Manchester City

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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When Erling Haaland touched down at Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2022, all some media outlets could think about was how the move to Manchester City may impact his arrival date at Real Madrid or Barcelona.

In the summer that came immediately after the Treble success of 2023, that conversation switched to questions of what Haaland would do next after achieving everything he set out to at City in one season.

Then came a fourth consecutive Premier League title, aided in large part by Haaland's goal contributions, and many were asking: 'Well, with Pep Guardiola set to leave at the end of next season, surely so will Haaland?'

Now, here we are, basking in the security of Guardiola staying for another two seasons, Txiki Begiristain and his transfer colleagues building the next phase of this all-conquering football institution, and Haaland committing his next 10 years to Etihad Stadium.

It is the stuff dreams are made of; one of the world's most recognisable sporting stars of the present and a talent many are tipping to take on the global authority once dominated by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A talent that no other striker on the planet can get close to in terms of pure statistics in front of goal.

But should we really be surprised? This is the ultimate football environment and an organisation that does everything within its power to cater for the stars of the show - the footballers themselves.

That is before we even begin to consider the ongoing ambition and silverware prospects of the team consistently being constructed by the very best decision makers in the game.

But there is one crucial factor that perhaps has been lost in the rhetoric over the past couple of seasons, and one that maybe would have left some not so surprised by the nine-and-a-half-year extension signed by the big Norwegian.

Haaland is a lifelong Manchester City fan. He loves the city, he loves the fans, he loves the culture, and he loves the club.

He is here to stay.

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Manchester City playmaker Jack Grealish is being tracked by Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund, with his future at Etihad Stadium increasingly uncertain. (Sun), external

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New signing Abdukodir Khusanov says he is "more than ready" for the challenge of playing for Manchester City.

The 20-year-old becomes the first player from Uzbekistan to join a Premier League club after making the move from Ligue 1 side Lens, where he made 31 appearances.

"This squad is full of the best players in the world, and I can't wait to meet them and play alongside them," Khusanov said.

"And, of course, Pep Guardiola is one of the greatest coaches ever and I am so excited to learn from him and improve my game even more.

"This is a very proud moment for me and my family to be joining a great club like Manchester City and I'm more than ready for this challenge."

Director of football Txiki Begiristain added: "We are all very excited about what he will bring.

"For such a young defender, Abdukodir is already very intelligent, as well as being strong, aggressive and extremely quick.

"Working with Pep will only make him better."

What do you make of the new signing, City fans? What the club needed? Will he fit straight into the side?

Let us know here

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BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Owen asked: I would like to hear your thoughts about whether Manchester City are back in contention in the Premier League title race. Where do you see them finishing come May?

Phil answered: I realise only a fool would write off Manchester City's title chances but I'm going to do exactly that right now.

I just think a gap of 12 points, having played a game more than leaders Liverpool, is too much for even City to make up.

It would take an incredible sequence of results from City, and a collapse from Liverpool, for this to happen - and I just don't see it.

Where will City finish? Definitely top four and I could even see them finishing second if they discover something more of their real selves.

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After just one league win in nine games during November and December, it looked like Manchester City's hopes of winning a fifth Premier League title were over.

But an imperious 6-0 win away to Ipswich Town on Sunday showed what Pep Guardiola's side are still capable of.

League leaders Liverpool still have a 12-point advantage over Manchester City - and a game in hand - but the champions have shown previously how capable they are of going on long winning runs.

Perhaps a spot in the Champions League may be more realistic at this point after they regained their place in the top four.

But what do you think, City fans? Can the team still win the league? Or might they even struggle for Europe?

Make your selection here

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Ipswich Town and Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Ipswich fans:

Matt: I expected us to lose, of course, but there is losing and there is total humiliation - which this was. We are simply nowhere near good enough. No team should ever lose by six at home. Why didn't we just defend second half? Total embarrassment. Bet Philogene is already regretting signing…

James: City have the potential to do that to any team. It always felt like a damage limitation exercise from the moment they got the first goal. However, we need to keep positive and hope Town can pull through. It showed the gulf in class between the top and bottom.

Joseph: Can't say anything because I am speechless - though I am concerned for our future goal difference, which may be crucial in May. We just need to do better than Wolves for the rest of the season!

Man City fans:

John: City (the lion) have woken and the beast is starting is starting to roar! All you naysayers who stated we were finished be prepared to eat your words!

Kieran: City's win looks really good on the surface but there is still a lot to improve. By City's own standards they are still short but it looks like they are slowly unlocking it again.

Stephen: Let's not get too to carried away - remember who we were playing. Very good performance but still along way to go.

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Are Manchester City back in the title race?

Their impressive trio of Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne all starred as City put six past Ipswich on Sunday and looked back to their ruthless-selves.

"It was a comfortable and easy performance for them because Ipswich slipped up in the defence and provided them with easy goals," said former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "For me it was just an easy day at the office and I don't see them back in the title race."

Glenn Murray added: "I am in agreement. They could easily finish second but Liverpool are too far ahead and I can't see them being able to catch them.

"They do look to be on the mend though and the cavalry has arrived in the transfer window."

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Highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brentford 0-2 Liverpool

• Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal

• Everton 3-2 Tottenham

• Man Utd 1-3 Brighton

• Ipswich 0-6 Man City

Manchester City are considering a loan move for Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 26, though his current club Juventus are pressing for an obligation to buy to be included in the proposed deal. (Athletic), external

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaking to Sky Sports after today's game: "We are really pleased, we are back to doing things that define this team for the last 10 years. Really pleased for the three points and to climb into qualification for the Champions League for next season, that will be so tough.

"Much better. Maybe not our best but closer with the consistency we have in our game. Most of them didn't happen in the previous games that we won.

"With the way we went without the ball, you cannot play in the short spaces. Everyone with the ball was clever, quicker, faster. Everyone is related. You cannot be quick, wise and good if you are not connected defensively.

"Ipswich beat Chelsea here, they won at Spurs away. They are a good team and Liam [Delap] is a fantastic striker. The players saw what we are and that is the best thing."

On his players: "They play good, they know exactly. They know the standards and they know what they have done in the past. it's not about winning or losing. You have to enjoy it.

"It doesn't matter if you are a professional or an amateur. You can be in the best theatre in London or a theatre in Sheffield and the ones in Sheffield will love it and come back smiling."

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Manchester City forward Phil Foden, has been speaking to Sky Sports after today's victory: "Probably the best this season, in terms of all-round play. Keeping possession at important times and we defended well. One of our best performances this year.

"We are building momentum, keeping players fit is important. I put it down to people being in better shape and the team is bonding better.

"When we score we are not rushing it. We are keeping possession and build-up play was important today."

On scoring six in the last six Premier League games: "I learned everything from it [poor form].

"It is good to see me back scoring goals with a smile on my face and enjoying football. I want to keep going and adding to that. You never know what can happen. The aim is to stay in the top four."

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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Throughout Manchester City's dreadful run of form in November and December there was always a feeling that a performance like City of old would just be around the corner.

It has perhaps taken longer than expected to come but this was very much a display to remind observers of just how brilliant City have been in recent years.

Ipswich were a distant second best as City's players dominated from start to finish, with their passing and movement crisp and their finishing deadly.

The goals are now back flowing for Pep Guardiola's team as they have now scored 14 in their last four games, conceding just three.

The title is very likely still out of Manchester City's reach as they trail Liverpool by 12 points but they are very much in the hunt for a top-four finish, while this was the ideal result to prepare for their upcoming Champions League tie with Paris St-Germain on Wednesday.

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Today was the 13th time Manchester City have scored 6+ goals in a Premier League game under Pep Guardiola, as many times as Arsene Wenger's Arsenal did so, with only Alex Ferguson's Manchester United (14) netting 6+ goals in a game on more occasions in the competition.

Through Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic, Manchester City had three players score and assist in a single Premier League game for the first time since January 2021 against West Brom. (Riyad Mahrez, Joao Cancelo and Raheem Sterling)

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Ipswich's performance

What did you make of Man City's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

There are four Premier League fixtures on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you all the action.

• Everton v Tottenham

• Man Utd v Brighton - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Southampton

• Ipswich v Manchester City (16:30) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

After a couple of encouraging games, Ipswich's home defeat by Brighton on Thursday was a disappointing result and performance.

Manchester City did not get the win they wanted either, slipping up late on at Brentford just when people were thinking they were back in a bit of form.

Still, Erling Haaland's new contract is great news for City and will give their fans a bit of a lift in what has been a difficult season. I would not be surprised if he celebrates it with a goal or two.

Ipswich can make it difficult for them - especially Liam Delap, who is facing his old club. I think Delap will score, but City will win.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here