by MCFC Editorial
Gossip: Summer transfer hint and match reactions
There were mixed fortunes for City's teams on Sunday with the men's side cruising to victory against West Ham but the women suffering Champions League defeat...
This morning’s Media Watch brings us reaction to those games, including a possible hint at City’s summer transfer activity, plus a notable compliment from an opposition skipper.
First to the Guardian, whose match reporter at the London Stadium Dominic Fifield was particularly impressed with City’s third goal from Gabriel Jesus.
He wrote: “The most majestic of the visitors’ rewards was their third, scored by Gabriel Jesus early in the second half, the striker initially supplying a wonderfully weighted and incisive pass that sent Sterling scurrying beyond Cresswell and into the penalty area.
“Just as impressive was the winger’s clarity of thought as he contemplated his centre while West Ham flooded their penalty area. In darted Jesus, unnoticed, to collect with a glorious first touch, disorienting Pablo Zabaleta in the process, and then beat Adrián from close range."
The Daily Mail’s Matt Lawton echoed the praise, reporting: “The pursuit of history and Premier League records for points and goals, Guardiola explained afterwards, are motivation enough for this irrepressible City side. And, eight minutes into the second half, an exquisite one-two between Gabriel Jesus and Sterling made it 3-1.
“In scoring his 16th goal of the season, Jesus excelled, first with the ball that sent Sterling racing down the right flank and then the touch, skill and finish to control his colleague’s delivery before guiding his finish beyond the advancing Adrian."
A few papers latched onto a post-match comment from City boss Pep Guardiola concerning summer squad considerations.
"Don't worry, we are going to spend a lot of money next season as well - maybe £1 billion or something," he joked in quotes carried by ESPN.
"It's the same question with Chelsea four years ago, when they were not good the next season. Next season everyone starts with zero points. We need something.
"We need to touch something, the team. Maybe one. Maybe two. No more than that, for next year."
Over in France City fought valiantly against Lyon in the UCWL but ultimately exited the competition.
The BBC report read: “A brilliant volley from former City player Lucy Bronze opened the scoring for the French side after 17 minutes at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
“The hosts dominated proceedings and almost doubled their lead when Amandine Henry hit the post from range.
“City failed to threaten in the second half as they lost a last-four tie to Lyon for the second consecutive season."
The MEN highlighted goalkeeper Karen Bardsley’s performance on a difficult afternoon for Nick Cushing’s side.
“Lyon could have had more goals," they reported, "but a number of good saves from City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley ensured the match remained 1-0 at the break.
“City were marginally better in the second half, but it took them until the 58th minute to register their first shot of the game when Jill Scott fired an effort over the crossbar."
We’ll sign off Monday’s media watch with a word from the aptly-named Mark Noble, the West Ham skipper who was gracious after his side’s defeat.
“Congratulations to City, their players, their staff and their manager because they are champions and they are by far the best team in this league."
That's all for this morning, we'll be here again tomorrow with all the latest from the back pages...
Monday Gossip
posted on 30/4/18
I believe the age consideration was always in the plan. That's why it was a nonsense in the wailing about transfer fees - these players could be with us for a decade possibly. One only has to look at the strategy since Robinho - it's been thought through and it happens for a sound business and financial reason in the long term. Also, as the titles begin to mount up, why would players want to go to RM or Barca, when they can get the same achievements coupled with the privilege of playing and living in Manchester?
posted on 30/4/18
comment by Stretford_Ender85 (U10955)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by gratedbean (U4885)
posted 1 hour, 46 minutes ago
comment by LEE1PEN (U6707)
posted 31 minutes ago
I agree Melts. What's funny is that we've scored more goals than any other team yet no ones mentioning any of our front players as possible targets for RM or Barca unlike Keane and Salah.
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I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but the old guard of Europe have largely backed the feck off when it’s come to cherry picking our stars over the past 10 years. Not complaining though!
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I think it's pretty obvious what the reason is and it's not your distinguished history sorry to say.
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Well they wont be on peanuts at real will they.
posted on 30/4/18
I cant see sane staying his whole career, and we will find out sterlings intentions soon as he is coming into his last 2 years.
posted on 30/4/18
comment by Stretford_Ender85 (U10955)
posted 7 minutes ago
comment by gratedbean (U4885)
posted 1 hour, 46 minutes ago
comment by LEE1PEN (U6707)
posted 31 minutes ago
I agree Melts. What's funny is that we've scored more goals than any other team yet no ones mentioning any of our front players as possible targets for RM or Barca unlike Keane and Salah.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but the old guard of Europe have largely backed the feck off when it’s come to cherry picking our stars over the past 10 years. Not complaining though!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think it's pretty obvious what the reason is and it's not your distinguished history sorry to say.
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Nope but it could be the chance to make history
posted on 30/4/18
comment by Blue_mooning (U12093)
posted 7 minutes ago
I cant see sane staying his whole career, and we will find out sterlings intentions soon as he is coming into his last 2 years.
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Me neither with Sané. If he continues to learn and improve (offsides ffs) he has all the attributes to be a very top tier player in the future - after Messi and Ronaldo retire.
posted on 30/4/18
comment by Blue_mooning (U12093)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by Stretford_Ender85 (U10955)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by gratedbean (U4885)
posted 1 hour, 46 minutes ago
comment by LEE1PEN (U6707)
posted 31 minutes ago
I agree Melts. What's funny is that we've scored more goals than any other team yet no ones mentioning any of our front players as possible targets for RM or Barca unlike Keane and Salah.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but the old guard of Europe have largely backed the feck off when it’s come to cherry picking our stars over the past 10 years. Not complaining though!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think it's pretty obvious what the reason is and it's not your distinguished history sorry to say.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well they wont be on peanuts at real will they.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Obviously the high wages help protect us from losing our main assets. But bar Boateng, who was hardly a key player for us anyway, I can’t think of any we’ve lost during the past decade.
posted on 30/4/18
I think a lot of the length of time players stay will be directly related to how long Pep stays and who the next manager will be.
posted on 30/4/18
comment by LEE1PEN (U6707)
posted 1 minute ago
I think a lot of the length of time players stay will be directly related to how long Pep stays and who the next manager will be.
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Definitely.
posted on 30/4/18
comment by gratedbean (U4885)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by Blue_mooning (U12093)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by Stretford_Ender85 (U10955)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by gratedbean (U4885)
posted 1 hour, 46 minutes ago
comment by LEE1PEN (U6707)
posted 31 minutes ago
I agree Melts. What's funny is that we've scored more goals than any other team yet no ones mentioning any of our front players as possible targets for RM or Barca unlike Keane and Salah.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but the old guard of Europe have largely backed the feck off when it’s come to cherry picking our stars over the past 10 years. Not complaining though!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think it's pretty obvious what the reason is and it's not your distinguished history sorry to say.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well they wont be on peanuts at real will they.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Obviously the high wages help protect us from losing our main assets. But bar Boateng, who was hardly a key player for us anyway, I can’t think of any we’ve lost during the past decade.
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But the high wages dont stop a player kicking off if we deny them a move. As they would get similar wherever they go.
The only thing that has been a problem was yaya 2014. Other than that we haven't had much drama.
Boateng looks planned to me as they refused to sell to bayern. So he went to us.
posted on 30/4/18
comment by Ashtonianblue (U12469)
posted 38 minutes ago
I believe the age consideration was always in the plan. That's why it was a nonsense in the wailing about transfer fees - these players could be with us for a decade possibly. One only has to look at the strategy since Robinho - it's been thought through and it happens for a sound business and financial reason in the long term. Also, as the titles begin to mount up, why would players want to go to RM or Barca, when they can get the same achievements coupled with the privilege of playing and living in Manchester?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This is spot on. The buying policy has been excellent. Ferna 32, David 32, Nico 30 and Sergio 29 most senior but everyone else should be with us through their prime for years