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EPL: Semenyo stars as Man City edge Leeds to cut Arsenal lead

Manchester City moved to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.

A first-half strike from Antoine Semenyo proved decisive, as City ended Leeds’ 25-match unbeaten run in evening home fixtures. The visitors were without Erling Haaland, who missed the game with a minor injury.

Leeds miss early chances

Leeds started aggressively and should have led inside three minutes. After Marc Guehi went down under a challenge from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, play continued and the hosts broke quickly.

Brenden Aaronson delivered a cross to an unmarked Calvert-Lewin, who stabbed wide.

EPL: Semenyo stars as Man City edge Leeds to cut Arsenal lead
Semenyo scored the only goal of the game – Getty image

Aaronson was denied again on the counter by Gianluigi Donnarumma, while City responded through Nico O’Reilly, whose effort was kept out by goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Cherki creates, Semenyo finishes

City took control with the final action of the first half. Rayan Cherki split the defence with a precise pass to Rayan Ait-Nouri, who squared low for Semenyo to tap in from close range.

After the interval, City threatened to extend their lead. Omar Marmoush twice went close, while Darlow produced a strong save to deny a header from Guehi.

Leeds pushed late on, with Jaka Bijol heading narrowly wide from a deep corner, but Pep Guardiola’s side held firm.

The result tightens the title race and keeps City within striking distance of Arsenal as the season approaches its decisive phase.

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EPL: Haaland late penalty lifts Man City past Liverpool in chaotic finish

Erling Haaland struck a stoppage-time penalty as Manchester City came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield, breathing new life into the Premier League title race.

The dramatic win cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to six points with 13 matches remaining, while City moved to second place after a rare victory on Merseyside.

Liverpool had taken the lead in the 74th minute through Dominik Szoboszlai, who curled a superb free-kick beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma after a tight and largely cagey contest.

Late goals turn the game

City responded strongly and were level six minutes from time when Bernardo Silva finished from close range after sustained pressure in the Liverpool penalty area.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Matheus Nunes went down under a challenge from goalkeeper Alisson inside the box, and referee Craig Pawson pointed straight to the spot.

EPL: Haaland late penalty lifts Man City past Liverpool in chaotic finish
Haaland scored late penalty to hand Manchester City the win – Getty image

Haaland stepped up and calmly converted in the 93rd minute, registering his 21st Premier League goal of the season.

 

Chaotic finale at Anfield

 

Liverpool almost snatched an equaliser moments later, but Donnarumma produced a fine save to deny Alexis Mac Allister.

City then thought they had scored a third when Rayan Cherki found the net from inside his own half with Alisson out of position.

However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out after Szoboszlai was penalised and sent off for a foul on Haaland earlier in the move, with City instead awarded a free-kick.

Historic away win for City

Despite the late controversy, City held on to claim a landmark victory, their first league win at Anfield since 2021, and their first there in front of supporters since 2003.

The result keeps Guardiola’s side firmly in the title hunt, while Liverpool were left to rue a dramatic late collapse after appearing on course for a crucial home win.

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EPL: Manchester United beat Manchester City as Carrick starts strong

Michael Carrick’s return to Manchester Unitedcontinued in fine fashion as the Red Devils claimed a 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford to move into the Premier League top four.

Carrick had spoken pre-match about the “magic” still present at the club, and United delivered a performance to match the rhetoric, producing their most complete display of the season just days into his tenure.

Carrick impact felt immediately

United benefited from a near fully fit squad, bolstered by the timely returns of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad. The duo added sharpness and intensity to a high-pressing approach that unsettled City throughout.

Mbeumo marked his first appearance in a month by opening the scoring in the 65th minute, offering further relief that Cameroon’s Africa Cup of Nations exit ensured his availability.

EPL: Manchester United beat Manchester City as Carrick starts strong
Carrick begins Manchester United job with win over Manchester City – Getty image

It was United’s first home league win over City since January 2023 and a result that temporarily lifted them to fourth.

City falter as title hopes fade

For City, the defeat further dented hopes of reclaiming the title from Arsenal.

Despite the scoreline, they were fortunate not to concede more, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma repeatedly denying United before eventually being beaten.

Defensive lapses proved costly, particularly for the second goal in the 76th minute when Rico Lewis failed to track Patrick Dorgu, allowing the wing-back to ghost in and finish.

City’s attack offered little resistance, with Phil Foden withdrawn at half-time, Erling Haaland neutralised, and Antoine Semenyo kept quiet.

Old Trafford atmosphere and first-half control

The derby was played against a charged backdrop, with protests aimed at the club’s ownership and banners referencing City’s ongoing Premier League charges.

On the pitch, United dominated large spells of a goalless first half, forcing City into repeated errors under pressure.

Harry Maguire struck the crossbar early on, while Fernandes and Amad both had goals ruled out for offside.

City struggled to cope with United’s aggressive press, and the interval arrived with the visitors fortunate to be level.

Second-half breakthrough seals result

City’s issues deepened after the break, including an injury-enforced withdrawal for Haaland. United continued to press and eventually found reward through Mbeumo before Dorgu sealed the win.

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FA Cup: Semenyo scores on debut as City thrash Exeter 10-1

Manchester City produced a ruthless display to demolish League One side Exeter City 10-1 and book their place in the FA Cup fourth round, matching the biggest winning margin in the club’s history.

Antoine Semenyo marked his Manchester City debut with a goal and an assist after completing a £65m move from Bournemouth, as Pep Guardiola’s side overwhelmed opponents two divisions below them at the Etihad Stadium.

City take control before the break

Despite an early scare when Liam Oakes forced a sharp save from James Trafford inside five minutes, City quickly imposed themselves.

Academy defender Max Alleyne opened the scoring on 12 minutes, poking home his first senior goal for the club.

Rodri then doubled the lead with a long-range strike, before Exeter’s resistance collapsed further through two own goals. Captain Jake Doyle-Hayes and defender Jack Fitzwater both inadvertently turned the ball into their own net, sending City into the interval with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

FA Cup: Semenyo scores on debut as City thrash Exeter 10-1
Semenyo opens his Manchester City account with a goal and assist against Exeter – Getty image

Semenyo shines in second-half rout

The second half became a one-sided exercise as City added six more goals. Rico Lewis finished from Semenyo’s cross before the Ghana international scored himself, showing composure to convert after being played through.

Tijjani Reijnders curled home a fine effort, Nico O’Reilly headed in, and Ryan McAidoo added another with a low finish after an impressive display on his debut. Lewis then completed his brace late on to take City into double figures.

Exeter teenager George Birch scored a late consolation in front of the travelling support, but it did little to soften a chastening afternoon for the visitors.

Record win and momentum boost

The result equalled City’s 10-1 win over Huddersfield Town in 1987 and extended their home FA Cup winning streak to 16 matches. It also provided a timely morale boost after recent Premier League frustrations.

For Exeter, the defeat continued a difficult trend against top-flight opposition, marking their 11th consecutive FA Cup loss to Premier League sides.

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Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea: Fernandez strikes late to deny City

Enzo Fernandez scored deep into stoppage time as Chelsea secured a hard-earned Premier League draw at Manchester City, capping a turbulent week with a credible result.

Under interim coach Calum McFarlane, Chelsea executed a disciplined game plan and were rewarded after Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half goal had put the hosts on course for victory.

City dominance, missed chances

Manchester City controlled long spells and created the clearer openings, with Erling Haaland striking the post and forcing a sharp save from Filip Jorgensen before Reijnders broke the deadlock just before half-time.

Pep Guardiola’s side appeared well placed to extend their strong home run, but wastefulness in front of goal proved costly once again, compounding recent dropped points in the title race.

Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea: Fernandez strikes late to deny City
Enzo Fernandez scored deep into stoppage time as Chelsea secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester City – Getty image

Chelsea resilience under interim boss

Chelsea improved after the break, spurning chances through Pedro Neto and Liam Delap before finally finding a breakthrough.

Fernandez reacted quickest at the far post to convert a low cross, sealing a deserved point.

The result leaves City six points behind leaders Arsenal, while Chelsea remain firmly in the top-five conversation

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EPL: Haaland double sends Man City top after West Ham win

Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester Citycontinued their strong run with a comfortable Premier League victory over West Ham United, moving Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the table.

City’s fifth straight league win puts them one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim first place later on Saturday with a win away at Everton.

 

Early strike sets the tone

 

The contest was effectively decided within five minutes. Haaland reacted quickest after Alphonse Areola saved his initial effort, converting the rebound to give City an early lead at the Etihad Stadium.

City dominated thereafter, carving West Ham open repeatedly. Haaland missed a clear chance to double the advantage with a free header, while Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden both forced saves from Areola.

EPL: Haaland double sends Man City top after West Ham win
Erling Haaland bagged a brace to help Manchester City win the game – Getty image

Reijnders adds control

City’s pressure told again seven minutes before half-time when Reijnders collected a pass from Haaland, drove into space and rifled a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

That goal removed any lingering doubt about the outcome, with Guardiola’s side controlling possession.

Haaland seals it

West Ham showed brief intent after the break, with Jarrod Bowen twice going close, but their resistance ended when Haaland struck again in the 69th minute to secure the points.

The Norwegian now has 19 league goals this season and 38 in all competitions, underlining his central role in City’s title push.

Contrasting trajectories

The win extends City’s unbeaten run against teams starting the day in the relegation zone to 48 matches and marks their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.

For West Ham, the situation looks increasingly bleak. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side remain 18th, three points from safety, and are now winless in six league games as relegation concerns deepen.

City return to action on 27 December away at Nottingham Forest, while West Ham host Fulham the same day, facing growing pressure to reverse their slide.

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UCL: Haaland, O’Reilly strike as Alonso’s Madrid sink against Man City

Real Madrid’s crisis deepened on Wednesday night as Manchester City secured a 2-1 win at the Bernabéu, leaving Xabi Alonso’s job on the line after just seven months in charge.

Pep Guardiola, already an unpopular figure in Madrid from his Barcelona days, returned to inflict more damage, this time with a victory that exposed Madrid’s frailties and amplified pressure on his former Bayern Munich protégé.

Madrid start strong but collapse quickly

Despite their struggles in La Liga and a long injury list, Madrid opened brightly. Rodrygo ended his 32-game goal drought with a composed finish after a well-timed pass from Jude Bellingham, giving the hosts the lead they deserved.

The momentum didn’t last. Within five minutes, City were level as Nico O’Reilly reacted quickest to a Thibaut Courtois spill. Madrid’s appeals for a foul on Ruben Dias were dismissed, and City seized control.

UCL: Haaland, O’Reilly strike as Alonso’s Madrid sink against Man City
Man City beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu – Getty image

Haaland turns the tide

O’Reilly then combined with Jeremy Doku before floating a cross toward Erling Haaland, who was hauled down by Antonio Rüdiger.

After VAR intervention, the penalty was awarded, and Haaland, unfazed after his recent miss against Liverpool, sent Courtois the wrong way.

City nearly added a third before the break, with Courtois producing a double save to deny Haaland and Rayan Cherki.

Madrid chase the game but fall short

Alonso’s side pushed hard in the second half. Bellingham attempted a delicate chip that landed on the roof of the net, while Vinícius Júnior squandered two promising chances. Substitute Endrick struck the crossbar late on, summing up a night of frustration.

City, meanwhile, continued to create chances of their own, with Courtois keeping the deficit respectable as Cherki and Doku caused persistent problems.

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EPL: Haaland, Doku shine as Guardiola thrash Liverpool in his 1,000th game

Pep Guardiola celebrated his 1,000th game as a manager with a stunning 3-0 win over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, cutting Arsenal’s Premier League lead to four points.

Manchester City took control early, and halting Liverpool’s resurgence. Erling Haaland missed a penalty after Giorgi Mamardashvili fouled Jeremy Doku but made amends minutes later with a towering header from Matheus Nunes’ cross, his 28th goal of the season.

Haaland led the line well, supported by Doku, Phil Fode, and Bernardo Silva, while Gianluigi Donnarumma was solid in goal, denying Dominik Szoboszlai’s late effort.

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EPL: Haaland double fires Man City past Bournemouth

Erling Haaland returned to scoring form with a decisive brace as Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 3-1 to reclaim second place in the Premier League and close the gap on leaders Arsenal to six points.

Pep Guardiola’s men were looking to bounce back after last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, a match that saw Haaland fail to score for only the second time this season.

The Norwegian responded emphatically, proving once again why he remains City’s most lethal weapon.

Early scare, swift response

Bournemouth thought they had the perfect start when teenager Eli Junior Kroupi found the net after just 44 seconds, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

City capitalised soon after, as Rayan Cherki’s clever header released Haaland, who calmly slotted past Djordje Petrovic in the 17th minute to make it 1-0.

The hosts’ lead was short-lived, though, as Tyler Adams pounced on a poor punch from Gianluigi Donnarumma to smash home an equaliser, his first goal in English football.

Haaland restores control

City’s dominance soon resurfaced. Cherki again combined brilliantly with Haaland, who rounded the goalkeeper and finished with composure for his 13th league goal of the campaign and 26th across all competitions.

The striker came close to a hat-trick before the break but was denied by Petrovic’s sharp save.

O’Reilly seals the win

After Kroupi forced Donnarumma into another stop, City struck the killer blow on the hour mark. Midfielder Nico O’Reilly surged forward and buried a low shot into the corner to seal an assured victory for Guardiola’s side.

The win puts Manchester City back on track after their stumble at Villa Park, while Bournemouth’s run hits a temporary setback despite another spirited performance.

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Guardiola: Haaland “not stupid enough” to leave Manchester City for Barca

Pep Guardiola has dismissed rumours linking Erling Haaland with a move to Barcelona, insisting the prolific striker is “not stupid enough” to consider leaving Manchester City after penning a 10-year contract extension.

Haaland, who has already scored 11 goals in eight games this season, recently committed his long-term future to the Premier League champions.

Reports in Spain had claimed Barcelona president Joan Laporta was targeting the 25-year-old as part of his re-election campaign, but Guardiola was quick to ridicule the speculation.

“He Isn’t stupid enough” – Guardiola

Speaking ahead of City’s weekend fixture, Guardiola said Haaland’s decision to stay reflected his ambition and intelligence.

“I think Erling isn’t stupid enough to sign something he doesn’t want to accomplish, that is for sure,” he said.

“But it’s football, who knows what will happen? Nobody knows. What I do know is that he has a long contract here, and he’s doing really well and scoring a lot of goals.”

The Spanish manager, who spent four years managing Barcelona, admitted he understood why his former club would be interested in a player of Haaland’s calibre.

“Every club dreams of Haaland”

Guardiola added that Laporta’s admiration for Haaland was only natural, given the Norwegian’s extraordinary impact.

“Can you tell me one club that wouldn’t dream of Erling Haaland?” he asked.

“I understand Barcelona dream of him, and so would every club in the world. If he weren’t with us, it would be a dream for Manchester City to have him.”

The 53-year-old praised Haaland’s integration into the team, crediting his teammates for creating the opportunities that allow him to shine.

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