Manchester city

This is the brave new world of VAR, the era of the video assistant referee who chops and re-edits a game from afar like a film director who wants to choose a new plot, and while it may suit a television audience, for those in the stadium something in the soul of the game is lost. “VAR is f------ s---“ sang the supporters of West Ham, or it might have been Manchester City. The home team were on the wrong side of a decision by VAR David Coote that ruled substitute Sergio Aguero had to retake - for encroachment - a penalty that was initially saved by Lukasz Fabianski. Before that Raheem Sterling had been judged offside by an armpit for his assist to Gabriel Jesus for what would have been the third goal of the game. The decision was so close that the Hawk-Eye lines could hardly be divided. Sterling’s shoulder was presumably the legitimate goalscoring part of his body that was in an offside position although it was far from clear. In Stockley Park in west London where the … [Read more...] about Imperious Manchester City stick five past West Ham but VAR controversy steals the show

Riyad Mahrez has been cleared to play for Manchester City against West Ham United on Saturday after being subjected to a drugs test this week in the wake of his omission from the Community Shield squad over fears he may have been given ­medication containing a banned substance. Pep Guardiola, the City manager, had revealed that Mahrez missed the game against Liverpool at Wembley last Sunday because club doctors were uncertain whether medicine ingested in relation to a sinus issue would contravene anti-doping regulations. Guardiola’s admission led to UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) officers ­turning up to test Mahrez this week. The Algeria forward passed the test – believed to have been carried out on Wednesday or Thursday – and the player is now free for selection in City’s opening Premier League fixture at the London Stadium this Saturday lunchtime. Mahrez had a private procedure on his nose in the days before ­rejoining City following Algeria’s … [Read more...] about Riyad Mahrez cleared to play for Manchester City after passing drugs test

Leroy Sane will undergo knee surgery in the next few days in a bitter blow for Manchester City on the eve of the new Premier League season. The news could also bring a temporary halt to Bayern Munich’s bid to sign the Germany winger. City confirmed on Thursday that Sane suffered damage to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee following a collision with Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Liverpool right back, during Sunday’s Community Shield at Wembley. “Leroy will have surgery in the coming week,” City said in a statement on their official website. Bayern had been awaiting news of the extent of Sane’s injury with great interest as they weighed up a formal bid for the 23-year-old. Sources at City have indicated they will wait to see how the operation goes before putting a timescale on Sane’s return. Bayern are likely to wait to see how Sane recovers before pursuing their interest any further although there have been doubts over whether the German … [Read more...] about Leroy Sane to undergo knee surgery in setback for Manchester City

Manchester City transfer target Rodri has told Atletico Madrid that he wants to leave the club to join the Premier League champions. A release clause of £62.5million is all City have to pay to get their man, but who is he? What does he do? Another player linked with a move to the Etihad is Juventus right-back Joao Cancelo, but how much is he worth and will he replace Kyle Walker? Rodri as the new Fernandinho (or Sergio Busquets) Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, or Rodri for short (or Rodrigo according to Opta and WhoScored) is a Spanish international midfielder who turns 23 on the 23rd of June. A first choice for Diego Simeone, he made 37 appearances in all club competitions last season starting mostly... … [Read more...] about Why Manchester City transfer targets Rodri and Joao Cancelo are evidence of excellent recruitment strategy

MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly plotting a winter splurge as they aim to keep pace with Liverpool. The Citizens are nine points behind their title rivals following their 3-1 defeat at the weekend and questions have been asked of their squad depth. David Silva, 33, is set to leave at the end of the season, while a long-term replacement for 31-year-old Sergio Aguero is also needed. The Daily Mail reports that Etihad chiefs will fork out at least £100million to land two new players to take over from Silva and Aguero.As well as signing attacking reinforcements, Pep Guardiola knows his side are seriously hampered by the injury to Aymeric Laporte in September. The Frenchman still faces at least another three months on the sidelines and his absence has exposed the weaknesses of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi at the back. Vincent Kompany is yet to be replaced after leaving in the summer and City's defence was ruthlessly taken apart on Sunday. [pod_component … [Read more...] about Man City ‘set for £100m January transfer spree’ to replace Aguero and David Silva as they look to keep up with Liverpool