Manchester City is pursuing their fourth consecutive Premier League title this season, but pundit Danny Murphy suggests that Arsenal or Liverpool could thwart their dominance. The 2023/24 title race is intensifying, with City’s recent win over Brentford narrowing the gap to just two points among the top three teams.
Erling Haaland secured the lone goal in the game at the Etihad Stadium, marking a more satisfying evening for him compared to the previous match against Chelsea. The title race may go down to the wire this season, with City, Arsenal, and Liverpool emerging as strong contenders.
Despite being the bookies’ favorites, City has shown defensive vulnerabilities this season. Players like Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Kyle Walker, and Ederson have not performed as well as last season, and new signing Josko Gvardiol is adapting to English football in his debut season. City has conceded 26 goals in the league, two more than Liverpool and four more than Arsenal.
Danny Murphy points out that City’s defensive frailties provide hope for Arsenal and Liverpool. According to Murphy, a notable change in City’s system has made them more vulnerable this season. Last season, they often deployed a full-back in midfield to create an extra midfielder. However, this season, the tweak involves a central defender, either Akanji or Stones, moving into midfield from a central position, making them more susceptible.
Former City manager Stuart Pearce also suggests that the high defensive line could be exploited by other teams. City’s defensive struggles this season are evident, and adjustments are needed to regain the solidity they displayed in the second half of the previous season.
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‘Outrageously brilliant’… Gary Lineker left wowed by £225,000-a-week Man City player against Copenhagen
Gary Lineker praises the “exceptionally brilliant” Phil Foden following Manchester City’s victory over Copenhagen. Despite earning £225,000 per week (according to Sport Rac), Foden’s impact extended beyond his goal in the 92nd minute when he converted Kevin De Bruyne’s cut-back.
While acknowledging the team’s solid, if unspectacular, performance against Copenhagen, Lineker specifically commends Foden for his outstanding contribution. Rio Ferdinand also highlights Foden as Manchester City’s standout player throughout the season, emphasizing his importance to the team.
Lineker describes Foden as “outrageously brilliant,” a sentiment echoed by Ferdinand, who notes Foden’s consistent excellence on the field. Foden’s versatility is highlighted, with his adeptness in both traditional right-wing and central positions causing problems for Copenhagen. His technical prowess, intelligent passing, and quick thinking make him a constant threat, earning him accolades from Lineker for being a joy to watch.
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Manchester City met with one agent of Kylian Mbappe
There have been bold assertions that one of Kylian Mbappe’s agents held a meeting with Manchester City officials a day before the French superstar reportedly informed Paris Saint-Germain of his intention to leave on a free transfer this summer. While speculation surrounds Mbappe’s next destination, with Real Madrid frequently mentioned, an unexpected claim by Cadena SER suggests that an agent of Mbappe was seen in Manchester meeting with City officials in an informal capacity.
This meeting allegedly occurred on Monday, just before Mbappe’s announcement to PSG. The representative, one of three for Mbappe, reportedly engaged with various City officials, even catching the attention of some City players. Interestingly, another representative, a childhood friend of Mbappe, attended Real Madrid’s Champions League game against RB Leipzig in the VIP area.
Despite the intriguing speculation, the likelihood of Manchester City signing Kylian Mbappe appears slim. City, equipped with Erling Haaland, may not have a pressing need for Mbappe. While the Frenchman could be available on a free transfer, the presence of Haaland, a formidable talent in his own right and a potential rival for the Ballon d’Or, raises doubts about Mbappe’s inclination to join City. Previous claims that City’s owners desired Mbappe to play alongside Haaland seem implausible.
Given Mbappe’s outstanding reputation and the long-standing speculation linking him with Real Madrid, it remains a logical choice for the French forward. Real Madrid, despite performing well without him, may still seek a replacement for Karim Benzema. The possibility of City pursuing Mbappe only arises if Haaland were to be sold, a scenario that currently appears unlikely.
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‘The enemy’… Sir Jim Ratcliffe now makes his feelings clear about Manchester City
The minority shareholder of Manchester United has previously lauded the efficient management of City as a football club, yet he has labeled them as “the enemy.” At 71 years old, he has openly declared his intention to dethrone the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous remark directed at the Reds. The British billionaire has also voiced his desire to defeat the Sky Blues on the field rather than banking on their alleged financial violations being confirmed by the Premier League.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe openly acknowledges his “hatred” for Manchester City. Being a lifelong Manchester United supporter, he has seemingly embraced the rivalry between his cherished club and City.
When asked which team he would prefer to see win the Premier League title among Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s response was unequivocal: “I hate them all!”
