage rating

    8.43

    12345678910 Squad number 20 Player nameJorginhoAverage rating

    7.91

    12345678910 Squad number 34 Player nameXhakaAverage rating

    7.85

    12345678910 Squad number 7 Player name Saka Average rating

    7.59

    12345678910 Squad number 9 Player name Gabriel Jesus Average rating

    7.64

    12345678910 Squad number 11Player nameGabriel MartinelliAverage rating

    8.09

    12345678910 Substitutes Avg Squad number 3 Player name Tierney Average rating

    8.13

    12345678910 Squad number5 Player name Partey Average rating

    6.91

    12345678910 Squad number 14 Player name NketiahAverage rating

    6.83

    12345678910 Squad number19 Player name Trossard Average rating

    7.08

    12345678910 Squad number 24 Player name Nelson Average rating

    6.77

    12345678910 Share your Arsenal player ratings withFacebook Twitter WhatsApp Copy and share link

    Line-upsNewcastle

    Formation 4-3-3

    22Pope2 Trippier 5S chär 4 Botman 33 Burn 7 Joelinton 39 Bruno Guimarães 28 Willock 23Murphy 9 Wilson14 Isak

    Substitutes

    Arsenal

    Formation 4-3-3

    1Ramsdale 4White 15 Kiwior 6 Gabriel 35Zinchenko 8Ø degaard 20 Jorginho 34Xhaka7Saka9 Gabriel Jesus11Martinelli

    Substitutes

    Referee:Chris KavanaghAttendance:50,267Match StatsHome TeamNewcastleAway TeamArsenalPossessionHome54%Away46%ShotsHome12Away10Shots on TargetHome5Away6CornersHome9Away4FoulsHome16Away12Live Text Post update

    Match ends, Newcastle United 0, Arsenal 2.

    90’+7’Full Time

    Second Half ends, Newcastle United 0, Arsenal 2.

    90’+6’Post update

    Foul by Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United).

    90’+6’Post update

    Thomas Partey (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    90’+6’Booking

    Fabian Schär (Newcastle United) is shown the yellow card.

    90’+6’Booking

    Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) is shown the yellow card.

    90’+5’Post update

    Fabian Schär (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    90’+5’Post update

    Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal).

    90’+4’Post update

    Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Ben White.

    90’+3’Post update

    Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Reiss Nelson.

    90’+2’Post update

    Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Aaron Ramsdale.

    90’+2’Post update

    Attempt saved. Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Matt Targett.

    90’Post update

    Attempt missed. Fabian Schär (Newcastle United) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Elliot Anderson following a corner.

    89’Post update

    Corner, Newcastle United. Conceded by Reiss Nelson.

    87’Post update

    Fabian Schär (Newcastle United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    87’Post update

    Foul by Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal).

    87’Substitution

    Substitution, Arsenal. Reiss Nelson replaces Bukayo Saka.

    87’Substitution

    Substitution, Arsenal. Eddie Nketiah replaces Gabriel Jesus.

    85’Post update

    Foul by Miguel AlmirĂłn (Newcastle United).

    85’Post update

    Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

    Page 1 of 7rewindpreviousNavigate to the next pagenextNavigate to the last pageforward

  • Sterling advises Chelsea on who to choose and what to look out for in next manager

    Sterling advises Chelsea on who to choose and what to look out for in next manager

    Raheem Sterling has an opinion, but it appears like the search for Chelsea’s new permanent manager for the upcoming season has come to a conclusion.

    The English winger cost ÂŁ50 million when he transferred from Manchester City to the Blues last summer. Thomas Tuchel was one of the four managers that coached him during that time.

    In the first full season under the ownership of the Todd Boehly-led consortium, the team has had a very poor campaign.

    Subject to confirming and settling on contract specifics, Mauricio Pochettino , a former head coach of Tottenham, is the heavy frontrunner to fill the permanent position as of next season.

    Sterling advises coaching selection criteria

    The former Manchester City winger has advised the club on the criteria for the selection of a new manager, subtly hinting coaches don’t have full authority at the club since his arrival.

    ‘‘I’m not one to tell the club what to do, but from what I can gauge from where I was previously, organisation is the most important thing,’’ Sterling told Sky Sports.

    ‘‘Having a manager that has the final say on everything and it being his way with everyone having to follow that.

    ‘‘Successful teams always have a manager that comes in, brings his blueprint, and everyone follows. If there are people that don’t follow, then they are not part of the team, and that is how brutal it needs to be at a high level.’’

    It is hard to disagree with Sterling, who spent seven successful years at City, where Pep Guardiola is given full decision-making control.

    How Chelsea could be relegated

    Chelsea are one point away from the mythical 40-point relegation benchmark, but there are unlikely scenarios that could see them relegated.

    Sports Brief analysed the possibility of Chelsea getting relegated to the Championship in Todd Boehly’s first year of stewardship, including losing all remaining games.

  • Mario Balotelli has sold his Ferrari, Lamborghini, hints he is yet to sell others

    Mario Balotelli has sold his Ferrari, Lamborghini, hints he is yet to sell others

    Mario Balotelli, an Italian footballer of Ghanaian birth, is supposedly selling off his collection of high-end automobiles.

    According to The Daily Mail, Mario Balotelli is eager to sell more cars after already selling his Ferrari and Lamborghini.

    The former Inter Milan striker made this choice since he is not passionate about expensive and unique vehicles.

    Balotelli revealed that he is still selling some of his expensive automobiles in an interview with the Italian podcast Blick.

    He told Blick: “In my garage, I still have an RSQ8, 500 Abarth and GTR Nismo Nissan with 1400 hp. But I’m also selling the Abarth now.”

    The former Manchester City’s love for luxurious cars was well documented with a number of cars in his fleet.

    Whiles playing in England, Mario Balotelli got into trouble with law enforcement agencies for his cars.

    While with City in 2012, he crashed his Bentley in Manchester city center, which saw his female passenger sent to the hospital.

    Mario Balotelli’s Audi R8 is a write-off following the smash

    That came two years after colliding with another car while driving his Audi A8 in Chester Road, Hulme.

    Balotelli also famously crashed his late agent Mino Raiola’s car after reversing into a lamppost while with Nice in France.

    The Italian forward’s bad luck on the road continued in 2020 when he was involved in a car accident at 6am on New Year’s Day.

  • “Every game is a final for us” – Julian Alvarez

    “Every game is a final for us” – Julian Alvarez

    In the wake of Manchester City’s spirited 2-1 victory at Fulham, which saw them reclaim first place in the Premier League for the first time since February, Julian Alvarez said, “Every game is a final.”

    City were pushed all the way by Marco Silva’s men who were resilient throughout, recovering well after conceding an early penalty which Erling Haaland converted.

    Carlos Vinicius levelled the game briefly in the 15th minute, but Alvarez’ stunning strike from distance restored City’s advantage and they held on.

    “This is where we wanted to be at the start of the season,” Alvarez told City’s website.

    “Everyone’s put in really good work and now we’ve reached the top we need to defend it.

    “Every game is a final for us and everyone’s going to pull together to make that final effort.”

    The Argentinian, who has had to wait for opportunities in Pep Guardiola’s starting line-up, added: “It was really nice to score here, a really important goal at an important point of the match. Really nice to contribute.

    “We knew it would never be easy coming here because of the pitch, because of how good Fulham are as a team. We were very happy to withstand the pressure and hold out.”

    Fulham manager Silva was left to ponder his side’s small defensive lapses following a largely impressive performance against a team still in the hunt for the treble.

    “We had a clear plan for the game. We wanted to go through the centre of the pitch, with our wingers a little more inside,” Silva said.

    “If you try to block certain areas, they will look to expose others. The players, they stuck to their plan and did it well.

    “The moment after we equalised the game was probably our best moment in the match.

    “We cannot concede the goal in the way we did. A great strike from Alvarez, I know, but the way we build in certain areas we cannot lose the ball in that way and we gave them a chance in their counter-attack.

    “In the second half we were really competitive again. We didn’t create many chances, this is true, but we didn’t give many things to them either.”

  • Guardiola: De Bruyne benefiting from his time sitting on City’s bench

    Guardiola: De Bruyne benefiting from his time sitting on City’s bench

    Kevin De Bruyne, in the opinion of Pep Guardiola, is now benefiting from his time on the Manchester City bench.

    The Belgium playmaker was outstanding as treble-chasing City overpowered Premier League leaders Arsenal 4-1 to seize complete control of the title race on Wednesday.

    De Bruyne scored two goals and set up another, underlining his return to form just as their season enters its most crucial phase.

    Only last month City manager Guardiola openly criticised the performances of the player, who found himself among the substitutes four times in the space of nine Premier League games.

    Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham, Guardiola said: “He is the same player as a month ago – same personality, same exceptional player, whether I decide he doesn’t play or if he plays.

    “But we cannot demand every player – during a career of seven, eight, nine, 10 years – play every three days for 11 months, then rest three weeks, then come back for pre-season and go to Asia.

    “Sometimes sitting and not playing is good. It is not to punish. Sometimes you have to see it and realise, to refresh your mind a little bit, let him notice that his standards are so, so high.

    “In three days you have another game, another opportunity and you can show how happy you are playing football.”

    The statistics suggest the rest did De Bruyne good. The issue is relative of course, as even at the time of Guardiola’s criticisms, the inspirational De Bruyne had registered 17 assists in his first 34 appearances of the season.

    Yet such are the high standards the 31-year-old has set in the past that he clearly had another level.

    In his eight appearances since he has notched another seven assists and weighed in with four goals.

    His figures, though, are eclipsed by those of the remarkable Erling Haaland, with whom he has struck up a formidable partnership.

    The Norwegian took his overall goal tally for the campaign to a remarkable 49 by scoring City’s fourth in Wednesday’s win.

    He has also now struck 33 in the Premier League, just one short of the record 34 held jointly by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer. He also has eight assists in all competitions.

    Guardiola said: “Kevin is a master of the assist with or without Erling. Erling scores goals all the time with or without Kevin but, together, they are so dangerous.”

  • Train workers plan going on strike on FA Cup final day

    Train workers plan going on strike on FA Cup final day

    After train drivers launched a three-day boycott, football fans who were hoping to watch the FA Cup finals may face interruption and dashed hopes.

    The union Aslef has stated that train drivers will go on strike on June 3, the day Manchester United and Manchester City compete for the trophy at Wembley in London.

    May 12 and May 31 are additional strike dates that will have an impact on 16 railway operating firms.

  • Haaland more robust, Aguero a bit colder – Adebayor tells difference

    Haaland more robust, Aguero a bit colder – Adebayor tells difference

    Since breaking into the spotlight with RB Salzburg and scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Champions League debut, Erling Haaland has been the most sought-after striker.

    He was expected to sign with a premier European team, but he chose Borussia Dortmund in Germany, where he made a proper introduction.

    He replaced Sergio Aguero, who left a year earlier, and Gabriel Jesus, who had gone after a year and a half, in a ÂŁ51 million move to Manchester City.

    The Argentina striker played for City for 10 years and made himself a fan favourite with his prowess in front of goal, scoring 184 league goals, as recorded on Premier League’s official website.

    Adebayor differentiates Aguero and Haaland

    The Norwegian striker, in his first season, has scored 48 goals in all competitions so far, breaking many records with more still to come.

    Former City striker Emmanuel Adebayor looked beyond the goals and pointed out what the 22-year- old offers more that differentiates him from the legendary Sergio Aguero.

    ”I see Haaland as more robust, tougher in tackles and more assertive, while Aguero was a bit colder in one-on-one situations with the opposing keeper,” the Togolese told Sportskeeda.

    The former Borussia Dortmund striker has already surpassed Aguero’s highest single-season tally and has six hat-tricks, including four in the league, also scoring three consecutive home hat-tricks against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.

    Fans slam Guardiola for lying
    Pep Guardiola, during the final game of the 2020/21 season, which crowned City as champions and was Aguero’s last league game, claimed the club could not replace the departing striker.

    As Sports Brief reported, fans hit back at Guardiola after the heroics of Erling Haaland this season, branding him a pathological liar for shedding tears while making the statement.

    The Spanish manager failed in his pursuit of Harry Kane and opted for false 9s in place of Gabriel Jesus before landing Haaland.