Treble rings loud in Toon ears as City come through tough test in defence of title
MEN on Sunday|August 20, 2023
THIS felt big. City only took three points from their fixture with Newcastle, but given the circumstances it felt more than that.
SIMON BAJKOWSKI
Treble rings loud in Toon ears as City come through tough test in defence of title

Eddie Howe's side arrived with their best chance in years of winning at the Etihad for the first time, and left as pointless as any previous side.

Pep Guardiola had been clear in advance just how much he wasn't looking forward to this game - a Saturday evening squeezed into the schedule after Thursday's flight back from Athens with all the grace of a pig in lipstick.

The timing was bad enough, but having to play one of the best sides in the league made it even grimmer.

City's squad has continued to thin after beating Sevilla as well. John Stones picked up an injury in training to join Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne on the absentees list, while Aymeric Laporte was also missing from the squad (as was Joao Cancelo again, if that is notable anymore).

It isn't like City had played particularly well in Greece either, with Cole Palmer's looping header earning them a route back into the game before an unexpected shootout victory against a team that is usually much better than the Blues at penalties.

With another strange week in the transfer window leaving Guardiola no clearer on what squad he will have to work with, it was a case of working with what he and the club had got.

When you've won the Treble, it turns out that is still quite a lot. A rowdy full house packed in to see their team show exactly why they have had so much success.

Emboldened by the wins last season, City's first power play came as the players emerged from the tunnel to be greeted by the three trophies by the dugout with flags depicting them draped over the middle of the opposite stand. Where once other clubs have used trophies to try to gain an advantage over the Blues, now it is their turn.

Esta historia es de la edición August 20, 2023 de MEN on Sunday.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición August 20, 2023 de MEN on Sunday.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE MEN ON SUNDAYVer todo
We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep
MEN on Sunday

We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep

PEP Guardiola says that City cannot afford to overreact to their worst ever run under his management as they look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’
MEN on Sunday

IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’

PEP Guardiola says City have multiple problems as opponents find it too easy to score against them.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle
MEN on Sunday

Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle

JAMES Maddison has explained that he was able to exploit the lack of presence in City's midfield to score a goal that he has been working on all season.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge
MEN on Sunday

Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge

RUBEN Amorim is relishing the 'huge responsibility' of taking United back to the top as the new head coach prepares to take charge for the first time at Ipswich.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 24, 2024
'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm
MEN on Sunday

'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm

\"I CAN be ruthless when I have to be,\" said Ruben Amorim on Friday afternoon.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 24, 2024
Teenage star Chido on target once again
MEN on Sunday

Teenage star Chido on target once again

CHIDO Obi-Martin was again among the goals as United's Under-18s continued their stunning form and a new star emerged.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Tourist traps top visitor spend table
MEN on Sunday

Tourist traps top visitor spend table

SEPARATED by the Pennines and nearly 100 miles, the historic city of York and the seaside resort of Blackpool are worlds apart in their appeal to tourists.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 24, 2024
Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence
MEN on Sunday

Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence

Proposals would create biggest turbine development in England

time-read
5 minutos  |
November 24, 2024
Rail services may take 'three years to improve'
MEN on Sunday

Rail services may take 'three years to improve'

THE largest rail company in the North of England has warned that it will take up to three years before its services are up to scratch.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Thug forced kids to help in drug deals
MEN on Sunday

Thug forced kids to help in drug deals

A MAN who used 'vulnerable' children to help him deal drugs has been jailed.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024