Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has hit out at the decision to host the upcoming FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City at a secondary venue. The former Red Devils captain believes the prestigious youth fixture deserves a larger stage than the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium.
Sunderland defender Dan Ballard became the latest victim of the Premier League's strict disciplinary clampdown on hair pulling during Saturday's clash with Wolves. The centre-back was dismissed just 25 minutes into the game following a VAR intervention that left the Black Cats bench fuming.
Manchester City have reportedly expressed significant frustration with the Premier League after being hit with a gruelling fixture schedule for the final fortnight of the season. As Pep Guardiola’s side continue their pursuit of a domestic treble, club bosses feel the authorities have failed to provide a fair solution to a growing backlog of games.
Leeds United's FA Cup dreams ended in disappointment at Wembley, but the fallout from the semi-final defeat to Chelsea is continuing off the pitch. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that more than a dozen supporters are facing potential legal action following reports of discriminatory behaviour during the high-profile fixture.
Chelsea legend Joe Cole has lavished praise on Enzo Fernandez, labelling the midfielder a "warrior" following his match-winning performance in the FA Cup semi-final tie against Leeds. The Argentine found the net to secure the Blues a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Wembley, silencing critics after a turbulent period for the club.
Manager-less Chelsea earned the right to salvage something from their waning season by battling past Leeds in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on Sunday, courtesy of Enzo Fernandez's first-half header. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane can now prepare to lead his side out against Manchester City in the showpiece in May.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin found himself at the centre of a refereeing storm during Leeds United's FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea at Wembley. The striker appeared to pull the hair of Blues defender Marc Cucurella, yet escaped any formal punishment despite a lengthy VAR review. The incident comes just two weeks after Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez was sent off for the same offence on Calvert-Lewin in a Premier League clash against Leeds.
Jeremy Doku is already one of the most feared dribblers in world football, but the Manchester City winger knows that talent alone isn't enough to reach the summit. While his explosive pace and trickery have tied Premier League defenders in knots, the Belgian international is clear about the missing ingredient required to elevate him into the bracket of the truly elite.
Nico Gonzalez scored a late screamer as Manchester City roared back from an almighty scare to beat Southampton 2-1 on Saturday and reach the FA Cup final for a fourth consecutive season. Finn Azaz's unstoppable curler had given the Championship side an unlikely lead, but Jeremy Doku's deflected equaliser soon restored parity before Gonzalez provided the grandstand finish.
Pep Guardiola has admitted his Manchester City stars are "so, so tired" following their emotional battle with Arsenal. Ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, the City boss expressed concerns over the thick Wembley grass and the risk of season-ending injuries.
Southampton have ditched their traditional red and white stripes for a special yellow kit against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. The commemorative strip marks the 50th anniversary of the Saints' iconic 1976 victory over Manchester United - the only major trophy in the club's history. Tonda Eckert’s side hope the "lucky charm" kit can inspire another Wembley miracle against the Premier League leaders.
"It's a long way from Cumbria", said James Trafford after 25 friends and family travelled to watch the Manchester City goalkeeper star in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in March. But many of those who were there to support Trafford that day will again be making the same 300-plus mile journey on Saturday to see him in action against Southampton in City's FA Cup semi-final, and will hope to do so again for the final on May 16.
Erling Haaland is being backed to smash another record, one held by Arsenal and Liverpool legends Thierry Henry and Mohamed Salah, as the Manchester City striker closes in on his third Premier League Golden Boot. Only two men have ever collected four of those prizes, but Paul Dickov has told GOAL why an unstoppable Norwegian phenomenon will go on to rewrite the history books.
Southampton could boast a secret weapon in the FA Cup semi-finals, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis having the ear of Roy Keane - a man that loved to slay Manchester City in his playing days. The United legend is on hand to offer words of wisdom if required, although Saints icon Shane Long has told GOAL why asking questions of the enigmatic Irishman is not always the best of ideas.
Oriol Romeu’s return to Southampton has not played out as planned, but Lionel Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate - with two spells at Camp Nou on his CV - can still play an important role in dashing Manchester City’s domestic treble dreams of 2025-26. Saints legend Shane Long has explained to GOAL, ahead of the FA Cup semi-finals, why that is the case.
Liverpool and Chelsea are among five Premier League clubs who have expressed their interest in signing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. The England international has impressed as City's back-up 'keeper this season, playing a starring role in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Arsenal last month. But he has not hidden his desire to leave his boyhood club in search of being a No. 1.
Southampton have seen the likes of Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk pass through St Mary’s, but could Shea Charles - who has already been compared to Jude Bellingham while heading down a similar career path to Morgan Rogers - become their latest superstar? Saints legend Shane Long has attempted to answer that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
A mystery is brewing at the Etihad Stadium following the news that a full set of winners' medals from Manchester City's historic Treble-winning campaign has been put up for auction. Leading sports memorabilia auctioneers Budds have confirmed an "incredible and historical set of five medals" will go under the hammer later this month. The lot is scheduled to be sold as part of the 'Made In Manchester Live' auction, which is due to take place on April 28.
Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing a trophy-laden nine-year spell at the Etihad Stadium to a close. The Portuguese playmaker released a heartfelt statement to supporters as he prepares to depart as a free agent this summer.
Liam Rosenior is beginning to feel the heat at Stamford Bridge after a disappointing run of form left Chelsea's European ambitions in serious jeopardy. Despite growing pressure and reported unrest among senior members of the squad, the club's hierarchy has reached a definitive conclusion regarding the manager's immediate future.
Dominik Szoboszlai has moved to clear the air with the Liverpool faithful following a heated exchange in the aftermath of their crushing 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. The Hungarian midfielder explained his controversial actions and apologised, while declaring his belief in a historic Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain this week.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains defiant that his side can compete with Europe's elite as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Despite suffering a heavy 4-0 FA Cup defeat against Manchester City, the Dutchman believes his team's strong early performance at the Etihad proves they possess the quality to match the French champions.
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