Manchester City

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We asked for your views on how crucial Bernardo Silva is to Manchester City's team? and what you would do about his contract situation at the club?

Here are some of your comments:

John: Silva is critical to City. He is the only one that seems to understand Pep Guardiola's strategy entirely and consistently outperforms his team-mates in work-rate, ambition and skill.

Julia: Silva has been fantastic this season, but I fear that if he signed for two more years he would be used less and less and that is not fair on such a loyal servant of the club. People doubted the Kevin de Bruyne move, but that has proved to be correct. No-one wants to see a sad decline from previous greatness – Liverpool made that mistake with Mo Salah.

Youssef: Silva is crucial to the team. Whether he plays or not, his leadership and determination are outstanding and massively give faith and hope to the team.

Sean: Silva has been an important player for us over the years. His work-rate and leadership have been vital. His experience will help the younger players in the team going forward. A 12-month or two-year contract would be good for us if it was put on the table.

Andrew: Offering Bernardo a one-year extension with an uplift is a no-brainer. He can sign for someone else next January. Top talent, top man. He has the legs and desire, while class is permanent. If Rodri leaves and Nico O'Reilly steps into that space, then experience in midfield will be essential.

Colin: Silva has been, and still is, 100% critical to City being a successful side. Unfortunately, his mind is made up that he's going back to his boyhood club Benfica when his contract finishes with us.

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the panel discuss the Premier League title race.

It could be argued that the narrative has slightly shifted in the last few weeks, giving Manchester City a more favourable shot at the title - but former Premier League striker Chris Sutton isn't buying it.

"Pep Guardiola is trying to show that the confidence and belief is there for the final run-in, but I'm not sure that it washes," Sutton said.

"The reason I think Arsenal will still win it is looking at their bench against Tottenham - they don't have a weak spot. It is an amazing bench."

The Observer's Rory Smith added: "[Everyone has been saying] Arsenal are stumbling, choking, and Manchester City are coming and gathering strength - but they have had the exact same record this calendar year. Arsenal were two points clear at Christmas and are two points clear now [assuming City win their game in hand]."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

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Leicester are poised to appoint James McCarron, director of player development at the City Group - the company overseeing Manchester City among other clubs - as their new sporting director.

The former Sunderland head of performance is due to start next month in a newly created position at the Championship strugglers.

McCarron had also worked at the Premier League, as elite performance manager, and was sporting director at Belgium club Lommel, another side under the umbrella of Manchester City's owners, between 2021 and 2025.

The Foxes are restructuring their hierarchy with McCarron set to work alongside director of football Jon Rudkin.

"The structure will change," owner Khun Top told BBC Radio Leicester last month.

"He [Rudkin] will go up above the sporting director, and the sporting director will take care of more of the day-to-day, work more on strategy and what we should play [like], what identity, what players should be brought in, and work with the young ones in the academy."

McCarron will arrive after Leicester were docked six points for breaching the English Football League's financial rules, although the club have appealed.

The deduction has put them in danger of relegation to League One - 10 years after winning the Premier League title.

The Foxes appointed Gary Rowett as their manager until the end of the season last week after the sacking of Marti Cifuentes.

Leicester drew 2-2 at Stoke in Rowett's first game in charge on Saturday, leaving them third bottom of the Championship, and they travel to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott believes the Carabao Cup final is critical in deciding who goes on to win the Premier League.

Monday Night Club presenter Mark Chapman explained he feels "the noise" around the Gunners will be significant if they lose to Manchester City at Wembley on 22 March.

"That's the game," Walcott added. "That's the one that essentially sets the tone for how this whole year is going to look for Arsenal."

But ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton said: "I really don't think the League Cup final has any bearing on the Premier League.

"I actually think you could flip that - whoever loses that thinks: 'Do you know what, let's go.'"

Watch Monday Night Club on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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When Manchester City moved on from their previous all-time greats in recent years, many could argue a strong case for the time and place being the perfect moment to part ways.

Kevin de Bruyne was moved on at the end of his contract amid concerns over fitness and perhaps his financial outlay in comparison to appearances, while Kyle Walker's performances had taken a serious downturn. Despite intelligence in the middle of the park, Ilkay Gundogan was continuously losing his way from a physical perspective, and the same could be said for Manuel Akanji and possibly John Stones and Nathan Ake in the coming months.

But in the case of Bernardo Silva - who finds himself out of contract at the end of this season - the Portugal international and club captain is continuing to prove his importance to Pep Guardiola's system week after week despite being 31 years old.

Guardiola has continuously trusted Bernardo at the heart of his operation, even in matches many would presume to be intense in the way of running demands across 90 minutes. His intelligence and awareness, as well as longevity, proved most vital in the recent 2-1 win at Liverpool, and once again on Saturday night as City defeated Newcastle 2-1.

Leading the line through his own individual pressing at times, it was Silva's experience and fight for the cause that inspired Manchester City to get over the line in a must-win game following Arsenal's slip-up at Wolves just days earlier.

It is this commitment to the cause, a deep understanding of Guardiola's tactical demands and City's constant need to be successful in both performances and silverware that make Silva a necessity to ensure the ongoing rebuild remains as promising as it has been thus far.

And perhaps thinking further ahead, could the continuity of Silva into another season inspire Guardiola to see out his own contract amid ongoing media conversation around a potential early exit from Manchester City this summer?

How crucial is Silva to City's team? And what would you do about his contract situation at the club?

Send us your thoughts here

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

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Whoever wins the Carabao Cup final will also "go on and win the Premier League", says former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison.

Before they beat Tottenham on Sunday, Arsenal's lead in the league had been cut to two points by Manchester City.

The two sides will also be battling it out for the first trophy of the season in less than a month's time when they meet at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final on 22 March.

That is a match Morrison believes could have a decisive say in the Premier League title race.

"Arsenal are making defensive mistakes. You saw it against Wolves with Gabriel and [David] Raya. Raya didn't need to come for it. Gabriel is going to deal with it and then they scored the equaliser. [On Sunday], I think against a better team, they will get punished," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Tottenham are not a good team at the moment with all the injuries they've got. They aren't good enough to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal. So that was always going to be a struggle, but against the better teams they'll get punished with the mistakes they're making.

"I still think this is going to go down to the wire. I think this will be decided at the Carabao Cup final. Whoever wins that will go on and win the Premier League, because if they don't get over the line, Arsenal, in that game, then City play them two games later, and if City take the lead they will be celebrating again.

"If Manchester City take the lead, they're not getting caught, that's my opinion."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly is just getting "better and better", says former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison.

The versatile defender and midfielder played in a more fluid role behind City's attackers against Newcastle on Saturday and scored two goals in the 2-1 win.

With the World Cup fast approaching in the summer, O'Reilly, 20, will be looking to prove himself in the final weeks of the season and earn a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

"He probably wants to play in that midfield role, but will he play that for England? I'm not sure," Morrison said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"I think his position for England will probably be at left-back which, you ask any youngster representing their country and going to a World Cup, you play anywhere. But he's been outstanding. His finishes [against Newcastle] were brilliant, and he just improves.

"He gets better and better, and that helps when you're playing with the likes of Bernardo Silva, Rodri, these type of players that will help you at a young age. He's so mature, even his interviews after, but I think he's a fantastic talent.

"He was a midfielder anyway when he came through the academy. He was a number 10, so him scoring goals, it's probably no different to what he's been doing in the academy or in the youth team. But Pep has thrown him in at left-back before when they had injuries and he was outstanding.

"I think he's a brilliant player and he will be a starter for England at the World Cup, the way he's playing at the moment."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Youssef: Happy we clinched a deserved and needed win against a strong Newcastle side wanting revenge after the Carabao Cup thrashing. Thought we were superb in every aspect to some extent. Once again, Gianluigi Donnarumma showed why he's the best keeper in the world. Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly were also brilliant; Haaland's defensive work was great and O'Reilly's ability to find these pockets of space to go into is fantastic.

David: Far from convincing after a very good first half. Their second-half performance, for the umpteenth time this season, was awful, allowing the opposition to pressurise and put City on the back foot, passes going astray and, yet again, no service to Haaland, who ran himself into the ground once more.

Harry: We once again dropped off dramatically in the second half. There were a couple missed passes on both sides which could have led to goals. We held on though, and I've not been this pumped in a while. The camaraderie I saw on that pitch was incredible, I have never been more proud of my team. Anyone who calls Haaland a one-trick pony needs jailing. Not a single bad player on our side, Abdukodir Khusanov had me cheering so often too. Title or not, I'm seeing my team's mentality again and I'm ecstatic. Credit to Newcastle - massive fan support just like in Baku. The reason I'm so happy is because we held off against fantastic opposition. They've improved exceptionally.

Michael: We won because pace was introduced after half-time with Khusanov replacing Ruben Dias. He was magnificent and mopped everything up at the back and even started some attacks. We have a gem on our hands.

Newcastle fans

Richard: Well, that was a lot better than previous efforts at City. More shocking officiating didn't help. City don't need the ref helping them out and they were also very motivated by the chinking of the Gunners bottles. But we gave them a game. Eddie Howe actually called it beforehand . He said you just can't make any mistakes against City as they'll punish you, and that's exactly what happened. But we made a fist of it and I can't be too down about it.

Phillip: It was a great effort by the team considering that several first teamers are missing. Jacob Ramsey is coming on in leaps and bounds. Now need Eddie to work his magic on Yoane Wissa.

Jim: Great display. Toe to toe with the best team in the league. We didn't hold back against a team when most would sit back and defend. We went at them all through the game. No problem with the result - on another day we would have won.

Leslie: Yet another poor second goal. Kieran Trippier yet again at fault - ball watching and waiting for it to come to him instead of attacking it. Not watching for the runner. Not sure how Howe felt we were in the game. The chances City had it could have been 5-1.

Manchester City will face a fight to keep hold of Rodri this summer, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona keen on the midfielder. (Bild - in German), external

Meanwhile, City are behind Arsenal in the race to sign Sporting's 21-year-old Spanish defender Ivan Fresneda. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Nico O'Reilly was a stellar contributor, with those two goals and an outstanding display of versatility playing behind City's attackers that will make intriguing viewing for England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

He is viewed as a left-back, but this showed he has other strings to his bow, while Newcastle United's Lewis Hall also got on the scoresheet and showed enough to suggest he is another viable defensive World Cup option for Tuchel.

City may not have the machine-like fluency and relentless winning style of the Guardiola teams that won four straight Premier League titles, but those memories can still kick in for plenty who will play their part in coming weeks.

One of the newer faces is giant Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, a Champions League winner with Paris St-Germain last season, who is now chasing new honours and horizons with Manchester City.

In some respects he is a flawed keeper, especially under crosses, but has that uncanny, priceless habit of making stunning match-winning saves that makes up for other failings.

He did it with an astonishing stoppage time save from Alexis Mac Allister in a City win at Liverpool that may yet be regarded as the pivotal moment in their season, and he did it again here.

As the final seconds ticked on with Newcastle pressing for a point, Donnarumma employed that giant wingspan to stretch away low to his right to turn away Harvey Barnes' goal-bound shot.

Seconds later, the final whistle went and Etihad Stadium was awash with celebration.

Time will tell just how important those saves - those wins - will be, but City are now in a position from which they have flourished before.

Win all their games. Win the Premier League.

Now the scenery shifts to north London - along with the pressure - as Arsenal face that dangerous trip to Spurs.

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Micah Richards join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 1-1 Burnley

• Aston Villa 1-1 Leeds

• West Ham 1-1 Bournemouth

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola speaking to TNT Sports: "Massive [result], Newcastle is an incredible team, awesome in physicality and speed they have up front. Physicality in the middle. Really tough but the team was unbelievable.

"70% of the players have never been in that situation [close title race], and I don't play. So we have to live it, they know that every game will be like this. Especially at home, with five home games left. Today was the best crowd of the year, it was unbelievable with our people, really proud to be manager of these incredible people and fans. Now we rest three days, we need it, and then we play Leeds."

On Newcastle: "In Champions League [on Wednesday] it was 5-0 at half-time, the physicality and pace they have since Saudi Arabia took over the club, the way they play is so difficult. So I am pleased with the way we played today."

On the performance of Nico O'Reilly: "Nico give us in the middle that physicality that we need. He now plays in his position. He has always played that, he is so complete and so young. I am really pleased the academy produced these incredible players, Nico, Phil [Foden], Rico [Lewis]."

Manchester City goalscorer Nico O'Reilly, speaking to TNT Sports: "I'm over the moon with tonight. The win was the most important thing to close the gap and apply as much pressure as possible. Also, very happy with the two goals."

On putting the pressure on Arsenal and contributing in a title race: "It's a dream of mine to win something like this. There's still a lot of games to go. We need to take each game as it comes. I'm enjoying every moment and taking it all in."

On whether they believe they can do it: "Definitely. We always believe we can win games. We had a week break, so we were able to prepare for this game very well. We just need to keep going."

Did you know?

• Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly scored his first Premier League brace, on his 35th appearance in the competition, netting in consecutive home league games for the first time.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City's celebrations at the final whistle were tinged with relief as well as elation after a stressful night at Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola has rebuilt much of his all-conquering City side that won a historic four consecutive Premier League titles, so questions remain about whether they can put together the sort of unstoppable run that became the trademark of their predecessors.

On this evidence, it may not be so straightforward, but the bottom line is that City have a winning momentum that is ominous for Arsenal as they start to show signs of nerves.

The atmosphere inside the Etihad was nailbiting in the closing stages as City failed to take the chances they created, while Newcastle posed a serious threat until the end.

And there were two huge contributions from City's players that will have delighted Guardiola, who fist-pumped to all sides of the stadium as he went on a lap of appreciation at the end.

Nico O'Reilly showed his superb versatility playing in a roving role behind City's attackers, scoring two goals and popping up to have an impact all over the pitch.

He may be in England head coach Thomas Tuchel's thoughts as a left-back for this summer's World Cup, but this outstanding display showed he has other strings to his bow.

And once more keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma popped up with a match-winning save in stoppage time, as he did from Alex Mac Allister in the vital win at Liverpool.

The Italian may occasionally look uncertain under the high ball, but his incredible wingspan allowed him to stretch low to his right to turn away Harvey Barnes' goalbound shot with just seconds left.

It sealed victory and keeps City right on track behind Arsenal.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola makes nine changes from the team that beat Salford City 2-0 in the FA Cup fourth round, with his rested stars restored.

Only Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush remain from that side, with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Erling Haaland, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Antoine Semenyo among those back in the starting line-up.

Arsenal's slip at Wolves in midweek has opened the door for Manchester City in the Premier League and that line-up reflects it.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Dias, Haaland, Guehi, Rodri, Silva, Ait-Nouri, Nunes, O'Reilly, Semenyo, Marmoush

Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Cherki, Gonzalez, Savinho, Khusanov, Foden, Lewis

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe makes just one change from the team that effective assured qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League with a comprehensive 6-1 win away to Qarabag in the play-off first leg.

Jacob Ramsey, a second half substitute in Azerbaijan, comes in for Harvey Barnes.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Hall, Tonali, Gordon, Thiaw, Elanga, Woltemade, Willock, Burn, Ramsey

Subs: Ruddy, Ramsdale, Joelinton, Barnes, Osula, Murphy, Murphy, Shahar, Neave

Image source, BBC Sport

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Brentford v Brighton

• Chelsea v Burnley - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• West Ham v Bournemouth (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Newcastle (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to Aston Villa v Leeds" or "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Bournemouth", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

This is the fourth meeting between these two clubs already this season, with another to come soon in the FA Cup fifth round - I bet they are sick of each other already.

Newcastle have a long trip back from Azerbaijan to contend with before this game but at least they have put their Champions League tie with Qarabag to bed already and can focus fully on City rather than next week's second leg.

The Magpies still have an awful record at Etihad, however - they lost here in the Carabao Cup in January and have never managed a win in 20 visits in the Premier League.

I don't think this will be easy for City, but I do think they will beat them, again, to move within two points of Arsenal.

The only thing I am not sure about is whether to captain Erling Haaland in my Fantasy team, because he has been out injured.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Having been drawn to face each other in the FA Cup fifth round, Manchester City host Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday (20:00 GMT) hoping to narrow the five-point gap between themselves and league leaders Arsenal.

The clubs have already played each other in a two-legged League Cup semi-final and could potentially meet again in the last four of the Champions League, leading to some cries of fatigue from their supporters.

Pep Guardiola's focus, however, will be solely on avenging a 2-1 reverse at St James' Park in November and using this game in hand to shrink the Gunners' lead to two points.

Citizens cane Magpies

City boast a frankly ridiculous home record against the Magpies. They are unbeaten in 21 and have won each of their past 16 meetings in Eastlands, the second longest home winning streak against an opponent in English top-flight history, after Everton's 22 consecutive wins over Fulham from 1961 to 2018.

The last six of those home wins over Newcastle have come without conceding a goal. Injuries have left City weak in central defence at times this season, but in attack they continue to possess an embarrassment of riches.

Amid increased competition for his place in the starting XI, homegrown hero Phil Foden is approaching a significant milestone. His next Premier League goal involvement will be his 100th for the club, an achievement unlocked by just five City players to date.

Toon's top-half travel troubles

Newcastle come into the game off the back of three straight wins in all competitions, but their league form has been far from good, with last week's 2-1 success at Tottenham Hotspur their first win in five attempts.

That result moved Eddie Howe's side 10th in the table but the Magpies' away record against teams starting the day in the top half is not an encouraging one for the travelling Toon Army; they're winless in 10 against such opposition, losing seven of those. Against teams in the top two, that record stretches to no wins in 37.

Harvey Barnes' impressive performances this season sparked rumours of a potential switch of international allegiance ahead of this summer's World Cup, although Scotland head coach Steve Clarke recently confirmed that the winger is concentrating on adding to his one England cap.

Having bagged a brace earlier in the season, Barnes is aiming to become the first Newcastle player to score home and away against City in the same league season since Alan Shearer in 2004-05.

Barnes and co will be aiming to fire Newcastle to their first top-flight league double over Manchester City since 1955-56. However, the omens are not good; they've played 20 Premier League games at the Etihad without a victory (drawn two, lost 18), the most any team has played at a stadium without winning in the competition's history.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Etihad Stadium (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Guardiola nodded when asked if Erling Haaland is "fully fit" for the visit of the Magpies and confirmed Savinho is "ready" while Jeremy Doku is "not ready" for the game.

• On the Premier League title race: "I didn't speak one second about that with my players. Yesterday and the day before, it's just Newcastle, Newcastle and Newcastle. I didn't talk about the table, I didn't talk about our position. I could not care less! It's 12 games [remaining]. It's 12 games, it's an eternity. Many things are going to happen. That's the only truth I have."

• On the gap to Arsenal: "They were nine points when we had a game in hand, so whenever everybody is on the same fixtures and games being played then after we will see the difference. Many things going to happen. I said weeks ago. Many thing are going to happen until the end of the season."

• Do his players have extra experience over Mikel Arteta's side in the title race?: "Seventy per cent of the players are new, so they don't have the experience to live these kinds of situations. An experience is to win tomorrow. It is only one."

• Guardiola was asked about the incident of alleged racist abuse targeted at Vinicius Junior: "Not for where you are born or your colour of skin makes you better or worse. There's a lot of work to do; it's in society, it's not just in football. Racism is everywhere and if you pretend racism is just for the colour of skin, it's how you behave - that's racism. It's how you pretend you are better than others just for many reasons."

• He was asked about legendary former Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson, who he played under for a season at Barcelona: "What a man! I was fortunate and lucky to have him in Barcelona one season. Truly a gentleman - it was a huge honour. His impact in football, not just in the team he's trained, really good."

• Guardiola responded to Wayne Rooney's comments saying he hopes the Spaniard stays beyond this season: "A huge honour! When compliments come from football players or players involved in the game, and Wayne - what a player! I think in world football, in this country, there are thousands, millions of huge personalities that make the sport better and Wayne has been one of them."

Hit play above to hear more from Guardiola or listen on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Man City? Get in touch and we'll put it to our experts

Manchester City's current state and Pep Guardiola's future formed the focus in this week's episode of The Wayne Rooney Show.

Former Manchester United striker Rooney said: "I think he will be there next year. I think whatever happens, whether they win the league, I think he's brought a lot of players in over the last year so I think he'll want to try and bring them on. If they don't win the league I think his ego will say to him 'I can't finish with not winning the league or anything', depending on the Champions League.

"Some players will want him to leave, it depends on if you're in the team or not. That's the same with any manager. I hope he stays. I think for the Premier League he's brilliant. You want the best managers in the Premier League and he's set a benchmark."

Former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown offered his take: "I feel if the right replacement that the club feels is going to be able to take over - I don't think anyone wants to take over from him - if the right person is here now, I think it's done and he'll leave at the end of the season. I hope he carries on and does another year but who is the next person? If that is not right I think he has an understanding with the club and might need to do another year."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Paris St‑Germain have enquired about Norway striker Erling Haaland's long‑term situation at Manchester City, although the 25-year-old's most likely destination is Spain, if he chooses to move. (Teamtalk), external

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, whose Manchester City contract expires this summer, while Juventus and Monaco are also looking at the 31-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester City's English goalkeeper James Trafford, 23, is prioritising a move to Aston Villa over Newcastle United this summer. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport