Premier League
PEP GUARDIOLA DEMYSTIFIED AS LEICESTER INFLICT 5-2 DEFEAT ON MANCHESTER CITY
Only three hat-tricks have ever been scored against teams managed by Pep Guardiola – and Jamie Vardy now has two of them.
Lionel Messi scored the other and, had the summer and the season panned out differently, this match would have been his home debut for Manchester City, before a besotted and raucous full house.
Instead, an echoing Etihad played host to a club legend of a wholly different variety – Vardy, whose career trajectory could not be more different to one lived in the shadow of Nou Camp.
What a player he is, though – and what a knotty problem for Manchester City, always running, always twisting, always turning, fast and quick-witted and seemingly impossible to contain. Vardy inspired a Leicester performance that made history, for his club, for Manchester City and, personally, for Guardiola.
In 685 matches as a manager, his teams have never conceded five goals. That changed in this, his 686th. It was also the first time City had conceded five at the Etihad Stadium – the last time they let that amount in being a match at Maine Road against Arsenal on February 22, 2003.
As for Leicester, going top of the table, they became the first team to score three penalties in a game since the Premier League began – and even more amazingly, not one was given for handball.
None were greatly controversial, either. Vardy, who won, and converted, the first two, goes to ground without need for a blunt instrument, but City’s defemders seem to have made getting the wrong side of the attacker not so much a fault as a club policy,
so calamity must be expected. Worryingly, three distinct individuals were at fault: Kyle Walker for the first, Eric Garcia – perhaps the unluckiest – for the second and Benjamin Mendy for the third. Nathan Ake’s acquisition was supposed to make the difference to City’s defence, but he looks a long way from having the influence of Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool. Van Dijk had better around him. Plus, he solved a problem. City’s are ongoing.
Credit to Leicester, though, who arrived with a gameplan and stuck to it, even when Riyad Mahrez’s goal inside four minutes appeared to change the menu.
A lesser team, maybe a lesser coach, might have panicked at that point. To his credit, Brendan Rodgers remained calm and kept to his strategy. He has a gameplan against Manchester City, and it has served him well to here, albeit in a limited fashion. Coming into this game, he had never taken a point off City as Leicester manager, but he had been close.
It took a wonder goal from Vincent Kompany to win here in 2019, Leicester took the lead before losing the following season, and only a goal from Gabriel Jesus on 80 minutes separated them the third time Rodgers’ Leicester and Guardiola met last December.
The plan? Rodgers lets City’s defence have the ball. Instead of pressing them, his players retreat. He believes Ederson is a better passer than the four men directly in front of him so, put the squeeze on, and City go backwards, Ederson clips a lovely pass into midfield and City have the better numbers to counter attack.
Drop deep and that same area is congested, making it harder for City whose defenders are also likely to be less accurate in their passing.
And that was how Leicester set up, even when goal down. They restricted City to just two goalscoring chances in the first-half, one of which was the wonderful shot from Riyad Mahrez that gave Guardiola’s men the lead.
It came from the first attack of the match, a corner swung in and cleared by James Justin, straight to the feet of the lurking Mahrez.
He returned it with venom, a shot that flew into the top left corner, taken with his right, and supposedly weaker, foot.
A Kevin De Bruyne free-kick which Fernandinho headed directly at Kasper Schmeichel was City’s only other opportunity before half-time and while Leicester were not exactly overburdened with opportunity they got the one break necessary to equalise – if Vardy is in your team.
It came in the 36th minute when Harvey Barnes broke through, and fed Vardy, who got goal side of Walker. The City man clumsily tried to correct his error and that was enough.
Once Michael Oliver had signalled the penalty, Vardy finished the job himself, powerful and into the top left corner. He scored two penalties on the opening weekend against West Brom, too.
From there, a City onslaught was expected, a second 45 minutes of attack versus defence, Leicester crowding behind the ball, eyes on a point, City pressuring them, even without a recognised striker.
Instead: the opposite. The arrival of teenage centre-forward Liam Delap after 51 minutes was a sign Guardiola was not happy with the threat his team posed – and the young man did hit the bar with a header – but more troubling was the inability to spot Leicester’s clever movement and nullify it.
Removing Fernandinho for Delap may have changed the game to Leicester’s advantage and, once he went, City were simply not alive to Leicester’s threat, not alive to Vardy’s danger – which is mystifying given the trouble he has caused them previously. And, unlike Wolves last week, Leicester took their chances.
That is hardly a surprise, either, given their history.
After 53 minutes, Yiouri Tielemans – a contender for man of the match, despite Vardy’s heroics – played a sweet ball through to Timothy Castagne on the right.
It split Mendy and Ake, neither of whom seemed greatly switched on, and by then it was too late. Castagne crossed and Vardy nipped in at the near post to flick the ball past Ederson for his second.
Just four minutes later, Leicester had a third. First, the excellent Harvey Barnes had a shot saved, but there was better luck next time.
He fed Vardy, who went looking for a foul from Garcia, and the defender obligingly delivered it. Vardy does fall easily, but City’s contribution in inescapable. For his hat-trick, Vardy put the ball low to the right.
Game over? It most certainly was in the 77th minute, when substitute Maddison cut in from the left and, buoyed by the absence of any challenge or attempt to close him down, picked out the far, top corner with a beautifully struck shot.
Ake pulled one back from a corner, his header his first goal for the club, but even that margin did not stand for long.
From Leicester’s next attack, Mendy tugged Maddison back for Leicester’s third penalty of the game. It was taken by Tielemans, with Vardy already off, although the execution meant there was no drop in standard.
And while it can be argued City are missing players, and were forced to play Raheem Sterling as the spearhead of the front-line, an absence of forwards is not the reason a team leaks five goals.
The scoreline was unusual, but the sense of trepidation is becoming all too familiar. It was there at Molineux, too.
So while this was a shock, the reality is little has changed year on year. Defensively, City look a long way from being title contenders. Eighteen points? Maybe.
-Daily Mail
Mohamed Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool FC at the end of the season, bringing to a close one of the most successful and iconic eras in the club’s modern history.
The 33-year-old forward announced his decision in an emotional video shared on social media on Tuesday, expressing gratitude to the club, the city and its supporters.
“Unfortunately, the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell,” Salah said. “I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
“I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life,” he added. “Liverpool is not just a football club, it’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit.”
A Legendary Anfield Career
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017, leaves as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
During his time at Anfield, he helped Liverpool win the Premier League twice, the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, The FA Cup, two League Cups and the Community Shield.
He scored 255 goals in 435 appearances, making him Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer of all time, while also claiming the Premier League Golden Boot on four occasions.
His 2024/25 season stands out as one of the finest individual campaigns in league history, with 29 goals and 18 assists, earning him the Player of the Season award alongside both the Golden Boot and Playmaker honours.
However, Salah’s final campaign has been marked by inconsistency and tension.
He endured a prolonged dip in form, struggling for goals and being left out of several key matches, including fixtures in the UEFA Champions League. His reduced influence on the pitch was compounded by a public disagreement with Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
After being benched for consecutive matches in December, Salah criticised the club, accusing it of “throwing me under the bus” and hinting at a breakdown in his relationship with the coach.
Although Slot later attempted to play down the incident, it highlighted a difficult period for a player who had long been central to Liverpool’s success.
Despite the struggles, Salah has shown flashes of his brilliance, including a stunning goal in Liverpool’s recent 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League, marking his 50th goal in Europe’s elite club competition.
Nicknamed the “Egyptian King,” Salah remains deeply adored by Liverpool supporters, with murals of his image and signature celebrations adorning streets around Anfield.
“Leaving is never easy,” Salah said in his farewell. “You gave me the best time of my life. I will always be one of you. This club will always be my home.
“Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”
Salah’s departure will mark the end of an era at Liverpool—one defined by goals, trophies and a lasting bond between player and supporters.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi underlined his growing importance to Nottingham Forest’s survival push, coming off the bench to score in a crucial 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
In a match loaded with relegation implications, Awoniyi’s late strike capped a disciplined and clinical performance from Forest, who secured their first league win under manager Vitor Pereira and climbed out of immediate danger.
Forest took the lead on the stroke of halftime through Igor Jesus, who headed home from a corner delivered by Neco Williams. Despite Tottenham’s bright start, they failed to convert early dominance into goals, with Richarlison missing their clearest opportunity.
The hosts tightened their grip on the contest in the second half when Morgan Gibbs-White doubled the advantage just after the hour mark, finishing calmly to punish Spurs’ defensive lapses.
Awoniyi then delivered the final blow in the 87th minute, tapping in from close range to seal a comprehensive win and ignite celebrations among the Forest faithful. The goal marked another timely contribution from the Nigerian striker, whose physical presence and composure have proven vital in the club’s fight against relegation.
The result lifts Nottingham Forest to 16th place with 32 points from 31 matches, two points clear of Tottenham, who drop to 17th and remain perilously close to the relegation zone.
For Awoniyi, the goal not only adds to his season tally but also reinforces his reputation as a decisive figure in high-pressure moments. Introduced late in the game, his impact highlighted Forest’s improved attacking depth and ability to finish off opponents—qualities that could prove decisive in the final stretch of the campaign.
Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi scores their third goal REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Tottenham, meanwhile, saw their struggles continue despite recent signs of improvement. Even with Mathys Tel forcing a fine save from goalkeeper Matz Sels, they lacked cutting edge, failing to register a shot on target before conceding.
The defeat leaves Spurs just one point above 18th-placed West Ham United, who also slipped to a 2-0 loss against Aston Villa, deepening the tension at the bottom of the table.
While Forest manager Pereira cautioned that more work lies ahead, Awoniyi’s contribution offered a timely reminder that the club possesses the firepower needed to steer clear of relegation.
With the battle for survival intensifying, Forest will look to build on this momentum—and if Awoniyi continues to deliver at crucial moments, their chances of staying in the Premier League will receive a significant boost.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Premier League
Manchester United tighten hold on third in the Premier League with win over Aston Villa
Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha buried a second‑half strike off a pinpoint through ball from Bruno Fernandes for a club-record 16th Premier League assist in a season to lift the hosts to a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Casemiro and substitute Benjamin Sesko scored United’s other goals in a result that tightened United’s grip on third place in the standings on 54 points after 30 games, while fourth-placed Villa have 51 points.
United, who were playing their first game in 11 days, were keen for a victory after interim boss Michael Carrick’s seven-game unbeaten run ended in a 2-1 loss to 10-man Newcastle United on March 4.
With 22 points from a possible 27 under Carrick’s leadership, Sunday’s win will invariably lead to more questions about his chances of becoming United’s permanent manager.
“It was a slightly different game today going into it being so close in the league and making the small jump we could if we won, off the back of a defeat,” Carrick said. “It was a small test and we haven’t really had that.
“The boys dealt with it really well, had a really good week and applied themselves well. Everything is so so encouraging. We’ve got a lot to play for.”
The game looked headed for a draw before Cunha scored from the left side of the box in the 71st minute, with Fernandes recording his 100th assist for the club across all competitions.
With eight games left, Fernandes is also four shy of matching the Premier League record for assists in one season of 20 held by Thierry Henry (2002-03) and Kevin de Bruyne (2019-20).
“He’s had so many big moments, to score a goal, to make a pass,” Carrick said of Fernandes. “Training or games, he’s always there. Really good with the corner. The pass to Matheus was fantastic to cap off a good performance all around.”
Sesko put the game out of reach 10 minutes later with a blistering shot from the centre of the box.
Casemiro put United ahead in the 53rd minute with a glancing header from a Fernandes corner.
Ross Barkley levelled in the 64th with a shot from the middle of the area. After a lengthy VAR check to determine whether the ball glanced off an offside Amadou Onana, the goal stood.
A better second half salvaged a decent game after a dreary first 45 minutes plagued by errant passes and slipping players.
United did have some decent first-half chances including a header from Amad Diallo that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stretched backwards to keep out of the net. Diogo Dalot had a terrific chance inside the box that he launched over the bar.
Leny Yoro’s block spoiled one of Villa’s best chances and led to a long-range shot from Fernandes at the other end that he sent just wide of the post.
Villa have not won a league game since February 11, and an animated manager Unai Emery spent much of the afternoon stomping his feet and waving his arms in frustration.
“How we are progressing after we did fantastic months in October, November, December, the last two months we are struggling,” Emery said. “It’s Manchester United here at home, and they are now in good moment. And of course, they played a very intelligent match.
“I think we can get better. The result at the end was a bad result for us. We must accept it and try to analyse now to get better for the next challenge.”
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
EXCLUSIVE! Late Filing, Unpaid Fee Doom Nigeria’s Protest Against DR Congo
- World Cup5 days ago
FIFA Cancels Thousands of Hotel Rooms in World Cup Host Cities Amid U.S. Immigration Concerns
- AFCON1 week ago
Morocco Awarded AFCON 2025 Title as CAF Appeal Board Sanctions Senegal
- MLS1 week ago
Messi scores 900th career goal, joins Ronaldo in elite club
- World Cup2 days ago
Absent Giants: Big Football Nations Missing from the 2026 World Cup
- CAF Champions League3 days ago
Ten-man Zamalek hold on in dramatic Otoho clash to reach semi-finals
- AFCON4 days ago
Guinea FA Dismisses ‘Walkout’ Claims in 1976 AFCON Clash with Morocco
- Nigerian Football4 days ago
NFF Extraordinary Congress to Set Stage for September Elections in Yenagoa