Foden has had an exceptional season, stepping up admirably in the absence of crucial teammates. With 18 goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances across various competitions, he has solidified his position as a pivotal player under Pep Guardiola.
The 23-year-old consistently dazzles fans with his technical prowess, showcasing his skills in nearly every match. Notably, Foden’s commendable work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed.
This season, Foden has frequently operated as a ‘number 10’, a role he openly expresses fondness for. He recently shared why he finds this position particularly enjoyable.
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‘The doctor said’… Pep Guardiola shares Kevin De Bruyne injury update after 1-0 win vs Brentford
Pep Guardiola has provided an update on the injury situation involving Kevin De Bruyne following Manchester City’s 1-0 victory against Brentford. The surprise decision to have the £400,000-a-week midfielder on the bench raised eyebrows, especially in a crucial game for City’s Premier League title race.
Guardiola’s choice not to start De Bruyne and substitute Jeremy Doku instead, despite the game being tied at 0-0 before Erling Haaland’s decisive goal, fueled speculation about a potential injury. Guardiola addressed the situation after the match, shedding light on De Bruyne’s suspected hamstring issue.
“We cannot use Kevin [De Bruyne] today because he has niggles in his hamstring position, I didn’t want to take any risks with him,” Guardiola explained, emphasizing a cautious approach to the star player’s fitness. Despite categorizing the concern as not serious, Guardiola stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary risks, stating, “He’s okay, it’s just more caution and prevention that I think, but he didn’t feel comfortable. The doctor said it is a little risk, and I said, okay. After five months off, we didn’t take any risks about that over him.”
Guardiola’s decision not to risk De Bruyne during this crucial stage of the season is seen as a wise move. As Manchester City faces challenging opponents like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa in March, preserving De Bruyne’s fitness becomes paramount. Given the midfielder’s significance to the team, ensuring his full recovery is crucial for City’s aspirations in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Fans hope for his swift return to action to minimize the impact of his potential absence in upcoming crucial fixtures.
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Gary Lineker can’t believe what he’s heard from Jude Bellingham after Man City game
Lineker’s Surprise at Bellingham’s Comments
Introduction: Former footballer and pundit Gary Lineker expresses disbelief at comments made by Jude Bellingham following the recent Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
The Match Recap:
- Manchester City and Real Madrid drew 1-1 in the second-leg quarter-final tie.
- City lost on penalties after extra time, allowing Real Madrid to advance to the semifinals.
Bellingham’s Remarks Critiqued:
- Lineker highlights Bellingham’s praise for Real Madrid’s tactical freedom under Ancelotti.
- Lineker questions the notion of “freedom” given Real Madrid’s defensive approach resembling that of a less attacking team like Luton.
- Lineker suggests that while Real Madrid defended well, they were fortunate not to lose the game.
Real Lack of Freedom Against City:
- Despite Bellingham’s comments, statistical analysis reveals City’s dominance.
- City had 67% possession, 92% passing accuracy, and 33 shots compared to Real’s 33% possession, 82% passing accuracy, and eight shots.
- The stark contrast in performance suggests Bellingham and Real Madrid had limited freedom on the field, with City dictating play throughout.
Conclusion:
- Lineker’s surprise at Bellingham’s comments stems from the stark reality of City’s dominance over Real Madrid during the match, contradicting Bellingham’s assertion of tactical freedom.
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Danny Murphy names ‘the only’ hope Arsenal and Liverpool have of beating Man City to the title
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.
