Football

Erik ten Hag's tactical brilliance led Manchester United to a stunning 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, potentially saving his job and sparking comparisons to legendary manager Alex Ferguson.Despite a turbulent season, Ten Hag's team executed a masterclass, neutralizing Pep Guardiola's City side with a deep defensive block and clinical counterattacks. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored first-half goals to put United in control.City's double bid was shattered as they struggled to break down United's resolute defense. Jeremy Doku's late strike provided a glimmer of hope, but it was too little, too late.Ten Hag's triumph echoes Ferguson's 1990 FA Cup win against Crystal Palace, which kick-started his remarkable reign. United shareholder Jim Ratcliffe, who has been linked with potential replacements, witnessed the Dutchman's triumph.Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League and crashing out of the Champions League, Ten Hag has now won two trophies in three cup final appearances. He believes injuries were the root of United's problems and points to his success in cup competitions as proof of his capabilities.United's victory also secures Europa League qualification, avoiding a season without European action. City, on the other hand, looked hungover after their Premier League title celebrations and failed to match their usual intensity.Ten Hag's tactical masterclass has given United fans hope for the future. His ability to motivate his team and outsmart Guardiola has earned him a stay of execution and potentially a longer tenure at Old Trafford.

Manchester City and Manchester United, two of England's most storied clubs, will clash in the highly anticipated FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 25. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both teams eager to add another trophy to their illustrious histories.Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are the clear favorites heading into the final. Pep Guardiola's side has been in scintillating form this season, winning the league title with a record-breaking 100 points. They are also looking to become the first team to win the league and FA Cup in successive seasons since Arsenal in 2002.Manchester United, on the other hand, have endured a disappointing campaign, finishing eighth in the Premier League. However, they have shown signs of improvement under interim manager Ralf Rangnick and will be determined to end the season on a high note.The two Manchester rivals have a long and storied history, with their matches often referred to as the "Manchester Derby." City has had the upper hand in recent years, winning six of their past seven meetings in all competitions.The FA Cup Final is one of the most prestigious events in English football, and both teams will be desperate to lift the trophy. City will be looking to continue their dominance, while United will be hoping to salvage something from a disappointing season.The match will be played at Wembley Stadium in London, which has a capacity of over 90,000. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, and the match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network.

Pep Guardiola's remarkable reign at Manchester City has reached a crossroads, with the legendary manager expressing uncertainty about his long-term future after securing a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.City's 3-1 victory over West Ham on Sunday marked their sixth top-flight triumph in seven seasons under Guardiola, a feat surpassed only by Sir Alex Ferguson's 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United. The Catalan has transformed City into a dominant force, leading them to an unprecedented domestic treble in 2019 and emulating Manchester United's 1999 treble last year.However, after achieving such sustained success, Guardiola admits it is becoming increasingly difficult to find motivation. "The reality is I'm closer to leaving than to staying," he told Sky Sports. "It's eight years, will be nine."Guardiola's contract expires at the end of next season, and he is unsure whether he will extend his stay at the Etihad. "Right now my feeling is I want to stay next season," he said. "We talked with the club, we have time to talk next season because I have to see the players as well (to see) if they follow me, they follow us, for many reasons. I will stay and during the season we will talk when calm."Guardiola's comments have raised questions about his future plans. He has previously expressed a desire to return to Barcelona, where he enjoyed immense success as a player and manager. However, he has also spoken highly of the Premier League and the challenges it presents.For now, Guardiola is focused on enjoying the moment and celebrating City's latest triumph. "When I moved here if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say you're insane -- no way," he said.But the question remains: how much longer will Pep Guardiola's extraordinary journey at Manchester City continue?

Manchester City has once again proven their dominance in the Premier League, securing their fourth consecutive title with a resounding 3-1 victory over West Ham United. Pep Guardiola's side has now etched their name in history as the first team to win the league four times in a row.The title race was a thrilling three-way battle for much of the season, with Arsenal and Liverpool holding the lead at various points. However, City's relentless form in the second half of the campaign saw them overtake their rivals and claim their sixth league title in the past seven seasons.Arsenal harbored faint hopes on the final matchday, but City's clinical performance at the Etihad Stadium extinguished those aspirations. Mikel Arteta's team, meanwhile, struggled against Everton, despite a late goal from Kai Havertz.City's triumph was sealed within the opening minutes, as Phil Foden, the recently crowned Premier League Player of the Season, netted twice in quick succession. Mohammed Kudus briefly gave West Ham and Arsenal fans a glimmer of hope with a stunning strike, but Rodri's goal in the second half effectively ended the contest.Despite missing a few chances, Erling Haaland's contribution to City's success cannot be understated. The Norwegian striker has been a revelation since joining the club, and his goalscoring prowess has been instrumental in their title triumph.Guardiola's tactical acumen and the team's unwavering belief have been key factors in their continued dominance. City's ability to control possession, create chances, and defend resolutely has made them a formidable force in the Premier League.

Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, stands on the cusp of history as they prepare for the final day of the Premier League season. With a two-point lead over Arsenal, City's destiny lies in their own hands. A win against West Ham at home will secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive English title.Arsenal, despite their impressive form, face an uphill battle. They must defeat Everton at the Emirates Stadium and hope for a City slip-up to end their 20-year title drought. However, Guardiola remains focused on his team's performance, dismissing any expectations of Everton's assistance.City's relentless form in the run-in has been a testament to their dominance. They have dropped only six points since mid-December, showcasing their unwavering determination. Guardiola has defended the competitiveness of the Premier League, despite suggestions of boredom due to City's financial advantage.Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, has set a club record with 27 Premier League wins this season. However, it may not be enough to dethrone City. "We have to give ourselves the opportunity to live a beautiful day on Sunday," said Arteta.Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, will bid farewell to their manager at the end of the season. Despite finishing third, Klopp's legacy at Anfield will be remembered fondly. Manchester United, on the other hand, face the prospect of missing out on European football altogether.Tottenham and Chelsea are poised to secure top-six finishes, while Luton and Nottingham Forest battle to avoid relegation. The final day of the Premier League promises to be a thrilling climax, with history and destiny hanging in the balance.

Manchester City stand on the cusp of history as they aim to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title on Sunday. Pep Guardiola's side, who have dominated English football in recent years, are two points clear of Arsenal heading into the final round of fixtures.A victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium would seal the title for City, while a draw or defeat would leave the door open for Arsenal if they beat Everton. Should City triumph, they would become the first team in English top-flight history to win four successive titles.The achievement would be all the more remarkable considering the dominance of Liverpool in the 1970s and 1980s, Manchester United under Alex Ferguson, and Arsenal's 'Invincibles' team. England forward Phil Foden believes that such a feat may never be repeated."It's history and I don't think I can ever see it being done again," said Foden, who was named Football Writers' Association Player of the Year. "It's something the team knows, the team understands and we're looking forward to trying to get it done."City's quest for a fourth title comes after a remarkable season in which they won the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. They are now chasing the double this term, with the FA Cup final against Manchester United on May 25.Foden, who missed the FWA ceremony to focus on City's preparations, is eager to add to his trophy collection. "If we can win these next two finals, then go into the tournament (Euro 2024) full of confidence," he said."We'll give everything to try and achieve success and try and do the Premier League four times which has never been done before. It would mean a lot to us."City's success has been built on a foundation of attacking football and a relentless pursuit of trophies. Guardiola has instilled a winning mentality in his players, who have consistently performed at the highest level.Should City secure the title on Sunday, they will cement their place as one of the greatest teams in English football history. Their achievement would be a testament to the brilliance of Guardiola and the exceptional talent of his players.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has emphasized the importance of adapting to different pitch conditions as his team prepares to face Fulham on Saturday. City, aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title, are known for their possession-based passing game that thrives on the pristine surfaces of their Etihad Stadium home.However, Guardiola believes that his side can benefit from slower pitches, as evidenced by their victory at Nottingham Forest last month. He expects a similar challenge at Craven Cottage, where Fulham's pitch is typically longer and drier."We have to adapt like with Nottingham, try to fight back with three points," Guardiola said. "Yesterday, we trained part of the session with a dry, high (grass) to feel it, to adapt."Guardiola compared the situation to tennis, highlighting the different speeds and techniques required on different surfaces. "The passes must be stronger, faster, quicker. The control must attack the ball more," he explained.City head to London trailing Arsenal by a point but with a game in hand. The Gunners face Manchester United on Sunday before concluding their campaign against Everton. City play their game in hand at Tottenham in midweek and then face West Ham in their final league match.Guardiola is confident that his team can overcome any challenges they face, including the potential for a slower pitch at Fulham. "Here we are, one week left to give all we have," he said. "I don't know about the grass, last season it was so, so high and dry. We have to adapt."

Erling Haaland's resurgence has propelled Manchester City back into the Premier League title race, with the Norwegian striker scoring seven goals in four league matches since the end of March.After a frustrating draw against Arsenal in late March, City had failed to score at home in the league for the first time since October 2021. Haaland had also endured a three-match goal drought, leading to criticism from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.However, City has since won four consecutive league games, leaving them one point behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. Haaland has been central to this resurgence, bagging a hat-trick in a 5-1 rout of Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.Haaland's four goals against Wolves made him the third player in Premier League history to score two first-half hat-tricks, after Andrew Cole and Michael Owen. He converted from the penalty spot twice and scored a stunning header from Rodri's cross."That's a beautiful goal. My father [Alf-Inge Haaland, who played for City] is going to be happy with that one," Haaland said. "A nice celebration, I enjoyed that one. We keep going."Haaland's goalscoring exploits have silenced his critics, who had questioned his form this season. Despite missing nearly two months with a foot injury, he has now scored 36 goals in all competitions, including six in the Champions League."Twenty-five goals [in the league] is not bad," said Haaland. "We've got a not-so-bad manager who pushes me. I try to develop every day. I had some problems [this season] but let's not focus on them."Haaland's partnership with Kevin De Bruyne has been crucial to City's success. "I try to do the same runs with everyone, but with him I know I'm going to get it perfect. I know the ball is going to come," said Haaland.Guardiola has often spoken about the difference between players who "help you play better" and those "who win games." Haaland and De Bruyne belong to the latter category."It's simple. They are players that win games by themselves. When one player scores 60 goals, you win games," said Guardiola. "When a player makes a thousand million assists and goals, it helps you to win games. You don't have to study at Harvard or Yale to understand that."With three more wins required, City is on course for an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League crown. As Haaland put it, "We've got four finals [three league games and the FA Cup final] left for our season. We're on a mission. Now focus on the next one."

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his belief that England has the potential to triumph at Euro 2024, drawing parallels to his club's journey to Champions League glory. Guardiola, who guided City to their maiden European crown last season, sees similarities between the English national team and his own squad.England has endured a string of near misses in recent tournaments, including a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final and a quarterfinal exit at the 2022 World Cup. However, Guardiola believes that the Three Lions are on the cusp of success."They are really good. It's not just the talent of the strikers, it's the whole package, the whole group," Guardiola said. "Gareth [Southgate] knows perfectly what he has to do."Guardiola emphasized the importance of belief and the unwavering support of the English fans. "When you arrive at these stages every two years, it's going to happen. It's quite similar to us, we were close, and in the end we lifted it," he said.The Spaniard also highlighted the role of Phil Foden, who has emerged as a key player for both City and England. "If he continues his career until the end here, and continues that level, he can be one of the best, that's for sure," Guardiola said.Guardiola's comments come as England prepares for their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, which begins in March. The Three Lions will be aiming to build on their recent progress and finally break their trophy drought.