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Manchester City moved back to the top of the Premier League with devastating win over Chelsea this afternoon.

City were simply too hot to handle for the Blues and had the game won inside 20 minutes, with four quick fire goals putting the tie to bed before Mauro Sarri’s men had even got going.

Chelsea put some pressure on for a bit in the opening half, but it was inevitable the Citizens were going to get more, and they duly obliged with two more in the second period.

The performance was something we have not seen from City for quite a while now, and showed us here in the Tavern exactly why they are going to be Premier League champions come the end of May.

The way they dismantled a team who, despite being in a bit of bad form themselves, had come into the game off the back of a 5-0 win over Huddersfield, and confidence should have been high.

City yet again though struck early, and it is this early goal which is seemingly killing teams off before they have even had chance to hit their stride.

Pep Guardiola will be loving the early strikes, and the delight on his face knowing teams will then have to come and attack his team is clear to see.

WIth Sergio Aguero in the form of his life, a returning Kevin De Bruyne kicking into gear, and the likes of Bernardo and Raheem Sterling in impressive form, the sky really is the limit for this City side.

Liverpool remain the team to knock from their perch, but with City in this form, it’s looking more and more likely a second consecutive title is heading to the Etihad.

Manchester City’s pursuit of a long-term replacement for Fernandinho has been the most pressing transfer issue for Txiki Begiristain and Pep Guardiola to dissect in the past twelve months. 

This time last season the Citizens were heavily linked with a move for Napoli’s deep-lying playmaker, Jorginho. A transfer failed to materialise in January and the consensus was that City would return to finally complete a deal in the summer – but those presumptions were based on false grounds.

Chelsea swooped in to steal the Italy international and City have been left pondering over potential transfer targets ever since, with the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Frenkie de Jong both at the heart of the growing speculation.

But a recent report from Italian media outlet Calcio Mercato  has detailed a different narrative altogether, as they claim City are set to return to Napoli once again for another midfield lynchpin, Allan.

Napoli will be growing sick of the sight of a club who have troubled them both on and off the field in recent years, and naturally they will do everything they can to ensure Allan remains in Naples.

But the pulling power which Guardiola command in the modern era will certainly give Allan plenty to think about in the next two transfer windows.

Fernandinho has been marshalling City’s midfield in recent weeks with a typically supreme level of authority which was absent during the early openings of the campaign, but the Brazil international is set to turn 34 in May and Guardiola cannot go another season without securing a long-term replacement.

Like Fernandinho, Allan is agile in-front of the back-four and possesses the awareness and anticipation to do the dirty work in midfield. Not only is Napoli’s tough-tackling midfielder an excellent defensive asset, he is blessed with a shrewd eye for a forward-thinking through ball and an extensive range of passing which would enable him to make a seamless transition into Guardiola’s side.

The prospect of signing Ajax’s hottest property, De Jong, will be filling the Citizens faithful with excitement, but Allan represents more of a like-for-like replacement for Fernandinho than the Dutch wonderkid, and that factor could be telling in the transfer market.

Manchester City fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Crystal Palace’s valiant effort against Liverpool on Monday night was at times both aided and undermined by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Any full-back would have a tough time dealing with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, but for much of the match at Selhurst Park, the 20-year-old coped well with the pace and flair of Jurgen Klopp’s attacking force.

The youngster’s two tackles and three clearances were vital in relieving some of the pressure on the Eagles’ back line, while his pace and impressive physique ensured he wouldn’t be brushed aside by the Reds’ formidable forwards

However, once Palace were in possession, Wan-Bissaka became something of a liability. A pass completion rate of 70% against such potent counter-attacking opposition is simply not good enough. Whilst others in Roy Hodgson’s line up registered even lower pass completion rates, it is still an area of Wan-Bissaka’s game in urgent need of improvement.

Wan-Bissaka’s one key pass in the match also suggests he isn’t being tremendously inventive or ambitious in his passing either – which otherwise may have earned him something of a reprieve for his poor pass completion rate. If the right-back isn’t going to be especially creative in possession then he must be more careful in his distribution.

Against Liverpool, Wan-Bissaka’s lack of experience also came to the fore as his misjudged challenge on Salah resulted in him being shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver.

Whilst the areas in which Wan-Bissaka must improve are clear, the positives to his game could also be seen at Selhurst park. The England under-20 international was fearless in taking on his more storied opponents as he completed an impressive four dribbles on Monday night.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”280645″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Dodgy De Gea & Arsenal’s MiniRevolution”]

At this stage it is still obvious that Wan-Bissaka spent his entire youth career operating as a winger rather than a full-back. Going forward, the young talent adds an extra dimension to the Eagles’ attack with further speed on the break.

If Wan-Bissaka can raise his defensive game and distribution, then Palace will have quite the full-back on their hands. 

Manchester United star Juan Mata branded himself an “offensive midfielder” when explaining his position in Jose Mourinho’s team.

Mata came through Valencia’s youth system as a number 10, and also operated in that position for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014.

The 29-year-old has played central for the Red Devils since arriving in 2014, but has mainly been used on the right of a three-pronged attack.

Mata has hit double figures in each of his three full seasons with United, whilst he is already off in the mark in the Premier League this term – netting against Crystal Palace before the international break.

Despite not possessing the physical attributes usually associated with a winger, Mata has insisted that he enjoys playing off the right as he is able to pick up more space in dangerous areas.

Mata told Inside United:

“Let’s say offensive midfielder. But, obviously, I am playing more now on the right-wing, when I try to come inside and create space for my team-mates, and with the overlaps of Matteo [Darmian], Antonio [Valencia] or Ashley [Young], it makes things easier for me.

“And you know, it’s this kind of freedom that allows me to be in touch with the ball, that’s where I feel comfortable. As much time as I have the ball, I feel better and I feel that my game grows and that’s what I try to do.

“I consider myself as this kind of attacking midfielder, trying to find the gaps between the opposition midfielders and defenders and produce what the team needs between the lines.”

Despite the form of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford in the final third of the field, Mata, who is valued at £27m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has started six of United’s seven Premier League matches this season.

The Spaniard is again expected to be in Mourinho’s XI when the Red Devils visit bitter rivals Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

West Ham United will be looking to bring an end to a dreadful run of form when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

The Irons have lost their last four Premier League matches and in what has been a disappointing season – where they have struggled to adapt to life at the London Stadium – the pressure is on manager Slaven Bilic to turn things around in the run-in.

The Croatian’s job could be under threat unless results improve before the end of the campaign, and he will be aware that his side are now just six points above the relegation zone.

Without a victory since their 3-1 win against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium at the start of February, it will be a tough task against Arsene Wenger’s men, but they aren’t without their problems either.

Here are THREE reasons why West Ham will end their poor run with a win in north London…

Arsenal are low on confidence

While they may be low on confidence themselves, the Irons couldn’t have much better Premier League opponents than the Gunners right now.

Having only beaten Non-League sides Sutton United and Lincoln City since the start of February, supporters are starting to turn on Wenger, as shown by the protests before their recent matches.

Arsenal look particularly fragile in defence – as shown by their 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Sunday – and the Hammers attack must test them tonight.

They can frustrate the home fans

With Arsenal in poor form, low on confidence and the supporters divided over the future of Wenger, the Irons must go to the Emirates Stadium and keep it tight for the first 15 or 20 minutes.

If they can do that, Gunners fans will soon get frustrated in the stands – especially as they facing a team that has lost their last four Premier League matches – and that irritation will soon be felt on the pitch.

They’ve got Andy Carroll

Without Laurent Koscielny, who is likely to miss the clash at the Emirates after going off at half-time against Manchester City on Sunday because of injury, the Gunners will certainly be a little weaker at the back tonight.

Irons striker Andy Carroll must look to take advantage of that and use his ability in the air to put the Arsenal centre-back partnership under pressure, and Arsene Wenger certainly knows all about the threat the 28-year-old can bring.

The striker scored a hat-trick against the north London outfit in April 2016, while he also netted a consolation goal in his side’s 5-1 defeat to the Gunners at the start of December.

Pep Guardiola is making the world look on with envy during his initial Manchester City spending spree. Bringing in some big names, along with a smattering of classy youngsters, Guardiola is transforming a squad that had begun to slip into disrepair towards the final months of Manuel Pellegrini’s reign.

Nolito has arrived from Spain and Gundogan from Germany, as Guardiola flexes Manchester City’s significant financial muscle in a bid to rival Jose Mourinho’s ego-driven investment across the city.

It is surely a matter of time until Manchester City unveil another enormous signing, with the Manchester power-struggle growing in tedium by the minute. We are being ‘treated’ to a barrage of rumours from one day to the next and its beginning to grate somewhat.

However, Guardiola may swerve the obvious links to his former stars at Bayern and Barca and look towards his previous nemeses, Atletico Madrid. Simeone’s wonderfully drilled army of highly-gifted players are likely to be a target for Pep, aren’t they?

Jose Gimenez

As Koulibaly and Stones dominate the transfer talk, many football fans seem to be overlooking one of the best young defenders in European football, Jose Gimenez.

The Atleti man quickly disposed of Miranda and has formed a rock-solid partnership with talisman, Diego Godin. His game is still raw in places, as you’d expect for a 21-year-old, but he possesses all the skills to become the best in Europe, whether that be alongside Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi or Diego Godin.

A hardened tackler, Gimenez’s ability to play out from the back would need a fair bit of work if he was to play under Guardiola, but there is no reason he couldn’t flourish into a star at City.

Filipe Luis

As Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov continue to defend as if there main purpose is to entertain, Guardiola must be considering adding a more cultured, skilled, assured left-back to City’s ranks before the summer is out.

Step up, Filipe Luis. Despite a turbulent time at Chelsea under Jose Mourinho, Luis has returned to the brilliant form that earned him the move to London in the first place. The Brazilian is one of the best full-backs in the game at the moment and would be a marked upgrade on either of Clichy or Kolarov.

Admittedly, Luis is coming towards the end of his peak years, but he would be a perfect signing whilst City look for a longer-term left-back successor.

Antoine Griezmann

Imagine Antoine Griezmann playing alongside Sergio Aguero.

Tantalising, isn’t it?

A European Championship golden boot has joined the other awards and medals in the Griezmann cabinets and he must be hoping to add a Premier League winners’ medal to that collection before the end of his career. The flying Frenchman’s transition to centre-forward under Simeone has been wonderful, notching 22 goals last season and quickly becoming one of Atletico’s best ever.

The release clause is sitting there, waiting to be triggered, could Griezmann be the true marquee signing of Guardiola’s summer?

Alexis Mac Allister believes Liverpool will see "the best" of Darwin Nunez this season after he helped fire the Reds to a win against West Ham.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mac Allister set up Nunez goal
• Uruguayan has four goals this season
• Backed to give his best by team-mate

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Nunez got onto the end of a fine lob from Mac Allister and sent it into the net to restore the Reds' lead in the 3-1 win at Anfield on Sunday. The Uruguayan has four goals and two assists to his name this season, helping Jurgen Klopp's team remain unbeaten so far.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 24-year-old endured a slow start to life at Liverpool since joining from Benfica and scored just nine goals in his first season in the Premier League. Mac Allister believes he is showing his true ability now, however, and backed him to be a key figure for the Merseyside club.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  "I think he's getting better and better. I think we will see the best of him this year. He's a very nice guy, he's working very hard. I'm really pleased for him," he told Liverpool's website.

  On his assist, the Argentina star said: "It was a nice pass. I saw Mo and Darwin were going in behind, so I just had to play the ball and Darwin did the rest."

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Liverpool are on a six-game winning run and will expect to extend that on Wednesday when they host Leicester in the Carabao Cup.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Atlético Nacional, da Colômbia, publicou em suas redes sociais uma nota criticando a diretoria do Santos pela dívida de duas parcelas da compra do zagueiro Felipe Aguilar, recentemente vendido ao Athlético-PR.

De acordo com o clube de Medellín, o débito atual do Peixe é de 774 mil dólares (R$ 4,1 milhões na cotação atual). O zagueiro foi adquirido pelo Alvinegro Praiano por R$ 15 mi no início de 2019 e negociado com o Furacão no dia 18 de março por R$ 10 milhões por 50% dos direitos do atleta (a outra metade segue pertencendo ao Santos).

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No comunicado, a equipe colombiana citou que há falta de diálogo por parte da cúpula santista e que o problema deteriora uma relação então amistosa entre os times.

– Apesar das múltiplas e malsucedidas tentativas de comunicação da Instituição Verdolaga, e antes do silêncio do clube de Santos, o Atlético Nacional foi forçado a recorrer à FIFA para exigir o pagamento das quantias anexas . O Atlético Nacional lamenta profundamente que coisas como essa deteriorem um relacionamento de longa data entre clubes com uma história tão longa no futebol mundial. Por parte do clube de Antioquia, sempre houve um voluntário para o diálogo e a consulta, infelizmente nunca respondeu da mesma maneira pelos Santos no Brasil – diz trecho da nota publicada no site oficial do Atlético.

Em entrevista ao Instagram do jornalista Fellipe Camargo, no dia 9 de abril, o membro do Comitê de Gestão do Santos, Pedro Dória, admitiu o não pagamento das citadas parcelas e atribuiu o motivo ao momento de crise financeira, devido a pandemia do novo coronavírus.

– Evidentemente, o Santos pagou quase a totalidade dos recursos do Aguilar, porém nesse momento eu não posso honrar com um compromisso nessa época que não tenho nenhuma perspectiva. A gente procrastinou. Se for para a Fifa é bom que a gente faz uma repactuação. Quando você faz a venda do ativo, a liquidação é imediata, quando você tem débito. Nessa contrato, eu vendo o atleta, eu tenho que liquidar imediatamente o compromisso – disse.

Felipe Aguilar não chegou a entrar em campo com a camisa do Peixe em 2020. No ano passado, o jogador foi titular durante o primeiro semestre, mas constantes falhas na segunda metade da temporada o fez perder a condição, então com o técnico Jorge Sampaoli.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com a proximidade da semana decisiva para o Internacional, já que o clube terá o compromisso da volta diante o Tolima, pela Pré-Libertadores, o time contou com uma novidade no treinamento de sábado (22).

Trata-se do atacante Gustavo. Contratado recentemente para a sequência da temporada, o atleta trabalhou junto com o elenco pela primeira vez.

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No entanto, mesmo com esse reforço no sistema ofensivo, o Colorado não poderá contar com o craque no confronto com os colombianos. Por ter atuado pelo Corinthians, seu último clube, nessa fase de classificação, o atleta só será inscrito caso o clube gaúcho avance para a fase de grupos.

Com 0 a 0 na ida, Inter e Tolima entrarão em campo quarta-feira (26), 21h30 (Horário de Brasília), no estádio Beira-Rio. Em caso de repetição do mesmo placar, a decisão da vaga será definida nas penalidades.

Deepak Shodhan, the first Indian to make a Test century in his debut innings, has died aged 87. He was India’s oldest living Test cricketer.Shodhan passed away at his residence in Ahmedabad. He had been suffering from lung cancer, which was detected in February this year. The funeral was scheduled for 11 am on Monday.An attractive left-hand batsman who bowled left-arm pace as well, Shodhan was given his first India cap at 25, against Pakistan at Eden Gardens in 1952, and made an immediate impact. He walked in at No. 8, with the score on 179 for 6 and no specialist batsmen left, and he walked out with 110 against his name. India claimed a lead of 140 runs, but the match ended in a draw.”I was in the reserves for the series against Pakistan in 1952-53, the historic first Test series between our two newly independent nations,” Shodhan had said in a recent interview. “In the final Test match, at Calcutta, I was drafted into the playing XI after our captain Vijay Hazare pulled out unwell. It was Lala Amarnath, who was captaining India in Vijay Hazare’s absence, who asked for me to be brought in – ‘that tall Gujarati boy who had done so well in the trials and other matches’.”Despite that bright start, Shodhan played only two more Tests, on a tour of West Indies in 1953. The team had journeyed to the Caribbean by a small boat, which kept tossing and turning. Everyone got sick at some point or other and Shodhan remembered being the last man standing. Having made 45 and 11 in the first Test at Port-of-Spain, he did not play the next three and was taken ill when he returned for the fifth one in Jamaica. That didn’t stop him from walking out at No. 10, after West Indies had taken a 264-run lead, to try and salvage a draw.Madhav Apte, the 83-year old former opening batsman who was part of that series, recollected Shodhan’s bravery. “He was down with flu and was admitted to the hospital and did not bat in the first innings. [In the second innings] We needed someone to waste time and delay the West Indies batting. Deepak managed to just do that and consumed enough time to help India draw that match.”Shodhan had a long domestic career, playing for Gujarat and Baroda in the Ranji Trophy and was a title-winner in 1957-58. “I loved playing cricket. My first-class career stretched on to 1962, ten years after I played my last Test match,” he had said in April. Shodhan had made his debut in 1946-47, in the same match that his older brother Jyotindra, currently 91 years old, had struck his first century.Datta Gaekwad, father of former India allrounder and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, has become India’s oldest living Test cricketer at 87 years and 202 days.