Manchester City

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

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It is not entirely surprising to see long throws making a comeback, especially with the addition of set-piece coaches and the recent sporting obsession with marginal gains.

However, the level at which they have risen might shock one or two.

This season the Premier League is averaging three long throws into the penalty area per game – an increase of 100% on the previous two campaigns and 233.33% more than in 2020-21.

Of course we are only 30 games into a 380-game season so therefore the sample size is small, but the numbers are clear - the long throw is certainly back in vogue.

When diving into the data for how individual clubs rank this campaign, Manchester City come out joint-bottom alongside Fulham and West Ham United.

While the average per game across the league this campaign is three, Pep Guardiola's side are yet to take one.

Perhaps this is not surprising given the City boss's heavy possession style, but even England manager Thomas Tuchel is now talking about the possibility of evolving tactics to include more long balls and long throws.

Having lost two of their opening three games this season, perhaps adaptations to City's style could help address their indifferent form.

Should City start using long throws as a weapon?

Or are you happy to stay away from them?

Make your choice here

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Legendary commentator Martin Tyler has been reflecting on some of his most famous moments on the latest episode of BBC Radio Scotland's Sacked in the Morning podcast.

During a long and impressive career, Tyler was Sky Sport's lead commentator for every Premier League season since it began in 1992 to his departure in 2023.

His most iconic and recognisable moment was calling the name "Agueroooo!" when the Argentine scored to dramatically win Manchester City the Premier League title in 2012.

However, not all City fans seem to have been impressed by Tyler's work in the dramatic 3-2 win, in which Roberto Mancini's side had to come from behind to eventually secure the win they needed to stave off the challenge from rivals United and win their first Premier League title in added time.

"In regards to the Aguero goal - there was a reunion a few years ago from Manchester City's point of view," Tyler told the pod.

"I went up to Manchester and I was taken to task by a City fan who said I shouted too loudly when Jamie Mackie scored to put QPR 2-1 up in the game and I clearly wanted QPR to win.

"This was at an Aguero tribute night!

"There was a lot of finger-wagging. They were playing the game in the background and it came to that point and he went 'there you go, listen'.

"I said 'they were trying to avoid relegation and it was a great goal against the odds' but he wouldn't have it."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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The dust has just about settled on a busy transfer window for Manchester City.

In total, City brought in seven players for a total of about £177.3m based on reported initial fees.

Those incomings were:

• Tijjani Reijnders - AC Milan

• Rayan Ait-Nouri - Wolves

• Rayan Cherki - Lyon

• Gianluigi Donnarumma - Paris St-Germain

• James Trafford - Burnley

• Sverre Nypan - Rosenborg

• Marcus Bettinelli - Chelsea

*All permanent unless stated

Heading the other way, City had a number of significant outgoings, including Jack Grealish to Everton, Ederson to Fenerbache, Kevin de Bruyne to Napoli and Kyle Walker to Burnley.

Of all the summer incomings at the Etihad, who do you think will have the biggest impact?

Rank them here

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Manchester City's apparent surplus of players has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Man City' form.

We put your questions about Stefan Ortega and Kalvin Phillips to our City reporter Shamoon Hafez.

City signed three senior goalkeepers this summer and Ortega was deemed surplus to requirements, with the club happy for him to explore his options elsewhere.

Sources close to the player told me they were "looking at options" for the German, which reportedly included Burnley, Sunderland and Fenerbahce, where coincidentally Ederson ended up.

But Ortega remains at City and though he has been included in the club's Champions League squad, you would think he will be third choice behind summer signings Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford.

Forgotten man Phillips is still at the club too. A move did not materialise because he is currently recuperating from the Achilles surgery he underwent in the summer.

It is uncertain whether moves will transpire for either player in January but you would expect Ortega and Phillips to play only bit-part roles at City until then.

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We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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I wrote last week that for a couple of reasons Manchester City's return to the very top table is still an 'if' rather than a 'when'. Brighton underlined another worrying problem at the weekend.

City in their pomp carried an aura. Many teams were beaten before they walked on to the pitch, because either the manager was intimidated and played more negative tactics or some of the players simply did not believe they were capable of standing toe to toe with this well-oiled and super talented machine.

Although not the first, Brighton showed clearly that this fear factor has well and truly gone from many of the other Premier League teams.

It is just another thing making City's road back to the top all the more difficult.

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Tottenham could re-open talks with Manchester City over a deal for 30-year-old Netherlands defender Nathan Ake in January. (Caughtoffside), external

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

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Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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When Hugo Viana got under way prior to the Club World Cup, many Manchester City fans could not believe their eyes.

Deals progressed at a staggering rate, and problem positions were being addressed with intent. The decision to allow Kevin de Bruyne to leave was becoming a distant memory as Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki bolstered central roles. Even the failure to secure Florian Wirtz was being overlooked by the time the Frenchman walked through the doors.

Add to that the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri and City travelled to the US with fresh impetus, new energy, and heading in exactly the right direction with weeks to go until the start of the new season.

But by the time players returned from their respective summer holidays, very little else had happened. Fans still believed there was work to be done: doubts were looming in goal, right-back remained a concern with no natural successor to Kyle Walker, and the options out wide were not as strong as they should be.

Then came (back) James Trafford, and it seemed as though business was starting to intensify once more. A review of numbers was urgently required though, with Pep Guardiola reminding of his preference to work with a smaller group.

After three Premier League matches brought a win and two defeats, more concerns were raised. Had Viana failed to recruit in crucial positions - a theme that has been prevalent in recent transfer windows?

Deadline day arrived and so did a flurry of business; Ederson joined Fenerbahce, Manuel Akanji joined Inter on loan with a buy-option, and Ilkay Gundogan finalised a free transfer to Galatasaray.

Gianluigi Donnarumma closed off the club's first-team business, bringing a staggering change of direction between the posts. From the one-of-a-kind ball-playing ability that fans have become accustomed to with Ederson, to arguably the world's best traditional shot-stopping abilities.

And that was that.

Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis remain City's mainstay right-backs, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Omar Marmoush, and Oscar Bobb are likely to hold down wide roles, and creativity in the centre will largely hinge on Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki - the latter of which is in a two-month recovery process from a reported thigh injury.

Gaping holes after such a promising start to a crucial summer, but one that has left huge questions to be asked about squad planning and direction.

It has also been a summer that perhaps creates significant doubts over just how far Pep Guardiola can take this set of players in the immediate term.

Only time will tell.

Rating: 6/10

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Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Ederson, Manuel Akanji and now Ilkay Gundogan. Manchester City's summer overhaul of their squad has been completed - and just take a look at the amount of experience lost from the dressing room.

Boss Pep Guardiola openly spoke about the need to work with a smaller squad as he did not want "leave four or five players at home" on matchdays, but it is a new and younger group that will now take the club forward.

Sources had told BBC Sport earlier in the window that Gundogan would be allowed to explore his options if a good enough offer came in and the 34-year-old has now been allowed to depart.

German-born but with Turkish heritage, Gundogan heads 'home' to Galatasaray, a club he apparently supported as a kid after posting such pictures on social media.

Gundogan will forever be remembered for his late double to seal the Premier League title in 2022 and will undoubtedly receive a tremendous welcome when he returns to the Etihad with Galatasaray in January in the group phase of the Champions League.

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Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Manchester City have cut ticket prices for Champions League games at Etihad Stadium, with some available for as little as £10.

Some supporters staged protests at games last season with regards to matchday ticket pricing and season ticket availability.

In June, the club announced they had cut ticket prices for Premier League games by up to 43% and they have now taken that forward into Europe's elite club competition.

Adult tickets in European games for matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Galatasaray will cost between £25 and £55, while they will be priced between £10 and £25 for Under 18s.

Watching the return of Kevin de Bruyne to Etihad Stadium with Napoli for the opening group phase game and the match against Borussia Dortmund will cost between £30 and £60 for adults and £12.50 to £30 for Under 18s.

The Napoli fixture marks a significant reduction from the equivalent game last season against Inter Milan, where adult ticket prices ranged from £37.50 to £77.50.

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We asked for your views on Manchester City's new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has signed from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year-deal.

Here are some of your comments:

Kevin: A proven world class goalkeeper. I've seen a lot of negatives from these so called experts, but I think we have signed the best there is. I'm sorry to see Ederson go as he has given us a great eight years. I'm sure everyone connected to City will wish him well.

Grace: Excited to see what Donnarumma can bring to City. He is a proven world class keeper. Sad to see Ederson go after a trophy laden eight years. Although, I won't miss his last gasp saves and his mad runs out of goal.

Warren: Signing of Donnarumma is excellent because he's world class and has won a lot with Paris St-Germain. He will also teach James Trafford and push him to be a better goalkeeper in the future. I think Trafford is the future but Donnarumma is the now and that's what we as a club need.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says Gianluigi Donnarumma "is more than capable with his feet" despite some of the wider concern about his ball-playing ability.

"I have watched him play under pressure and I have watched him play all the way through from 16-years-old," said Hart on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"There was a boy there who could hold his nerve for AC Milan and then he went to Paris St-Germain and helped them win trophies.

"I am a big James Trafford fan too, but why would you not sign someone like Donnarumma who can win you games?

"He is absolutely humongous and makes top saves at the top level.

"Pep Guardiola is ruthless now, he wants someone who he knows is world class.

"Trafford has potential, and I think they will nurse that, but he might not get what he wanted out of this season. I still think he can have a Manchester City career, for sure.

"I watched PSG last year and I didn't think that they had to play long because Donnarumma was in goal. They played through the system without a problem and they hardly got caught out by anyone."

The Observer's Rory Smith added: "Donnarumma's like having a bear in goal - why would you not want to have a bear in goal?"

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Gianluigi Donnarumma says he is "very excited for what lies ahead" after completing a move to Manchester City from Paris St-Germain.

The 26-year-old Italy goalkeeper has signed on a five-year deal and will wear the number 99 shirt.

He made 161 appearances for PSG, winning four league titles and a Champions League, among other trophies.

"I have admired watching Manchester City for many years - so to now be able to play for the club is a huge honour and a privilege," said Donnarumma. "I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates, the staff and the fans.

"Playing at Etihad Stadium will be very, very special for me.

"I am very excited for what lies ahead and can promise I will give absolutely everything to try to help the club achieve even more success."

Director of football Hugo Viana added: "Gianluigi's pedigree, quality and record speaks for itself, and we are all absolutely thrilled he has joined us here at City.

"He has accumulated a wealth of top-level experience and knows what is required to achieve success on a sustained level.

"From a remarkably young age, he has played at the very top level. That is unusual for a goalkeeper and it means he arrives here as one of the best in the world in his position.

"There is no doubt Gianluigi will bring further quality and depth to our top-class goalkeeping department."

A statement signing by City? Or should Guardiola have kept his trust in James Trafford?

Get in touch with your views here

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Defender Manuel Akanji has completed a season-long loan move to Inter Milan.

The 30-year-old Switzerland international moved to City from Borussia Dortmund in September 2022 and has made 136 appearances for the Blues, playing a key role in the 2022-23 Treble-winning campaign.

Akanji made 40 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side in 2024-25 but had been linked with a move away throughout the summer.

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Ederson says it has "been the most special time of my life" as he leaves after eight-years at Manchester City.

The Brazil goalkeeper, who has completed a move to Fenerbahce, has won 18 trophies under Pep Guardiola, and his six Premier League titles make him the most decorated keeper in the history of the competition.

He departs for the Turkish side having played 372 times.

"I leave Manchester City incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I am honoured to have worn the shirt so many times," Ederson said. "Under Pep, we have won dominated the Premier League and conquered Europe. It has been amazing.

"I would first of all like to thank him and head of goalkeeping Xabier Mancisidor for making me the best goalkeeper I could be and teaching so much about the game.

"I must also thank my team-mates. Our desire to win every game we play has been a joy to be a part of and that has made me relish every day on the training field or in the dressing room with every one of you.

"Finally, the fans. Thank you for making me feel at home in a city so far away from where I am from and for supporting me throughout what has been an amazing period for me and my family.

"I arrived in Manchester eight years ago full of hope, but I could not have predicted such a beautiful time together.

"Playing for City has been the most special time of my life and I will always be a fan of this special club. I'm going with my wife and children, but I'm leaving a big family here, Cityzens. Once a Blue, always a Blue."

Umir Irfan
Football tactics correspondent

Manchester City's out-of-possession work has been the source of some of their recent struggles.

Last week, we drew attention to Tottenham exposing City's high press by targeting the wide areas.

That tactic looks to be more an emerging pattern than a one-off, with Brighton's winner in their 2-1 victory on Sunday highlighting many of the same concerns.

For both Spurs' opening goal and Brighton's second, the ball is moved to a defender out wide, with City's attacker unable to press tightly. The wide player is able to turn and face forward before playing a long, direct pass down the channel.

One of their team-mates drops deeper, dragging City's full-back with them - Nathan Ake against Spurs and Rico Lewis against Brighton.

That means City end up with three players in their backline, who shift over to cover the space left by the full-back. One of City's centre-backs has to defend on the flank in an area they're less comfortable in, making them more likely to lose their duel.

Opposition players are then able to run in the space between the three defenders. Brighton, for example, had four players in attack against City's back three.

Brighton also vacated the central areas knowing that, by building down the sides, their players would be more dangerous out wide or running in behind.

With this pattern having emerged in City's past two games, it is worthwhile monitoring how Pep Guardiola will seek to address the issue.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Manchester City have agreed a £26m deal to sign goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain on a five-year deal, with the option of a further year.

City have also agreed to sell Ederson to Turkish side Fenerbahce for £12.1m.

No news yet on when those two deals will be announced officially.

Watch Total Sport's transfer deadline day special for Manchester clubs, focusing on the business done by City and United, plus the region's EFL sides.

The show offered all the latest updates and analysis for your team's transfer business.

Watch back here

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

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Serie A side Inter Milan have agreed to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji on loan for one million euros (£870,000).

The deal includes an option to make the move permanent for 15m euros (£13m), which becomes an obligation if Inter win Serie A.

The 30-year-old Switzerland international has not featured for City this season and had interest from Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Galatasaray, but his preference was to move to a club playing in the Champions League.