Liverpool gain all 3 points in a thrilling contest with City

The Premier League encounter between Manchester City and Liverpool took off to a pulsating start, with both teams looking to walk away with 3 points. For Liverpool, a win would have reinvigorated the deteriorating mood in the club. Given their recent run of form, defeat in this match would have been a huge blow to Klopp and his men in their pursuit for the top four. On the other hand, City needed to close in on Arsenal, who look set to compete for the title this season. 

Jurgen Klopp having an exchange with Pep Guardiola in their past Premier League match whereby Liverpool won by one goal to nil. Photo Credits: Premier League
Jurgen Klopp having an exchange with Pep Guardiola in their past Premier League match whereby Liverpool won by one goal to nil. Photo Credits: Premier League

The action-packed match ended in a one-nil win for the home team, with Klopp’s men showing real character to put up a fight in such an infirm state. Salah scored the only goal in the match, with Liverpool having a couple of opportunities to kill off the game. Foden scored on the other end before VAR asked Antony Taylor to look back at a tackle committed by Haaland in the build-up to the goal.

Haaland pulled Fabinho’s shirt in a 50-50 duel before passing to De Bruyne, who then slid him in with yet another incisive pass. Foden capitalized on the scramble between Haaland and Allison to strike the ball that deflected into the net from Gomez’s legs. Taylor ruled out the goal that then allowed Liverpool to grow back into the game, and ended up scoring their own. 

Klopp received a red card towards the end of the match as his furious reaction towards the referees was interpreted as inexcusable dissent. This was in response to the tackles that flew in, many of which Taylor let go.  

Darwin Nunez failed to find Mohammed Salah in an open opportunity in the match. Photo Credits: Premier League
Darwin Nunez failed to find Mohammed Salah in an open opportunity in the match. Photo Credits: Premier League

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Hope of brighter days?

This defeat now means City lose their unbeaten status this season, with Arsenal going four points clear of them at the top of the table. For Liverpool, the win recaptures a mood in these parts not felt for quite a while. The Reds now have the opportunity to re-establish their dominance with their talisman, Mohammed Salah, slowly regaining his goal-scoring form. Will the Egyptian forward net more goals in the coming chances?

Salah celebrating after scoring the only goal versus Manchester City at the Anfield versus Manchester City. Photo Credits: Liverpool FC
Salah celebrating after scoring the only goal versus Manchester City at the Anfield versus Manchester City. Photo Credits: Liverpool FC

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden issue apology

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have issued an apology following the incidents that occurred in their hotel in Iceland.
Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have issued an apology following the incidents that occurred in their hotel in Iceland

The incident

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have issued an apology following the incidents that occurred in their hotel in Iceland. The two broke quarantine rules during their stay at the team hotel in Iceland. Icelandic media report that the two, following a win against the Iceland national team, were seen in the company of two girls. This is in breach of COVID-19 safety guidelines. Moreover, both later invited girls back to the Three Lion’s hotel in Reykjavik.

The consequences

The England manager Gareth Southgate termed the incident as “very serious.” In response, both Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden have been sent back to England. The England Manager expressed his disappointment in the two ahead of the game against Denmark. This is what he said, “Both of them have responsibilities and have apologised. However, it is clear that they have breached the Corona Virus safety guidelines”. Despite being their first call-ups for the two young stars,they will miss the next game against Denmark. Phil Foden, made his debut during this game against Iceland. On the other hand, Mason Greenwood came in from the bench for his first match for the Three Lions. 

Manchester United and Manchester City issued a statement pg slot condemning the actions of the two and stated that they would liaise with the FA for appropriate measures to be taken. Moreover, Iceland police have said they will make an inquiry that would further lead to more actions taken against the two. The Iceland Police press officer Gunner Sveinbjornsson stated, “The matter has been brought to our attention and we will look into it.” He went on to say, “The breaches of the guidelines are punishable by a fine of some sorts.”

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The two were sent back to England separately. They will now have to follow the guidelines before being able to return to competitive football at their respective clubs.

Apology

Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden out of guilt issued an apology for the incident. Mason Greenwood said, “I apologise for the embarrassment I have caused. It was irresponsible of me to break the COVID-19 safety protocol, which was in place to protect the players, staff, and the public. I apologise to the manager Gareth Southgate and I have learned my lesson.”

Phil Foden also issued an apology over the incident. The two now await the start of the new premier league season, which will begin on the 11th of September 2020. However Manchester United and City will begin their matches in game week 2.

FA CUP returns as eight clubs battle it out for domestic cup glory

The Emirates FA Cup is back today with Norwich City hosting Manchester United for the Quarter finals stage tonight at 7:30pm. Manchester United has been on a winning streak and are hoping to extend it today against Norwich. United haven’t lost a game in their last 12 matches and are likely to get the away win today and proceed to the semifinals. United are the second most successful club in this tournament with 12 titles.

 Also in the tournament are two clubs fighting for position 3 in the league, Leicester City and Chelsea. This is the biggest clash in the tournament since both teams are in good form currently and we are hoping for an interesting game as the foxes hosts the London blues tomorrow at 6pm.

Sheffield United will be hosting Arsenal tomorrow at 3pm.Arsenal are the most successful club in this tournament with 13 titles and are hoping to add another title in their cabinet. This tournament means a lot to them since it will be a good platform to redeem themselves after the poor performance in the league and in the UEFA Europa League where they got knocked out. Sheffield on the other hand has not lost a game to Arsenal in their last 2 games and are hoping to proceed to the semis. 

The title holders, Manchester City are hoping to defend the trophy as they travel to St. James Park stadium to meet Newcastle tomorrow at 8:30pm.The Cityzens have been quite successful in their pursuit for domestic trophies and are the current winners of the EFL Carabao Cup which they recently won in a final against Aston Villa. Now that the premiere league is gone, I believe their main focus would be in this title. Last Season they clinched a domestic treble and adding another trophy to their collection would be a good thing.

Photo Credit: Supersport Official Twitter Account:@SupersportTV

Manchester City triumph in a double game week as project restart becomes a success

Manchester City triumph in a double game week

Since English Premier League restart on 17th June, Manchester City has been the most successful club so far after two comfortable wins against Arsenal and Burnley consecutively. The defending league champions easily got three points from a defensively struggling Arsenal on the night of Wednesday 17th June, with a 3-0 victory, goals scored by Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil foden respectively. Manchester city and Arsenal have had quite a bitter rivalry, with City having a good run and winning their last six matches against the gunners. This result did not come as surprise for many since the Londoners were deemed as the weaker side and suffered two injuries from Granit Xhaka and Pablo Mari which led to unplanned substitution.The Cityzens extended their winning streak on Monday, June 22nd, with a phenomenal 5-0 home win against Burnley with Phil Foden and Riyadh Mahrez both scoring two goals and one goal from David Silva. Burnley had two of their major attacking players, Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes, out on injury and this really affected their gameplay. This was an easy win for City since they massively outclassed The Clarets despite having starting the game with some of their key players on the bench. Pep Guardiola, City’s Head Coach, has been quite efficient in rotating his squad to give all his players enough game time and it is now easier for him since clubs can now make up to five substitutions in a single game. Manchester City are set face Chelsea on Thursday at Stamford Bridge, hoping to win and stretch the gap between them and Leicester City on the league tablePhoto credits: Manchester City Official Twitter account:@Mancity

Here we go, Nathan Ake to Manchester City.

Here we go, Nathan Ake to Manchester City

Manchester City made a £41 million offer for Nathan Ake to Bournemouth. The initial offer was accepted and the deal is to be finalized by the weekend. The transfer fee for the 25-year-old Dutch defender is a record sale for Bournemouth. The Cherries were relegated to the championship on Sunday. 

Talks over the centre back between the clubs began before the end of the Premier League season. As a result, it was expected he would depart from Bournemouth this summer. This came as a shocker to many. This is because Ole Gunnar, Manchester United’s Head Coach, was seen speaking to him in length after their second leg match against United. It seemed he was interested in buying the player but too bad he is headed to the Blue Side of Manchester. 

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In the 2019/20 EPL season, Nathan Ake made 29 appearances for the Cherries. In those 29 appearances he netted two goals, and made two assists. Moreover, he kept four clean sheets averaging 1.1 tackles per game. The four out of 29 clean sheets is a poor record for a defender. However, people may argue that the performance is dependent on other team mates.

This signing was criticized on social media. Nevertheless, pundits say he will definitely strengthen Manchester City’s defense and improve squad depth.  A rival fan said, “£41 million is too much for a relegated defender who has conceded 65 goals typical Pep”. Hopefully, Nathan Ake will help Manchester City to achieve more clean sheets next season. Can’t wait to see him in a sky blue shirt. Manchester City are also linked to a close signing of Spanish right Winger, Ferran Torres, from Valencia.

Featured Image Credit: Sporf Twitter