Guardiola backs Haaland, Khusanov cleared for Fulham
Haaland admits he ‘hasn’t scored enough’ and must be sharper, rejecting excuses. His 90+2' penalty sealed City’s 2-1 win at Liverpool, a boost as they fight on four fronts.
Khusanov cleared to face Fulham after head knock at Anfield. Guardiola: ‘He’s good and able to play.’ Manager lauds his pace, positioning and intelligence in City’s defence.
Report claims John Stones is unlikely to get a new City deal and is in early talks, with Bayern, Atletico and Milan linked, as City plan further defensive rebuild after signing Marc Guehi.
Opta notes Haaland has scored in 23 of 24 Premier League stadiums he has played in for City, finally netting at Anfield with a stoppage-time penalty in the 2-1 win.
Bernardo Silva led the fightback at Anfield, scoring to spark City’s 2-1 turnaround before Haaland’s penalty sealed a first league double over Liverpool since 1936/37, drawing rich praise from Guardiola.
Abdukodir Khusanov emerges as a City mainstay, praised by Guardiola after Anfield, with elite pace, strong tackles and interceptions, and January player of the month, despite a shaky debut.
Opta makes Arsenal favourites at Brentford. City’s 2-1 Anfield win cut the gap, so Blues hope Brentford take points off Arsenal to aid the title race.
Foden, rested after limited minutes since the derby, targets a reset vs Fulham. He scored twice in the 5-4 at Craven Cottage and could be pivotal if recalled at the Etihad.
Guardiola says with ‘60 or 70 per cent of new players’ he is unsure City can string ‘three, four, five, six’ wins to catch Arsenal, stressing they must now prove consistency.
Guardiola hails Donnarumma’s 99th-minute stop from Alexis Mac Allister in City’s 1-0 win at Anfield, likening it to James Trafford’s Newcastle save, as City chase Arsenal at the top.
Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, once linked to Man City, is ‘loudly booed’ after errors and a form slump, with Corriere dello Sport suggesting City interest may have turned his head.
Arteta hails Guardiola as ‘the best in history’, crediting lessons from City days while they now battle for the Premier League and meet in the Carabao Cup final.
Analysis claims City become cross-heavy with Haaland, while Marmoush offers pressing and versatility. With goals down to 2.04 per game, Guardiola must balance both after Anfield heroics.
After the 2-1 win at Liverpool, City must beat Marco Silva’s Fulham to sustain title pressure. Guardiola hails Fulham’s patterns and quality, warning against a slip at the Etihad.
Guardiola says Bobb had ‘all the attributes’ but left permanently to Fulham in January. City chase a third straight win, with Arsenal six points ahead and silverware on all fronts in sight.
Leeds eye City goalkeeper James Trafford for over £30m if they stay up. The 23-year-old seeks games behind Donnarumma, with Spurs, Villa and Newcastle also keen.
Everton want to keep Man City loanee Jack Grealish despite a season-ending foot fracture, preferring a reduced fee or new loan over the £50m option as his contract winds down.
Kovacic steps up individual training after ankle issues, with a late-February group return possible. City juggle injuries while pushing in league and cups, starting with Fulham at the Etihad.
Guardiola urges Haaland not to stress over goals despite 3 in 10, blaming schedule for fatigue. Praises his wider contribution and hails ‘intelligent’ Abdukodir Khusanov ahead of Fulham.
City cheekily post ‘nothing wrong with growing out your hair’ featuring Erling Haaland as Rooney and Michail Antonio mock a Man United fan delaying a haircut until five straight wins.
Report says Haaland paid about £16.9m tax in 12 months, the highest among Premier League players with Salah. Mentions other City high earners, reflecting the club’s financial power.
