Pep Guardiola said on Friday he would remain at Manchester City even if the club were to face relegation from the Premier League over alleged breaches of financial rules.
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Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles in the past seven years with City, signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday, committing him to the English champions till 2027.
A hearing into the Premier League’s 115 charges against City has been ongoing for several weeks, with a verdict expected before the end of the season.
The club have strongly denied any financial wrongdoing, but could face a severe points penalty if found guilty of some or all the charges.
“I said that six months ago, one year ago when all the clubs accuse us of doing something wrong. If we get relegated, I will be here,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham’s visit on Saturday.
“If they send us to the Conference (fifth tier) we will come up and up and come back to the Premier League. I knew it then and I feel it now.”
Guardiola’s decision to extend his deal is also a boost during a rare period of on-field turmoil.
For the first time in the Spaniard’s managerial career, his team have lost four consecutive matches.
But the 53-year-old hit back at City’s critics, pointing to their success in becoming the first side to ever win four English top-flight titles in a row.
“When you are here for nine years, with a long time at one club, you live all the scenarios, all the situations,” added Guardiola.
“You’re able to lose four games in a row, but at the same time you’re able to win four Premier Leagues in a row.
“The difference is that most of the teams are able to lose four games in a row in different competitions but just one team won four Premier Leagues in a row.”
City’s poor run began with a League Cup exit to Tottenham before Premier League defeats to Bournemouth and Brighton either side of a 4-1 loss at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.
All four losses came on the road and Guardiola is hoping for some home comforts when City return to the Etihad Stadium, where they have not been beaten in open play in two years.
“We have to start to win games, we know it,” he added.
“We are coming back at home, hopefully we can perform well and start to take our rhythm.” City’s loss of form had coincided with an injury crisis before the international break.
Mateo Kovacic is now set to be ruled out for up to a month due to an issue he picked up while playing for Croatia.
But there is more positive news for Guardiola as defenders John Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are back available, while Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku have trained this week despite withdrawing from their national team squads.
The Premier League is just over a quarter of the way through the 2024/25 season, and it’s been a mixed bag so far.
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Arne Slot has his Liverpool outfit firing, and they’re fixed atop the ladder after 11 games, while their rivals Manchester United are rebuilding with a new manager, again.
Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou’s up and down campaign is continuing, while Manchester City slumpt to a career first under Pep Guardiola.
Read below for the biggest Premier League Talking Points!
ANGE’S SPURS ROLLERCOASTER CONTINUES
It’s been and up and down season for Spurs, seesawing between brilliant victories and horror defeats, with the latest coming against Ipswich Town.
Ange Postecoglou’s men conceded two first half goals and failed to chase down their opponents, despite Rodrigo Bentancur netting in the 69th minute.
The defeat resulted in ugly scenes post-match, with Postecoglou stopping in the tunnel after a fan was said to have yelled at him, however it’s unclear what was said.
Regardless, it’s a sign of a fan base that’s beginning to become frustrated, and in true Ange fashion he put the onus on himself.
“It’s just down to me. I’m not getting consistent performances from the players,” he said to BBC post-match.
“It’s something I need to address. I’m the person in charge so that’s usually the way it goes. I take responsibility when their performances don’t meet the levels that they should.”
He also labelled his team “passive”, an interesting word considering the high line press that’s instilled by the manager, which sees his players constantly on the move.
“There are different reasons (to why we lost). Today was a bit different to other times. We were way too passive.
“If you give the opposition that much of a head start it takes a lot to claw it back.”
What made Spurs’ loss even worse was it marked Ipswich’s first win upon return to the Premier League, their first victory in the top flight in 22 years.
Tottenham have now lost five of their first 11 Premier League games, and went down to Galatasaray in their most recent Europa League tie.
It’s fair to say Tottenham are out of the running for the title, sitting 12 points behind Liverpool despite Postecoglou’s success in second seasons at his past clubs.
Spurs are yet to win two games in-a-row in the Premier League, and their season has been a true rollercoaster.
For former midfielder Jamie O’Hara, there’s potential for the fans to begin to feel sour around Postecoglou’s position at the club, despite the red-hot start they enjoyed last season.
“Spurs are all over the place at the back… defenders crossing over, not tracking runners,” he said on Sky Sports.
“You watch it and go, so easy, so easy. That can’t carry on. Eventually the fans will turn. OK, we like exciting football, but we don’t want to come back from 2-0 down every week.”
Tottenham fans will be desperate to finish in the Champions League placings, but their next run of five games will be a big test.
Postecoglou’s men face Man City, Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea in the league before facing off against Roma in Europe.
To stop his runaway train, Postecoglou will be desperate to some strong wins, and City could spark what could be a monumental comeback for his out of sorts outfit.
EPL Wrap: Ipswich sink Ange’s Spurs | 02:55
ARE ARSENAL OUT OF THE TITLE RACE?
Over the past two seasons, it’s largely been a two-horse title race, with Manchester City the frontrunners and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal trailing closely behind.
However, with the emergence of Arne Slot’s Liverpool, and a horror run of results, the Gunners are quickly slipping out of contention.
Arsenal are without a win in their last four Premier League games, dating back to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
They’ve also drawn with Liverpool, which could be considered a decent result, while going down to Newcastle and also sharing the spoils with Chelsea in their most recent fixture.
Arsenal sit in fourth on the ladder, on 19 points equal with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton — tallying five wins and four draws.
At the same time last season, having played 11 games, Arteta’s side had won seven and drawn three, with only a single loss and five more competition points.
They trailed eventual premiers City by only three points. This season they’re behind current leaders Liverpool by nine, a margin that could be considered a mountain too high.
So where’s it gone wrong for a team that showed so much promise in their development towards a title? They have struggled to score goals without Martin Odegaard, who is clearly their most creative player in midfield.
Injuries, namely to Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, have also played a part alongside disciplinary issues including red cards to Rice, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard.
Odegaard’s been sidelined since September, and only returned against Chelsea over the weekend, having scored only five goals across their last five Premier League games, whilst also conceding six.
For former Bright boss Graham Potter, Odegaard’s presence is a huge bonus for Arteta’s side.
“Especially with Odegaard missing, problems with centre-backs, build-up not as clean, Odegaard is huge miss from creative aspect,’ he said.
“It’s not as simple as him being fit and playing 90 minutes but he gives confidence to everyone else.”
Arsenal have also had the most red cards by a considerable margin since Boxing Day 2019, with 18 players being sent off.
The next most being Wolves and Everton who have received 13 red cards each.
But outside of those issues, after a horror run of results, former Premier League striker turned pundit Troy Deeney believes one more loss and the Gunners can kiss the title goodbye.
“Lose one more time and I think Arsenal are out of it. They are going to have to beat Liverpool home and away and beat City as well,” he said.
Arsenal’s Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard reacts after missing a late chance during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 10, 2024. The game finished 1-1. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP).Source: AFP
HOW ARNE’S ‘SLOT’TED RIGHT IN
It’s a tale as old as time itself. A new manager joins a Premier League club, struggle in their first season before the game plan embeds itself into the squad and they see the fruits of their labour.
But not for Arne Slot, who has begun life at Liverpool with a bang and the Dutch manager is priming his side for a title charge in his first season in Merseyside.
Liverpool are sitting five points clear of title favourites Manchester City after 11 games, winning nine and only losing once so far.
In fact you have to go back to September 15th to find their last loss, going down to Nottingham Forest, who are having quite the season themselves.
That result is the only time they’ve tasted defeat since the Premier League began, also enjoying a faultless Champions League campaign, having only conceded a single goals in ties with Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzeg, Bologna and AC Milan.
So what’s the secret? Because Manchester United will be desperate for their new manager to have even half the success Slot’s had at Anfield so early in his tenure.
For Slot, he believes his tactical approach wasn’t too far removed from Jurgen Klopp, the man who led Liverpool for a decade.
“My expectations were not about the amount of wins or those kinds of things. When you come into a new club you want the team to play, as soon as they can, to the standards you want them to play, getting across your ideas as soon as possible,” Slot said on TNT Sports.
“I inherited a team that did really well last season and for so many seasons before, so there was not a reason to change lots of things, just keep the things they do really well.
“In general, I think the things Jurgen likes his team to do, and I like my team to do, is press really high. Sometimes in different formations, but the idea is the same – and we both like to score goals.”
Liverpool were clearly a tasty outfit to take over, and the former Feyenoord boss has a staggering amount of talent at his disposal.
Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are world class, while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahim Konate, Luis Diaz, Alexis MacAllister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Diogo Jota are top tier Premier League players.
However, each and every one of those were players signed by Klopp, and it’s often the case a manager wants to stamp his mark on his new club with signings.
But instead, Slot’s used what he had at his disposal and Erik Ten Hag could potentially take some notes.
No manager has won more points than Slot after their first 11 games, and Liverpool have only equalled their current total once. That year, the 2019/20 season, they won the title.
Is that a sign of things to come? It sure looks that way.
Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) congratulates Liverpool’s French defender #05 Ibrahima Konate (C) after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 9, 2024. Liverpool won the game 2-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP).Source: AFP
CITY’S WOES CONTINUE… BUT CAN THEY BOUNCE BACK?
Manchester City are one of the most dangerous teams in world football, and in recent years have been the most dominant force in England.
But now Pep Guardiola’s men have lost fair games in-a-row. It’s the first time this has happened since 2006.
That was two years before the club’s financial takeover and 10 years before Guardiola stepped foot in England as manager of the blue portion of Manchester.
But what’s more is it’s the first time in the history of Guardiola’s career he’s lost four games on the trot. That’s quite staggering.
Their most recent loss came against Brighton, while the remaining three saw the City powerhouse go down to Sporting Lisbon, Spurs and Bournemouth.
All four teams are solid in their own right, but should have been light work for a team of City’s quality.
Following the loss to Sporting, Bernardo Silva said his side were in a “dark place” and now
Guardiola has been asked if the dynasty has came to an end.
“It’s what the people want, right?” he said. “That’s normal — we won a lot. I would just like to have all the squad (available).”
But City’s problems could simply come down to injuries, and the sheer amount of football they’ve played so far this year.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is sidelined with an ACL injury, and he’s pivotal in the defensive midfield role.
Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake were all also unavailable against Brighton, while Jeremy Doku, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Oscar Bobb and Kevin De Bruyne have also spent time sidelined.
With that amount of key players injured, any team in almost any sport would hit a rough patch.
“We cannot do it every three days, three days, four days, three days with the (injury) situation we have,” Guardiola said, before adding: “I would love to have the players (back).”
Dias, Stones, Walker, Doku and Grealish are all due to return in the coming weeks, while De Bruyne’s fitness will only build after the Brighton tie.
So with a host of big names nearing a return, City should be able to turn their current mess around. However, they’ve now got a five-point buffer to claw back on current ladder leaders Liverpool.
Brighton comeback sinks Man City | 00:50
HAVE CHELSEA FOUND THEIR SWEET SPOT?
Chelsea have been a peculiar outfit for a number of years now, purchasing a host of players for big money whilst not being able to deliver.
But now, under new manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues finally looked to have found a clear path and direction.
Chelsea have lost only one of their last 10 games and sit in third on 19 points, and Maresca has done what his predecessors have been unable to do.
He’s locked down a group of players he believes are his best, using them strictly in the Premier League and important games while youngsters and fringe players have been injected into their remaining Caraboa Cup and Conference League games.
Instead of chopping and changing, and attempting to keep everyone happy, he’s stuck to his guns and players like Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill, Nicolas Jackson and Wesley Fofana.
Throw in the mix Cole Palmer, who is arguably the most in-form player in all of world football, and there’s finally some stability at Stamford Bridge after a long period of uncertainty.
“When you look at that squad, you’re thinking how are they going to get any continuity?” Former Liverpool gun Michael Owen said on Optus Sport.
“But he really has stuck to his guns, stuck to a group of players and he’s been pretty consistent with who’s been playing.
“That’s exactly what the doctor ordered for Chelsea at this moment of time so it’s been impressive so far, the stability he’s brought, it’s exactly what Chelsea needed.”
Meanwhile, club legend and former legend Frank Lampard also weighed in on Maresca’s tough stance, sticking with his group of preferred players.
“I worked with that squad for a short time when I went back and they had 30 players which you would call frontline players, internationals, and it’s harder when you try and juggle it,” Lampard said.
“You’re trying to keep everyone happy. Sometimes you do have to be a bit brutal and I think they got to a tipping point in the summer of, ‘this is the direction’.
“Now the players that are the strong core of this team, I think now are going to develop without that problem.”
Chelsea’s Portuguese midfielder #07 Pedro Neto (R) shoots to score their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /Source: AFP
UNITED’S SHOPPING LIST IN AMORIM REVOLUTION
Ruben Amorim is the man tasked with turning around Manchester United’s fortunes, and he is set to arrive at Old Trafford this week amid problems with his working visa.
During his tenure at Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese manager has implemented a 3-4-3 formation, but players are given a chance to roam.
While his striker is the main man, the wingers outside of him are given a pass to slot in behind and fill gaps, becoming makeshift attacking midfielders.
For goalkeeper Andre Onana, he believes his squad have what it takes to adapt to Amorim’s high intensity style of play.
“It’s a different system but my teammates are all pragmatic. I think everyone here is capable of playing in each system so I don’t think this will be an issue for us,” he said to the BBC.
“We have big players, they will step up.”
Amorim himself also said: I know how I am going to play in the beginning, because you have to start with a structure that you know.
“Then you will adapt with the players that you have, some injuries, or no injuries, what kind of players have the abilities to defend, attack, I will discover that in the next few weeks.
“We don’t have a lot of time to train, so I have to show something that I know very well. You can take whatever you want from that.”
So it’s fair to say Amorim will be implementing his tried and tested game plan, with Bruno Fernandes a perfect man to find gaps as his key No.10.
Another position that Amorim will desperately need to strengthen is the right wing slot, considering how important his wingers are in his formation.
Erik Ten Hang signed Brazilian Antony to fill that slot, however he’s endured a tough time at Old Trafford.
According to Teamtalk, United are keen on the services of Lisbon’s rising star Geovany Quenda who has been a revelation under Amorim.
Multiple clubs are also keen on his services, however the link to his former coach could be a crucial factor in any potential move for the 17-year-old.
However, the incoming coach has poured cold water on any moves in January for Sporting players, despite also hinting Pedro Goncalves could be another target.
The midfield gun has been a crucial figure under Amorim, and played a major role in the club’s pair of titles in recent years.
United have also been linked with Swedish marksman Viktor Gyokeres, however he’s also a target of a whole host of worldwide big hitters.
On the defensive end, reports emerging from Italy have claimed Amorim wants to recruit current Juventus captain Danilo, whose contract expires at the season’s end.
He’s on the lookout for a new club, and the Italian giants could be enticed to sell him to get a return before his time ends.
However, with Lenny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt being big money defensive signings this season, it remains to be seen whether more centre backs will be recruited.
Sporting Lisbon’s Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim gestures during the Portuguese League football match between SC Braga and Sporting CP at the Municipal stadium of Braga on November 10, 2024. (Photo by Miguel RIOPA / AFP)Source: AFP
Pep Guardiola suffered four consecutive defeats for the first time in his managerial career as Manchester City’s dismal spell hit a new low with a late collapse in their 2-1 loss at Brighton.
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With just 12 minutes left, Guardiola’s troubled side were clinging onto the lead given to them by Erling Haaland in the first half.
But they collapsed in the closing stages as Joao Pedro equalised before Matt O’Riley bagged Brighton’s winner seven minutes from full-time.
For the first time in his glittering career as a manager with City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Guardiola has been beaten four times in a row.
It was also the first time City had lost four successive games since a run between April and August 2006 under Stuart Pearce.
Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester City.Source: AFP
After exiting the League Cup to Tottenham and suffering a first league loss since December at Bournemouth, City were thrashed 4-1 by Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League in midweek.
The slump continued as they failed to kill off Brighton before the second half implosion that threatens to derail their bid for a fifth successive Premier League title.
Second-placed City are two points behind leaders Liverpool, who can extend that gap to five points if they beat Aston Villa at Anfield later on Saturday.
City have been beset by injury problems, most notably the loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri for the rest of the season.
Kevin De Bruyne, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji were only fit enough for the bench, while Ruben Dias, John Stones, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish were absent from the squad.
Guardiola had insisted he would solve City’s problems but he has so far been unable to come up with the answer to their mounting crisis.
City had paid for failing to turn their dominance into more than a one-goal lead against Sporting and profligacy was a problem again on the south coast of England.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, interacts with Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton & Hove Albion following the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Manchester City FC at Amex Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
– City in turmoil –
Savinho should have put City ahead when Mateo Kovacic’s pass sent him surging into the Albion area, but the Brazilian’s weak finish allowed Bart Verbruggen to save.
Kovacic was the catalyst when City took the lead in the 23rd minute with a goal equal parts inspiration and perspiration.
The Croatia midfielder’s inch-perfect pass split the Brighton defence but Haaland still had work to do as his initial shot was blocked by Verbruggen, leaving the Norwegian in a race with Jan Paul van Hecke to poke the ball in before it could be cleared.
Haaland’s 15th goal in all competitions this season was only the second time he had netted in his last six league appearances.
Haaland’s 75th league goal since joining City in 2022 was almost followed by the 76th moments later, his low drive repelled by Verbruggen at the near post.
Kovacic’s long-range volley forced another good stop from the increasingly over-worked Verbruggen.
But City fatally dropped their intensity just before half time, allowing Fabian Hurzeler’s side to gain a foothold.
Brighton’s Cameroonian midfielder #20 Carlos Baleba (2R) celebrates on the pitch.Source: AFP
Jack Hinshelwood wasted a golden opportunity to haul Brighton level early in the second half as his close-range header from Pervis Estupinan’s cross was palmed away by Ederson.
Ederson raced off his line to save at Kaoru Mitoma’s feet before Pedro scuffed wide with the goal at his mercy.
Pedro made amends for that miss as the Brazilian punished woeful City defending to equalise with 12 minutes left.
Mitoma was given too much space for a pass into Welbeck in the six-yard box. Rico Lewis’s block-tackle stopped Welbeck shooting but Josko Gvardiol and Matheus Nunes didn’t clear the danger, allowing Pedro to pounce with a close-range strike.
Guardiola slumped into his seat but there was worse to come for the City boss in the 83rd minute.
Pedro slipped his pass through City’s leaky defence and O’Riley timed his run perfectly to clip a composed finish past Ederson from 10 yards to leave the champions in turmoil.
RESULTS
Brentford 3 (Wissa 27, 58, Damsgaard 50) Bournemouth 2 (Evanilson 17, Kluivert 49) Brighton 2 (Pedro 78, O’Riley 83) Manchester City 1 (Haaland 23) Crystal Palace 0 Fulham 2 (Smith Rowe 45+2, Wilson 83) West Ham 0 Everton 0 Wolves 2 (Sarabia 2, Cunha 51) Southampton 0
Liverpool’s perfect start under manager Arne Slot came to an abrupt end as Nottingham Forest stunned Anfield with a 1-0 win on Saturday.
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the only goal 18 minutes from time to secure Forest’s first away league win against Liverpool in 55 years.
Liverpool had won all three of their opening games under Slot without conceding, including a 3-0 win away at Manchester United two weeks ago.
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But the Reds were sloppy and sluggish after the international break and made to pay.
“We had a lot of ball possession but only managed to create three or four quite good chances, so that is by far not enough if you have so much ball possession,” said Slot. “We lost the ball so many times in simple situations.” Luis Diaz was unlucky not to spark the home side into life when he robbed Ryan Yates and smashed a shot off the inside of the post midway through the first half.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks dejected following the team’s defeat during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield on September 14, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Diogo Jota volleyed straight at Matz Sels, who then denied Alexis Mac Allister with a header but Liverpool never managed to click through the gears against a well-organised Forest side, who are yet to lose in the Premier League this season.
The visitors did ride their luck when Sels fumbled a looping Diaz header and just scooped up the loose ball before it crossed the line.
Slot tried to liven up Liverpool with a triple change on the hour mark as Diaz, Jota and Mac Allister were sacrificed after their exertions on international duty.
– Early ‘setback’ –
Trent Alexander-Arnold was pushed forward into midfield as a result, but the move backfired as it was Forest’s substitutes who were the ones to make a difference.
Anthony Elanga sprinted forward on the counter-attack and fed Hudson-Odoi, who cut inside and fired brilliantly low and hard beyond Alisson Becker.
TOPSHOT – Nottingham Forest’s English midfielder #14 Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates after scoring his team first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on September 14, 2024. (Photo by Ian Hodgson / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Source: AFP
Slot’s men failed to rally and the stands at Anfield even began to empty with five minutes remaining — a rare sight during Jurgen Klopp’s glorious reign in charge.
“If you lose a home game it’s always a setback,” added Slot. “Especially if you face a team who, we never know, maybe they will go all the way to fight for the Champions League, but normally this team is not ending up in the top 10, so if you lose a game against them that’s a big disappointment.” Defeat leaves the Reds three points behind champions Manchester City, who stretched their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 win over Brentford.
And Slot has little time to come up with a solution as Liverpool travel to AC Milan to begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday.
“If I would change my way of preparation after a loss, that means I only do the best work I can after we lose,” said the former Feyenoord boss.
“We will try to in the best possible way be prepared for Tuesday, which is going to be a completely different game but also a game where we will face a lot of quality.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Fans of Liverpool leave during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield on September 14, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
– Haaland denied hat-trick history –
Manchester City took full advantage of Liverpool’s defeat to move clear at the top by stretching their 100 percent record to four games despite a disastrous start.
However, Haaland’s form at the start of the season remains unstoppable, even if the Norwegian just missed out on a record third consecutive hat-trick in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old’s powerful deflected effort brought City level before he showed a combination of strength and skill to shrug off Ethan Pinnock and dink the ball over the onrushing Mark Flekken.
Only the post denied Haaland another hat-trick after half-time but he now has a Premier League record nine goals in the first four games of the season.
“He’s just an absolute machine in front of goal and I can’t speak highly enough of him,” said City’s Jack Grealish of Haaland, who had been doubtful due to the death this week of a close family friend.
“It does speak volumes about him as a person and his mental strength.”
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United FC at St Mary’s Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
– United bounce back to steady ship –
Manchester United had been left to fester on their humbling by Liverpool for two weeks over the international break, but bounced back after a slow start at Southampton.
The Red Devils needed a penalty save from Andre Onana to deny Cameron Archer before two goals in five minutes just before half-time swung the game decisively in the visitors’ favour.
Matthijs de Ligt nodded in his first United goal before Marcus Rashford ended his six-month drought by finding the bottom corner with a curling effort.
Southampton are yet to register a point in four games since their return to the top flight and inflicted more damage on themselves when captain Jack Stephens saw red for a wild lunge on Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine dusted himself off to then round off the scoring with a thumping finish into the roof of the net in stoppage time.
“Once Andre stopped the penalty, straight after, we scored a goal with Matthijs de Ligt, the game was all ours and we dominate the game from that point,” said Ten Hag.
Aston Villa’s Columbian striker #09 Jhon Duran (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on September 14, 2024. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /Source: AFP
– Everton blow another lead –
Aston Villa moved up to third after Everton blew a two-goal lead for the second consecutive game.
Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave the Toffees a dream start at Villa Park.
But Everton remain without a point this season due to dreadful defending. Ollie Watkins struck twice either side of half-time to level before Jhon Duran’s stunning strike from distance earned Villa a third win in four games.
Brighton remain unbeaten but were unable to break down Ipswich in a 0-0 draw at the Amex.
Crystal Palace came from 2-0 down to salvage a 2-2 draw against Leicester thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s double.
West Ham also struck late through Danny Ings to snatch a 1-1 draw at Fulham.
English Premier League results
Southampton 0 Man Utd 3 (De Ligt 35, Rashford 41, Garnacho 90+6)
Fulham 1 (Jimenez 24) West Ham 1 (Ings 90+5)
Manchester City 2 (Haland 19, 32) Brentford 1 (Wissa 1)
Phil Foden has started both matches for England on the left-hand side, Grealish’s preferred position, but has not made much of an impact as of yet.
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Throughout Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager, he has got a lot right.
Statistically speaking, Southgate is one of England’s greatest managers thanks to semi final and quarterfinal appearances at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups respectively along with a run to the final at Euro 2020.
He’s also overseen the transformation of a squad dripping with superstars but lacking chemistry in the early 2010s to one that plays as a cohesive unit and isn’t divided by allegiances at club level.
Most importantly, he fostered an environment to remove the fear factor typically associated with wearing an England shirt, a jersey so often shackled by the weight of expectation from the nation.
However, there’s a sense that for all Southgate has achieved in the England hot seat, he should have turned those deep tournament runs into something more.
The Three Lions’ trophy drought is well documented. Not since the 1966 World Cup has the men’s team won anything.
Although Southgate has come the closest to ending it, the window for this crop of England stars is rapidly closing.
Before we know it, the 2026 World Cup will arrive and it will be time for a new generation to take the nation forward.
Southgate knows just as much, with his Euro 2024 squad a nod to the here and now but also with an eye towards the future.
This tournament may well prove to be Southgate’s final bow as England boss given his contract expires in December and even if the FA want to keep him on, there’s no guarantee he’s keen to stay in the post.
But with some brutal omissions from his final 26-man squad, the 53-year-old has shown he won’t be left wanting if this truly is his last dance as Three Lions boss.
Euro 2024 looms as Southgate’s last tournament outing as England manager. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
THE ‘SAD’ CALLS THAT HAD TO HAPPEN … AND HOW ‘TALISMAN’ CAN BE A LASTING LIGHT
For the majority of his time in charge, Southgate has been dogged by accusations he has picked on reputation rather on form.
But several brave selection calls for England’s Euro 2024 squad proved those doubters wrong.
Jordan Henderson, a longtime stalwart of Southgate’s squads and a former captain, didn’t even make the preliminary Euros squad.
Nor did Marcus Rashford, who was woeful for Manchester United this season but one of England’s most damaging attacking options when on song.
But the biggest selection shocks were to come: Harry Maguire, James Maddison and Jack Grealish all failed to make Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
Maguire, one of Southgate’s most trusted lieutenants and a physical presence on set pieces, missed United’s final five games of the season with a calf injury.
Although there was a chance Maguire would return to fitness later in the tournament, Southgate could not afford to bring a body who wouldn’t be ready to go for the group stages.
Maddison registered just five goal involvements from Tottenham’s final 17 league games but “still thought there would be a space” in the squad given he’d “been a mainstay” through England’s Euro qualifying campaign.
Such was the shock over Grealish’s snub, The Telegraph reported a senior player spoke to Southgate to understand the decision as his England teammates visited his room to offer support.
Grealish’s form had dropped off compared to his displays in 22/23 for Manchester City but many expected the winger to make the cut given his remarkable dribbling ability and protection of the ball.
Grealish’s omission left several players stunned. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“In the attacking positions we’re blessed with a lot of options and Madders and Jack gives us something different,” Southgate said on his final squad.
“They were tough calls, but we back our decisions but recognise we could’ve gone a different route. It was sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
Southgate decided to reward the likes of Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton for their impressive late season form while Manchester United’s teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo also earned a call-up.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon was the man picked ahead of Grealish thanks to an impressive season in which he scored 11 league goals and chalked up 10 assists.
So yes, there’s an element Southgate has finally picked a team — or at least some players — on form.
But he’s also taken a major gamble on some of his bigger names, making certain exclusions all the more puzzling.
John Stones started just two of City’s last ten league games while fellow centre back Marc Guehi only returned from three months out with a knee injury for Crystal Palace. on May 6.
Luke Shaw, the only natural left back in the team, has not played since February.
Kieran Trippier, who has had to deputise at left back in Shaw’s absence, missed eight of Newcastle’s last 11 games with a calf injury and two of his three appearances in that spell were substitute appearances.
Shaw has been out of action for several months. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)Source: AFP
The inclusions of Stones and Guehi must have left Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite wondering what more he could’ve done having played 35 games for a Toffees team that conceded the fourth-fewest goals in the Premier League.
Outside from the controversial squad calls, Southgate has shown he has one eye on the 2026 World Cup.
All up, only 12 of the 25 in England’s 2022 World Cup squad remain, heralding the slow transition of a new generation into the team.
The age factor is also another intriguing subplot in England’s Euro 2024 squad as 46 per cent of players are aged 25 or under.
One of which is 20-year-old Jude Bellingham, who moved to Real Madrid for an eye-watering $AUD168 million last June.
“Southgate has fretted about a number of problems but after Iceland they seemed to be flushed into the public domain, the narrative taking in the search for someone to ride to the rescue,” The Guardian’s David Hynter wrote.
“Which is where Bellingham – who was given additional leave after his involvement for Real Madrid in their Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund on last Saturday – comes in.
“It is not difficult to present him as a talisman, given the spectacular season he has had for Madrid.”
With the next crop of stars slowly drip-fed into England’s senior team, it places extra emphasis on Euro 2024 for those senior figures to finally taste tournament success.
Six players in this England team are aged 30 or over and if this same squad is picked for the 2026 World Cup, that number would increase to nine.
Yet there’s just one small matter that takes precedence over any future squad selections: Southgate’s future.
Bellingham will be England’s go-to guy for many years to come. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
HOW ‘HUMBLING’ DEFEAT COULD BE BEST THING TO HAPPEN IN SOUTHGATE’S ‘LAST CHANCE’
There’s two ways people tend to view Southgate’s time as England manager.
Prior to his appointment, England had not made it to the semi final of a major tournament since Euro 1996 under Terry Venables.
But under Southgate, England made the semi finals twice across two World Cups and Euro 2020.
By providing relaxed atmospheres and giving his players freedom to do what they do best, the 53-year-old uncovered the blueprint to finally make England consistently successful.
On the contrary, Southgate’s England have made for, at times, dour viewing.
Some will also feel they could and should have done better in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, with Southgate’s tactics called into question.
Southgate even admitted just as much: “Could we have done better at different moments during a semi final or a final? Well, yeah, I expect so.”
A worrying run of just one win in their last five leading into Euro 2024, including a 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley, did little to inspire the nation as the team was booed off.
England also managed just one shot on target the entire game, their lowest figure since the Euro 2020 fixture against Scotland.
The need to physically manage the players was used by Southgate as a key mitigating circumstance for the loss to Iceland, but it was an alarming defeat nonetheless.
“The idea was that the Wembley send-off against Iceland would represent a reset; but it went hard in the other direction,” Hynter wrote.
England slipped to a shock loss to Iceland in their final friendly ahead of Euro 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“The result was bad, a surprise 1-0 defeat; the performance was worse. Southgate was unhappy in the dressing room, making it clear that everything had to be better — particularly the mentality.”
Defeat to Iceland also provided a grim reminder of what happened when the two sides met at Euro 2016 as the underdogs produced the performance of a lifetime to knock England out in the Round of 16.
Given England’s status as heavy favourites to win Euro 2024, losing to Iceland in a game that was billed as a celebratory occasion was immensely deflating.
“Losing against Iceland was unexpected and certainly a setback ahead of the Serbia game, but it doesn’t have to be a huge body blow,” Tanner wrote.
“If it eases the pressure and stems the flood of folk singing, ‘It’s coming home,’ then that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
“As long as several of Southgate’s men recover physically and mentally, it could actually be the humbling experience that could prove to be a blessing in disguise.”
Regardless of how long or short England’s tournament lasts, attention will quickly shift towards Southgate’s future.
It is no secret he is out of contract in December, leaving the FA with a big decision to make.
Southgate came awfully close to leaving the role in the wake of England’s quarterfinal defeat to France at the 2022 World Cup, but elected to stay.
The 53-year-old has swatted away all questions regarding his future in the lead-up to the tournament and insisted it is not a distraction.
Southgate has largely refused to entertain his future beyond the tournament. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP
“Well, for me, it’s not an issue and never has been,” Southgate said.
“I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and there’s enough work involved in that. I think everybody would expect that’s where my focus should be.”
However, Southgate gave his strongest indication yet that even if the FA want him to stay on, it will take a historic tournament to remain in the post.
“I think about half of the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football.
“I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close so I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying ‘please do a little more’, because at some point, people will lose faith in your message.”
Southgate must hope people have faith in his message for one more month.
England suffered an embarrassing 1-0 defeat against Iceland on Friday as their final warm-up before Euro 2024 left Gareth Southgate with issues to resolve before the tournament kicks off next week.
Southgate’s side had hoped for a confidence-boosting victory at Wembley before travelling to Germany.
But Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s first-half goal spoiled England’s farewell and led to the lacklustre hosts being booed off at halftime and the final whistle.
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Against a team ranked 72nd in the world, who were unable to qualify for the Euros, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Kobbie Mainoo all failed to make compelling cases to be included in the starting line-up at the Euros.
Adding to Southgate’s worries, John Stones didn’t reappear after the interval, possibly a precautionary move after the England centre-back fell awkwardly in the first half.
Southgate said his starting line-up was “close” to the team that will face Serbia in England’s Group C opener in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.
If that is the case, he will need to coax a substantially improved effort from a group that looked short on energy and composure in the absence of resting Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.
Bored fans spent most of the night entertaining themselves by buzzing the pitch with paper aeroplanes and few stayed for the post-match lap of honour.
While Southgate can point out that this result will count for nothing when England start their bid to win a first major trophy in 58 years, it was still an alarming performance that raised questions about key areas of his team.
Phil Foden of England. Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Southgate showed a rarely seen ruthless edge on Thursday when he axed Manchester City winger Jack Grealish and Tottenham playmaker James Maddison from his 26-man squad due to their poor recent form.
The England boss also displayed no sentiment by leaving out Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who has been a mainstay of his reign but was unable to recover from a calf injury.
Whether those decisions prove wise will be determined over the next month in Germany, but the absence of Maguire could be especially damaging.
Marc Guehi replaced Maguire alongside Stones in England’s central defence, but the pair delivered a shaky effort, with Ezri Konsa faring little better after his second half introduction.
Iceland famously inflicted one of England’s most humiliating defeats when they beat Roy Hodgson’s team in the last 16 at Euro 2016.
Iceland captain Johann Gudmundsson was in the line-up that evening in Nice and he must have had flashbacks when Thorsteinsson gave his side a surprise lead in the 12th minute.
Running at Stones with intent, Thorsteinsson cut inside before unleashing a low strike from the edge of the area that beat Ramsdale at his near post.
Southgate stands by Maddison’s omission | 00:58
England’s defending was sloppy while Ramsdale might feel he could have done better, his slow reaction extending a dismal season for the 26-year-old after losing his place at Arsenal.
With just two clean-sheets in their last seven games, England’s defensive frailties will be concerning for Southgate.
Harry Kane wasted a golden opportunity to equalise when he met Cole Palmer’s cross with a close-range volley that failed to hit the target.
Southgate’s men lacked energy and rhythm, mustering just one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.
Palmer let the visitors off the hook when he tried to go around Iceland keeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson instead of shooting.
Southgate sent on Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Ivan Toney, who immediately blazed over from a good position.
That was a fitting coda to England’s disappointing evening, one that Southgate will hope is long forgotten by the time his team are finished in Germany.
Jack Grealish was a shock omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad as Gareth Southgate axed the Manchester City winger on Thursday after his disappointing end to the season.
Grealish paid the price for a significant dip in form in the second half of the Premier League campaign as he became the most high-profile star to be dropped from Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad.
The 28-year-old wasn’t the only big name to suffer Euros heartache as Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and Tottenham playmaker James Maddison also missed out.
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Grealish was an unused substitute during City’s FA Cup final defeat against Manchester United in May after being left out of the Premier League champions’ title-winning game against West Ham.
He did feature for England as a substitute in their win in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, but it wasn’t enough to convince Southgate to take him to Germany.
Maguire was unable to prove his fitness after struggling with a calf injury, while Maddison endured a poor end to the domestic season.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah were the other omissions from Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
The Football Association revealed the squad ahead of schedule as players who missed out made their omissions public.
“All the players took the news really respectfully. Of course, all players will think they should be in and that’s why they are top players,” Southgate told reporters.
“They have that self-belief and mindset, but the fact is we have some players who have been playing extremely well in the league all season.
“We just felt other players had stronger seasons particularly in the last six months or so.”
Maguire has been a mainstay of Southgate’s defence throughout his reign as coach.
But the 31-year-old centre-back’s failure to recover for United’s FA Cup final win against Manchester City in May – after spending several weeks on the sidelines – left him with little chance of winning his fitness battle.
“Harry has made some progress but it’s been complicated, we definitely wouldn’t have had him for the group stages,” Southgate said.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Brighton’s Lewis Dunk, Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa will compete to play along Manchester City’s John Stones at the heart of England’s defence.
“I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer,” Maguire said on Instagram.
“Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard, to try and make it. Simply, I am absolutely gutted.”
Maddison’s recent struggles at Tottenham – combined with stiff competition in his position from Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka – delivered a fatal blow to his hopes.
“Devastated doesn’t quite cut it,” Maddison said on social media.
“Trained well and worked hard all week but if I’m honest with myself, my form for Spurs when coming back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn’t at the levels I had set.”
United left-back Luke Shaw is in the squad despite not playing since February, while his club teammate Kobbie Mainoo, 19, is the youngest member of the group.
“At the moment we think he could have some involvement in the second group game, but you have to keep hitting the markers,” Southgate said of Shaw.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, 20, is included after a strong spell since his move from Blackburn in January.
England, chasing a first major trophy for 58 years, start their Euros campaign against Serbia on June 16 before facing Denmark and Slovenia in their other Group C fixtures.
Southgate, whose side host Iceland in their last warm-up on Friday, said: “It’s a very open tournament. We’re excited about our prospects.
“We’re experienced, but we know we have to deliver in this moment.”
