LONDON: Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri insisted goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's refusal to be substituted was a "misunderstanding" even if the Spaniard should have showed more respect towards his boss as Manchester City retained the League Cup on penalties. Manchester City's player celebrate after winning the English League Cup final football match against Chelsea. (Source: AP Photo/Alastair Grant) The Italian tried to replace the world's most expensive goalkeeper with Willy Caballero towards the end of a cagey 120 minutes that ended 0-0. Kepa had received treatment for an injury in the final stages and Sarri said he believed he was suffering from cramp until later informed otherwise by the club doctor. "It was a big misunderstanding because I understood he had cramp so I didn't want the goalkeeper to go to penalties in that physical condition," said Sarri. "I realised the situation after only three or four minutes when the doctor came to the bench." City goalkeeper Ederson … [Read more...] about Man City win League Cup final marked by Chelsea keeper controversy
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Man City end Newport’s Cup dream to reach quarter-finals
Man City end Newport's Cup dream to reach quarter-finals The Saigon Times Daily Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez scores their fourth goal at Rodney Parade, Newport, Britain February 16, 2019 – PHOTO: REUTERS LONDON (REUTERS) - Manchester City endured some anxious moments but escaped from fourth-tier Newport County with their FA Cup hopes intact as Phil Foden scored twice in an ultimately comfortable 4-1 fifth-round victory on Saturday. Newport, 82 rungs below City on the English football ladder, rattled Pep Guardiola’s aristocrats in the first half and Tyreeq Bakinson almost gave them the lead at a rocking Rodney Parade. But City’s class showed in the second half and once Leroy Sane’s powerful shot from a tight angle put them in front after 51 minutes the chances of a seismic Cup shock faded away. Foden’s 75th-minute shot crept in at the near post to subdue the home fans but when Padraig Amond maintained his run of scoring in every round with an … [Read more...] about Man City end Newport’s Cup dream to reach quarter-finals
Man City hit Chelsea for six as Aguero grabs hat-trick
Man City hit Chelsea for six as Aguero grabs hat-trickThe Saigon Times Daily Manchester City's Kyle Walker and John Stones celebrate after the match at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain February 10, 2019 – PHOTO: REUTERS LONDON (REUTERS) - Manchester City’s on-fire striker Sergio Aguero struck his second hat-trick in a week as the champions ruthlessly destroyed woeful Chelsea in a 6-0 win at The Etihad on Sunday to return to the top of the Premier League. While Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday cut short talk of title run-in nerves on Merseyside this City victory, achieved with some glorious football against a top six opponent, was an emphatic statement. In the past week City have beaten Arsenal at home and Everton away before taking Maurizio Sarri’s side to pieces with four goals in the opening 25 minutes. “Incredible week, incredible game,” said manager Pep Guardiola. “To score six against Chelsea and the way we … [Read more...] about Man City hit Chelsea for six as Aguero grabs hat-trick
Newport stun Middlesbrough to set up dream Man City Cup tie
Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers saw off a determined Shrewsbury Town to win 3-2 at home and will be joined in the fifth round by Queens Park Rangers, who overcame Portsmouth 2-0. QPR will next host fellow London side Watford, while Brentford visit Swansea. * Olympique de Marseille boosted their hopes of qualifying for European football by beating Girondins Bordeaux 1-0 at home in an empty stadium in Ligue 1 on Tuesday, benefiting from Samuel Kalu being sent off midway through the first half. Teenage defender Boubacar Kamara scored shortly before halftime, taking Marseille up to seventh in the standings on 34 points, leaving Bordeaux in 12th. * Former England captain Wayne Rooney, who helped revitalise one of Major League Soccer's original superpowers when he joined D.C. United last year, still feels he possesses the quality to compete in the Premier League. The 33-year-old former Manchester United and Everton captain, speaking in an interview with CNN World Sport released on … [Read more...] about Newport stun Middlesbrough to set up dream Man City Cup tie
Guardiola signs new contract to remain at Man City until 2021
Pep Guardiola signed a new contract on Thursday (May 17) to remain as Man City coach until 2021 after a record-breaking season which saw the club run away with the Premier League title. Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola. (Oli SCARFF/AFP) Guardiola masterminded an historic campaign as City became the first side in English football history to achieve 100 points in a top-flight campaign, adding the title to their League Cup triumph. The 47-year-old claimed his strong relationship with City's vibrant young side had convinced him to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium. "I am so happy and excited. It's a pleasure to be able to work here," Guardiola said. "I enjoy working with our players every day and we will try to do our best together in the coming years. "As a manager, you have to feel good to be with the players - and I feel good." Guardiola had one season left on his City deal before signing the new two-year extension. If he completes the whole length of … [Read more...] about Guardiola signs new contract to remain at Man City until 2021