Manchester City

Image source, BBC/Studio Lambert

Challenges. Leaders and followers. Tactics. Second guessing and wondering where to turn next.

This could be any game of football in the Premier League this weekend.

It is also the plot to any episode of BBC's hit show - The Traitors.

The countdown to the end game of the Celebrity series is on, but, while we wait for that, we want to know which Manchester City player (or manager) - past or present - you think would make the best traitor, and who would be more suited to the role of a faithful.

Was it the way they could appear at the back post without anyone noticing? Or could they stop anybody getting past them?

Get in touch with your choices and the reasons why here

The Celebrity Traitors final will air on Thursday, 6 November on BBC One and iPlayer

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

However much you might attempt to look the other way, you can't ignore the fact that Manchester City's Erling Haaland is the biggest attraction in every way. The search is on for any new record he could break with his superhuman scoring.

My eyes start to glaze over when too many stats are used, so let's go straight to the top - can he score the most goals ever in a top-flight English season? That seems a reasonable ask for a superman and he has got 13 in 10 already.

In 1927-28, Everton's Dixie Dean scored 60 league goals, way ahead of the Norway international's best of 36 - the Premier League record.

If he scores 40 or more in the league this time that would be remarkable. With a fair wind and no injuries, that looks very likely at the moment.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has insisted that he is not thinking about breaking records despite his impressive start to the season.

The Norway striker faces his former side Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Haaland has 17 goals from 13 games this season, including 13 goals in 10 Premier League matches.

That brings his total in the Premier League to 98 goals - 162 behind the league's all-time leading scorer Alan Shearer.

But Haaland is not letting records distract him on the pitch.

"I have to ignore them. I don't really know any records but I know his Premier League one," Haaland said of Shearer's record mark.

"Again, it is not something I can think about. Thinking about records I can break is the last thing on my mind, I try to help the team win football games. That is my job and that is my main focus.

"I know it's boring, I know you want me to say the complete opposite but that's not how it is."

Haaland also spoke about his new partnership with summer signing Rayan Cherki, who provided assists for both of Haaland's goals against Bournemouth on Sunday.

The striker said: "He [Cherki] is a good guy with some amazing qualities as we can all see. In the end it is about playing football where we can get the best out of everyone on the pitch. It is the same with him.

"We need to help him in his free mind as a number 10 to pass the ball to me and the attacking players because he has this kind of special ability that is difficult to explain. A little bit like Kevin [De Bruyne] had where he can just pass someone through from wherever on the pitch.

"He is a special talent and we need to help him develop even more because he can be really good."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said his decision to give the players another day of rest on Tuesday and train on Wednesday morning is because it "was such a demanding game against Bournemouth" and the team will benefit more from extra rest.

• On Dortmund having an extra day to prepare: "We are used to it. Nobody is going to change the schedule. I don't like it but it is what it is."

• He said Wednesday's opponents "always perform their best" in the Champions League and "they always arrive in the later stages" of the competition so it will not be "an easy" game.

• In response to whether he feels better prepared for the new format this season: "Maybe I have not been clear enough. I have said a thousand, million times that it is not about being not prepared last season. Last season, we were injured. Fifty-percent of the squad were injured during that period when there are a lot of games."

• He said the period after the next international break is "demanding" and it is all about knowing how to "handle the intensity" because of fixture congestion. Guardiola added: "One decade I have been here, so I have been in this situation many times."

Follow all of Tuesday's Champions League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to more from Guardiola on BBC Sounds

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City began their run of 14 games in 60 days in three different competitions with victory over in-form Bournemouth on Sunday.

This week in particular is a pretty testing one, but they were impressive against the Cherries as they warmed up for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, before hosting Liverpool in a huge Premier League game on Sunday.

Boss Pep Guardiola will speak to the media on Tuesday and may field questions around the importance of this competition having exited early - in the knockout play-off - last term.

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Despite his age, faltering fitness record and a deterioration in ability to compete consistently for 90 minutes twice a week at the very highest level, Manchester City fans had every right to be concerned about where the creativity would come from in their squad when Kevin De Bruyne departed at the end of last season.

For many, there were three solutions being put forward: A promotion for Phil Foden into the creative heart of Pep Guardiola's midfield unit, or the signing of a blockbuster creator in either Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz or Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala.

Standing here in early November and neither of those options came to fruition. Had you have told some City supporters at the end of last season that this would be the case, there may have been some feeling of panic as to what the future would hold.

For Foden, City's star of their Academy production line has found himself being deployed centrally in midfield, inter-linking Nico Gonzalez's defensive vision to Rayan Cherki's advanced creator role. Pep Guardiola has spoken often about the challenge of starting both Foden and Cherki in the same line-up, but has he found the perfect solution?

The France international's quick-thinking to unleash Erling Haaland in-behind the Bournemouth defence on Sunday was the catalyst to victory, and it felt like somewhat of a breakthrough moment for the club to see a teammate of the Norwegian play the early and brave ball through to spark a one-versus-one scenario that would bring about two goals.

Cherki's eye on unlocking the Bournemouth defence was not only prevalent for those watching, but also in a statistical sense. He played five passes into the final third. The 22-year-old also only managed a pass success rate of 79% for passes attempted in the opponents' half. This was a player with one eye solely on making the difference. Remind you of anyone?

It is far too early to be making lofty comparisons to the great De Bruyne, but it is refreshing to see Manchester City have a player on their hands who is brave enough to attempt the early ball, and forge a new partnership with the club's inevitable goalscoring machine.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Former Tottenham winger Andros Townsend says he will exercise "caution" in tipping Arsenal to run away with the Premier League title given there is a long way to go in the season.

Townsend delivered his view on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club and says Manchester City's form is also a factor.

But ex-Premier League keeper Shay Given explained he's struggling to see a weakness in Arsenal's game.

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

A banner was raised at Etihad Stadium during Manchester City's win over Bournemouth on Sunday reading "Greed Over Loyalty" in reference to supporters having to relocate their seats because of the expansion in the north stand.

City said last month, external the introduction of a new bar space named City Hall in the stand will accommodate 500 fans for an "enhanced experience".

But the club also said a "small number" of season ticket members in level 0 of the stand "may need to move seats" before the start of the 2026-27 season.

City supporter Ian told BBC Sport: "Again, established season ticket holders being asked to move for so-called new fans that only go to matches because of recent success. Where were they 15 years ago?

"As one of those being asked to move, I remember City saying when we move from Maine Road you would sit with everyone you had made friends with. This is the second time in 15 years I've been asked to move. Seems to be typical of top-flight clubs these days. Loyal fans passed over for new money."

However, Charlie added: "I think the club gets way too much stick. They've put a load into improving the ground, and all the new bits they're adding show they're actually trying to make it better.

"People love to say it's all for the tourists, but all that helps us bring in the best players at the end of the day. It looks class, and the new bars are for the premium season ticket lads, which you can't really knock.

"It's not ideal that some fans have to move, but I think the club's handled it better this time. I'm looking forward to seeing it all when it's done."

City say they have directly contacted fans that have been affected and they have been offered the chance to choose any available general admission seat in the stadium. They will not need to pay more if they move to a more expensive location and will have the ability to move together in groups.

The 1894 fan's group said on X:, external "Greed Over Loyalty" - 500 supporters in the North Stand face losing their seats.

"Fans from that part of the ground want to have a meeting with the club."

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City full-back Nico O'Reilly is aiming for a call-up into the England squad for next summer's World Cup.

O'Reilly, 20, was named in the Three Lions squad for the first time during the October internationals, but is yet to make his debut for Thomas Tuchel's team.

He scored his first Premier League goal of the season in City's 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday, which helped Pep Guardiola's side up to second in the table.

"It was a great experience," said O'Reilly. "Being around the lads, obviously meeting Thomas. I am looking forward to looking at the World Cup and trying to get myself in that squad.

"I keep working hard, that is the whole thing - to go [to the World Cup]. Just work hard at the club, try and play as much as I can. That's all I can do, really."

City striker Erling Haaland scored twice against the Cherries to take his tally to 26 goals in a prolific campaign for club and country.

O'Reilly added: "He is a machine, so clinical. As long as we keep getting the ball there and he keeps taking them chances then we should be all right."

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Erling Haaland will be licking his lips at the prospect of linking up with Rayan Cherki in the future.

The Frenchman provided well-crafted assists for both of Haaland's goals against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Cherki scored himself against Wolves in the opening game, but has only recently returned to action following a six-week lay-off with a thigh injury.

"I know Erling, he knows me. When I play with him and he with me, it's very simple," said Cherki, who joined in the summer from Lyon. "My job is give the ball to Erling and he scores."

Their partnership against Bournemouth was an exciting sign of things to come for City's attack as opposition managers will now have to deal with Cherki's quality as well as trying to work out how to shackle Haaland.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said it was "almost impossible" to prepare against Haaland, adding: "He is amazing. When you press higher and concede the press at the back, he is super fast."

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "You run out of superlatives. People may criticise [Erling Haaland], saying that he doesn't involve himself in play enough.

"But he scores a ridiculous amount of goals and will go on to break all kinds of records - if he stays in the Premier League."

Ex-City goalkeeper Shay Given added: "Haaland has got aspirations of being the best striker in Premier League history, the best player in Norwegian history, and probably the best player in the world.

"The stuff he does off the pitch, he is the ultimate professional."

Read the full piece here

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Man City and Bournemouth.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Gene: A much better performance against a much better team with crisp, smart passing and better attacking. Rayan Cherki is getting more confident and showing creativity while Matheus Nunes has improved quite a lot as a right-back. They need to continue to build upon the teamwork and will gel as time goes on as the competition gets harder.

Anton: City will beat any team that come to play and not defend with a low block. My only gripe is poor set-pieces. They need a better set-piece coach.

Charlie: I thought the first-half performance by City was the best I've seen from them in 18 months.

Harry: There's nothing I can say about Erling Haaland that hasn't already been said. He makes me incredibly proud to be a Man City supporter and we have to cherish everything he does for us. Cherki is an absolute bargain and so unselfish - he's going to be a major asset. Besides the corner, Gianluigi Donnarumma was a stalwart in goal. So many positives but credit to Bournemouth, who were absolutely fearless at the Etihad and could have had more in the first half. Bring on Liverpool.

Bournemouth fans

Peter: Would have expected Veljko Milosavljevic to have started against Haaland as Bafode Diakite has already showed he struggles against big forwards like Jean-Philippe Mateta. Great to see Tyler Adams finally on the scoresheet, but Bournemouth will play better against Aston Villa next week. Now we have players back and the motivation to play better than we did against City, which was a tad disappointing. That shows how far this team has come.

M: It was OK. Some players were off it. We looked very open in defence and not much happened in attack. Antoine Semenyo had moments but was quiet. We need to be more aggressive going forward against teams like City.

Bob: Poor defensive tactics, why was Haaland given so much room?

Tim: Bournemouth's high line let Haaland in twice and injured Alex Jimenez was out of position for the third. However, there is so much to admire about Bournemouth. Upwards and onwards.

Pundits Michael Carrick and Rob Green join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham 3-1 Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Switzerland centre-back Manuel Akanji, 30, says it will be up to Inter Milan whether they want to turn his loan move from Manchester City into a permanent switch, but the Serie A club "seem happy" with him so far. (Football Italia), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Pep Guardiola's men were edged out at Aston Villa for a third league loss of the campaign, raising concern over how much that setback would impact them.

But Manchester City have responded with back-to-back wins by despatching Swansea in the Carabao Cup and collecting three crucial points against a Bournemouth side that has impressed so far this season.

The hosts produced a stylish display to maintain their perfect home record against their opponents in the Premier League, now winning all nine contests between the two sides.

Talismanic Erling Haaland was of course integral to their fortunes.

His double took his tally to 13 in the league this season, with both finishes never in doubt after being sent clear by classy assists from the excellent Rayan Cherki.

It meant Haaland became only the third player to score two or more goals in four consecutive Premier League home appearances - matching the feats of Robbie Fowler and Luis Suarez.

The 25-year-old will be disappointed not to have a first match ball this term though, after being unable to convert further opportunities before being replaced by Omar Marmoush with eight minutes left.

Nico O'Reilly, constantly supporting the attack with rampaging runs from the back, confirmed the victory when he drilled home Phil Foden's pass on the Englishman's 200th league appearance for the club.

Rodri replaced Foden, on his return to action for the first time in a month following a hamstring injury, while fellow substitute Tijjani Reijnders stung the palms of Djordje Petrovic with another attempt.

Arsenal look the team to beat this season after their storming start, but City have slowly got back to the form that will make them title challengers once again.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was a good performance from City today.

"Bournemouth showed us what they're about in the first half, but they didn't reach those levels again in the second.

"City controlled the game in the second half. Their goal wasn't under threat. You didn't see [Gianluigi] Donnarumma flying about. There were no clear cut chances for Bournemouth.

"The signs are positive for City.

"But as we keep repeating - it's about doing it on a regular basis. City have done it consistently in previous years - but can they do it with this set of players?"

Ex-City goalkeeper Shay Given on Sky Sports: "Erling Haaland has got aspirations of being the best striker in Premier League history, the best player in Norwegian history, and probably the best player in the world. The stuff he does off the pitch, he is the ultimate professional."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the win: "Bournemouth are one of the most demanding teams that we have faced. We found our rhythm and we were the better team in many aspects.

"Bournemouth played an outstanding game. Last season, they destroyed us. You have to match their duels otherwise you only have to look at what happened in the second half. We lost three or four balls and they can kill you.

"They are incredible. It is no surprise for me what they did last season. They lost three of their four defenders and they are still up there."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the manager added: "There isn't a manager, a team or a player that doesn't know how good Bournemouth are. To play for 95 minutes with that rhythm, it is outstanding. They are an outstanding team. We know how difficult they are, but we managed well. The quality of the players in the middle for us made the difference."

On goalscorer Erling Haaland: "We are so blessed and lucky to have, first of all, an incredible person because he is the sweetest and kindest person. He will keep improving. And, after that, as a player his numbers are just outstanding."

Manchester City striker Haaland also spoke to Sky Sports about the overall performance: "It is an important win. It is good to bounce back after losing a bad away game [against Aston Villa]. It was nice.

"I tried to contribute for the team by doing my job. It is good to win, now we have two more important games to come so we have to keep focusing.

"I didn't score in our last game and I always try to help the team to win. That's my goal and whether that's by scoring or winning duels, it doesn't matter. I want to help the team become better, that is my job."

On being taken off while on a hat-trick: "There were were probably a few Fantasy managers out there who were not so happy!"

Did you know?

• Manchester City's Erling Haaland became the third player ever to score two or more goals in four or more consecutive Premier League home appearances, after Robbie Fowler (four goals across 1995-96) and Luis Suarez (five goals in 2013).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Manchester City's performance

What did you make of Bournemouth's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola returns to a full strength side following his side's Carabao Cup win at Swansea City during the week.

There are eight changes in all with Phil Foden making his 200th league appearance for City. He will play alongside Frenchman Rayan Cherki.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is back in goal with captain Bernardo Silva also starting.

Tijjani Reijnders, a firm starter all season, is on the bench alongside the likes of John Stones, Omar Marmoush and the returning Rodri, who has not played since suffering a hamstring injury at Brentford a month ago.

Manchester City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Silva, Cherki, Foden, Doku, Haaland

Bournemouth make two changes after beating Nottingham Forest last time out.

Bafode Diakite and David Brooks come in to the side, with Veljko Milosavljevic and Justin Kluivert dropping to the bench.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Jimenez, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert, Scott, Adams, Brooks, Tavernier, Semenyo, Kroupi

There are two games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• West Ham v Newcastle (14:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Bournemouth (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times GMT

Follow West Ham v Newcastle here

And go here for Man City v Bournemouth

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play West Ham v Newcastle" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Bournemouth".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds