Manchester City continue to dominate the headlines after their win over Burnley, with Pep Guardiola addressing his frustration, concerns emerging ahead of Southampton and new links to Rafael Leao.
Here are the top stories about the Sky Blues from the day so far:
Pep Guardiola praises Man City despite touchline frustration
During the second half in particular, Pep Guardiola made no attempt to hide his frustration in the dugout, as he marched up and down bellowing instructions at his players.
Despite this, the manager was far more relaxed in his post-match interview, as he claimed that he was actually pleased with what he saw.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “Winning is the main target. We made an extraordinary game, except the first-half where we defended not good two actions in-behind.”
“The line was not correct. Second half in general was good. Just wow, the chances we created we could’ve scored more goals. But the important is every game winning.
“I think we played really, really good!”
Guardiola faces Southampton dilemma
The Catalan manager will be hoping not to miss Rodri on Saturday. The Ballon d’Or winner suffered a groin injury against Arsenal and was out against Burnley.
A reassessment is scheduled before the weekend, but a start for the Spaniard is unlikely as the Sky Blues face Everton in the Premier League on Monday.
Nevertheless, Guardiola’s small changes today reflected his doubts considering a demanding schedule.
The manager said the same to Sky Sports after the game: “I had a lot of doubts about the line-up today [vs Burnley] because of the fatigue from Sunday [vs Arsenal],” the gaffer told Sky Sports.
He added regarding the Southampton dilemma: “I have to think perfectly about [the Man City line-up vs Southampton], knowing that if we win it will be a good decision and if we lose it will be a bad decision, to have a little bit fresh legs in the FA Cup semi-finals.”
Micah Richards labels Man City’s Burnley game ‘strange’
Man City were able to get the win, and Haaland said he was ‘super happy’ after the match. Pep Guardiola was also in high spirits and full of praise for his team.
However, ex-City star Micah Richards was less enthusiastic, as he felt the new league leaders should have won by a greater margin.
“I think mainly just psychologically as well, you’re going into that game, they know they must win, to set up this game essentially today [Wednesday],” Richards told Sky Sports.
“It’s so strange that Man City have won the game 1-0, and we’re disappointed it’s only 1-0. But obviously, you’ve got to take the whole context into consideration.
“Burnley, where they’re at, it could go down to goal difference at the end of the season. And the chances that Man City created, especially in that first half. So, it was just a strange game all-round, but you’re thinking Man City are going to score more goals than one.”
Darren Ambrose expects the Citizens to win every end-of-season fixture
According to Darren Ambrose, Man City are going to win all their remaining matches this season, which will see them lift the Premier League trophy next month.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are still likely to drop points in two of their fixtures, making a clear separation between the teams.
“They [Man City] can be a little bit disappointed privately in terms of not getting more goals, in terms of how many shots they had,” Ambrose told Sky Sports.
“But I’m looking at the fixtures now, I think they’ll win… Everton’s a tough one, Everton will be a tough one away.”
“Bournemouth, okay. Look, Palace could have a say in this by the way, and that is where I think Arsenal will drop points, either Palace or West Ham. Those two games there are going to be really difficult.”
“I think Manchester City will win every game, I think they’ll win them all. I think Arsenal will drop points to either West Ham or Palace.”
Rafael Leao on Man City’s radar
According to the Daily Mail, Man City have made an enquiry about signing Leao when the summer transfer window opens.
AC Milan are open to offers for the winger, who is valued at around £60m. Still, there is a chance his asking price will be raised if he performs well at the World Cup.
Contrary to earlier reports, Leao has not been offered to Barcelona, and there has been no fallout with his manager, Max Allegri. Despite this, a summer move could be on the cards.
