A catastrophic mistake by AC Milan’s French goalkeeper Mike Maignan handed troubled Dutch side Feyenoord a precious 1-0 advantage after the first leg of the Champions League play-offs Wednesday.
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The surprise win was a welcome tonic for Feyenoord, who came into the match in disarray after axing manager Brian Priske less than 48 hours before the game.
In driving Rotterdam rain, the crowd had barely settled from the raucous pre-match singalong when the hosts took the lead thanks to Maignan’s inexplicable howler.
With only three minutes on the clock, Feyenoord’s Brazilian winger Igor Paixao cut in from the left and fired a speculative shot along the sodden turf.
The strike should never even have troubled the French international keeper but he somehow failed to collect it cleanly and it ricocheted off his body into the top corner.
Buoyed by a feverish atmosphere inside De Kuip, the Dutch side had the better of the opening exchanges, winning most of the 50-50 balls and adapting well to the slow surface.
Seven-time European champions AC Milan in contrast were sloppy and could not match the work rate of the home side.
Paixao was causing chaos with scything runs down the left-wing and saw a curling shot glance off the bar just before the break, with Maignan well beaten.
Defensively solid and Paixao in particular dangerous in attack, the unfancied hosts were good value for their 1-0 half-time lead, showing interim boss Pascal Bosschaart plenty of heart and commitment.
The second half lacked clear-cut chances until the 71st minute when the outstanding Paixao dispossessed England’s Kyle Walker and nearly scored with a lob from the halfway line.
Milan had one of their first meaningful shots on target when substitute Samuel Chukwueze tried his luck from distance but could only find Feyenoord keeper Timon Wellenreuther.
The one goal proved enough on the night for Feyenoord to take the upper hand back to Milan, who will need to show far more penetration in the return leg at the San Siro on February 18.
The match was a disappointing homecoming for AC Milan’s new striker Santiago Gimenez, who had only left De Kuip two weeks earlier after two and a half years and 65 goals in 105 appearances.
The visitors lacked bite up front in general and Gimenez was largely anonymous until he was substituted on 82 minutes, receiving a warm ovation from the Feyenoord fans.
Feyenoord will be hoping a win over AC Milan could herald the start of something special.
In the only previous European meeting between the two, the Rotterdam club took out the Italian giants in their run to their only European Cup title, in 1969-1970.
Awaiting the winner will be a clash with either Inter Milan or Arsenal.
– Bayern sink Celtic to seize control of Champions League playoff –
Bayern Munich took a major step towards the Champions League last 16 as Michael Olise’s thunderbolt and Harry Kane’s clinical finish secured a 2-1 win at Celtic in the playoff round first leg on Wednesday.
Vincent Kompany’s side dominated the first half and a stunning strike from Olise gave them a deserved lead before Kane maintained his red-hot scoring streak after the interval.
Daizen Maeda netted in the closing stages to give Scottish champions Celtic hope of a miraculous escape act in the second leg.
The Japan forward was only playing after his two-game ban was unexpectedly reduced on appeal this week following his red card against Young Boys.
But Bundesliga leaders Bayern will still be favourites to advance to the last 16 when Celtic visit Munich on February 18.
Celtic finished just three points behind Bayern in the league phase, yet there is a huge gulf between the clubs’ European pedigree.
Six-time European champions Bayern lead the Bundesliga by eight points, while Celtic are attempting to reach the last 16 for the first time since 2012-13.
For the first 70 minutes that chasm in quality was clear to see before Bayern eased up in the closing stages, nearly allowing Celtic back into the tie as a result.
Celtic’s first defeat in 33 home matches across all competitions was a welcome confidence boost for Bayern, who had shown a weakness on the road in league phase defeats at Barcelona, Aston Villa and Feyenoord.
Celtic thought they had preyed on that weakness when former Bayern forward Nicolas Kuhn fired home from 20 yards inside the first minute, only for the goal to be disallowed for off-side against Adam Idah.
Bayern could have been swept away by the tidal wave of noise cascading down from the Parkhead stands.
But Kompany’s men are too experienced for that and they quickly seized control with a steady diet of possession.
– Predatory Kane –
Olise nearly put Bayern ahead with a powerful strike that forced Kasper Schmeichel to save at his near post.
Schmeichel was forced into action again moments later as Kane’s curler was pushed away by the Dane.
Bayern were camped on the edge of the Celtic area as they probed for an opener. Kane should have broken the deadlock when he nodded Olise’s corner into the side-netting from close-range.
But the England captain’s blushes were spared by Olise on the stroke of half-time.
Cutting inside Greg Taylor to reach Dayot Upamecano’s long pass, Olise unleashed a blistering drive that arrowed into the top corner from 15 yards.
It was no more than Bayern deserved for their territorial dominance and the Germans struck again four minutes after the interval.
Joshua Kimmich’s corner swung all the way to the far post without a Celtic clearance and the unmarked Kane guided a composed volley past Schmeichel from five yards.
Kane’s typically predatory finish took his season tally to 29 goals in 29 games in all competitions.
Upamecano’s challenge on Arne Engels prompted a long VAR check for a potential penalty, but Celtic’s appeal was correctly rejected.
That was the signal for Celtic to mount a late bid to haul themselves back into the tie.
Bayern had grown increasingly sloppy and Rodgers’ men earned their lifeline in the 79th minute when Maeda met Yang Hyun-Jun’s shot with a header from virtually on the line.
Kompany’s men had to cling on for dear life in the final minutes, with Manuel Neuer producing a crucial save to deny Alistair Johnston.
The 34-year-old Walker will join Milan for the remainder of the season in a deal that could become permanent in the summer.
Walker endured a difficult campaign as City captain and had not started a game since their derby loss to Manchester United on December 15.
He ends his long association with City, whom he joined from Tottenham in 2017, after winning six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League under Pep Guardiola.
“Manchester City… where do I start? Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true,” Walker wrote on social media.
“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child.”
Milan are a distant eighth in Serie A but are on course for automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16 after five straight wins in Europe.
In a separate social media post, Walker — who will be reunited with other England internationals Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the San Siro — spoke of his excitement in joining the Italian giants.
Football wrap: Spurs boost, Man Utd joy | 03:26
“I’m delighted and proud to sign for AC Milan!” he said.
“A club with such rich history, one I’ve followed since I was a kid. It’s an honour to join and I can’t wait to pull on the Rossoneri shirt and get started.
He added: “A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, both on and off the pitch. See you soon! Forza Milan.”
His signing helps compensate for the loss of Emerson Royal, who picked up an injury midweek that could rule out the Brazilian right-back for up to two months.
Walker’s exit from the Etihad Stadium comes as part of a City rebuild, with Guardiola’s side currently 12 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool following an unprecedented run of four successive English titles.
Egypt forward Omar Marmoush joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday on a four-and-a-half-year contract for an initial fee of £59 million ($72.6 million) with add-ons worth a potential £4 million.
He is City’s third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.
Manchester City have already spent north of $150m AUD on talent, and there’s one more player set to arrive to push that figure close to $300m AUD.
Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are desperate to add depth to their injury-ravaged squad and Ruben Amorim’s United revolution is just getting started.
Read below for all the latest January transfer news!
TOTTENHAM
Done deals
Antonin Kinsky — Slavia Prague to Spurs ($31m AUD)
Yang Min-hyeok — Gangwon FC to Spurs ($7.9m AUD)
Rumoured deals
Tyler Dibling — Southampton to Spurs (more than $49m AUD)
Liam Delap — Ipswich Town to Spurs ($79m AUD)
Milan Skriniar — PSG to Spurs (N/A)
Thomas Kristensen — Udinese to Spurs (N/A)
Jack Grealish — Manchester City to Spurs (N/A)
Analysis: It’s been a horror campaign thus far for Spurs, and Ange Postecoglou desperately needs to reinforce his squad who currently sit in 15th after 22 games. Big name stars like Christian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Guglielmo Vicario have all been sidelined due to injury, forcing Tottenham to field a weakened side during a tough period for the Australian manager. Throw in a fresh injury to star striker Dominic Solanke, who is set for an extended sideline stint, and Spurs desperately need to recruit in January in both attack and defence. Yang Min-hyeok arrives at the club, but the young South Korean was signed previously, while Antonin Kinsky has hit the ground running since arrived from Slavia Prague, rounding out the club’s two done deals. Ipswich Town revelation Liam Delap is reportedly one target of Postecoglou, with the 21-year-old enjoying an impressive debut Premier League campaign. However, it’s unlikely Ipswich will be willing to part with their talisman in the midst of a relegation battle, but regardless Spurs could table and offer too good to refuse according to TeamTalk, which could be around $79m AUD. Elsewhere, Southampton star Tyler Dibling has also attracted interest from Tottenham, with Sky Sports reporting the 18-year-old is hot property and has many suitors. What complicates matters is the winger is sidelined for six weeks with an ankle injury, meaning a move in January might not make sense for potential clubs. RB Leipzig have reportedly offered $49m AUD to pry him away from the Premier League, but Southampton reportedly want a significantly higher offer before they consider letting him depart. Jack Grealish is another interesting figure who could be on the move, with Tottenham reportedly keeping tabs on the Manchester City attacker who is weighing up his future under Pep Guardiola according to Football London. In defence, two names have come up as potential targets, with Milan Skriniar and Thomas Kristensen on Postecoglou’s radar. According to TBR Football, Skriniar is also being targeted by Galatasaray, having been made available for transfer by the PSG board. Kristensen, meanwhile, has been impressive in the Serie A for Udinese this season, with the Daily Mail reporting Juventus are also in discussions to recruit the Danish defender.
Ange ‘on thin ice’ after 3-2 loss | 03:26
LIVERPOOL
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Martin Zubimendi — Real Sociedad to Liverpool (N/A)
Takefusa Kubo — Real Sociedad to Liverpool (N/A)
Analysis: Liverpool are sitting pretty atop the Premier League ladder, and Arne Slot has a big job on his hands to lift the trophy in his debut season. But beyond that, the Dutch manager’s transfer priority could be retaining the club’s big-name stars as the Merseyside outfit remain largely quiet in the January transfer window. Liverpool have been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is currently hot property and is Arsenal’s No.1 transfer target. He looks to be heading to North London, with a deal reportedly in place for the summer. Elsewhere, according to TeamTalk, Liverpool bosses have their own on another Soceidad star, with Takefusa Kubo the club’s top target as a successor to Mo Salah. The club are reportedly willing to allow three players to depart in a swap deal, with Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa named as those on the chopping block, with Kubo having an $118m AUD release clause in his deal. Salah’s future remains up in the air, with his current contract running out at the season’s end, and Saudi club Al Hilal circling the Egyptian star. Salah has once again been one of the Premier League’s best players, but Slot is facing the real possibility of losing the prodigious winger in June if they club can’t sort out his new deal. Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract also expire, with the latter having been linked with a move to Real Madrid to join fellow English gun Jude Bellingham.
ARSENAL
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Martin Zubimendi — Real Sociedad to Arsenal (N/A)
Matheus Cunha — Wolverhampton to Arsenal (N/A)
Evan Ferguson — Brighton to Arsenal (N/A)
Benjamin Sesko — RB Leipzig to Arsenal ($118m AUD)
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus to Arsenal (N/A)
Analysis: It’s been widely reported Mikel Arteta has won the race to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but he won’t serve as a quick fix for the Gunners. The Spaniard is set to land in North London in the summer, meaning Arsenal are still on the lookout for recruits. Arsenal are desperate for a striker, with Kai Havertz failing to fire up front this season and a sheer lack of goals being to blame for the club’s lacking form. Matheus Cunha has emerged as a potential target, with the Brazilian having put together a strong season for Wolves, scoring 10 goals and assisting four more so far. According to Sky Sports, Arsenal powerbrokers are reportedly considering a loan with an option to buy, with the club having already used both of their domestic loan slots. However, Wolves won’t let him go without a fight, with the club battling to stay in the Premier League, currently sitting in 17th place. Another striker option looms as Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, who according to The Sun, could be on the move to Arsenal on loan. The 20-year-old has been hit with a string if injuries in recent seasons, but he has a breakthrough year in 2022 with the Seagulls. RB Leipzig target man Benjamin Sesko has also been linked with a move to Arsenal, having already said “yes” to a move to the North London club if a deal can be struck between the two parties, according to The Daily Mirror. The 21-year-old reportedly made a handshake agreement with his club to make a move in the summer for $118m AUD, but Arsenal reportedly want to secure a deal early.
Elsewhere, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has also been linked with a move away from the Serie A, with PSG star Randal Kolo Muano set to join the Italian club on a loan deal. But overall, Arteta hinted the Gunners would be bringing in reinforcements after his side’s draw against Aston Villa, saying: “When you look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league. But when you look at the bench, you would probably say we are very short.”
CHELSEA
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Alejandro Garnacho — Manchester United to Chelsea ($99m AUD)
Mamadou Sarr — Strasbourg to Chelsea ($23.5m AUD)
Dusan Vlahovic — Juventus to Chelsea ($118m AUD)
Jamie Gittens — Dortmund to Chelsea (N/A)
Liam Delap — Ipswich Town to Chelsea (N/A)
Analysis: Enzo Maresca is hopeful of adding some strike power to his outfit, with Chelsea pushing to compete with Liverpool for the Premier League title this season. In an interesting move, the London club are considering recruiting out-of-favour United winger Alejandro Garnacho, with his agent reportedly spotted at Stamford Bridge in recent days according to The Mirror. Manchester United officials reportedly want $99m AUD to make a deal happen, with the Red Devils hopeful of cashing in on the winger whose transfer fee would be pure profit under PSR rules. The rising star has also fallen out of favour under new boss Ruben Amorim, with Serie A club Napoli also interested in his services. Ipswich Town rising star Liam Delap was reportedly on Chelsea’s transfer shortlist, however no moves have been made to recruit him from the club fighting relegation. Elsewhere, Dusan Vlahovic shapes as Chelsea’s most likely striker recruit, with the club having already held talks with Juventus with Renota Veiga potentially departing the Premier League for the Serie A. Vlahovic has been valued at $118m AUD, with Veiga potentially included in the deal to reduce the fee according to ESPN. The Serbian’s current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, scoring seven goals and assisting one more in his 17 appearances for Juventus this year. However, he’s also scored four times in five games in the Champions League. Mamadou Sarr will also reportedly join Chelsea for a fee of around $23.5m AUD, with the 19-year-old making his move in the summer according to the BBC. Elsewhere, Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens has also emerged as a potential candidate to make the move to London.
Blues snap winless run at home | 02:05
MANCHESTER CITY
Done deals
Vitor Reis — Palmeiras to Manchester City ($58m AUD)
Abdukodir Khusanov — Lens to Manchester City ($67m AUD)
Claudio Echeverri — River Plate to Manchester City ($30m AUD)
Rumoured deals
Omar Marmoush — Frankfurt to Manchester City ($125m AUD)
Douglas Luiz — Juventus to Manchester City (N/A)
Andrea Cambiaso — Juventus to Manchester City ($132m AUD)
Analysis: Pep Guardiola has taken action already in the January window, signing three players in Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov and Claudio Echeverri. Manchester City have endured their toughest period yet under the Spaniard, and in the hopes of surging back to the top of the Premier League, and winning a fifth straight title, Guardiola has hit the market and he’s showing no signs of slowing down with striker Erling Haaland also putting pen to paper on a contract extension. Khusanov and Reis’s arrivals are set to offset the loss of wing back Kyle Walker, whose loan deal to AC Milan is almost complete. According to ESPN, attacker Omar Marmoush is set to join Manchester City for a whopping $125m AUD. The 25-year-old reportedly was undergoing a medical exam on Tuesday ahead of his imminent signing. Marmoush has been impressive in the Bundesliga, with the Egyptian scoring four goals and assisting two more in six Europa League appearances this season. Douglas Luiz is also reportedly being eyed for a potential return to the City club, with a loan deal being considered for the midfielder who was sold to Aston Villa in 2019. According to Sky Sports, a move for Luiz being considered over a push to recruit Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. Luiz is reportedly expected to depart Juventus, but it remains to be seen where he will land. Elsewhere, Andrea Cambiaso has been named as a potential target for City, with the club in the early stages of a move to recruit the 24-year-old full back. The Italian giants reportedly value the defender at around $132m AUD.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Done deals
N/A
Rumoured deals
Patrick Dorgu — Lecce to Manchester United ($66.5m AUD)
Victor Osimhen — Galatasaray to Manchester United ($125m AUD)
Miloš Kerkez — Bournemouth to Manchester United (N/A)
Nuno Mendes — PSG to Manchester United (N/A)
Bryan Mbeumo — Brentford to Manchester United (N/A)
Matheus Cuhna — Wolverhampton to Manchester United (N/A)
Analysis: Ruben Amorim is in his first transfer window as United’s manager, already making his stance on two of the club’s biggest stars clear. Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are set to depart Manchester, and the Portuguese boss is on the lookout for replacements. Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu is shaping as a player set to land in Old Trafford, with United bosses reportedly holding talks with Lecce’s director of football according to The Guardian. The Serie A club are reportedly seeking around $66.5m AUD for the wing back/winger who could fit perfectly into Amorim’s unusual three at the back system. Dorgu could fill the hole left by Garnacho, but can only play on both sides of the field in defence if needed. Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes are also reportedly on Amorim’s list of flank defenders, with the United boss making that position a focal point in his January transfer window. Elsewhere, United have been linked with a pair of strikers, with Victor Osimhen the biggest name listed in their rumoured targets. The Nigerian marksman is currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, and is parent club Napoli are reportedly willing to offload the striker for a cut price. Garnacho’s move looks to be the linchpin in any deal for Osimhen, with Napoli officials hoping United bosses lower their asking price for the rising winger, while their own valuation for Osimhen sits at $125m AUD according to Naples publication Il Matino. The Nigerian’s arrival could solve what has been a striker crisis in recent seasons at Old Trafford, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Kirzkee failing to lock down the position. Brenford’s Bryan Mbuemo has also reportedly been included in United’s striker shortlist alongside Wolves’ Matheus Cuhna.
Ryan move set to force Aussie shuffle | 05:36
THE REST
Done deals
Jaden Philogene — Aston Villa to Ipswich Town ($39m AUD)
Donyell Malen — Dortmund to Aston Villa ($39m AUD)
Emmanuel Agbadou — Stde de Reims to Wolverhampton ($32.7m AUD)
Julio Soler — Lanus to Bournemouth ($13m AUD)
Diego Gomez — Inter Miami to Brighton ($21.6m AUD)
Andres Garcia — Levante to Aston Villa ($11.8m AUD
Matai Akinmboni — DC United to Bournemouth ($2.9m AUD)
Romain Esse — Milwall to Crystal Palace (undisclosed)
Woyo Coulibaly — Parma to Leicester City ($3.7m AUD)
Welington — Sao Paulo to Southampton (undisclosed)
Joachim Kayi Sanda — Valenciennes to Southampton (undisclosed)
Biggest rumoured deals
Matheus Cuhna — Wolverhampton to Nottingham Forest
Jhon Duran — Aston Villa to West Ham
Analysis: Arguably the biggest move outside the big six has come from West Ham, who have reportedly bid a whopping $112m AUD to sign Villa striker Jhon Duran according to The Athletic. However, that bid is reportedly set to be rejected, having recently extended the contract of the Colombian international until 2030. It’s the second time West Ham have bidded for Duran’s services. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are flying high in third place on the ladder and are hoping to continue their run by making Wolves striker Matheus Cuhna their top target according to Daily Mail. Forest are reportedly preparing to make a competitive bid for the Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals so far this campaign. The City Ground club have also previously had a $43m AUD bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa turned down, before turning their attention elsewhere.
Manchester City roared back into form with a 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich, while Nottingham Forest’s unlikely title challenge goes on after a 3-2 victory over Southampton took Nuno Espirito Santo’s men level with second-placed Arsenal.
– ‘We are worst team in history of Man Utd’: Amorim –
Ruben Amorim made the astonishing admission that his Manchester United flops are the worst team in the club’s history after Sunday’s dismal 3-1 defeat against Brighton.
United crumbled to a sixth loss in 11 Premier League games since Amorim arrived from Sporting Lisbon to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag.
“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United,” Amorim said after his side’s wretched display at Old Trafford.
“I know you want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”
Man UTD legend passes away aged 84 | 00:39
Amorim’s side are languishing in 13th place and although they are 10 points above the relegation zone, they are far from certain to avoid being dragged into the survival struggle on the evidence of Sunday’s display.
Yankuba Minteh set the tone for United’s moribund performance with an early opener for Brighton.
Bruno Fernandes equalised with a penalty before half-time, but second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter left United in turmoil.
United have suffered six home league defeats this season, their most from their opening 12 matches of a season since 1893-94.
They have also lost 10 of their 22 league games this season, the earliest into a top-flight campaign that they have hit double figures for defeats since 1989-90.
“Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me. We are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that,” Amorim said.
While United have not been dragged completely into the fight for survival just yet, Amorim must find a way to get results to avoid the pressure on him becoming intolerable.
The 39-year-old arrived at United in November, hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches.
But his preferred 3-4-3 formation is not suited to the players in United’s squad.
Yet, while he admitted he is only thinking of avoiding relegation now, the Portuguese coach refuses to change his philosophy.
“I am not going to change, no matter what. I know we can succeed but we need to survive this moment. I am not naive. We need to survive now,” Amorim said.
United’s latest calamity came on the day the club paid a sombre tribute to Denis Law after their legendary striker passed away aged 84 on Friday.
Postecoglou: ‘Spurs need reinforcements’ | 01:11
– ‘Everybody is underperforming’ –
Law is immortalised in a statue of United’s ‘Holy Trinity’ alongside Bobby Charlton and George Best outside Old Trafford.
Fans laid scarves and flowers at the statue in tribute to the third highest scorer in United’s history and took part in a minute’s applause for Law prior to kick-off.
What transpired after that would have shocked Law to his core as Amorim’s team once again failed to live up to the storied history of the 20-time English champions.
“In nine games in the Premier League, we won two,” Amorim said. “Everybody here is underperforming, no matter what the circumstances.
“We are underperforming and have to accept that. It’s unacceptable to lose so many games, for any Premier League club, imagine Manchester United.
“So it’s a really hard moment but we have to continue, we have to continue, there is no other way.”
United have lost six of their last seven league games against Brighton in an indication of how far they have fallen since last winning the title in 2013.
Amorim’s side host Rangers in their next game on Thursday in the Europa League, with the manager desperate for a positive result to change the mood.
“I knew it was going to be hard to put a completely new idea in the moment, but when you lose games and don’t win three games in a row it becomes really hard,” Amorim said.
“So that’s why I’m telling we are going to suffer because I will continue to do the same.
“I am just here to help my players, but we need to understand we are breaking all the bad records.”
Haaland signs monster deal with City | 01:21
– Foden stars as Man City hit Ipswich for six –
Phil Foden struck twice as Manchester City climbed to fourth in the Premier League with a 6-0 rout of struggling Ipswich on Sunday.
Foden netted either side of Mateo Kovacic’s eye-catching goal as City blew Ipswich away with three first-half goals at Portman Road.
Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and James McAtee netted after the interval as City enjoyed their biggest league win this season.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won three of their last four league games as they begin the long climb back to respectability after a dismal start to the season.
Sterner tests lie in wait for City, including a vital Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday and looming Premier League clashes with Chelsea and Arsenal.
But this was the kind of confident display City used to make look routine during their march to four successive English titles.
Winning is almost certain to prove beyond them as they trail leaders Liverpool by 12 points.
Guardiola will settle for restoring City’s pride this term as he rebuilds a team that suddenly grew old and inconsistent before his eyes.
Haaland, who has scored 112 goals in just 127 appearances for City, this week committed himself to the club until 2034 when he signed a new nine-and-a-half year deal.
But Kyle Walker was again absent from the City side amid reports that AC Milan are ready to bid for the unsettled England right-back.
In City’s first visit to Portman Road for 23 years, the champions emphasised how powerful they can still be at peak form.
– Ruthless City –
Haaland scored a hat-trick when City beat Ipswich 4-1 in August and he threatened to net in the opening moments in Suffolk.
Kovacic’s pass split the Ipswich defence and sent Haaland clean through on goal, but the Norway striker’s shot was pushed away by Christian Walton.
Kovacic fired wastefully over after a flowing move carved open the Ipswich rearguard again.
Omari Hutchinson almost put Ipswich ahead against the run of play with a stinging strike from just inside the area that hit Haaland and flashed just over.
But City’s pressure was rewarded in the 27th minute when Doku and Kevin De Bruyne combined to set up Foden for a clinical close-range finish.
Foden turned provider as ruthless City doubled their lead three minutes later. Kovacic strode onto Foden’s pass on the edge of the area and smashed a superb low strike past the flat-footed Walton for his first goal since October.
Guardiola’s men were rampant and they struck again three minutes before half-time.
Set free by Doku, De Bruyne raced into the area and cut the ball back for Foden, whose shot from five yards evaded Walton’s weak attempted save.
The England forward’s fifth goal in his last four games maintained his recent improvement.
City have scored 25 first-half goals in 22 games, more than any other team in the Premier League this season.
Ipswich were powerless to stem the tide. Doku danced through their defence to score City’s fourth with a low shot that hit Dara O’Shea on its way past Walton in the 49th minute.
City showed no mercy and Haaland joined the party in the 57th minute. Jack Clarke conceded possession and Doku teed up Haaland to drill past Walton for his 22nd goal in all competitions this season.
McAtee came off the bench to bag City’s sixth in the 69th minute, the 22-year-old looping a header over Walton from Kovacic’s cross.
Forest were equally rampant in the first 45 minutes to cut the gap on leaders Liverpool to six points and consolidate their lead in the race for a place in the Champions League next season.
Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood netted before the break. Southampton salvaged some pride in the second period through Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu but they remain on course for an immediate return to the Championship, 10 points adrift of safety.
Kyle Walker has told Saudi Pro League bosses he wants to stay in Europe, talkSPORT understands.
It is believed that the Manchester City right-back has turned down a reported £400,000-a-week offer to play in the Middle East.
5
Walker favours a move to AC Milan as he seeks an exit away from the EtihadCredit: Getty
In bombshell news over the weekend, Pep Guardiola revealed that Walker had asked to leave the Etihad this month, with AC Milan his preferred destination.
Talks between City and the Italian giants are expected to ramp up this week.
AC Milan are offering the England international a two-and-a-half year-deal.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Guardiola declared that the 34-year-old club is looking to finish his career abroad.
He said after the 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career. He asked two years ago after the Treble.
“Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough” he said.
“I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this? We cannot understand the success the club had these years without Kyle.
“It’s impossible. He gave us something we didn’t have and he’s been amazing.
“But now in his mind he would like to explore to go to another country. For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here, that’s all.”
Ahead of their Premier League tie with Brentford on Tuesday evening in London, Guardiola added that there was ‘no news’ on the defender.
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Guardiola told talkSPORT that Walker is looking to finish his career abroadCredit: Getty
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Walker could link up with fellow England internationals Abraham and Tomori at the San SiroCredit: getty
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Walker has won 17 trophies at the Etihad since joining from Tottenham in 2017
Asked whether he will be in City’s squad to travel to west London, Guardiola remarked: “I will decide after training.
“I said what I said, I will not be going into anything else. I don’t have any news so it’s Brentford in my mind.
The Spaniard also added that whilst the ‘mood is better’ and his side ‘have improved’, there is still much to do.
He said: “We have to wait to see, of course the mood is better and tomorrow we have an enormously difficult game. Thomas [Frank] creates a lot of problems.”
While Walker seems set to be on his way out of the club, two new additions look poised to arrive in the form of defender Abdukodir Khusanov and forward Omar Marmoush.
talkSPORT understands that a £33million move has been agreed with Ligue 1 outfit Lens for centre-back Khusanov.
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City’s woeful form appears to have turned a corner, but the club want defensive reinforcements in JanuaryCredit: Getty
But Guardiola remained tight-lipped on the transfer when pushed for comment, as he simply stated: “The club didn’t announce anything.”
Meanwhile City are also closing in on the £60m signing of Eintracht Franlfurt star Marmoush.
The 25-year-old has chipped in with 14 Bundesliga goals and seven assists from 16 German top-flight matches this term.
Only Harry Kane has scored more league goals [15] than the Egypt international this season.
Simon Jordan calls Kyle Walker’s antics during Manchester derby ‘preposterous’
Kyle Walker is the perfect Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement – Liverpool should make a move for the Manchester City star this month.
That is the view of ex-Reds striker Dean Saunders, who has urged Arne Slot to make a raid on their Premier League rivals.
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City right-back Walker is keen to leave the Etihad before the winter window slams shutCredit: Getty
It comes amid City boss Pep Guardiola revealing that the 34-year-old has asked to leave the Etihad in the January transfer window to finish his career abroad.
talkSPORT understands that the defender, who was left out of the City squad that beat Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup third round, is a target for Saudi Pro League clubs who are able to offer the player a mega-money salary.
But Serie A giants AC Milan are also keen to secure Walker’s services in a shock swoop.
The Italian outfit also remain keen on bringing in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as they look to expand their ever-growing collecting of Three Lions stars.
Currently, Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham are all on the books at the San Siro.
However as it stands, there has been no direct talks between Milan and City regarding a move for Walker.
While many believe that the ex-Tottenham man is no longer at the standard to play Premier League football, talkSPORT presenter Saunders is of the opinion that he remains just as good as ever.
Speaking on the FA Cup GameDay Phone-In alongside former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy, Saunders claimed Walker would be the ideal replacement for Real Madrid target Alexander-Arnold.
Despite Walker pushing for a move away from England, Saunders said: “Do you want me to chuck a spanner in the works?
“So it looks like Trent is leaving, why don’t Liverpool sign him?
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Walker is regarded as one of the Premier League’s best-ever right-backsCredit: Getty
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Walker has won 17 trophies at the Etihad since joining from Tottenham in 2017
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Saunders believes Liverpool should sign Walker – a view not shared by CundyCredit: talkSPORT
“There you go, he’d be a good signing for Liverpool if Trent goes.
“I know they’ve got the young kid [Conor Bradley] coming through…”
Interjecting, an almost speechless Cundy replied: “Deano, why have you done that? Why have you thrown that in?”
Explaining himself, Saunders stated: “By the way, he’s still quick – and if Trent is leaving…”
Later in the show, Saunders doubled down on his view, before then pointing he would be starter at each of City’s ‘Top Six’ rivals.
He remarked: “He’d get in Spurs’ team, he’d get in Liverpool’s team.
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Walker has come in for criticism from fans and pundits over his performances this seasonCredit: Getty
“He’d get in Man United’s team, he’d get in Chelsea’s team.
“Would he get in Arsenal’s team? He’d get in Arsenal’s team. He’s better than [Ben] White!”
Saunders then posed the question whether Saudi Arabia would be a good move for Walker, to which Cundy insisted he can still do a job in Europe.
He said: “Of course he could [make switch to Saudi Arabia], I just don’t think he is ready yet.
“If he gets offered £600,000-a-week to go and play in Saudi, I’m not going to criticise him, that to me makes sense.
“But if I’m a club in Italy or in Spain watching Kyle Walker… the pace of the English game, it’s the quickest league in the world.
“Yes, he’s lost a yard of pace, but Kyle Walker’s pace is still a match for most in this league.
“I think the fact that he [Guardiola] said he wants to go abroad, he’s done it in England, he’s won everything there is to win, go and do something abroad.
“I get that, I see that, that shows bravery that he wants to go abroad and prove himself.”
Pep Guardiola has sensationally revealed that Kyle Walker has asked to leave Manchester City.
The Citizens legend was absent for his side’s 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City with the club initially explaining he wasn’t injured and calling it a ‘technical issue’.
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Walker is a club icon, but could leave this monthCredit: Getty
Yet Guardiola cleared things up comprehensively post match as he revealed: “Well it’s not easy for me to say as Kyle’s not here.
“But two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad and end his career.
“He asked two years ago to travel, Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough. I asked [told] him and the club asked him how important he is.
“We can not understand the success we’ve had these years without Kyle, it’s impossible.
“He’s been our right back and gives us something that we didn’t have and he’s been amazing.
“But now in his mind he would like to explore something and play in another country for many reasons.”
He added: “For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here.
“He went to the club, he went to Txiki [Begiristain] but of course, maybe I’m wrong, but there’s not one person in our job, whatever job, that when they don’t want to be where they are, they can still perform, can be exactly what they want to be.
“He asked to explore and that doesn’t mean it’s gonna happen because we never know, but we support the situation, the position, and I respect it a lot because I am more than grateful for what he has done these many years for us after arriving eight years ago.
“The seasons he was here we started to win, win, win, win, he has been important with the national team, important with our team, but he said I want to explore my mind and my heart and I want to explore it.
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Guardiola dropped the bombshell news moments after City’s win over Salford
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Walker is one of England’s greatest ever defenders
“Honestly, I don’t know if it’s going to happen, but that’s all I can say.
talkSPORT understands that the England international is a target for Saudi Pro League clubs.
Walker admitted he came close to leaving City in 2023 to link up with Three Lions teammate Harry Kane at Bayern Munich.
The full-back joined City from Tottenham in 2017 for £45million and he’s since proved to be worth every penny.
With the club he’s won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the Holy Grail of the Champions League in 2023.
Christmas may have come and gone, but Man City’ boss Pep Guardiola – and his players – are hoping for presents in the form of new signings.
City have been ravaged by injuries over the course of the season, with none more impactful than Ballon d’Or winner Rodri‘s torn ACL which has ruled him out for the season.
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City have struggle to deal with the absence of Rodri since he tore his ACLCredit: Reuters
The five omissions add to the absences of Ruben Dias, Rodri and young talent Oscar Bobb, who sustained a fractured leg before the season’s start.
Although Stones, Nunes and Ederson were somewhat expected to miss the Everton clash, Walker and Grealish missing out is cause for concern, especially given how threadbare Pep Guardiola‘s squad is at the minute.
Remarkably, City’s squad against Everton marks the first time since May 2017 that at least one of Walker, Stones, Ederson or Grealish has not featured in a Premier League fixture.
Luckily for Guardiola, an opportunity to reinforce his squad is just around the corner in the form of the January transfer window.
Speaking to Amazon Prime ahead of the Everton clash, Guardiola confirmed City will look to be active in the market and will target multiple players.
However, the Spaniard stressed closing a deal in the January window is ‘not easy’.
“If we can, we have to add players, definitely,” Guardiola said.
“We struggle, especially in the back, in the middle.
“Saying that, I don’t know what’s going to happen. Because in the transfer window in winter, it’s not easy. But everybody’s aware.
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Guardiola confirmed City will look to strengthen in the January windowCredit: Amazon Prime
“I think even the players asked us, ‘We are going to add some players, please.”
Since Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium in July 2016, City have traditionally not been big spenders in January.
He did oversee two big-money arrivals early on in his tenure as Gabriel Jesus and Aymeric Laporte arrived for £26.6million and £54m in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Since then, the only signing of note made by Guardiola in January was the £17.7m capture of Julian Alvarez from River Plate in 2022.
City’s stars and Guardiola will hope any new arrivals can aid in arresting the club’s alarming form slump of late.
Having won the last four Premier League titles, City have looked a shell of the swashbuckling side that has dominated the English top flight as they enter the Everton fixture in seventh and 12 points away from league leaders Liverpool.
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Man City just can’t shake their terrible formCredit: Getty
They will look to break down an Everton team that has kept an impressive five clean sheets in their last six games, a run which included fixtures against Arsenal, Chelsea and the free-scoring Brentford.
The Toffees have also lost just once in their last six games, with the only defeat being a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester United on December 1.
Manchester City hit a new low with yet another loss to slide down the Premier League, while third-placed Arsenal produced a commanding performance to stay in touch in the title race.
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A hat-trick from a Newcastle forward piled on the pain for the league cellar dwellers and Nottingham Forest’s top four fairytale continued with a unique away win.
Plus much more in our Premier League wrap!
VILLA BEAT CITY TO DEEPEN GUARDIOLA’S PAIN
Aston Villa beat crisis-hit Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday to heap more misery on floundering manager Pep Guardiola, who has now suffered nine defeats in his past 12 matches, after losing only eight times in his previous 106 contests.
Jhon Duran finished off a fine team move to give the home side an early lead and Morgan Rogers doubled Villa’s advantage in the 65th minute.
Phil Foden scored his first Premier League goal of the season in stoppage time to pull one back but it proved to be too little too late.
Guardiola, in the worst run of his glittering career, said Friday that “sooner or later” things will turn around but City’s fear factor has vanished and they have just one win in their past 12 games in all competitions.
City have now lost six Premier League games in the current campaign, twice as many as they suffered during the whole of last season, when they were crowned champions for a fourth straight season.
They have dropped to sixth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool having played two games more, while Villa leapfrogged them into fifth.
Guardiola said he trusted his players despite their shocking form. “It depends on us,” he told the BBC. “The solution is bring the players back. We have just one central defender fit, that is difficult.” “We have to think positive and I have incredible trust in the guys,” he added. “Some of them have incredible pride and desire to do it. We have to find a way, step by step, sooner or later to find a way back.” Guardiola made six changes to the team side that lost last week’s Manchester derby, bringing in goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and reshaping his defence with Rico Lewis, John Stones and Manuel Akanji.
Mateo Kovacic and Jack Grealish also returned.
But the defending champions started the match in chaotic fashion and could have been behind with just 15 seconds on the clock.
Untidy work from Josko Gvardiol allowed John McGinn to steal the ball and he fed Duran, whose shot from outside the box was pushed behind by Ortega.
Villa were millimetres away from taking the lead from the resulting corner, with Ortega, in for injured first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, producing a superb save to deny Pau Torres.
City then settled and their possession numbers topped 75 percent but they created little.
– Duran strikes again –
Instead it was Villa who took the lead in the 16th minute through Duran after a superb team move.
Youri Tielemans delivered a wonderful defence-splitting pass to Rogers, who burst through City’s backline with ease before squaring for Duran and the Colombian international finished crisply for his seventh Premier League goal of the season.
Foden tested Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the 35th minute after an incisive move involving Lewis.
And Gvardiol squandered a glorious chance moments before half-time, heading a Grealish cross over the bar.
Guardiola brought on Kyle Walker for Stones at the break but Villa again took control, this time enjoying much more of the ball.
Minutes into the second half Matty Cash lashed an attempt into the side netting after a speedy attack before Duran had a strike ruled out for offside.
Rogers, formerly of Manchester City, hit the foot of the post just before the hour mark after an intricate team move down the left.
But Emery’s men doubled their lead 20 minutes into the second half, with Rogers finishing unerringly from a McGinn pass.
City created little as they searched for a way back into the game until Foden pounced for a late consolation goal.
Emery told TNT Sports that Villa were “feeling strong”.
“We played the first half very well,” he said. “In the second half we kept possession more and getting in the box to score the second goal, we imposed and dominated more.”
ARSENAL PUT FIVE PAST LONDON RIVALS
Arsenal kept themselves in touch with league leaders Liverpool with a 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace away from home.
The Gunners sit three points shy of the Reds, who have two games in hand, and one point behind second-placed Chelsea, who also play tomorrow, courtesy of dominant display in south London spearheaded by Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian scored twice in the opening 14 minutes of the game to ensure Arsenal had the early ascendancy despite an 11th minute goal to Palace’s Ismaila Sarr.
Jesus was giving the home side nightmares after also scoring a hat-trick against them in Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 League Cup quarter-final victory on Thursday, and the five goals he has put past Palace this week are as many as he had scored in his previous 45 appearances.
“It’s been such an amazing week for Jesus,” Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp said.
“I’m really happy for him because he’s had injuries, he’s always got a smile on his face and obviously had his problems when he was at Manchester City with the injuries.
“But to see him playing at that level, he’s never been the most clinical goal scorer, the two that he missed were probably easier than the ones he scored, but just to see him playing, it’s been a fabulous week for him.”
Kai Havertz got on the score sheet before half time, and Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice scored goals of their in the second half to give the Gunners a much-needed goal difference boost – which now stands at 18, the equal best in the league alongside Liverpool and Chelsea.
Arsenal also finish the year with bragging rights over their London rivals.
With eight wins and two draws, they became the first team since Chelsea in 2005 to go unbeaten in Premier League London derbies in a calendar year. It was the first time Arsenal had kept that unblemished record since 2004.
They also created a slice of history by scoring five or more goals in an away game for the sixth time in all competitions this year, the most ever by an English top-flight club.
FOREST FAIRYTALE CONTINUES, ISAK’S HAT-TRICK
Nottingham Forest won their third consecutive Premier League match, condemning Brentford to their first home defeat this season.
Coming into the game, Thomas Frank’s team boasted the best home record in the league, with seven wins and a draw from their eight games at the Gtech Community Stadium.
But they came unstuck against Nuno Espirito Santo’s in-form team. Ola Aina slotted home the opener towards the end of the first half and Anthony Elanga made it 2-0 early in the second period.
Newcastle deepened Ipswich’s plight and lifted themselves to seventh in the table with a 4-0 win at Portman Road.
Isak volleyed Eddie Howe’s team ahead in the first minute and Jacob Murphy doubled their lead before Isak side-footed in from close range just before the break.
The Sweden international scored his third nine minutes into the second half, poking the ball home after more fine work from Murphy.
It was a ninth defeat in 17 games for Ipswich since they returned to the Premier League and they remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety.
Mats Wieffer gave Brighton a 51st-minute lead against West Ham but Mohammed Kudus equalised seven minutes later and the match finished 1-1.
Premier League leaders Liverpool face a tricky trip to Tottenham on Sunday while second-placed Chelsea visit Everton among five matches.
Jordan branded Walker’s theatrics ‘preposterous’Credit: talkSPORT
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Hojlund and Walker clashed during the Manchester derbyCredit: Getty
Both players were booked after the Manchester United forward reacted angrily to being fouled by Walker.
However, the defender has since been criticised for theatrically falling to the floor as Hojlund faced up to him.
Roy Keane labelled his behaviour ’embarrassing’ at half-time on Sunday.
Jordan has now followed suit with his reaction to the incident.
Speaking on White & Jordan, the talkSPORT co-host explained: “I have to say, as a huge admirer of Kyle Walker’s, I thought that was preposterous what he did in terms of when Rasmus Hojlund confronted him and then fell on the floor.
“That is indicative of a mindset inside Man City at this moment in time, if you want to use examples and metaphors to try and find out what’s going on, because everyone is trying to find out what the hell is going on.
“They weren’t great against Juventus. They had opportunities, [Erling] Haaland needed to score in that game to open it up.
“But the bottom line is, will City find their way through it? You betcha they’ll find their way through it.
“Is Guardiola showing signs of weakness? I don’t think so.”
