Man City mood, Haaland’s new brief, title run-in set
Gossip: Real Madrid and Barcelona target Rodri, while Arsenal and Chelsea eye Julian Alvarez. City also linked with Ivan Fresneda race, with Arsenal said to be ahead.
Ref Watch says Bernardo Silva’s ‘reckless’ tackle on Dan Burn did not warrant a red, as Manchester City avoid another dismissal after a weekend of incidents reviewed by Dermot Gallagher.
City beat Newcastle 2-1 as Arsenal won 4-1 at Spurs. City’s next league games: Leeds A, Forest H, West Ham A, Chelsea A, Arsenal H, with the Etihad clash potentially decisive.
Haaland named man of the match v Newcastle without scoring, supplying O’Reilly, making clearances and aiding set-pieces in a 4-2-2-2 split-striker role, with seven league assists showing his growing creativity.
Guardiola urges City to ‘enjoy life’ with three days off after the 2-1 win over Newcastle, praising mental freshness, while warning City may drop points before a trip to Leeds in the title race with Arsenal.
Aguero hails Trafford’s cup displays but notes he must compete with Donnarumma for City’s No.1 spot, adding it is ‘normal’ he wants more minutes and that time will decide his future.
Podcast rounds up the weekend as Manchester City keep pace with a 2-1 win over Newcastle, with Nico O’Reilly impressing, while Liverpool win late and Spurs struggle.
City name Silentnight as Official Sleep Partner, supplying The Medlock hotel and featuring at the Etihad, adding to February deals with Lucozade Sport, BYD and Revolut.
Reports claim Bernardo Silva will leave City on a free, with Juventus tabling an offer amid interest from Barcelona, PSG and Saudi clubs, as the 31-year-old listens to approaches via Jorge Mendes.
Guardiola explained his half-time substitution of Ruben Dias during City’s 2-1 win over Newcastle, clarifying the reasoning after debate among fans about the defender’s withdrawal.
City loanees Stephen Mfuni shines for Watford at left-back in a 2-0 win over Derby, and Divine Mukasa scores and assists in Leicester’s 2-2 draw at Stoke, both staking future first-team claims.
Marc Guehi details adapting under Pep Guardiola, says he has ‘changed my game completely’ after joining for £20m. He started in City’s 2-1 win over Newcastle as they chase Arsenal.
