Sucharita Ganguly

London, UK

Chelsea and Manchester City have agreed to a £47.5 million deal to sign Raheem Sterling, according to The Athletic. The 27-year-old has already agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract with a one-year extension option, the report suggests. Also read: Why Manchester United want Christian Eriksen,Chelsea is currently working out the details of organising a medical in London. If all goes as planned, Sterling will accompany his new teammates on their pre-season tour to the United States. Sterling has already spoken with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel about life at the club, and the England international is said to be impressed with the German coach's ambition for the club. Also read: See-u: Ronaldo skips training after asking to leave Man Utd, says report,Tuchel made no mistake as he locked his sight on the 27-year-old. This deal makes sense for everyone involved, and the speed with which negotiations have taken place tends to suggest that Boehly, who has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders after the departures of Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech, is serious about providing Tuchel with the tools he needs to build a squad in his image. Sterling has scored 131 goals in 339 appearances for the incumbent Premier League champions in his seven years at City. He joined City from Liverpool in July 2015 for an initial fee of £44 million and has since won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and three League Cups. Also read: What Lionel Messi thinks about Neymar's reported departure from PSG,With the additions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, as well as the form of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Riyad Mahrez, there will be tough competition for spots in Pep Guardiola's starting XI next season. On August 7, City will play West Ham United at the London Stadium in their first game of the 2022-23 season.

{\"time\":1657404972757,\"strCount\":2706,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/back-to-inter-why-romelu-lukaku-wants-to-leave-chelsea-341988/\\\">Chelsea</a> and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/in-his-fathers-footsteps-erling-haaland-at-manchester-city-365391/\\\">Manchester City</a> have agreed to a £47.5 million deal to sign <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/06FwEPHeK3J5-100953/\\\">Raheem Sterling</a>, according to The Athletic.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 27-year-old has already agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract with a one-year extension option, the report suggests.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/why-manchester-united-want-christian-eriksen-693856/\\\">Why Manchester United want Christian Eriksen</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Chelsea is currently working out the details of organising a medical in <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/london/\\\">London</a>. If all goes as planned, Sterling will accompany his new teammates on their pre-season tour to the United States.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sterling has already spoken with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel about life at the club, and the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/england/\\\">England</a> international is said to be impressed with the German coach's ambition for the club.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-skips-training-after-asking-to-leave-manchester-united-report-693273/\\\">See-u: Ronaldo skips training after asking to leave Man Utd, says report</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tuchel made no mistake as he locked his sight on the 27-year-old. This deal makes sense for everyone involved, and the speed with which negotiations have taken place tends to suggest that Boehly, who has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders after the departures of Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech, is serious about providing Tuchel with the tools he needs to build a squad in his image.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sterling has scored 131 goals in 339 appearances for the incumbent Premier League champions in his seven years at City.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He joined City from Liverpool in July 2015 for an initial fee of £44 million and has since won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and three League Cups.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/what-lionel-messi-thinks-about-neymars-reported-departure-from-paris-saint-germain-693129/\\\">What Lionel Messi thinks about Neymar's reported departure from PSG</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With the additions of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/who-is-erling-haaland-562390/\\\">Erling Haaland</a> and Julian Alvarez, as well as the form of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/manchester-citys-phil-foden-wins-premier-league-young-player-of-the-year-202122-award-176561/\\\">Phil Foden</a>, Jack Grealish, and Riyad Mahrez, there will be tough competition for spots in Pep Guardiola's starting XI next season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"On August 7, City will play West Ham United at the London Stadium in their first game of the 2022-23 season.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Reportedly Chelsea and Manchester City have agreed to a £47.5 million deal to sign Raheem Sterling</li>
 <li>The report says he agreed to personal terms on a five-year contract with a one-year extension option</li>
 <li>Chelsea is currently working out the details of organising a medical in London</li>
</ul>

Opoyi Central

Chelsea to sign Man City's Raheem Sterling for £47.5 million: Report

RaheemSterling

Chelsea

ManchesterCity

PremierLeague

London

ThomasTuchel

England

PhilFoden

JackGrealish

RiyadMahrez

WestHam

World

Sports

Dhruv Narayan Bhan

Manchester, UK

The summer off-season is a painful time for any football fan. But what offers a silver lining in this glum period bereft of football action is the mouthwatering prospect of the transfer window- this is the period when clubs are allowed to look into the worldwide pool of players and seek out their services. ,Whether this is to provide that final polish to a first-team that’s almost ‘there’, or to rebuild an aging squad much in need of freshness, or to provide depth for a thin squad wary of the pitfalls of enduring a long season, every club is on the lookout for improvement in this period, and every fan is thirsting for that new face to buy into- that new star to fall in love with! ,Also read: Haller-jujah! Dortmund set to sign Eredivisie top scorer Haller from Ajax,Of course, not all transfers work out that way. For every gem unearthed, there are more than a few rocks to dodge; and it can be painfully disappointing to enter into a new season expecting the moon from your star signing, only to be brought rudely back down to Earth- players after all aren’t ‘products’, and spending a princely sum on a player doesn’t guarantee anything, except a hole in the pocket. So today let's focus not on the gems, but on the rocks from last season- the players who promised much, but delivered little! ,Jack Grealish ,Where: Aston Villa to Man City,Price: £100 million ,He became the British record signing when City paid a king’s ransom for his services last summer. He even inherited the coveted Number 10 jersey left vacated by City legend Kun Aguero, as the world waited to see what the stylish playmaker would bring to an already elite squad. But apart from being generally easy on the eye whenever called upon, he has largely struggled to make his presence felt in this City team- with a paltry return of just 3 goals and 3 assists, numbers that even defensive players like Trent Alexander Arnold and Fabinho made short work of last season. He failed to turn up when it mattered most in the Champions League either- falling short in the Semi finals when he could have won the tie for City. ,At Villa the team was shaped around his strengths, whereas at City, he’s just another option for Pep Guardiola to call upon, and has looked at times like a doe caught in the headlights, struggling to make that Number 10 shirt his own. He’ll be hoping to change the narrative this season. However, his mammoth price, his paltry output and the summer-long hype he generated firmly cements his ignominious place as the ‘Top of the Flops’ from last season. ,Though another player might have more than a thing or two to say about this, and that gentleman is… ,Romelu Lukaku,Where: Inter Milan to Chelsea ,Price: £97.5 million,Fellow big spenders Chelsea weren’t going to rest on their laurels after winning the Champions League last season, as Tuchel was desperate to add goals to his first team. Enter prodigal son- Romelu Lukaku. The effective, if inelegant, striker had been in prolific form for Inter the season before, and trigger-happy Chelsea were happy to bring the journeyman back to the club, for the 2nd or 3rd, or perhaps the 4th time- it has gotten hard to count now! ,He started impressively enough in his first couple of games against Arsenal and Aston Villa, but the fickle English media was quick to hype him up like he was the second coming of the Lord, and this only put his subsequent dry spell further under the scanner- when he went without scoring for 7 games in a row, only getting on the scoresheet in December after his initial honeymoon period. ,He did end the season with an un-embarrassing 15 goals from the 44 games he played, but his ill-advised unsanctioned interview with Sky Italia where he criticised his manager’s tactics, declared his undying love for Inter Milan, even stating his desire to return there, was a slap on the face of his team, the manager, and most importantly the fans. All of this ensured that he will be seen as one of the most expensive transfer mistakes ever. He’s now all set to return to Inter Milan this summer on a loan deal. Also read: Romelu Lukaku takes massive pay cut to Inter Milan: Fee, wages, other details,Raphael Varane,Where: Real Madrid to Manchester United,Price: £34 million,Manchester United could write its own book on transfer flops in recent seasons, but let’s not digress. A 4-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, and a World Cup winner with France, the then 28-year-old was seen as a bona fide coup for United, and promised a much needed injection of elite defensive pedigree to a defence that drastically needed upgrading. In fact, his signing even got people speculating that the 2 Manchester clubs might slug it out toe-to-toe for the title, after United’s runners up season previously. ,However, Varane has proved to be a tad too fragile for the Premier League- whenever he has been available to be called upon that is, with injuries massively limiting his contributions to the team. Of course, having the oft times comedic presence of Harry Maguire as a defensive partner is probably not the most ideal situation for any defender to bed in, settle down, and do their job, but Maguire’s much publicised defensive woes have also helped keep the spotlight away from the Frenchman. He’ll be hoping for an injury-free campaign this time around, and provide some much-needed leadership in the United defence this season. Also read: Why Erik ten Hag is 'frustrated' at Manchester United even before season start,Jadon Sancho,Where: Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United,Price: £73 million,Sancho was considered, perhaps still is considered, one of the top young English prospects in recent seasons. Taking an unfamiliar route for English players- of starting his senior career in the German Bundesliga, Sancho vindicated his choices by becoming a lethal weapon in the armoury of the iconic German team- playing with a joyful youthfulness that saw him wreak havoc wherever he played. ,After extensively scouting him for at least 2 seasons, United finally had their man. But entering the toxic dressing room of Manchester United seems to have sapped the life out of this destructive winger. Whether under Ole, or Rangnick, whether on the left or on the right, things just didn’t seem to click for young Jadon as he ended the season with a miserly 3 goals and 3 assists to his name. ,He did improve as the season wore on and he got a longer run in the first team, but there’s still plenty for the youngster to do before he can justify his expensive price tag. ,Also read: Could Antony open Man United's transfer floodgates?,Emiliano Buendia,Where: Norwich to Aston Villa,Price: £38 million,Armed with the £100m received from Man City for the services of Jack Grealish, the Villans set about rebuilding their creative engine room, and Emi Buendia was the player earmarked to take over the creative duties for the team, and Villa made him their club-record signing on the back of his prolific season in the Championship with Norwich City. ,He has largely struggled to fill in the shoes of Grealish and impose himself in games though. Ending the season with 4 goals and 6 assists in the league is not the worst outlay for a player playing his first season in England’s top flight, but record signing Buendia will be hoping there’s a lot more to come from the 25-year-old when he commences his 2nd season in the top flight, as will manager Steven Gerrard.

{\"time\":1656078691370,\"strCount\":8338,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The summer off-season is a painful time for any football fan. But what offers a silver lining in this glum period bereft of <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/football/\\\">football</a> action is the mouthwatering prospect of the transfer window- this is the period when clubs are allowed to look into the worldwide pool of players and seek out their services.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Whether this is to provide that final polish to a first-team that’s almost ‘there’, or to rebuild an aging squad much in need of freshness, or to provide depth for a thin squad wary of the pitfalls of enduring a long season, every club is on the lookout for improvement in this period, and every fan is thirsting for that new face to buy into- that new star to fall in love with!&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/haller-jujah-dortmund-set-to-sign-eredivisie-top-scorer-haller-from-ajax-684371/\\\">Haller-jujah! Dortmund set to sign Eredivisie top scorer Haller from Ajax</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Of course, not all transfers work out that way. For every gem unearthed, there are more than a few rocks to dodge; and it can be painfully disappointing to enter into a new season expecting the moon from your star signing, only to be brought rudely back down to Earth- players after all aren’t ‘products’, and spending a princely sum on a player doesn’t guarantee anything, except a hole in the pocket. So today let's focus not on the gems, but on the rocks from last season- the players who promised much, but delivered little!&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Jack Grealish&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Where: Aston Villa to Man City\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Price: £100 million&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He became the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/british/\\\">British</a> record signing when City paid a king’s ransom for his services last summer. He even inherited the coveted Number 10 jersey left vacated by City legend Kun Aguero, as the world waited to see what the stylish playmaker would bring to an already elite squad. But apart from being generally easy on the eye whenever called upon, he has largely struggled to make his presence felt in this City team- with a paltry return of just 3 goals and 3 assists, numbers that even defensive players like Trent Alexander Arnold and Fabinho made short work of last season. He failed to turn up when it mattered most in the Champions League either- falling short in the Semi finals when he could have won the tie for City.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"At Villa the team was shaped around his strengths, whereas at City, he’s just another option for Pep Guardiola to call upon, and has looked at times like a doe caught in the headlights, struggling to make that Number 10 shirt his own. He’ll be hoping to change the narrative this season. However, his mammoth price, his paltry output and the summer-long hype he generated firmly cements his ignominious place as the ‘Top of the Flops’ from last season.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Though another player might have more than a thing or two to say about this, and that gentleman is…&nbsp;&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Romelu Lukaku\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Where: Inter Milan to Chelsea&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Price: £97.5 million\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Fellow big spenders <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/chelsea/\\\">Chelsea</a> weren’t going to rest on their laurels after winning the Champions League last season, as Tuchel was desperate to add goals to his first team. Enter prodigal son- Romelu Lukaku. The effective, if inelegant, striker had been in prolific form for Inter the season before, and trigger-happy Chelsea were happy to bring the journeyman back to the club, for the 2nd or 3rd, or perhaps the 4th time- it has gotten hard to count now!&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He started impressively enough in his first couple of games against <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/arsenal/\\\">Arsenal</a> and Aston Villa, but the fickle English media was quick to hype him up like he was the second coming of the Lord, and this only put his subsequent dry spell further under the scanner- when he went without scoring for 7 games in a row, only getting on the scoresheet in December after his initial honeymoon period.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He did end the season with an un-embarrassing 15 goals from the 44 games he played, but his ill-advised unsanctioned interview with Sky Italia where he criticised his manager’s tactics, declared his undying love for Inter Milan, even stating his desire to return there, was a slap on the face of his team, the manager, and most importantly the fans. All of this ensured that he will be seen as one of the most expensive transfer mistakes ever. He’s now all set to return to Inter Milan this summer on a loan deal.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/romelu-lukaku-takes-massive-pay-cut-to-inter-milan-fee-wages-other-details-684207/\\\">Romelu Lukaku takes massive pay cut to Inter Milan: Fee, wages, other details</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Raphael Varane\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Where: Real Madrid to <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchester/\\\">Manchester</a> <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/united/\\\">United</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Price: £34 million\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Manchester United could write its own book on transfer flops in recent seasons, but let’s not digress. A 4-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, and a World Cup winner with <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/france/\\\">France</a>, the then 28-year-old was seen as a bona fide coup for United, and promised a much needed injection of elite defensive pedigree to a defence that drastically needed upgrading. In fact, his signing even got people speculating that the 2 Manchester clubs might slug it out toe-to-toe for the title, after United’s runners up season previously.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, Varane has proved to be a tad too fragile for the Premier League- whenever he has been available to be called upon that is, with injuries massively limiting his contributions to the team. Of course, having the oft times comedic presence of Harry Maguire as a defensive partner is probably not the most ideal situation for any defender to bed in, settle down, and do their job, but Maguire’s much publicised defensive woes have also helped keep the spotlight away from the Frenchman. He’ll be hoping for an injury-free campaign this time around, and provide some much-needed leadership in the United defence this season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/why-erik-ten-hag-is-frustrated-at-manchester-united-even-before-season-start-682013/\\\">Why Erik ten Hag is 'frustrated' at Manchester United even before season start</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Jadon Sancho\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Where: Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Price: £73 million\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Sancho was considered, perhaps still is considered, one of the top young English prospects in recent seasons. Taking an unfamiliar route for English players- of starting his senior career in the German Bundesliga, Sancho vindicated his choices by becoming a lethal weapon in the armoury of the iconic German team- playing with a joyful youthfulness that saw him wreak havoc wherever he played.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After extensively scouting him for at least 2 seasons, United finally had their man. But entering the toxic dressing room of Manchester United seems to have sapped the life out of this destructive winger. Whether under Ole, or Rangnick, whether on the left or on the right, things just didn’t seem to click for young Jadon as he ended the season with a miserly 3 goals and 3 assists to his name.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He did improve as the season wore on and he got a longer run in the first team, but there’s still plenty for the youngster to do before he can justify his expensive price tag.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/could-antony-open-man-uniteds-transfer-floodgates-685832/\\\">Could Antony open Man United's transfer floodgates?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Emiliano Buendia\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Where: Norwich to Aston Villa\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Price: £38 million\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Armed with the £100m received from Man City for the services of Jack Grealish, the Villans set about rebuilding their creative engine room, and Emi Buendia was the player earmarked to take over the creative duties for the team, and Villa made him their club-record signing on the back of his prolific season in the Championship with Norwich City.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"He has largely struggled to fill in the shoes of Grealish and impose himself in games though. Ending the season with 4 goals and 6 assists in the league is not the worst outlay for a player playing his first season in England’s top flight, but record signing Buendia will be hoping there’s a lot more to come from the 25-year-old when he commences his 2nd season in the top flight, as will manager Steven Gerrard.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Premier League clubs are busy signing new talent in the transfer window</li>
 <li>However, not all signings pay off, as 2021 has shown</li>
 <li>Here are some of the biggest flop signings of last season</li>
</ul>

Football silly season: Top 5 Premier League transfer flops of 2021/22

RomeluLukaku

RaphaelVarane

manchester

Football

United

InterMilan

AstonVilla

RealMadrid

ManchesterUnited

British

Arsenal

ChampionsLeague

WorldCup

France

Madrid, Spain

Real Madrid has done it again. The 13-time European champion produced yet another magical Champions League night at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Wednesday, rallying late with two goals in two minutes by substitute Rodrygo to force extra time and defeat Manchester City 3-1 to reach its first final in four seasons. Karim Benzema, the hero of Madrid's previous Champions League comebacks this season, converted a penalty kick in extra time for the decisive goal that allowed Madrid to advance 6-5 on aggregate after a 4-3 first-leg semifinal loss in which it escaped losing by a bigger margin. Also read: Carlo Ancelotti to 'probably' retire after his stint at Real Madrid ends,Madrid had already pulled off thrilling comebacks at the Bernabéu against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 and Chelsea in the quarterfinals. By doing it again against City, Madrid booked a spot in the May 28 final in Paris against Liverpool, which advanced after defeating Villarreal on Tuesday. Madrid defeated Liverpool in the 2018 final, when the Spanish powerhouse clinched its record-extending 13th title. The result ended City’s quest for its first Champions League trophy. Pep Guardiola’s team lost in the final last year to Chelsea. Madrid looked beaten near the end of regulation when Rodrygo scored his goals two minutes apart. Riyad Mahrez had put City ahead in the 73rd but the Brazilian forward equalized in the 90th and got the go-ahead goal with a header a minute into stoppage time. Also read: PL: Ronaldo scores again in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Brentford,A few minutes before Rodrygo's first goal, Ferland Mendy had saved Madrid from conceding a second goal that could have sealed City’s qualification by clearing the ball in front of the goal line while tumbling backward to keep an attempt by Jack Grealish from going in. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois moments later saved a Grealish shot with the bottom of his cleat. Madrid carried all the momentum into extra time and Benzema gave the hosts the 3-1 lead by converting a 95th-minute penalty kick after he was fouled inside the area.

{\"time\":1651704934831,\"strCount\":2744,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-overcome-upbeat-chelsea-to-storm-into-semis-247566/\\\">Real Madrid</a> has done it again.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 13-time European champion produced yet another magical Champions League night at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Wednesday, rallying late with two goals in two minutes by substitute Rodrygo to force extra time and defeat Manchester City 3-1 to reach its first final in four seasons.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/who-is-karim-benzema-309805/\\\">Karim Benzema</a>, the hero of Madrid's previous Champions League comebacks this season, converted a penalty kick in extra time for the decisive goal that allowed Madrid to advance 6-5 on aggregate after a 4-3 first-leg semifinal loss in which it escaped losing by a bigger margin.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/carlo-ancelotti-to-probably-retire-after-his-stint-at-real-madrid-ends-544393/\\\">Carlo Ancelotti to 'probably' retire after his stint at Real Madrid ends</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Madrid had already pulled off thrilling comebacks at the Bernabéu against <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/paris/\\\">Paris</a> Saint-Germain in the round of 16 and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/chelsea/\\\">Chelsea</a> in the quarterfinals.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"By doing it again against City, Madrid booked a spot in the May 28 final in Paris against <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/liverpool/\\\">Liverpool</a>, which advanced after defeating <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/villarreal/\\\">Villarreal</a> on Tuesday. Madrid defeated Liverpool in the 2018 final, when the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/spanish/\\\">Spanish</a> powerhouse clinched its record-extending 13th title.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The result ended City’s quest for its first Champions League trophy. Pep Guardiola’s team lost in the final last year to Chelsea.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Madrid looked beaten near the end of regulation when Rodrygo scored his goals two minutes apart. Riyad Mahrez had put City ahead in the 73rd but the Brazilian forward equalized in the 90th and got the go-ahead goal with a header a minute into stoppage time.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/premier-league-ronaldo-scores-again-in-manchester-uniteds-3-0-win-over-brentford-268308/\\\">PL: Ronaldo scores again in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Brentford</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A few minutes before Rodrygo's first goal, Ferland Mendy had saved Madrid from conceding a second goal that could have sealed City’s qualification by clearing the ball in front of the goal line while tumbling backward to keep an attempt by Jack Grealish from going in.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois moments later saved a Grealish shot with the bottom of his cleat.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Madrid carried all the momentum into extra time and Benzema gave the hosts the 3-1 lead by converting a 95th-minute penalty kick after he was fouled inside the area.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Real Madrid defeated Manchester City 3-1 to reach its first Champions League final in four seasons</li>
 <li>Karim Benzema converted a penalty kick in extra time for the decisive goal</li>
 <li>Madrid booked a spot in the May 28 final in Paris against Liverpool</li>
</ul>

Champions League: Real Madrid rallies past Man City to face Liverpool in finals

Liverpool

Villarreal

ParisSaintGermain

Spanish

KarimBenzema

ThibautCourtois

Madrid

Paris

Europe

Manchester City defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on Tuesday, thanks to Kevin De Bruyne's goal. After a tense 70 minutes, City finally broke through Atletico's tenacious defence, aided by Phil Foden's vision. Foden slid in a beautiful through-ball and De Bruyne raced through to fire home a low shot from a close angle just 79 seconds after coming off the bench. Also read: Champions League: Luis Diaz guides Liverpool to 3-1 victory over Benfica in Portugal,“We knew it was going to be pretty tough to create some opportunities,” De Bruyne said. “The first half was tight, but we didn’t give anything away and in the second half had a couple of chances. It was good that we took one.”,In the second quarterfinal first leg of the night, Liverpool defeated Benfica 3-1. Both Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have reached the Champions League final but have never won the cup. As coach Diego Simeone had promised, Atletico played its typical cagey game. Also read: Champions League: Real Madrid might play Chelsea without coach Carlo Ancelotti,The first half was played at a leisurely pace, with City dominating the most of the ball but unable to create chances despite having all of its outfield players in the final third at points. De Bruyne and Joao Cancelo both had shots deflected wide, and Aymeric Laporte's header was off target. Ilkay Gundogan shot wide, and Rodri had a long-range effort stopped before De Bruyne's penalty petition was denied, and John Stones also missed. “It is very hard, De Bruyne said. “They played almost five at the back and five in midfield, it is very hard to find the spaces.”,Also read: Premier League: In-form Crystal Palace routs Arsenal 3-0,It wasn't until the second half that the hosts attempted to speed up their performance. That did loosen up the game significantly, and Atletico almost capitalised with a number of deep bursts. Antoine Griezmann squandered one chance with a terrible pass, while Marcos Llorente chipped a feeble shot at goalkeeper Ederson from another. City, on the other hand, began to threaten more, with Gundogan's effort deflected wide and Laporte coming close with a header. City requested another penalty for Reinildo's push on Sterling, but it was denied. Sterling's role ended there when manager Pep Guardiola substituted him in the game-changing move. Also read: Dutch coach Van Gaal has prostate cancer, plans to lead team at Qatar 2022,De Bruyne was set up for the goal by Foden, who came in in place of Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus. Following a clever move to the byline, Foden generated another chance for De Bruyne, but this time Atletico had enough people back to block. “The way we played was good because we didn’t give anything away,” De Bruyne said. “You need to be calm and patient, try to find the balls and the spaces because they were compact.”

{\"time\":1649211512778,\"strCount\":4050,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-city-rout-manchester-united-4-1-to-maintain-lead-in-title-race-548908/\\\">Manchester City</a> defeated <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/la-liga-gonzalo-melero-levante-stun-atletico-madrid-467443/\\\">Atletico Madrid</a> 1-0 in the first leg of their <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/ucl-trio-of-lionel-messi-neymar-kylian-mbappe-to-start-for-psg-for-the-first-time-314026/\\\">Champions League quarterfinal</a> on Tuesday, thanks to <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/who-is-kevin-de-bruyne-654071/\\\">Kevin De Bruyne</a>'s goal.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After a tense 70 minutes, City finally broke through Atletico's tenacious defence, aided by <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/premier-league-tomiyasu-returns-for-arsenal-manchester-city-without-phil-foden-for-emirates-clash-578393/\\\">Phil Foden</a>'s vision. Foden slid in a beautiful through-ball and De Bruyne raced through to fire home a low shot from a close angle just 79 seconds after coming off the bench.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/champions-league-luis-diaz-guides-liverpool-to-3-1-victory-over-benfica-in-portugal-100438/\\\">Champions League: Luis Diaz guides Liverpool to 3-1 victory over Benfica in Portugal</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“We knew it was going to be pretty tough to create some opportunities,” De Bruyne said. “The first half was tight, but we didn’t give anything away and in the second half had a couple of chances. It was good that we took one.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In the second quarterfinal first leg of the night, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/liverpool/\\\">Liverpool</a> defeated Benfica 3-1.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Both Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have reached the Champions League final but have never won the cup.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As coach Diego Simeone had promised, Atletico played its typical cagey game.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-might-play-chelsea-without-coach-carlo-ancelotti-483086/\\\">Champions League: Real Madrid might play Chelsea without coach Carlo Ancelotti</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The first half was played at a leisurely pace, with City dominating the most of the ball but unable to create chances despite having all of its outfield players in the final third at points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"De Bruyne and Joao Cancelo both had shots deflected wide, and Aymeric Laporte's header was off target.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Ilkay Gundogan shot wide, and Rodri had a long-range effort stopped before De Bruyne's penalty petition was denied, and John Stones also missed.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“It is very hard,\\\" De Bruyne said. “They played almost five at the back and five in midfield, it is very hard to find the spaces.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/premier-league-in-form-crystal-palace-routs-arsenal-3-541653/\\\">Premier League: In-form Crystal Palace routs Arsenal 3-0</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It wasn't until the second half that the hosts attempted to speed up their performance. That did loosen up the game significantly, and Atletico almost capitalised with a number of deep bursts. Antoine Griezmann squandered one chance with a terrible pass, while Marcos Llorente chipped a feeble shot at goalkeeper Ederson from another.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"City, on the other hand, began to threaten more, with Gundogan's effort deflected wide and Laporte coming close with a header.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"City requested another penalty for Reinildo's push on Sterling, but it was denied. Sterling's role ended there when manager <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/manchester-citys-pep-guardiola-named-lma-manager-of-the-year-663513/\\\">Pep Guardiola</a> substituted him in the game-changing move.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/coach-louis-van-gaal-being-treated-for-prostate-cancer-plans-to-lead-netherlands-at-qatar-world-cup-2022-142818/\\\">Dutch coach Van Gaal has prostate cancer, plans to lead team at Qatar 2022</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"De Bruyne was set up for the goal by Foden, who came in in place of Jack Grealish and Gabriel Jesus.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Following a clever move to the byline, Foden generated another chance for De Bruyne, but this time Atletico had enough people back to block.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“The way we played was good because we didn’t give anything away,” De Bruyne said. “You need to be calm and patient, try to find the balls and the spaces because they were compact.”\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Manchester City defeated Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal</li>
 <li>'We knew it was going to be pretty tough to create some opportunities,' De Bruyne said</li>
 <li>Both Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have reached the Champions League final but have never won the cup</li>
</ul>

Champions League: De Bruyne helps City defeat Atletico Madrid 1-0

AtleticoMadrid

AntoineGriezmann

DiegoSimeone

PepGuardiola

JoaoCancelo

Manchester City gave Liverpool further hope in the English Premier League title race on Monday by stumbling against Crystal Palace for the second time this season. A 0-0 draw at an atmospheric Selhurst Park extended City’s lead to four points but second-placed Liverpool has a game in hand in its quest to reclaim the title from Pep Guardiola’s team. The top two also meet at City’s Etihad Stadium on April 10. Also read: Premier League: Arsenal beats Leicester 2-0 to maintain grip on 4th place,Palace has taken four points off City this season, having beaten the champions 2-0 away on Oct. 30 — the last time they failed to score in the league. Joao Cancelo and Kevin De Bruyne struck the post for City in a match that was mostly one-way traffic except for some sporadic — and dangerous — counterattacks from Palace, mirroring what happened in the meeting of the teams at the Etihad 4 1/2 months ago. Also read: Premier League: Arsenal beats Leicester 2-0 to maintain grip on 4th place,Arguably the best chance of the game fell to City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who somehow managed to prod a shot wide from barely two meters out following Jack Grealish’s low center across the face of goal. While Liverpool has won its last eight games in the league, City has dropped points in three of its last seven outings — after a 1-1 draw at Southampton in January and a 3-2 loss at home to Tottenham last month.

{\"time\":1647298371971,\"strCount\":1792,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchestercity/\\\">Manchester City</a> gave <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/liverpool/\\\">Liverpool</a> further hope in the English Premier League title race on Monday by stumbling against Crystal Palace for the second time this season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A 0-0 draw at an atmospheric Selhurst Park extended City’s lead to four points but second-placed Liverpool has a game in hand in its quest to reclaim the title from Pep Guardiola’s team. The top two also meet at City’s Etihad Stadium on April 10.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-beats-leicester-2-0-to-maintain-grip-on-4th-place-194263/\\\">Premier League: Arsenal beats Leicester 2-0 to maintain grip on 4th place</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Palace has taken four points off City this season, having beaten the champions 2-0 away on Oct. 30 — the last time they failed to score in the league.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Joao Cancelo and Kevin De Bruyne struck the post for City in a match that was mostly one-way traffic except for some sporadic — and dangerous — counterattacks from Palace, mirroring what happened in the meeting of the teams at the Etihad 4 1/2 months ago.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/premier-league-arsenal-beats-leicester-2-0-to-maintain-grip-on-4th-place-194263/\\\">Premier League: Arsenal beats Leicester 2-0 to maintain grip on 4th place</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Arguably the best chance of the game fell to City midfielder Bernardo Silva, who somehow managed to prod a shot wide from barely two meters out following Jack Grealish’s low center across the face of goal.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While Liverpool has won its last eight games in the league, City has dropped points in three of its last seven outings — after a 1-1 draw at <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/southampton/\\\">Southampton</a> in January and a 3-2 loss at home to Tottenham last month.\"}}]}

Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

<ul>
 <li>Manchester City and Crystal Palace played out a 0-0 draw</li>
 <li>Palace has taken four points off City this season, having beaten the champions 2-0 away in October 2021</li>
 <li>City has dropped points in three of its last seven outings</li>
</ul>

Premier League: City held by Palace, gives Liverpool hope in title race

CrystalPalace

KevinDeBruyne

Southampton

First Manchester United, now Tottenham. Second-tier Middlesbrough is toppling some of English soccer's biggest clubs in its FA Cup run. A goal at the start of the second half of extra time earned Middlesbrough a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the fifth round of the competition on Tuesday. Also read: Charity regulator looks into Roman Abramovich's plan for Chelsea,The team coached by Chris Wilder, who worked wonders with Sheffield United in its recent stint in the Premier League, needed to win a penalty shootout at Old Trafford to get past United in the fourth round. This time, victory was wrapped up earlier when 19-year-old substitute Josh Coburn just stayed onside to run onto a through-ball and smash a rising finish into the top corner. It ensured there will be lower-league representation in the draw for the quarterfinals, though it was the only surprising result Tuesday. Also read: Adidas severs partnership with Russian Football Union over Ukraine invasion,Manchester City, the Premier League champion, dispatched another second-tier team in Peterborough in a routine 2-0 victory even if the goals came in the second half through Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish. Crystal Palace beat Championship side Stoke 2-1. The fifth round will be completed over Wednesday and Thursday. JUST LIKE MESSI,Grealish and Phil Foden sat next to each other on the team bus on the way to the game against Peterbrough and scrolled through videos of Lionel Messi to fill the time. Also read: FIFA 23 to incorporate cross-play and expand women's leagues: Report,Turns out they got some inspiration. Grealish's 67th-minute goal, which made it 2-0 and ended any realistic hopes of a shock by Peterborough, was one Messi would have been proud of. Foden collected the ball just inside Peterborough's half and floated a defense-splitting ball forward to Grealish, who caressed it with his right foot and produced a deft finish with his left. “After scoring, Grealish said, he (Foden) came up to me and said it was just like we were watching.”,Mahrez gave City a 60th-minute lead against the last-place team in the Championship. Ukraine captain Oleksandr Zinchenko was made captain for the game by City. He and Peterborough's captain held the Ukrainian flag on the field before kickoff and a message on the big screen inside the stadium read “We Stand With Ukraine” in reference to the invasion by Russia. In the other last-16 match, Palace got past Stoke thanks to Jairo Riedewald's 82nd-minute winner. RELEGATION DANGER,Burnley couldn't get out of the Premier League's relegation zone. A win or even a draw against Leicester would have been enough to climb out of the bottom three but Burnley lost 2-0 at Turf Moor. James Maddison and Jamie Vardy came off the bench in the 72nd minute and scored the goals for the visitors. It was Vardy's first game in two months after injury.

{\"time\":1646177873079,\"strCount\":3343,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"First <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchesterunited/\\\">Manchester United</a>, now Tottenham.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Second-tier Middlesbrough is toppling some of English soccer's biggest clubs in its FA Cup run.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A goal at the start of the second half of extra time earned Middlesbrough a 1-0 win over Tottenham in the fifth round of the competition on Tuesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/charity-regulator-looks-into-roman-abramovichs-plan-for-chelsea-575561/\\\">Charity regulator looks into Roman Abramovich's plan for Chelsea</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The team coached by Chris Wilder, who worked wonders with Sheffield United in its recent stint in the Premier League, needed to win a penalty shootout at Old Trafford to get past United in the fourth round.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"This time, victory was wrapped up earlier when 19-year-old substitute Josh Coburn just stayed onside to run onto a through-ball and smash a rising finish into the top corner.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It ensured there will be lower-league representation in the draw for the quarterfinals, though it was the only surprising result Tuesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/adidas-severs-partnership-with-russian-football-union-over-ukraine-invasion-391368/\\\">Adidas severs partnership with Russian Football Union over Ukraine invasion</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Manchester City, the Premier League champion, dispatched another second-tier team in Peterborough in a routine 2-0 victory even if the goals came in the second half through Riyad Mahrez and Jack Grealish.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Crystal Palace beat Championship side Stoke 2-1.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The fifth round will be completed over Wednesday and Thursday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"JUST LIKE MESSI\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Grealish and Phil Foden sat next to each other on the team bus on the way to the game against Peterbrough and scrolled through videos of Lionel Messi to fill the time.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/technology/fifa-23-to-incorporate-cross-play-and-expand-womens-leagues-575204/\\\">FIFA 23 to incorporate cross-play and expand women's leagues: Report</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Turns out they got some inspiration.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Grealish's 67th-minute goal, which made it 2-0 and ended any realistic hopes of a shock by Peterborough, was one Messi would have been proud of.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Foden collected the ball just inside Peterborough's half and floated a defense-splitting ball forward to Grealish, who caressed it with his right foot and produced a deft finish with his left.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"“After scoring,\\\" Grealish said, \\\"he (Foden) came up to me and said it was just like we were watching.”\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Mahrez gave City a 60th-minute lead against the last-place team in the Championship.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/ukraine/\\\">Ukraine</a> captain Oleksandr Zinchenko was made captain for the game by City. He and Peterborough's captain held the Ukrainian flag on the field before kickoff and a message on the big screen inside the stadium read “We Stand With Ukraine” in reference to the invasion by <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/russia/\\\">Russia</a>.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In the other last-16 match, Palace got past Stoke thanks to Jairo Riedewald's 82nd-minute winner.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"RELEGATION DANGER\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Burnley couldn't get out of the Premier League's relegation zone.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A win or even a draw against Leicester would have been enough to climb out of the bottom three but Burnley lost 2-0 at Turf Moor.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"James Maddison and Jamie Vardy came off the bench in the 72nd minute and scored the goals for the visitors. It was Vardy's first game in two months after injury.\"}}]}

Yash Bajaj

<ul>
 <li>Middlesbrough defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0</li>
 <li>Manchester City defeated Peterborough 2-0</li>
 <li>Crystal Palace beat Championship side Stoke 2-1</li>
</ul>

Man United, now Spurs: Middlesbrough causes another FA Cup shock

FACup

TottenhamHotspur

JamieVardy

Ukraine

SheffieldUnited

Shuvrajit Das Biswas

Pep Guardiola runs a tight ship at Manchester City, which is evident from the fact that midfielders Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were left out of the game against Newcastle United, on December 19. The manager clarified it was not a routine squad rotation. The two had been excluded due to their misconduct, and warned about their errant behaviour as well. ,After City's thumping 7-0 victory over Leeds, Foden and Grealish enjoyed a night out, and were pictured at a Manchester bar. The club's staff was distinctly unhappy with the condition in which they showed up the next morning, for their recovery session. ,Despite both Foden and Grealish scoring against Leeds, Guardiola made it evident that he was unimpressed with their behaviour off the pitch. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Barcelona manager said, I decided this team because they deserved to play, these guys, not the others. At Christmas, I pay a lot of attention to behaviour on and off the pitch. When off the pitch is not proper, they are not going to play. So we have to be focussed all the time because of distractions at Christmas time and everything that happens - you have to still be focussed. ,Also Read | Sergio Aguero, Christian Eriksen: 5 footballers with heart problems,Notably, Guardiola was attending former City striker Sergio Aguero's farewell press event in Barcelona, but was apprised of the situation back home, regarding Foden and Grealish's night out. ,While some might think that Guardiola is being a killjoy, the astute manager is just looking out for his team. With COVID infections on a worrisome rise in the UK, several Premier League clubs have taken a hit, losing key players as they've fallen ill. Clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool are without instrumental squad members Romelu Lukaku and Virgil Van Dijk, at present. ,Since the recent Premier League meeting reached the conclusion that matches are on, as scheduled, for gameweek 20, club coaches have to be extra vigilant to ensure their players do not contract the virus. Thus, monitoring one's behaviour off the pitch becomes necessary, and both Foden and Grealish have clearly received the message that they must play by Pep Guardiola's rule at Manchester City.

{\"time\":1640082656347,\"strCount\":2826,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Pep Guardiola runs a tight ship at Manchester City, which is evident from the fact that midfielders Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were left out of the game against Newcastle United, on December 19. The manager clarified it was not a routine squad rotation. The two had been excluded due to their misconduct, and warned about their errant behaviour as well.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/5-reasons-why-sergio-aguero-will-be-recalled-as-manchester-city-legend-257352/\\\">City's </a>thumping 7-0 victory over Leeds, Foden and Grealish enjoyed a night out, and were pictured at a Manchester bar. The club's staff was distinctly unhappy with the condition in which they showed up the next morning, for their recovery session.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite both Foden and Grealish scoring against Leeds, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/chak-de-fatte-virat-kohlis-message-for-manchester-city-boss-pep-guardiola-193712/\\\">Guardiola </a>made it evident that he was unimpressed with their behaviour off the pitch. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Barcelona manager said, \\\"I decided this team because they deserved to play, these guys, not the others. At Christmas, I pay a lot of attention to behaviour on and off the pitch. When off the pitch is not proper, they are not going to play. So we have to be focussed all the time because of distractions at Christmas time and everything that happens - you have to still be focussed\\\".&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/sergio-aguero-christian-eriksen-5-footballers-with-heart-problems-343123/\\\">Sergio Aguero, Christian Eriksen: 5 footballers with heart problems</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Notably, Guardiola was attending former City striker <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/lionel-messi-pens-emotional-note-for-sergio-aguero-after-striker-retires-486738/\\\">Sergio Aguero's </a>farewell press event in Barcelona, but was apprised of the situation back home, regarding Foden and Grealish's night out.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While some might think that Guardiola is being a killjoy, the astute manager is just looking out for his team. With <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/world/why-uks-omicron-surge-has-europe-worried-396579/\\\">COVID </a>infections on a worrisome rise in the UK, several Premier League clubs have taken a hit, losing key players as they've fallen ill. Clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool are without instrumental squad members Romelu Lukaku and Virgil Van Dijk, at present. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Since the recent <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/premier-league-managers-to-meet-over-covid-concerns-643958/\\\">Premier League meeting </a>reached the conclusion that matches are on, as scheduled, for gameweek 20, club coaches have to be extra vigilant to ensure their players do not contract the virus. Thus, monitoring one's behaviour off the pitch becomes necessary, and both Foden and Grealish have clearly received the message that they must play by Pep Guardiola's rule at Manchester City.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were left out of City's squad against Newcastle, due to misconduct.&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Guardiola took the call after the two had been spotted in a Manchester bar.&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Foden and Grealish were there, celebrating the 7-0 victory over Leeds, where both scored.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

City manager Pep Guardiola warns Phil Foden, Jack Grealish over misconduct

covid19

Soccer

Sayantan Guha

Jack Grealish completed a 5-0 routing of Andorra in the hands of England as the Manchester City midfielder scored his first international goal on Saturday in Group I match of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. ,Ben Chilwell and Bukayo Saka scored in the first half against the side ranked 156th in the world then Tammy Abraham, James Ward-Prowse and Grealish scored after the break. Also Read: Ballon d'Or nominees: Lewandowski, Benzema, Jorginho named in 30-man shortlist,Andorra were the second-best team throughout the match as England opened the scoring early through Chilwell. The adventurous Chelsea fullback got into the opposition box and was set up by Jadon Sancho for a simple tap-in. Just ahead of the half-time whistle, Saka doubled the lead after bringing down a lobbed chip from Phil Foden and smashing it past Andorra's keeper Josep Gomes. In the first 45 minutes, England enjoyed the lion's share of possession and had nine goal attempts. Also read: Et Tu SAF? Ronaldo should have started: Sir Alex Ferguson on Everton game,Phil Foden was the architect of both first-half goals, providing the ball for Chilwell’s first international goal and then Saka’s thumping strike. After the break, England continued the domination as Abraham, making his first international start in four years, turned home a cross from Sancho in the 59th minute. The Europe Group I match saw Ukraine’s Kateryna Monzul become the first woman to referee a senior England men’s match. Grealish was brought down in the box and Ward-Prowse scored from the rebound after his penalty was saved. Also Read: Kylian Mbappe 'asked to leave' PSG amid summer interest from Real Madrid,Grealish scored his first England goal in the 86th, striking low beyond Gomes after collecting a long throw from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. England kept a national record 12th clean sheet in a calendar year. With only the group winners automatically qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar next year, England is four points ahead of second-placed Albania. Albania won at Hungary 1-0 through Armando Broja’s goal in a stadium closed to fans due to a racist punishment. Poland is a point further back in third place after routing San Marino 5-0. Just 2,285 were in attendance at Estadi Nacional, where the hosts worked overnight to repair the damage caused by the touchline fire around the TV gantry area on the eve of the game. With inputs from the Associated Press

{\"time\":1633815302342,\"strCount\":3130,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/jackgrealish/\\\">Jack Grealish</a> completed a 5-0 routing of Andorra in the hands of England as the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchestercity/\\\">Manchester City</a> midfielder scored his first international goal on Saturday in Group I match of the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/worldcupqualifiers/\\\">FIFA World Cup Qualifiers</a>.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Ben Chilwell and Bukayo Saka scored in the first half against the side ranked 156th in the world then Tammy Abraham, James Ward-Prowse and Grealish scored after the break.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/ballon-dor-nominees-robert-lewandowski-karim-benzema-jorginho-named-in-30-man-shortlist?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Ballon d'Or nominees: Lewandowski, Benzema, Jorginho named in 30-man shortlist</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Andorra were the second-best team throughout the match as England opened the scoring early through Chilwell. The adventurous Chelsea fullback got into the opposition box and was set up by Jadon Sancho for a simple tap-in.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Just ahead of the half-time whistle, Saka doubled the lead after bringing down a lobbed chip from Phil Foden and smashing it past Andorra's keeper Josep Gomes. In the first 45 minutes, England enjoyed the lion's share of possession and had nine goal attempts.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/cristiano-ronaldo-should-have-started-sir-alex-ferguson-on-manchester-united-vs-everton-game?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Et Tu SAF? Ronaldo should have started: Sir Alex Ferguson on Everton game</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Phil Foden was the architect of both first-half goals, providing the ball for Chilwell’s first international goal and then Saka’s thumping strike.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After the break, England continued the domination as&nbsp;Abraham, making his first international start in four years, turned home a cross from Sancho in the 59th minute.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Europe Group I match saw Ukraine’s Kateryna Monzul become the first woman to referee a senior England men’s match.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Grealish was brought down in the box and Ward-Prowse scored from the rebound after his penalty was saved.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/kylian-mbappe-asked-to-leave-paris-saint-germain-amid-summer-interest-from-real-madrid-582320/\\\">Kylian Mbappe 'asked to leave' PSG amid summer interest from Real Madrid</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Grealish scored his first England goal in the 86th, striking low beyond Gomes after collecting a long throw from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"England kept a national record 12th clean sheet in a calendar year.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With only the group winners automatically qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar next year, England is four points ahead of second-placed Albania.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Albania won at Hungary 1-0 through Armando Broja’s goal in a stadium closed to fans due to a racist punishment.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Poland is a point further back in third place after routing San Marino 5-0.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Just 2,285 were in attendance at Estadi Nacional, where the hosts worked overnight to repair the damage caused by the touchline fire around the TV gantry area on the eve of the game.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With inputs from the Associated Press\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>England completed a 5-0 routing of Andorra</li>
 <li>Jack Grealish scored his first international goal</li>
 <li>England opened the scoring early through Ben Chilwell</li>
</ul>

WC Qualifiers: Grealish bags first international goal as England rout Andorra

Andorra

WorldCupQualifiers

FIFA

BukayoSaka

Shubham Banerjee

Arsenal travel to Manchester City on Saturday in search of their first points and goals of the Premier League after losing the first two games of the season without scoring for the first time in top-flight history. A trip to the home of the champions could prove to be a long day at work for Mikel Arteta and his men. ,Arsenal lost 2-0 at Premier League new boys Brentford in the opening week of the season, where Arsenal’s usual lazy defending came to the fore. They then lost 0-2 at home to Chelsea, with the Champions of Europe taking full advantage of the gaping holes in their back four to take three points. Also Read | Man City suspends Benjamin Mendy over sexual assault charges,Given Arsenal had up to nine first-team players unavailable for both clashes, the performances were still not reflective of a side on the mend. But with a few key players back in the fold, Arsenal might just surprise Pep Guardiola. ,The Gunners had a morale-boosting win at The Hawthorns in the second round of the EFL Cup, where they beat West Brom 6-0. Albeit it was mismatch from the off - with Arsenal fielding a near full-strength XI against a team of young Baggies - the hattrick for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, along with goals for Alexander Lacazette, Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka, will no doubt be a confidence booster. Also Read | Wayne Rooney not 'convinced' of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Manchester City,Summer signing Martin Odegaard showed glimpses of quality, providing the assist for Saka’s goal with a lovely flick, in that win. ,However, City will still take a lot of beating. The champions were stunned on opening week as Tottenham Hotspur won 1-0 at home, but they bounced back the only way they know, with a handful of goals and a statement of intent. Also Read | UCL Group Stage draw: Man City, Paris Saint-Germain to lock horns,Jack Grealish, the most expensive signing in the Premier League, got off the mark with his first goal in sky blue, with Aymeric Laporte, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and an own goal helping City to a 5-0 win over Norwich City. ,While City also have a few key players missing – in Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden among others – they will be expecting to get three points against a lacklustre Arsenal side, who will be eager to prove otherwise.

{\"time\":1630080504744,\"strCount\":3556,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/arsenal/\\\">Arsenal</a> travel\\nto <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchestercity/\\\">Manchester City</a> on Saturday in search of their first points and goals of the\\n<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/premierleague/\\\">Premier League</a> after losing the first two games of the season without scoring\\nfor the first time in top-flight history. A trip to the home of the champions could\\nprove to be a long day at work for Mikel Arteta and his men. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Arsenal <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/premier-league-brentford-beat-arsenal-in-the-season-opener?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">lost 2-0</a> at Premier League new boys Brentford in the opening week of the season, where\\nArsenal’s usual lazy defending came to the fore. They then lost <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/premier-league-romelu-lukaku-reece-james-fire-chelsea-to-london-derby-win-over-arsenal?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">0-2 at home to\\nChelsea</a>, with the Champions of Europe taking full advantage of the gaping holes\\nin their back four to take three points.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/premier-league-manchester-city-left-back-benjamin-mendy-charged-with-sexual-assault-suspended?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Man City suspends Benjamin Mendy over sexual assault charges</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Given\\nArsenal had up to nine first-team players unavailable for both clashes, the\\nperformances were still not reflective of a side on the mend. But with a few\\nkey players back in the fold, Arsenal might just surprise <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/pepguardiola/\\\">Pep Guardiola</a>. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Gunners\\nhad a morale-boosting win at The Hawthorns in the second round of the EFL Cup,\\nwhere they beat West Brom 6-0. Albeit it was mismatch from the off - with\\nArsenal fielding a near full-strength XI against a team of young Baggies - the hattrick\\nfor Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, along with goals for Alexander Lacazette,\\nNicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka, will no doubt be a confidence booster.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/wayne-rooney-not-convinced-of-cristiano-ronaldo-joining-manchester-city?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Wayne Rooney not 'convinced' of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Manchester City</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Summer\\nsigning Martin Odegaard showed glimpses of quality, providing the assist for\\nSaka’s goal with a lovely flick, in that win. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However,\\nCity will still take a lot of beating. The champions were stunned on opening\\nweek as Tottenham Hotspur won 1-0 at home, but they bounced back the only way\\nthey know, with a handful of goals and a statement of intent.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/uefa-champions-league-group-stage-draw-manchester-city-psg-locked-in-group-a?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">UCL Group Stage draw: Man City, Paris Saint-Germain to lock horns</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Jack\\nGrealish, the most expensive signing in the Premier League, got off the mark\\nwith his first goal in sky blue, with Aymeric Laporte, Raheem Sterling, Riyad\\nMahrez and an own goal helping City to a <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/manchester-city-thrash-norwich-city-5-0-seal-first-win-of-premier-league-202122?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">5-0 win</a> over Norwich City. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"While City\\nalso have a few key players missing – in Kevin de Bruyne and Phil Foden among\\nothers – they will be expecting to get three points against a lacklustre Arsenal\\nside, who will be eager to prove otherwise. \"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Arsenal won 6-0 at West Brom in the EFL Cup on Wednesday</li>
 <li>Man City won 5-0 at home against Norwich City last week</li>
 <li>Arsenal come into this game with 0 points and goals in the Premier League so far</li>
</ul>

Premier League: Returning stars to redeem Arsenal vs Manchester City?

EuropeanFootball

PierreEmerickAubameyang

MikelArteta

Defending champions Manchester City registered their first points in the 2021/22 Premier League season with a dominating 5-0 win over Norwich City. Playing at home, the Sky Blues saw four different players, including their £100 million buy Jack Grealish find the back of the net. Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul opened City's account in the seventh minute with an own goal. ,Krul's goal and Grealish's deflection gave Manchester City a 2-0 lead at half-time. Defender Aymeric Laporte justified his selection over a seasoned Stones with a low stunner in the 64th minute that was followed by Raheem Sterling getting his name on the book 10 minutes after getting off the bench. Riyad Mahrez's well-timed touch in the 84th minute sealed the game. Forward Gabriel Jesus also received a pat on his back for assisting two goals. ,Also read: Liverpool beat Burnley 2-0 before full house at Anfield,Pep Guardiola had made five changes from the starting 11 that lost 1-0 to Tottenham last weekend. Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus were brought in for Nathan Ake, Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez. Stones and De Bruyne weren't included on the bench. ,It remains to be seen where Guardiola sees Grealish’s best position but his versatility will certainly come in handy, especially if City doesn’t manage to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham in this transfer window.,City has two players best suited to playing as a center forward — Ferran Torres and Jesus — and both started at Etihad Stadium, with Torres as the striker and Jesus on the right.,Manchester City play Arsenal, Leicester, Chelsea and Liverpool amoung their next five fixtures.

{\"time\":1629564264128,\"strCount\":2123,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Defending champions <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchestercity/\\\">Manchester City</a> registered their first points in the 2021/22 <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/premierleague/\\\">Premier League</a> season with a dominating 5-0 win over <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/norwichcity/\\\">Norwich City</a>. Playing at home, the Sky Blues saw four different players, including their £100 million buy <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/jackgrealish/\\\">Jack Grealish</a> find the back of the net. Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul opened City's account in the seventh minute with an own goal.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Krul's goal and Grealish's deflection gave Manchester City a 2-0 lead at half-time. Defender Aymeric Laporte justified his selection over a seasoned Stones with a low stunner in the 64th minute that was followed by Raheem Sterling getting his name on the book 10 minutes after getting off the bench. Riyad Mahrez's well-timed touch in the 84th minute sealed the game. Forward Gabriel Jesus also received a pat on his back for assisting two goals.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/liverpool-beat-burnley-2-0-before-full-house-at-anfield?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Liverpool beat Burnley 2-0 before full house at Anfield</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Pep Guardiola had made five changes from the starting 11 that lost 1-0 to Tottenham last weekend. Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus were brought in for&nbsp;Nathan Ake, Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez. Stones and De Bruyne weren't included on the bench.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"It remains to be seen where Guardiola sees Grealish’s best position but his versatility will certainly come in handy, especially if City doesn’t manage to sign<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/harrykane/\\\"> Harry Kane</a> from Tottenham in this transfer window.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"City has two players best suited to playing as a center forward — Ferran Torres and Jesus — and both started at Etihad Stadium, with Torres as the striker and Jesus on the right.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Manchester City play Arsenal, Leicester, Chelsea and Liverpool amoung their next five fixtures.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Jack Grealish scored his first goal for Manchester City</li>
 <li>Raheem Sterling scored a goal 10 minutes off the bench&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Norwich City registered only one shot in the game</li>
</ul>

Man City thrash Norwich 5-0, seal first win of Premier League 2021/22

NorwichCity

Abhimanyu Kulkarni

Manchester City is yet to open their account this season. On Saturday, the defending champions will look to score their first points of the 2021 Premier League in a home match against Norwich City. City opened its title defence with a 1-0 loss at Tottenham. The day will also see Liverpool aim for their second straight win when they go up against Burnley.  ,Norwich played their first match against Liverpool, where they received a 3-0 drubbing. After recently being promoted, the side would be hoping to make its mark at Premier League.,Also read| Manchester City vs Norwich City: When and where to watch, live stream match,In City's loss against Tottenham, the need for a quality striker was extremely evident. Before the season started, the team let go of long-time striker Sergio Aguero. Since then, they have been unable to sign a quality forward. ,Manager Pep Guardiola will hope to put the fans' doubts at bay with a win against Norwich. Record signing Jack Grealish showed flashes of brilliance, but could not make an impact against Tottenham. City would hope for a better performance from Grealish, who was brought on board for $139 million.,Also read| Grealish to Chalobah: 5 talking points after Premier League's first weekend,Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden are listed as injuries and may not make it to the starting lineup. Having de Bruyne back in the squad would be a huge relief for Guardiola. But in his absence, Grealish will be expected to step up.,Manchester City Playing XI ,Playing XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, Gundogan (C), Grealish, Bernardo, Jesus, Torres,Subs: Steffen, Ake, Sterling, Zinchenko, Mendy, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Doyle, Palmer,Norwich City Playing XI,Playing XI: Krul, Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Giannoulis, Gilmour, Rupp, Lees-Melou, Rashica, Pukki, Cantwell.,Subs: Gunn, Dowell, Tzolis, Sorensen, Mclean, Sargent, Mumba, Idah, Omobamidele.,The other Premier League Games on Saturday are: ,- Liverpool vs Burnley ,- Everton vs Leeds ,- Brighton vs Watford ,- Brentford vs Crystal Palace

{\"time\":1629554402352,\"strCount\":2567,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchestercity/\\\">Manchester City</a> is yet to open their account this season. On Saturday, the defending champions will look to score their first points of the 2021 <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/premierleague/\\\">Premier League</a> in a home match against <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/norwichcity/\\\">Norwich City</a>. City opened its title defence with a 1-0 loss at Tottenham. The day will also see Liverpool aim for their second straight win when they go up against Burnley. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Norwich played their first match against Liverpool, where they received a 3-0 drubbing. After recently being promoted, the side would be hoping to make its mark at Premier League.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read| <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/manchester-city-vs-norwich-city-when-and-where-to-watch-live-stream-match?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Manchester City vs Norwich City: When and where to watch, live stream match</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In City's loss against Tottenham, the need for a quality striker was extremely evident. Before the season started, the team let go of long-time striker Sergio Aguero. Since then, they have been unable to sign a quality forward. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Manager Pep Guardiola will hope to put the fans' doubts at bay with a win against Norwich. Record signing Jack Grealish showed flashes of brilliance, but could not make an impact against Tottenham. City would hope for a better performance from Grealish, who was brought on board for $139 million.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read| <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/grealish-to-chalobah-5-talking-points-after-premier-leagues-first-weekend?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Grealish to Chalobah: 5 talking points after Premier League's first weekend</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden are listed as injuries and may not make it to the starting lineup. Having de Bruyne back in the squad would be a huge relief for Guardiola. But in his absence, Grealish will be expected to step up.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Manchester City Playing XI \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Playing XI: Ederson, Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, Gundogan (C), Grealish, Bernardo, Jesus, Torres\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Subs: Steffen, Ake, Sterling, Zinchenko, Mendy, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Doyle, Palmer\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Norwich City Playing XI\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Playing XI: Krul, Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Giannoulis, Gilmour, Rupp, Lees-Melou, Rashica, Pukki, Cantwell.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Subs: Gunn, Dowell, Tzolis, Sorensen, Mclean, Sargent, Mumba, Idah, Omobamidele.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The other Premier League Games on Saturday are: \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"- Liverpool vs Burnley \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"- Everton vs Leeds \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"- Brighton vs Watford \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"- Brentford vs Crystal Palace\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Premier League defending champions Manchester City will look to score their first points of the season</li>
 <li>Norwich lost their first match 0-3 to Liverpool</li>
 <li>Earlier on Saturday, Liverpool registered a 2-0 victory against Burnley</li>
</ul>

Manchester City up against Norwich City, look to score first points of the season

The first weekend of the Premier League came to an end with Tottenham Hotspur stunning defending champions Manchester City in a 1-0 match. A total of 10 matches were played in the past three days, all teams playing one each. Starting from the latest joinees Brentford beating Arsenal to Chelsea's Chalobah scoring a goal on his debut, the English top-flight witnessed an action-packed weekend. ,After the first round of matches, Manchester United lead the points table, followed by Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham in order. Brentford, who scored their first Premier League points are sixth on the table. ,Also read: Fantasy Premier League: Lessons to take away from Brentford's win against Arsenal,Here are the five talking points of the Premier League so far:,1) Harry Kane or not, Tottenham know how to win matches: Spurs defeated Manchester City 1-0. The win comes at a moment when the club's regular skipper Harry Kane, according to rumours, is set to leave. City's Etihad Stadium is Kane's most likely destination, reports say. It was Tottenham's Heung-Min Son who struck the club's statement goal. ,2) Jack Grealish's debut: The former Aston Villa captain made his debut for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur. While the match ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss for City, the £100 million seemed right on the money. ,Also read: Watch| Brentford FC's first goal in English top-flight in nearly 75 years,He has incredible continuity, he is so dangerous close to the box, when we have the ball he always has an extra pass. He got three or four fouls in the first minutes and immediately he woke up and showed. He has incredible continuity, he is so dangerous close to the box, when we have the ball he always has an extra pass. He had an incredible game and incredible debut and will be so important for us. I congratulate him for having the personality to try and try until the end, manager Pep Guardiola said about Grealish. ,3) Brentford start with points: The Bees stung the Gunners, metaphorically. Brentford not only managed to score their first goal back to the English top-flight after 75 years but also contained Arsenal and won 2-0. Thomas Frank's side looked fearless, innovative and offensive in their approach. The match saw Brentford playing through balls, counter-attacking and also setting up strikes. ,4) Trevoh Chalobah's dream debut: Chelsea's Chalobah, a product of the club's academy, made his mark right away by scoring a goal in his side's 3-0 win against Crystal Palace. While Mason Mount was Chelsea’s best player during the win, Chalobah's 25-yard goal was one of the most celebrated moments. ,5) Manchester United has a champion team this season: Talk about the best midfielders in the Premier League and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba are somewhere at the top of the list. The two shared three goals and four assists amongst them in the club's 5-0 win over Leeds United. The team also saw Mason Greenwood step up and showcase the qualities of a No 9, the club has been starving for. In Sancho, Rashfor, Martial, Greenwood, Pogba and Fernandes, the team has a glorious attacking line.

{\"time\":1629109571165,\"strCount\":4312,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The first weekend of the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/premierleague/\\\">Premier League</a> came to an end with <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/epl-son-heung-mins-winner-leads-tottenham-to-victory-over-man-city?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Tottenham Hotspur stunning defending champions Manchester City in a 1-0 </a>match. A total of 10 matches were played in the past three days, all teams playing one each. Starting from the latest joinees Brentford beating Arsenal to Chelsea's&nbsp;Chalobah scoring a goal on his debut, the English top-flight witnessed an action-packed weekend.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After the first round of matches, Manchester United lead the points table, followed by Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham in order. Brentford, who scored their first Premier League points are sixth on the table.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/fantasy-premier-league-lessons-to-take-away-from-brentfords-win-against-arsenal?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Fantasy Premier League: Lessons to take away from Brentford's win against Arsenal</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Here are the five talking points of the Premier League so far:\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"1) Harry Kane or not, Tottenham know how to win matches: Spurs defeated Manchester City 1-0. The win comes at a moment when the club's regular skipper Harry Kane, according to rumours, is set to leave. City's Etihad Stadium is Kane's most likely destination, reports say. It was Tottenham's Heung-Min Son who struck the club's statement goal.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"2) Jack Grealish's debut: The former Aston Villa captain made his debut for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur. While the match ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss for City, the £100 million seemed right on the money.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/watch-brentford-fcs-first-goal-in-english-top-flight-in-nearly-75-years?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Watch| Brentford FC's first goal in English top-flight in nearly 75 years</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"He has incredible continuity, he is so dangerous close to the box, when we have the ball he always has an extra pass. He got three or four fouls in the first minutes and immediately he woke up and showed. He has incredible continuity, he is so dangerous close to the box, when we have the ball he always has an extra pass. He had an incredible game and incredible debut and will be so important for us. I congratulate him for having the personality to try and try until the end,\\\" manager Pep Guardiola said about Grealish.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"3) Brentford start with points: The Bees stung the Gunners, metaphorically. Brentford not only managed to score their first goal back to the English top-flight after 75 years but also contained <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/premier-league-brentford-beat-arsenal-in-the-season-opener?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Arsenal and won 2-0</a>. Thomas Frank's side looked fearless, innovative and offensive in their approach. The match saw Brentford playing through balls, counter-attacking and also setting up strikes.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"4)&nbsp;Trevoh Chalobah's dream debut: Chelsea's Chalobah, a product of the club's academy, made his mark right away by scoring a goal in his side's<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/chelsea-begins-premier-league-title-bid-with-3-0-win-over-crystal-palace?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\"> 3-0 win against Crystal Palace</a>. While Mason Mount was Chelsea’s best player during the win, Chalobah's 25-yard goal was one of the most celebrated moments.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"5) Manchester United has a champion team this season: Talk about the best midfielders in the Premier League and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba are somewhere at the top of the list. The two shared three goals and four assists amongst them in the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/paul-pogba-joins-elite-list-as-manchester-united-thrash-leeds-united-on-premier-league-opener?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">club's 5-0 win over Leeds United</a>. The team also saw Mason Greenwood step up and showcase the qualities of a No 9, the club has been starving for. In Sancho, Rashfor, Martial, Greenwood, Pogba and Fernandes, the team has a glorious attacking line.&nbsp;\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Manchester United defeated Leeds United 5-0</li>
 <li>Jack Grealish made his debut for Manchester City</li>
 <li>Brentford started their Premier League season by defeating Arsenal</li>
</ul>

Grealish to Chalobah: 5 talking points after Premier League's first weekend

Brentford

With inputs from Associated Press,In their opening game of the Premier League season, a Harry Kane-less Tottenham Hotspur scripted a monumental 1-0 win over defending champion Manchester City, thanks to a second-half winner from Son Heung-min on Sunday.,With Kane left out of Tottenham’s team altogether amid continued speculation about a pending move to City, Son led Spurs' attack instead and showed that the North London were still capable enough to challenge the top clubs.,ALSO READ | La Liga: Barcelona's post-Lionel Messi era with a win over Real Sociedad,Although the Sky Blues enjoyed all the possession, Tottenham's cohesive defence controlled the game and didn't allow City's forward line to create clear cut chances. ,In the 55th minute, Son finished off a quick counterattack and Tottenham capped off their first match under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo with a statement victory.,Kane’s absence was the big pregame talking point, although Nuno insisted the decision was made solely because the England striker only returned to full training on Friday after his holiday.,Kane has reportedly told Tottenham he wants to leave, with City manager Pep Guardiola previously acknowledging that his club is “very interested” in buying him, according to Associated Press inputs.,ALSO READ | Footballer Billy Gilmour subjected to homophobic chants from Liverpool fans,And a finisher like Harry Kane could be exactly what City needs as on Sunday clearly seemed like a side lacking any central figure upfront. Guardiola lined up Ferran Torres as a 'false 9' but the Spaniard and the players around him failed to create the impact they were expected to.,City’s record signing Jack Grealish showed early flashes of his abilities — breaking forward in the opening minutes to draw a free-kick just outside the area — but missed his best chance to score when his shot from a tight angle was easily saved by Hugo Lloris in the 75th.,Riyad Mahrez had City’s best chance of the game in the 35th when he met a cross from Raheem Sterling but shot wide after failing to cleanly connect with the ball.,Building up for the goal, Son collected the ball down the right flank, drove at defender Nathan Ake and then cut inside to bend a low shot inside the far post. Steven Bergwijn, who himself failed to convert a great chance to double the lead just before the hour mark, set up the South Korea international for the eventual goal.

{\"time\":1629059371491,\"strCount\":3204,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With inputs from Associated Press\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In their <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/football/\\\">opening game</a> of the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/premier-league-west-ham-win-in-a-ding-dong-battle-against-newcastle?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Premier League</a> season, a Harry Kane-less Tottenham Hotspur scripted a monumental 1-0 win over&nbsp;defending champion Manchester City, thanks to a second-half winner from Son Heung-min on Sunday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With Kane left out of Tottenham’s team altogether amid continued speculation about a pending move to City, Son led Spurs' attack instead and showed that the North London were still capable enough to challenge the top clubs.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ | <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/la-liga-barcelonas-post-lionel-messi-era-with-a-win-over-real-sociedad?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">La Liga: Barcelona's post-Lionel Messi era with a win over Real Sociedad</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Although the Sky Blues enjoyed all the possession, Tottenham's cohesive defence controlled the game and didn't allow City's forward line to create clear cut chances.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In the 55th minute, Son finished off a quick counterattack and Tottenham capped off their first match under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo with a statement victory.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kane’s absence was the big pregame talking point, although Nuno insisted the decision was made solely because the England striker only returned to full training on Friday after his holiday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Kane has reportedly told Tottenham he wants to leave, with City manager Pep Guardiola previously acknowledging that his club is “very interested” in buying him, according to Associated Press inputs.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/footballer-billy-gilmour-subjected-to-homophobic-chants-from-liverpool-fans?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Footballer Billy Gilmour subjected to homophobic chants from Liverpool fans</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And a finisher like Harry Kane could be exactly what City needs as on Sunday clearly seemed like a side lacking any central figure upfront. Guardiola lined up Ferran Torres as a 'false 9' but the Spaniard and the players around him failed to create the impact they were expected to.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"City’s record signing <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/where-does-jack-grealish-to-manchester-city-stand-among-the-most-expensive-football-transfers-of-all-time?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Jack Grealish</a> showed early flashes of his abilities — breaking forward in the opening minutes to draw a free-kick just outside the area — but missed his best chance to score when his shot from a tight angle was easily saved by Hugo Lloris in the 75th.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Riyad Mahrez had City’s best chance of the game in the 35th when he met a cross from Raheem Sterling but shot wide after failing to cleanly connect with the ball.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Building up for the goal, Son collected the ball down the right flank, drove at defender Nathan Ake and then cut inside to bend a low shot inside the far post. Steven Bergwijn, who himself failed to convert a great chance to double the lead just before the hour mark, set up the South Korea international for the eventual goal.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Tottenham Hotspurs scripted a monumental 1-0 win over Manchester City</li>
 <li>Son Heung-min scored the winner on Sunday</li>
 <li>Harry Kane was left out from the Tottenham squad</li>
</ul>

EPL: Son Heung-min's winner leads Tottenham to victory over Man City

EnglishPremierLeague

SonHeungMin

HarryKane

Manchester City have won three out of the last four Premier Leagues. Pep Guardiola and company enter 2021-22 as defending champions, having finished on top with a difference of 12 points last season. However, this year they will be up against much-stronger Chelsea and Manchester United teams. ,Also read: 4-way title fight awaits 2021-22 Premier League season,Signing Jack Grealish for $139 million was a big statement of intent by City, but that only served to strengthen a midfield department where Pep Guardiola already had enviable riches. It is a striker the champions really need following the departure of Sergio Aguero after 10 years, and there's one they are targeting in particular.,Harry Kane would cost more than Grealish — potentially much, much more — and City appears willing to spend another British-record figure if only Tottenham would negotiate. But, according to Guardiola, that isn't currently the case, even if Kane seems keen on the move.,They have signed a great player and someone that wants to prove himself at the highest level. I don't think there is any better club for him to try and do that. He is a player that always wants the ball, he gets in good pockets of space and he is creative. It adds another creative player to this team which I am really excited about so hopefully he can add a few more goals to my tally. Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling said, as per Sky Sports reports. ,If it happens — and it's a big “if” given how tough a negotiator Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is — City would have a squad mighty enough to blow away its rivals. There would barely be a weakness. Even City's second team could mount a top-four challenge.,Also read: Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and top 5 Premier League signings to watch out for,As it is, the lack of a genuine top-class striker — Gabriel Jesus doesn't convince as a finisher, despite his work rate — leaves England's other top teams with a glimmer of hope.,Predicted Starting 11- Formation 4-3-3 (only confirmed players),Goalkeeper– Ederson,Defence– Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Joao Cancelo,Midfield– Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan,Attack– Grealish, Foden, Mahrez,With inputs from the Associated Press

{\"time\":1628840796909,\"strCount\":2817,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchestercity/\\\">Manchester City</a>&nbsp;have won three out of the last four Premier Leagues. Pep Guardiola and company enter 2021-22 as defending champions, having finished on top with a difference of 12 points last season. However, this year they will be up against much-stronger Chelsea and Manchester United teams.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/4-way-title-fight-awaits-2021-22-premier-league-season?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">4-way title fight awaits 2021-22 Premier League season</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Signing Jack Grealish for $139 million was a big statement of intent by City, but that only served to strengthen a midfield department where Pep Guardiola already had enviable riches. It is a striker the champions really need following the departure of Sergio Aguero after 10 years, and there's one they are targeting in particular.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/premier-league-harry-kane-transfer-saga-could-define-this-season?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Harry Kane would cost more than Grealish</a>&nbsp;— potentially much, much more — and City appears willing to spend another British-record figure if only Tottenham would negotiate. But, according to Guardiola, that isn't currently the case, even if Kane seems keen on the move.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"They have signed a great player and someone that wants to prove himself at the highest level. I don't think there is any better club for him to try and do that. He is a player that always wants the ball, he gets in good pockets of space and he is creative. It adds another creative player to this team which I am really excited about so hopefully he can add a few more goals to my tally.\\\" Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling said, as per Sky Sports reports.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"If it happens — and it's a big “if” given how tough a negotiator Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is — City would have a squad mighty enough to blow away its rivals. There would barely be a weakness. Even City's second team could mount a top-four challenge.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also read:&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/jack-grealish-jadon-sancho-and-top-5-premier-league-signings-to-watch-out-for?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and top 5 Premier League signings to watch out for</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As it is, the lack of a genuine top-class striker — Gabriel Jesus doesn't convince as a finisher, despite his work rate — leaves England's other top teams with a glimmer of hope.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Predicted Starting 11- Formation 4-3-3 (only confirmed players)\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Goalkeeper– Ederson\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Defence– Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Joao Cancelo\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Midfield– Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Attack– Grealish, Foden, Mahrez\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With inputs from the Associated Press\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Manchester City have won 3 of the last 4 Premier Leagues</li>
 <li>They signed Jack Grealish for $139 million</li>
 <li>Grealish, Foden and Mahrez are expected to start on the forward line</li>
</ul>

Can big bucks win Manchester City another Premier League?

New Delhi, Delhi, India

The wait for
the 2021-22 season of the <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/premierleague">Premier League</a> is almost over with Brentford hosting <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/arsenal">Arsenal</a>
in the first game of the season on Friday, August 13. As always, the rumour
mills have been generating quite the transfer gossip all summer, but we have
already seen a number of blockbuster signings completed as clubs finalise their
preparations for the new season. ,Without
further ado, here’s a look at our picks for the top five players who likely to make
an instant impact in the upcoming Premier League season.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/where-does-jack-grealish-to-manchester-city-stand-among-the-most-expensive-football-transfers-of-all-time?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Where does Grealish stand among the world’s costliest football transfers?</a>,5. Ben
White,Mikel
Arteta has drilled Arsenal into a much more defensively sound unit since his
appointment as head coach, and the arrival of Ben White for £50 million from
Brighton will surely help further address the Gunner’s problems at the back.,There have
been concerns regarding his price tag, given he is still relatively unproven at
the top level and only just made his England debut during the Euro 2020. However,
the 23-year-old is one of the technically proficient players in his group and
given his age, can prove to be a bargain in the future.,Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/united-states-forward-josh-sargent-signs-for-norwich-city?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">United States forward Josh Sargent signs for Norwich City</a>,4. &nbsp;Emiliano Buendia,<a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/astonvilla">Aston Villa</a>
have had an incredible transfer window so far, signing the likes of Ashley
Young, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings to strengthen their ambitions for European
football. However, the highlight of the window for them will be signing 24-year-old
playmaker Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City for a club-record transfer fee (nearly
€35 million).,The club recognised
Buendia as the successor to <a href="https://opoyi.com/who-is-jack-grealish?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Grealish</a> as the creative force in midfield and
outbit Arsenal to land the Argentine. ,3. Raphael
Varane,A
28-year-old four-time <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/championsleague">Champions League</a>, three-time <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/laligasantander">La Liga</a> and World Cup winning
central defender usually commands a world-record transfer fee. But <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/manchesterunited">Manchester
United</a> <a href="https://opoyi.com/manchester-united-sign-raphael-varane-from-real-madrid?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid</a> for just £41, making it one the
potential bargains of the summer. ,<a href="https://opoyi.com/who-is-raphael-varane?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Varane</a> will
be the ideal partner for captain Harry Maguire in the heart of the defence and the
two can forge a formidable centre-back pairing in the years to come. ,2. Jack Grealish,<a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/jackgrealish">Jack
Grealish</a> became the most expensive English player of all time after his £100 million
move from boyhood club Aston Villa to Manchester City, adding more firepower to
Pep Guardiola’s already stacked attacking options. ,And the defending
champions are not done yet, with Tottenham Hotspur striker harry Kane heavily
linked with another record British-record move to the Etihad. ,1. Jadon
Sancho,The
Manchester City boy-wonder found his mojo at Borussia Dortmund and his development
as one of the world’s best wingers has earned him a €85 million-move to Manchester
United this summer. ,<a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/jadonsancho">Sancho’s signing</a>
will make for a mouth-watering attacking line-up at Old Trafford, with the
likes of Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Bruno
Fernandes, as United look to wrestle back their throne.

{\"time\":1628590110517,\"strCount\":4202,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The wait for\\nthe 2021-22 season of the <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/premierleague/\\\">Premier League</a> is almost over with Brentford hosting <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/arsenal/\\\">Arsenal</a>\\nin the first game of the season on Friday, August 13. As always, the rumour\\nmills have been generating quite the transfer gossip all summer, but we have\\nalready seen a number of blockbuster signings completed as clubs finalise their\\npreparations for the new season. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Without\\nfurther ado, here’s a look at our picks for the top five players who likely to make\\nan instant impact in the upcoming Premier League season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/where-does-jack-grealish-to-manchester-city-stand-among-the-most-expensive-football-transfers-of-all-time?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Where does Grealish stand among the world’s costliest football transfers?</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"5. Ben\\nWhite\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Mikel\\nArteta has drilled Arsenal into a much more defensively sound unit since his\\nappointment as head coach, and the arrival of Ben White for £50 million from\\nBrighton will surely help further address the Gunner’s problems at the back.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"There have\\nbeen concerns regarding his price tag, given he is still relatively unproven at\\nthe top level and only just made his England debut during the Euro 2020. However,\\nthe 23-year-old is one of the technically proficient players in his group and\\ngiven his age, can prove to be a bargain in the future.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Also Read |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/united-states-forward-josh-sargent-signs-for-norwich-city?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">United States forward Josh Sargent signs for Norwich City</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"4. &nbsp;Emiliano Buendia\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/astonvilla/\\\">Aston Villa</a>\\nhave had an incredible transfer window so far, signing the likes of Ashley\\nYoung, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings to strengthen their ambitions for European\\nfootball. However, the highlight of the window for them will be signing 24-year-old\\nplaymaker Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City for a club-record transfer fee (nearly\\n€35 million).\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The club recognised\\nBuendia as the successor to <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-jack-grealish?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Grealish</a> as the creative force in midfield and\\noutbit Arsenal to land the Argentine. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"3. Raphael\\nVarane\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A\\n28-year-old four-time <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/championsleague/\\\">Champions League</a>, three-time <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/laligasantander/\\\">La Liga</a> and World Cup winning\\ncentral defender usually commands a world-record transfer fee. But <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchesterunited/\\\">Manchester\\nUnited</a> <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/manchester-united-sign-raphael-varane-from-real-madrid?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid</a> for just £41, making it one the\\npotential bargains of the summer. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-raphael-varane?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Varane</a> will\\nbe the ideal partner for captain Harry Maguire in the heart of the defence and the\\ntwo can forge a formidable centre-back pairing in the years to come. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"2. Jack Grealish\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/jackgrealish/\\\">Jack\\nGrealish</a> became the most expensive English player of all time after his £100 million\\nmove from boyhood club Aston Villa to Manchester City, adding more firepower to\\nPep Guardiola’s already stacked attacking options. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And the defending\\nchampions are not done yet, with Tottenham Hotspur striker harry Kane heavily\\nlinked with another record British-record move to the Etihad. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"1. Jadon\\nSancho\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The\\nManchester City boy-wonder found his mojo at Borussia Dortmund and his development\\nas one of the world’s best wingers has earned him a €85 million-move to Manchester\\nUnited this summer. \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/jadonsancho/\\\">Sancho’s signing</a>\\nwill make for a mouth-watering attacking line-up at Old Trafford, with the\\nlikes of Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Bruno\\nFernandes, as United look to wrestle back their throne. \"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Jack Grealish became the most expensive English player after a £100 million move from Aston Villa to Manchester City&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Manchester United signed Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for €85 million</li>
 <li>Arsenal signed central defender Ben White from Brighton for £50 million</li>
</ul>

Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho and top 5 Premier League signings to watch out for

JadonSancho

Premier League club&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/manchestercity">Manchester City</a>&nbsp;on Thursday confirmed the signing of English midfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/who-is-jack-grealish?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Jack Grealish</a>&nbsp;on a six-year deal from Aston Villa in a British record transfer deal. Although the exact numbers haven't yet been published, the ballpark figure is <a href="https://opoyi.com/manchester-city-confirms-signing-of-midfielder-jack-grealish?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">expected to be around £100 million</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;,Given the numbers, Jack Grealish will break into the 'Top 10' list of the most expensive transfers in the history of football. He will be joining an illustrious list of players, which include Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.,10.&nbsp;Paul Pogba (Juventus to Manchester United) - £90million - 2016,The first transfer on the list was one of the most expensive and hyped at its time. In the 2016 summer transfer window, Manchester United went in search of a dynamic footballer to strengthen their midfield and Pogba seemed like the answer to all their problems.&nbsp;,But the 28-year-old has failed to shine in the Premier League like he was expected to. Plagued by injuries and regular squabble with managers have led to his downfall at the club and could very well make his exit this season.,ALSO READ | <a href="https://opoyi.com/welcome-to-the-messiverse-footballer-lionel-messi-launches-nft-collection?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Welcome to the 'Messiverse': Footballer Lionel Messi launches NFT collection</a>,9.&nbsp;Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid to Juventus) - £100million - 2018,When Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed in 2018 that he was going to leave Real Madrid after nine long and incredibly successful years, the football world was left dumbstruck. Although 33 at the time, Ronaldo was still one of the best players on the planet and Juventus had to land him for a considerable transfer fee.,Since joining the 'Old Lady', Ronaldo has failed to lead them to a UEFA Champions League but hasn't dropped from his goal-scoring best.,8.&nbsp;Jack Grealish (Aston Villa to Manchester City) - £100m - 2021,As mentioned earlier, Grealish's move to Manchester City garnered a lot of attention, owing to the massive fee and also the potential.&nbsp;,Grealish is one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League at the moment and acquiring him will bolster City's already incredible attacking talent pool.&nbsp;,7.&nbsp;Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid to Barcelona) - £105million - 2019,After two failed signings in&nbsp;Ousmane Dembele and&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho (who will make their appearance in the list later) to replace Neymar. Barcelona went for the most sought after player in La Liga in Antoine Griezmann ahead of the 2019-20 season.&nbsp;,Since making the switch from Atletico Madrid, Griezmann hasn't taken the league apart but has been crucial for the Catalunya club in phases. If Lionel Messi is to depart Barcelona, <a href="https://opoyi.com/barcelona-confirms-lionel-messi-will-not-continue-with-the-club?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">as reports suggest</a>, the Frenchman will have incredible responsibility on his shoulders come next season.,6.&nbsp;Joao Felix (Benfica to Altetico Madrid) - £113million - 2019,In reaction to Barcelona snatching away their brightest star, Atletico Madrid went for Portuguese wonder-kid Joao Felix to replace the French forward.&nbsp;,A lot of eyebrows were raised, considering Atleti were paying a premium sum for a teenager who hadn't the much of the football at the highest level. Since the move, injuries and often subpar performances have restricted Felix's involvement, but there is arguable massive talent at disposal here.&nbsp;,5.&nbsp;Eden Hazard (Chelsea to Real Madrid) – £123million - 2019,With Ronaldo leaving for Juventus a season before, Real Madrid, hoping to bolster their attack, landed Eden Hazard from Chelsea for a massive sum. At that time, Hazard was seemed like an obvious option to take the mantle at Los Blancos. However, things seemed to fall apart as over the seasons the Belgian struggled with weight issues and injury blows.,Till now, the star winger has failed to impress at the Spanish club and time might be running out for him.,4.&nbsp;Ousmane Dembele (Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona) – £130million - 2017,As mentioned earlier, Barcelona signed Dembele from Dortmund to replace departing Neymar. However, the starlet, touted for huge highs, constantly struggled with injuries and has failed to make a lasting impact at the club.&nbsp;,3.&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool to Barcelona) – £140million - 2018,Barcelona made yet another effort to replace Neymar in 2018, but the Brazilian failed to impress manager Ernesto Valverde and was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich. He has failed to break into the Barcelona starting lineup but Messi's departure could change things for the Brazilian.&nbsp;,2.&nbsp;Kylian Mbappe (Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain) – £160million - 2018,Developed in AS Monaco's academy, Kylian Mbappe was arguable one of the finest teenage talents in the 21st century. He broke into the Monaco first team and took Ligue 1 by storm.&nbsp;,Looking to build one of the most destructive attacking duos in world football, Paris Saint-Germain came for his signature. In 2017, the capital club signed him on loan and a year later confirmed his transfer.,1.&nbsp;Neymar (Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain) – £200million - 2017,Arguably, one of the greatest transfer sagas in football history, when PSG signed Neymar in 2017, they changed the football market forever.&nbsp;,Barcelona had built one of the most lethal trios in Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. But PSG had their eyes set on the Brazilian star to revamp their team and build towards their Champions League hopes.&nbsp;,They paid the whooping&nbsp;£200 million release clause and before Barcelona knew it, they had lost their man.

{\"time\":1628216805625,\"strCount\":6195,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Premier League club&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchestercity/\\\">Manchester City</a>&nbsp;on Thursday confirmed the signing of English midfielder&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-jack-grealish?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Jack Grealish</a>&nbsp;on a six-year deal from Aston Villa in a British record transfer deal. Although the exact numbers haven't yet been published, the ballpark figure is <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/manchester-city-confirms-signing-of-midfielder-jack-grealish?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">expected to be around £100 million</a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Given the numbers, Jack Grealish will break into the 'Top 10' list of the most expensive transfers in the history of football. He will be joining an illustrious list of players, which include Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"10.&nbsp;Paul Pogba (Juventus to Manchester United) - £90million - 2016\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The first transfer on the list was one of the most expensive and hyped at its time. In the 2016 summer transfer window, Manchester United went in search of a dynamic footballer to strengthen their midfield and Pogba seemed like the answer to all their problems.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"But the 28-year-old has failed to shine in the Premier League like he was expected to. Plagued by injuries and regular squabble with managers have led to his downfall at the club and could very well make his exit this season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ | <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/welcome-to-the-messiverse-footballer-lionel-messi-launches-nft-collection?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Welcome to the 'Messiverse': Footballer Lionel Messi launches NFT collection</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"9.&nbsp;Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid to Juventus) - £100million - 2018\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"When Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed in 2018 that he was going to leave Real Madrid after nine long and incredibly successful years, the football world was left dumbstruck. Although 33 at the time, Ronaldo was still one of the best players on the planet and Juventus had to land him for a considerable transfer fee.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Since joining the 'Old Lady', Ronaldo has failed to lead them to a UEFA Champions League but hasn't dropped from his goal-scoring best.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"8.&nbsp;Jack Grealish (Aston Villa to Manchester City) - £100m - 2021\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As mentioned earlier, Grealish's move to Manchester City garnered a lot of attention, owing to the massive fee and also the potential.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Grealish is one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League at the moment and acquiring him will bolster City's already incredible attacking talent pool.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"7.&nbsp;Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid to Barcelona) - £105million - 2019\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After two failed signings in&nbsp;Ousmane Dembele and&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho (who will make their appearance in the list later) to replace Neymar. Barcelona went for the most sought after player in La Liga in Antoine Griezmann ahead of the 2019-20 season.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Since making the switch from Atletico Madrid, Griezmann hasn't taken the league apart but has been crucial for the Catalunya club in phases. If Lionel Messi is to depart Barcelona, <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/barcelona-confirms-lionel-messi-will-not-continue-with-the-club?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">as reports suggest</a>, the Frenchman will have incredible responsibility on his shoulders come next season.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"6.&nbsp;Joao Felix (Benfica to Altetico Madrid) - £113million - 2019\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In reaction to Barcelona snatching away their brightest star, Atletico Madrid went for Portuguese wonder-kid Joao Felix to replace the French forward.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"A lot of eyebrows were raised, considering Atleti were paying a premium sum for a teenager who hadn't the much of the football at the highest level. Since the move, injuries and often subpar performances have restricted Felix's involvement, but there is arguable massive talent at disposal here.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"5.&nbsp;Eden Hazard (Chelsea to Real Madrid) – £123million - 2019\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"With Ronaldo leaving for Juventus a season before, Real Madrid, hoping to bolster their attack, landed Eden Hazard from Chelsea for a massive sum. At that time, Hazard was seemed like an obvious option to take the mantle at Los Blancos. However, things seemed to fall apart as over the seasons the Belgian struggled with weight issues and injury blows.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Till now, the star winger has failed to impress at the Spanish club and time might be running out for him.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"4.&nbsp;Ousmane Dembele (Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona) – £130million - 2017\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"As mentioned earlier, Barcelona signed Dembele from Dortmund to replace departing Neymar. However, the starlet, touted for huge highs, constantly struggled with injuries and has failed to make a lasting impact at the club.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"3.&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool to Barcelona) – £140million - 2018\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona made yet another effort to replace Neymar in 2018, but the Brazilian failed to impress manager Ernesto Valverde and was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich. He has failed to break into the Barcelona starting lineup but Messi's departure could change things for the Brazilian.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"2.&nbsp;Kylian Mbappe (Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain) – £160million - 2018\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Developed in AS Monaco's academy, Kylian Mbappe was arguable one of the finest teenage talents in the 21st century. He broke into the Monaco first team and took Ligue 1 by storm.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Looking to build one of the most destructive attacking duos in world football, Paris Saint-Germain came for his signature. In 2017, the capital club signed him on loan and a year later confirmed his transfer.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"1.&nbsp;Neymar (Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain) – £200million - 2017\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Arguably, one of the greatest transfer sagas in football history, when PSG signed Neymar in 2017, they changed the football market forever.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Barcelona had built one of the most lethal trios in Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. But PSG had their eyes set on the Brazilian star to revamp their team and build towards their Champions League hopes.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"They paid the whooping&nbsp;£200 million release clause and before Barcelona knew it, they had lost their man.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Manchester City confirmed the signing of Jack Grealish on Thursday</li>
 <li>The club will reportedly pay £100 million for the midfielder</li>
 <li>Grealish will break into the 'Top 10' list of the most expensive transfers</li>
</ul>

Where does Grealish stand among the world’s costliest football transfers?

Neymar

KylianMbappe

CristianoRonaldo

PaulPogba

Premier League club <a href="https://opoyi.com/topic/manchestercity">Manchester City</a> confirmed the signing of English midfielder <a href="https://opoyi.com/who-is-jack-grealish?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Jack Grealish</a> on Thursday on a six-year deal from Aston Villa in a British record transfer deal.&nbsp;,The playmaker will bolster&nbsp;an already stacked attacking midfielder lineup for the Sky Blues -- that includes Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling.,The star midfielder will wear the no. 10 jersey at the Manchester club.&nbsp;,City became the favourites to sign the talented Villa player in March, according to Sky Sports report, and they have remained steadfast in their pursuit, initiating negotiations over their bid last week and offering his £100m release clause last Friday.,ALSO READ |<a href="https://opoyi.com/nba-new-york-knicks-to-sign-veteran-guard-kemba-walker">&nbsp;NBA: New York Knicks to sign veteran guard Kemba Walker</a>,The Premier League champions have made a statement with the acquisition, as Pep Guardiola tries to defend his championship and go one step further and finally conquer the UEFA Champions League.,After putting pen to paper, Grealish said, "I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City." ,"City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.",The 25-year-old has been instrumental in Aston Villa's rise in the Premier League. In spite of being injured for a major chunk of the season, Grealish snapped up 6 goals and 12 assists last season.&nbsp;,His flamboyant persona and playing style has made him a fan favourite not only in Birmingham but across the country. However, the player has often been in the news for the wrong reasons -- including violation of COVID-19 protocols, rash driving and violent conduct on the field.

{\"time\":1628193193999,\"strCount\":1966,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Premier League club <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/topics/manchestercity/\\\">Manchester City</a> confirmed the signing of English midfielder <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/who-is-jack-grealish?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Jack Grealish</a> on Thursday on a six-year deal from Aston Villa in a British record transfer deal.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"embed\",\"data\":{\"service\":\"twitter\",\"source\":\"https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1423358239945670657\",\"embed\":\"ManCity/status/1423358239945670657\",\"width\":520,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"\",\"aspectRatio\":173.33333333333334}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The playmaker will bolster&nbsp;an already stacked attacking midfielder lineup for the Sky Blues -- that includes Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The star midfielder will wear the no. 10 jersey at the Manchester club.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"City became the favourites to sign the talented Villa player in March, according to Sky Sports report, and they have remained steadfast in their pursuit, initiating negotiations over their bid last week and offering his £100m release clause last Friday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ |<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/nba-new-york-knicks-to-sign-veteran-guard-kemba-walker-401090/\\\">&nbsp;NBA: New York Knicks to sign veteran guard Kemba Walker</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The Premier League champions have made a statement with the acquisition, as Pep Guardiola tries to defend his championship and go one step further and finally conquer the UEFA Champions League.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"After putting pen to paper, Grealish said, \\\"I am incredibly happy to have joined Manchester City.\\\" \"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club.\\\"\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 25-year-old has been instrumental in Aston Villa's rise in the Premier League. In spite of being injured for a major chunk of the season, Grealish snapped up 6 goals and 12 assists last season.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"His flamboyant persona and playing style has made him a fan favourite not only in Birmingham but across the country. However, the player has often been in the news for the wrong reasons -- including violation of COVID-19 protocols, rash driving and violent conduct on the field.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Manchester City confirmed the signing of Jack Grealish on Thursday</li>
 <li>The English midfielder signed on a six-year deal</li>
 <li>The star midfielder will wear the no. 10 jersey at the Manchester club</li>
</ul>

Manchester City confirms signing of midfielder Jack Grealish

Birmingham, UK

In a British record transfer deal, Manchester City on Wednesday reportedly <a href="https://opoyi.com/midfielder-jack-grealish-to-join-man-city-on-100m-deal?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">completed the signing</a> of Aston Villa star midfielder Jack Grealish for&nbsp;£100 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;,The English playmaker has long been touted to grab a move away from the Birmingham club and <a href="https://opoyi.com/manchester-city-to-visit-tottenham-hotspur-in-premier-league-opener?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Manchester City</a> too were desperate to land the player. Grealish will be an incredible addition to an already stacked attacking midfielder lineup for the Sky Blues -- that includes Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling.&nbsp;,Born in Birmingham, Grealish, a lifelong Aston Villa fan, started out at the&nbsp;Highgate United Youth&nbsp;Club but joined the Premier League club as a six-year-old.,ALSO READ | <a href="https://opoyi.com/tottenham-salvage-draw-against-chelsea-in-pre-season-clash?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none">Tottenham salvage draw against Chelsea in pre-season clash</a>,His great-great-grandfather,&nbsp;Billy Garraty, was also a footballer, who earned one England cap and won the&nbsp;1905 FA Cup Final&nbsp;with&nbsp;Aston Villa.,In 2013, Grealish was sent on loan to&nbsp;League One&nbsp;club&nbsp;Notts County. At the club, he played valuable minutes and racked up five goals and seven&nbsp;assists&nbsp;in 38 appearances.&nbsp;&nbsp;,At the end of his loan with Notts County, Grealish returned to Aston Villa and made his club debut on 7 May, coming on as an 88th-minute substitute in a 4–0 away defeat to&nbsp;Manchester City&nbsp;in the Premier League.,And what followed was a meteoric rise for the young English midfielder, who kept making the headlines for his actions on the field as well as off the field.&nbsp;,In the 2019-2020 season, Grealish showcased that he was ready for big things at the Premier League level. His playing style has been compared to that of football legend Luis Figo by manager and pundit Jose Mourinho.&nbsp;,Grealish has the unique ability to attract defenders, which allows his teammates to run into space. He has silky smooth skills on the ball and very shrewd movements off it too.,The 25-year-old has been instrumental in Aston Villa's rise in the Premier League. In spite of being injured for a major chunk of the season, Grealish snapped up 6 goals and 12 assists last season.&nbsp;,His flamboyant persona and playing style has made him a fan favourite not only in Birmingham but across the country. However, the player has often been in the news for the wrong reasons -- including violation of COVID-19 protocols, rash driving and violent conducts on field.

{\"time\":1628126395569,\"strCount\":2880,\"blocks\":[{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In a British record transfer deal, Manchester City on Wednesday reportedly <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/midfielder-jack-grealish-to-join-man-city-on-100m-deal?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">completed the signing</a> of Aston Villa star midfielder Jack Grealish for&nbsp;£100 million.&nbsp;&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The English playmaker has long been touted to grab a move away from the Birmingham club and <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/manchester-city-to-visit-tottenham-hotspur-in-premier-league-opener?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Manchester City</a> too were desperate to land the player. Grealish will be an incredible addition to an already stacked attacking midfielder lineup for the Sky Blues -- that includes Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Born in Birmingham, Grealish, a lifelong Aston Villa fan, started out at the&nbsp;Highgate United Youth&nbsp;Club but joined the Premier League club as a six-year-old.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ | <a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/tottenham-salvage-draw-against-chelsea-in-pre-season-clash?utm_source=copy-share&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=none\\\">Tottenham salvage draw against Chelsea in pre-season clash</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"His great-great-grandfather,&nbsp;Billy Garraty, was also a footballer, who earned one England cap and won the&nbsp;1905 FA Cup Final&nbsp;with&nbsp;Aston Villa.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In 2013, Grealish was sent on loan to&nbsp;League One&nbsp;club&nbsp;Notts County. At the club, he played valuable minutes and racked up five goals and seven&nbsp;assists&nbsp;in 38 appearances.&nbsp;&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"At the end of his loan with Notts County, Grealish returned to Aston Villa and made his club debut on 7 May, coming on as an 88th-minute substitute in a 4–0 away defeat to&nbsp;Manchester City&nbsp;in the Premier League.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"And what followed was a meteoric rise for the young English midfielder, who kept making the headlines for his actions on the field as well as off the field.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"In the 2019-2020 season, Grealish showcased that he was ready for big things at the Premier League level. His playing style has been compared to that of football legend Luis Figo by manager and pundit Jose Mourinho.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Grealish has the unique ability to attract defenders, which allows his teammates to run into space. He has silky smooth skills on the ball and very shrewd movements off it too.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The 25-year-old has been instrumental in Aston Villa's rise in the Premier League. In spite of being injured for a major chunk of the season, Grealish snapped up 6 goals and 12 assists last season.&nbsp;\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"His flamboyant persona and playing style has made him a fan favourite not only in Birmingham but across the country. However, the player has often been in the news for the wrong reasons -- including violation of COVID-19 protocols, rash driving and violent conducts on field.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Manchester City on Wednesday completed the signing of Jack Grealish</li>
 <li>Jack Grealish was born in Birmingham</li>
 <li>His flamboyant persona and playing style has made him a fan favourite</li>
</ul>

Who is Jack Grealish?

UnitedKingdom

Aston Villa became the fourth Premier League club to suffer a coronavirus outbreak on Thursday, adding to growing concerns over whether English football's top-flight should proceed even with the new strain raging in the UK.,Villa were forced to close their training ground and cancel training after two rounds of testing returned multiple positive cases of COVID-19 among players and staff.,Britain is battling a highly infectious strain of the virus which has forced a new nationwide lockdown after cases soared to record numbers in recent days.,Despite the latest lockdown that came into force in England on Wednesday, the British government has allowed elite sports to continue as of now.,"A large number of first-team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and immediately went into isolation," Villa said in a statement, AFP reported.,"A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results today.",The Birmingham-based club's FA Cup third-round tie against Liverpool on Friday is now at risk of being postponed.,ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/manchester-united-will-have-to-learn-from-league-cup-semi-final-defeat-says-paul-pogba">Manchester United ‘will have to learn’ from League Cup semi-final defeat, says Paul Pogba</a>,"First-team training ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled," Villa's statement added.,"Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the club, the Football Association and the Premier League.",Southampton's FA Cup home match against Shrewsbury has already been postponed because there have been a number of positive cases at the League One club.,Wayne Rooney's Derby will fulfil their fixture at minnows Chorley with a youth team after nine positive tests among first-team players and staff.,On Tuesday, a record high of 40 positive tests were detected among Premier League players and staff in the week between December 28 and January 3.,Three Premier League matches were postponed last week due to outbreaks at Fulham and Manchester City.,Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald became one of the first dissenting voices among players for the season continuing.,"How many more outbreaks and training ground closures before football needs to stop!!!! Shambolic!! Literally treated like guinea pigs!!!" McDonald posted on Instagram.,Due to the late end to last season, the league is less than halfway through the 2020/21 campaign.,The packed fixture schedule, with domestic leagues, cup and European competitions having to be finished before the delayed Euro 2020 starts on June 11, leaves little room for manoeuvre.,Despite the rising case numbers and calls from some within the game for a circuit breaker to buy time and bring infection rates down, the Premier League has so far been adamant that the season will proceed.,"With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the league continues to have confidence in its Covid-19 protocols, fully backed by the government, to enable fixtures to be played as scheduled," the league said on Tuesday.,Another shutdown would likely result in a severe financial hit for the world's richest league due to rebates in TV rights deals.,The late end to last season resulted in a reported £330 million ($449 million) of rebates to broadcasters.,On Thursday, Arsenal borrowed a short-term £120 million loan from the Bank of England to cope with the impact of the pandemic.,ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://opoyi.com/mesut-ozils-arsenal-stint-on-brink-of-a-finish-as-fenerbahce-deal-closes-in">Mesut Ozil's Arsenal stint on brink of a finish as Fenerbahce deal closes in</a>,However, a number of embarrassing incidents have come to light in which prominent players have flouted coronavirus restrictions, doing little to aid English football's case to keep going while movements in the rest of the country are highly restricted.,Tottenham trio Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso, West Ham's Manuel Lanzini, Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic were all pictured breaching coronavirus rules over the festive period.,Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow has been among those calling for tougher sanctions for players who break the regulations and put the season at risk.,Villa captain Jack Grealish was fined two weeks' wages by the club for a breach of the rules last year.,"There are moments when young people will stray from the rules and, whether you're a parent or the chief executive of a football club, that's a time when you have to be very strict and remind people of their responsibilities," Purslow said earlier this week.

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Shambolic!! Literally treated like guinea pigs!!!\\\" McDonald posted on Instagram.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Due to the late end to last season, the league is less than halfway through the 2020/21 campaign.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The packed fixture schedule, with domestic leagues, cup and European competitions having to be finished before the delayed Euro 2020 starts on June 11, leaves little room for manoeuvre.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Despite the rising case numbers and calls from some within the game for a circuit breaker to buy time and bring infection rates down, the Premier League has so far been adamant that the season will proceed.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the league continues to have confidence in its Covid-19 protocols, fully backed by the government, to enable fixtures to be played as scheduled,\\\" the league said on Tuesday.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Another shutdown would likely result in a severe financial hit for the world's richest league due to rebates in TV rights deals.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"The late end to last season resulted in a reported £330 million ($449 million) of rebates to broadcasters.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"On Thursday, Arsenal borrowed a short-term £120 million loan from the Bank of England to cope with the impact of the pandemic.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href=\\\"https://opoyi.com/sports/mesut-ozils-arsenal-stint-on-brink-of-a-finish-as-fenerbahce-deal-closes-in-420239/\\\">Mesut Ozil's Arsenal stint on brink of a finish as Fenerbahce deal closes in</a>\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"However, a number of embarrassing incidents have come to light in which prominent players have flouted coronavirus restrictions, doing little to aid English football's case to keep going while movements in the rest of the country are highly restricted.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Tottenham trio Erik Lamela, Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso, West Ham's Manuel Lanzini, Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy, Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and Crystal Palace captain Luka Milivojevic were all pictured breaching coronavirus rules over the festive period.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow has been among those calling for tougher sanctions for players who break the regulations and put the season at risk.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"Villa captain Jack Grealish was fined two weeks' wages by the club for a breach of the rules last year.\"}},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"data\":{\"text\":\"\\\"There are moments when young people will stray from the rules and, whether you're a parent or the chief executive of a football club, that's a time when you have to be very strict and remind people of their responsibilities,\\\" Purslow said earlier this week.\"}}]}

<ul>
 <li>Aston Villa became the fourth Premier League club to suffer a coronavirus outbreak</li>
 <li>Villa were forced to close their training ground and cancel training after multiple positive cases</li>
 <li>The club's FA Cup third-round tie against Liverpool is now at risk of being postponed</li>
</ul>

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