'Man City have got to enjoy the chase' - Hartpublished at 15:06 BST 4 May
15:06 BST 4 May
Image source, Getty Images
Two-time Premier League winner Joe Hart believes Manchester City find themselves "chasing" Arsenal for the Premier League top spot again, after being bumped down to second as the Gunners picked up three points against Fulham at Emirates Stadium.
"Manchester City have only got one mindset and that is that they are chasing," Hart said. "They have got to enjoy the chase up until the final whistle goes, and then they have just got to execute their plan.
"It is an interesting mindset to be in. There will be a buzz in training [before their next match] - 100% there will be a buzz."
Pep Guardiola's focus will certainly be on his side's Premier League clash with Everton on Monday night, while Mikel Arteta's focus will shift to the club's midweek Champions League semi-final second leg against Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid.
Everton v Man City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 08:31 BST 4 May
08:31 BST 4 May
Matt Jones BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City can keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal on Monday (20:00 BST) when they visit Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Just one point from their past three games - including two last-gasp defeats in their past two - has halted Everton's push for European football. However, they go into this fixture five points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth with a game in hand, meaning all is not lost.
Manchester City represent a fearsome opponent, though, especially with the scent of the title in their nostrils. Pep Guardiola and his side have had a full week to prepare for this fixture after their dramatic win over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final last Saturday.
Everton running out of steam?
Toffees manager David Moyes has relied on a core group of players this season, and it has served him well - at least until a couple of weeks ago.
Defeats by Liverpool and West Ham United came courtesy of injury-time goals from the opposition. It was the first time Everton have conceded a winning goal in the 90th minute or later in back-to-back league games.
While the Toffees have frequently scored late themselves this season, it is perhaps no surprise that the wear and tear of the campaign is beginning to show. Everton have made the fewest substitutions, used the fewest players, and only Nottingham Forest have made fewer changes to their starting XI over the course of the season.
In Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the Blues at least have a player in form in the final third. The midfielder netted his eighth goal of the season at West Ham and is proving himself to be a lethal finisher; only Antoine Semenyo (+4.5) and Harry Wilson (+4.3) are outperforming their xG by a greater margin than the former Chelsea and Leicester City man (+4.2).
City look to continue dominance over Everton
As much as this fixture has the feel of a potentially awkward one for City, visits to the blue half of Merseyside have been fruitful for them for many years.
Everton have not beaten City in the league since their 4-0 win at Goodison Park in 2016 - a run spanning 17 games. City have also won their past eight visits to Everton, which represents the Toffees' longest run of consecutive home defeats against one opponent in their history.
Moyes has also found Guardiola a difficult foe. The Scot has yet to record a win in 15 previous meetings between the two managers; only Sean Dyche against Guardiola and Steve Bruce against Sir Alex Ferguson have faced an opponent more times - 17 occasions - without winning in the competition.
City have been far from their best in the recent wins over Burnley and Southampton, but they will be confident of exploiting an Everton defence that has been ropey as of late.
The Toffees have struggled in the full-back positions all season and in Jeremy Doku, City have the perfect player to capitalise on any frailties. The Belgium international has made 82 carries into the opponent's penalty area, which is nine more than any other player.
Who has the 'favourable run-in' in 'no room for error' title race?published at 07:43 BST 4 May
07:43 BST 4 May
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
We are in the middle of one of the Premier League's most dramatic and tightest title races, but did it swing back in leaders Arsenal's favour on Saturday?
The Gunners went six points clear of Manchester City with a 3-0 win over Fulham and have just three league games left this season.
Pep Guardiola's second-placed side have five fixtures left but know there is very little room for error in the fight to be champions.
Defeats by Bournemouth and Manchester City, coupled with a victory for Guardiola's men at Burnley, had knocked the Gunners off the top spot two weeks ago for the first time in 209 days.
They have survived a ridicule-filled fortnight, which included a fan going viral for drinking from a water bottle labelled 'Arsenal tears' and City striker Erling Haaland calling the club boring on Snapchat.
And Opta now gives them 79.7% chance of being English champions for the first time since 2004.
The title could be settled on goal difference or even goals scored, so Mikel Arteta will be thrilled his side, who have won 10 games by a one-goal margin this season and been criticised for their cautious performances, scored three unanswered goals against Fulham.
In extending their goal difference advantage over City to four, it felt like 1-0 to the Arsenal was out and all-out attack was in.
One of the reasons Opta's calculations favour Arsenal so heavily is their favourable run-in.
After their Champions League return tie against Atletico on Tuesday, they visit strugglers West Ham next Saturday, host relegated Burnley on 18 May and then travel to Crystal Palace on 24 May.
Manchester City visit Everton on Monday, before taking on seventh-placed Brentford away from home, hosting Crystal Palace, travelling to sixth-placed Bournemouth - who are on a 15-game unbeaten run in the league - and then facing Champions League chasers Aston Villa at home on the final day.
Gossip: Juventus target Reijnderspublished at 06:46 BST 4 May
06:46 BST 4 May
Juventus head a number of Italian clubs interested in signing midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who joined Manchester City from AC Milan for £46.3m last summer. (Football Insider, external)
Meanwhile, Barcelona have almost completed a deal for City's Bernardo Silva, after the midfielder announced he was leaving the club at the end of the season. (Barca Universal, external)
Sutton's predictions: Everton v Man City published at 13:58 BST 3 May
13:58 BST 3 May
Manchester City have got some momentum and come into this game off the back of six straight wins in all competitions.
Will they keep that good form up, though? The Hill Dickinson has not been a fortress for Everton this season but I can see them making it difficult for City and being hard to break down.
It wouldn't surprise me if Everton picked up a point but with City's front four of Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, Jeremy Doku and Antoine Semenyo in such good form, I am going to say they will find a way to win it.
Guardiola on schedule, Stones and trip to Stockport Countypublished at 16:25 BST 1 May
16:25 BST 1 May
Holly Bacon BBC Sport journalist
Media caption,
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Guardiola said Rodri is "getting better" but still has not trained with them. He said Ruben Dias will "not yet" return but he is getting better - as is Josko Gvardiol.
The manager said City's end of the season schedule "is what it is" and that they "have to adapt". He added: "I'd prefer even to play the Champions League semi-finals. We've had this type of calendar, of course it could be better but I never expect from a long time ago, something."
Guardiola was asked about when Paris St-Germain had a postponement request accepted earlier this season: "It can happen in other countries, but here it is what it is. We have to adapt. If you don't like it, go and train in France or Portugal. I like to be here and I've said many times - when I was at Barcelona I saw managers here complain about the schedule. So I never expect differently. They decide to play [any day of the week], we will play."
On John Stones, who confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season: "He was the best player by far in the final in Istanbul. That means a huge personality. Now he feels fit. Hopefully he can find the rhythm, physically to be ready. Part of ourselves is leaving. He's an incredible person on and off the pitch."
The City boss said they are "ready for another final" against an Everton team "still fighting for European competitions". On the Toffees he added: "They defend really well. David Moyes knows exactly what to do. The game we played here [The Etihad] we won because of two or three actions. I think we are better than in that moment and hopefully we can use that. We know what we are playing for."
Guardiola was asked about his trip to watch Stockport County against Port Vale in midweek and joked: "I saw the calendar, PSG-Bayern Munich, I said 'ah, what a disaster game'. I am in love with English football and I went to see Stockport." He said he watched PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich "right after" when he got home, "with a glass of wine, knowing the result".
Goals will crown the next kingspublished at 13:29 BST 1 May
13:29 BST 1 May
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal squeezed past Newcastle to go top of the Premier League again by three points and could be six clear before Manchester City next play. Even so, it didn't feel close to the biggest story of the weekend, just business as usual at the Emirates.
The biggest surprise to me is that both City and Arsenal have seemed content with 1-0 wins in their last league games, even though both are keenly aware that goal difference and goals scored could decide the destination of the Premier League trophy.
I haven't given up hope yet. Soon enough, they will start going for the jugular in every match, which will be a joy to behold.
Gabriel should have been sent off in Man City fixture - panelpublished at 10:22 BST 1 May
10:22 BST 1 May
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal defender Gabriel should have been shown a red card for violent conduct against Manchester City, according to the Premier League's key match incidents panel.
However, while the panel believed referee Anthony Taylor should have dismissed the Brazil international, it also felt the incident did not reach the threshold for a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention.
Gabriel had been engaged in a battle with Erling Haaland throughout the top-of-the-table Premier League clash.
In the 82nd minute, the two players literally went head-to-head, with the Gabriel pushing his forehead into the City striker.
Referee Anthony Taylor opted to caution both players for adopting an aggressive attitude on the advice of his assistant.
The VAR, John Brooks, backed that decision, ruling that the centre-back's action was "not excessively aggressive or violent".
Most panellists disagreed with the yellow card shown by Taylor, voting 3:2 that "the extra head movement forward from Gabriel" should be seen as violent conduct.
The other two panellists argued "there is little force or initial backwards movement from Gabriel."
The panel voted 4:1 against a VAR intervention.
Gabriel would have been suspended for three matches if he had been sent off for violent conduct.
It was also unanimously ruled that Taylor was correct not to show a red card to City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
Arsenal striker Kai Havertz went down under a challenge from the Uzbekistan international when running through on goal in the 53rd minute.
Taylor did not give a free-kick, and the VAR opted against a review for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
The panel noted that "Havertz is not in control of the ball and Khusanov makes shoulder-to-shoulder contact".
Gossip: Everton want to extend Grealish loanpublished at 07:45 BST 1 May
07:45 BST 1 May
Everton are exploring a move for John Stones, who is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season. They also want to extend Jack Grealish's loan. (i paper - subscription required, external)
Tottenham will sell goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to Inter Milan this summer, with James Trafford on their list of possible replacements. (Teamtalk, external)
'A domestic double is more than achievable'published at 11:53 BST 30 April
11:53 BST 30 April
Emily Brobyn Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
From a trophyless season to the possibility of a domestic treble, it's been a wild ride for Manchester City fans so far – and it's time to hold on as we start to turn into the final straight.
I'm of the mind that the domestic double – the League Cup and FA Cup – would be an impressive end to a campaign where, at times, silverware certainly hasn't been promised.
I did believe City had the potential to just pip Arsenal to the title on goal difference, but now I think Mikel Arteta's men will get the job done. I'd always back the Blues – they have the momentum and real experience of locking in when it really matters. I just think with the trickier fixtures and a bit of fixture congestion, it feels like a big ask for this young side.
Arsenal are desperate – 22 years without a title – and that desperation to end their title drought could be their biggest strength. Whether they can hold their nerve to actually get it over the line remains to be seen.
But we've seen real progress from this evolving Pep side this season. Many of the younger players have come of age, the new signings have really bedded in. Pep's found a consistent starting XI that he trusts, that has a rhythm and consistency. But can they be perfect between now and the end of the season? It's a huge ask. It feels like it could just be a season too soon when it comes to the title – but it's ominous already for next season for City's rivals.
A domestic double is more than achievable. An FA Cup final against Chelsea could be tricky with Premier League midweek games either side. But having made more history by reaching four FA Cup finals in a row, surely Pep wouldn't want the honour of losing three of those on the spin.
The title race could boil down to who blinks first – and with City playing on Monday at Everton, the Blues may have to overturn a six-point deficit yet again should Arsenal beat Fulham.
Pep's men are currently 11 games unbeaten in the league. They'd need to go 16 to win the league. If they do? Well, nobody could argue with that.
'Can almost play with his eyes closed' - fan tributes to departing Stones published at 09:16 BST 30 April
09:16 BST 30 April
Image source, Getty Images
As with fellow legendary figure Bernado Silva, tributes to John Stones have been pouring in since the defender followed his team-mate in announcing he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old has made 293 appearances since joining from Everton for £47.5m in 2016, helping City win six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the Uefa Super Cup.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, City fan Scott said: "I can't cope at the moment. All the players I've really liked over the last few years are leaving. He was the second signing under Pep Guardiola after Ilkay Gundogan, he was 20 and everyone thought he would be on the bench. He has shown his versatility and been a fantastic player for the club.
"His conversion into midfield has shown that and he has played his part in every season where we have won things. Specifically, the Champions League final when we won the treble, he had a magnificent game. He's been a great signing for the club."
Fellow City supporter Nigel added: "Having watched the guy, and especially the treble season, he can almost play the game with his eyes closed when he is fit. He is that good.
"He is one of those people who comes out of the womb and can just play football from birth. That's the calibre of John Stones.
"The way he bounced back after his first few years at City, that's what I admire. The way he fought back and established himself as a top footballer is testament to the lad's determination and dedication to making it."
Newcastle are planning a rebuild this summer with Lens' 21-year-old French goalkeeper Robin Risser and Manchester City and England stopper James Trafford, 23, being considered for the No 1 spot. (i paper - subscription required, external)
Empty seats 'a symptom of staggering success'published at 08:38 BST 29 April
08:38 BST 29 April
Freddie Pye Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
The sight of empty seats in the Manchester City end at Wembley for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton has inevitably triggered the usual cycle of lazy jibes from rival fans.
But for anyone living in the real world - and certainly outside of the vacuum of social media point-scoring - the lack of a sell-out is not an indictment of loyalty, but a symptom of staggering success and economic reality.
Under Pep Guardiola, a trip to England's showpiece venue has shifted from a once-in-a-generation opportunity to a routine commitment. Since 2011, City have visited the national stadium 33 times, and the weekend's clash against the Saints was Guardiola's 25th Wembley appearance alone, including the Premier League meetings with Tottenham in 2018.
For a fanbase largely based in the North West, the novelty of the M6 has long since worn off.
Factor in the real-life logistics - a return train from Manchester to London Euston can comfortably exceed £100, while match tickets, stadium food, and drinks push the cost of a single day trip toward the £300 mark. Now, imagine what it would take for a family of four - that's over £1,000 for a Saturday trip.
To expect the average fan to bankroll this every few weeks, or certainly multiple times across a season, in the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, and semi-finals of the former is bordering on delusional.
With Manchester City now having reached a historic four consecutive FA Cup finals, supporters have been forced to prioritise.
When facing Southampton - a Championship side City were favourites to beat, irrespective of the Saints' brilliant form in recent months - it is perfectly logical for fans to save their hard-earned cash for what some would deem as an inevitable final appearance next month. And that is now what we have on the cards, once again, as Chelsea await.
Why pay a premium for a semi-final that many would agree should be played at a neutral northern or Midlands ground like Villa Park, when the showpiece final is just around the corner? Wembley is Wembley, the ultimate reward for conquering every round, not for reaching the last-four.
In an era of soaring living costs, City fans chose to back their team where it matters most. As Pep Guardiola himself noted after the 2-1 win, they will be there for the final. And to suggest otherwise is to ignore the physical and financial exhaustion that comes with unparalleled dominance.
'Important' Man City 'listened' to possible ticket price increasepublished at 07:59 BST 29 April
07:59 BST 29 April
Media caption,
For a third consecutive campaign, Manchester City will not increase ticket prices.
Official Supporters Club representative Kevin Parker told BBC Sport's Manchester City reporter, Shamoon Hafez that "putting prices up in this in the current climate is an absolute no, no".
City have reacted by freezing ticket prices "in recognition of the extraordinary accumulated impact of the current cost of living pressures on fans and their families".
Parker believes other top-flight clubs have "ignored" the current cost of living pressures and that some clubs have "gone way too far" with their ticket price increase.
"Any percentage increase is too far. For City to listen, that is the most important part of this," added Parker.
"Various protests around the stadiums also objected to that [proposed 2.8% increase to Man City tickets], but the club came back and said: 'We have listened and this is what we're going to do'."
City have also introduced a new bracket of adult ticket prices starting at £25 for some midweek Premier League games, acknowledging the difficulties of attending such matches during a working week.
Liverpool fans have already conducted several protests against plans to increase ticket prices before each of the next three seasons.
The move has prompted Supporters' Union Spirit of Shankly to call on fans to work together across the game in order to protect affordable access to matches.
Premier League not receptive to City alternatives for fixture build-uppublished at 19:02 BST 28 April
19:02 BST 28 April
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City face a fixture pile-up of four games in 11 days next month after the Premier League confirmed the rescheduled dates for two of their key matches in the race for the title.
Pep Guardiola's side will host Crystal Palace on Wednesday, 13 May and travel to Bournemouth six days later, with the FA Cup final against Chelsea taking place in between on Saturday, 16 May.
City have been left frustrated by the length of time it has taken for the Crystal Palace game to be confirmed and feel the principle of rescheduling games at the earliest moment has not been followed.
The Premier League knew about the need to rearrange that game on 4 February, when City beat Newcastle to book their place in the Carabao Cup final, but it has taken almost three months to come to this decision.
It is understood City had offered three different alternatives for the Palace fixture in the weeks beginning 20 and 27 April, as well as 4 May, but the Burnley game was rescheduled for the first option and Oliver Glasner's side's participation in the Conference League ruled out the other.
City had put forward the scenario of potentially facing Bournemouth on 12 May and Palace a week later, which would have allowed an extra day to recover for the Wembley showpiece and to play their final two league games of the season at home.
While Manchester City wanted to play the game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday. 19 May, this did not seem to take into account the Eagles' game against Brentford.
That game has to be played on Sunday, 17 May as the FA Cup final takes place the day before, so there was no realistic prospect that Palace would be told to play again 48 hours later when there were other options available.
It leaves City with an arduous three games in seven days, with a lot of travelling involved, during the most crucial part of the campaign when they are chasing a domestic treble.
Stones a 'truly special player' who was 'worth every penny'published at 17:54 BST 28 April
17:54 BST 28 April
We asked for your views on John Stones, who will leave Manchester City this summer after 10 years at the club
Here are some of your comments:
Grace: Club legend. His performance in Istanbul to secure the Treble and our first Champions League will live long in the memory of all fans. It's unfortunate that his injuries kept him out of the team so much, but a decade of service to the club is not bad going!
Bryan: Stones has been brilliant for us and is my favourite centre-back of all time. He had/has everything - big, strong, quick, great reader of the game, always good on the ball and never panicked. A one-off. The only downside is his injury record so it's probably the right time to move on. I hope he does brilliantly wherever he goes.
Christopher: Johnny, Johnny Stones loves an 11mm goalline clearance.
Russ: All the best, John Stones. I'm sure the doubt over his fitness has played a part in the conversations with City. That aside, it's hard to think of a more classy central defender. If his next team can get a full season out of him it will be a nailed on good one. Some outstanding games for City over the years.
Evan: A top player and a top bloke. He's been absolutely fantastic for City and I'm truly gutted his injuries mean he will now leave us. The fans adore him - he will be truly missed. Thank you for 10 great years, John.
Usama: A truly special player in many ways. He arrived at the club with several question marks over his ability and the money we bought him for, but look back at what he has achieved and he is worth every penny. He's a perfect example of a Pep player. Has played in many different roles, accomplishing all of them - and what about that performance in Istanbul? Wow. He will be missed for sure and wish him the absolute best of luck in his next chapter. Sir John.
Steve: MOTM in the Champions League final. A fit John Stones walks into most sides. He gets the Blues excited.
Image source, Getty Images
