City seal top spot after late Álvarez strike completes stirring fightback
The Guardian|November 29, 2023
Pep Guardiola can be proud of his players' fight for transforming what appeared certain defeat when Manchester City trailed 2-0 at half-time into a late victory.
Jamie Jackson
City seal top spot after late Álvarez strike completes stirring fightback

In introducing Julián Álvarez and Jérémy Doku a little into the second half, Guardiola engineered a masterstroke. Each transformed City's fortunes, the former finding the winner from a move that was decorated by Doku's mastery of the ball before Phil Foden set Álvarez up for the winner.

The last time City were two behind at the interval on home turf was in January, versus Tottenham. Then, Guardiola's side scored four unanswered goals after the break and the manager, afterwards, branded his players and everyone at the club "happy flowers".

The response he received was a treble-triumphant season. Tonight the more modest spoils of sealing Group G was City's aim and this win ensures that. Yet despite now going 29 games unbeaten in Europe here, the manager will not be happy with an oddly dislocated display.

Guardiola detests sloppiness so seeing Manuel Akanji allow Janis Blaswich's long punt out of the goalkeeper's hands bounce past the centre-back and Loïs Openda running in to roll past Stefan Ortega for the opener will have displeased. The Swiss defender hung his head and Guardiola, in a long winter overcoat, turned away. Marco Rose punched the air.

Denne historien er fra November 29, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 29, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE GUARDIANSe alt
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
The Guardian

Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?

What is Rachel Reeves planning?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
The Guardian

'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan

Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
The Guardian

Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak

Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
The Guardian

St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'

St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
The Guardian

Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke

Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
The Guardian

Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny

It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 15, 2024
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
The Guardian

'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'

Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack

time-read
3 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
The Guardian

Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs

A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
The Guardian

Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem

Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star

time-read
5 mins  |
November 15, 2024
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
The Guardian

Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura

Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career

time-read
3 mins  |
November 15, 2024