Manchester City overcame a first-minute setback to relaunch their Champions League campaign with what manager Pep Guardiola hailed as an "important" 2-1 victory at Hoffenheim, clinched by a late David Silva winner, on Tuesday.

The Premier League champions and current leaders, urgently needing a win after their opening week Group F defeat at home by Olympique Lyonnais, had been rocked by an Ishak Belfodil goal after just 44 seconds.

Sergio Aguero's equaliser seven minutes later seemed to have set them back on course as they dominated most of the match but the Bundesliga side, set up in an attacking 4-3-3 mode and dangerous on the break, held firm until Silva cashed in on a late defensive error.

Guardiola felt it was another major learning experience for his side, who had looked as if they could be frustrated and deprived of a win they deserved when denied a clear-cut second-half penalty.

The win pushed City into second-place in the group on three points after two matches, one point behind Lyon, who later drew 2-2 with Shakhtar Donetsk. Ukrainian champions Shakhtar, City's next opponents, are third on two points.

"After losing the first game, it was important that we didn't lose today," he told BT Sport.

"We need to live this type of experience as a club to improve, to get better. You cannot make the next steps if you don't suffer or live this kind of experience, where you have to fight against everything."

Hoffenheim's home debut in the Champions League group stages at their Rhein-Neckar-Arena started perfectly for the high-flying 'village club' who have come so far so quickly in the Bundesliga, with Algerian Belfodil latching on to a neat through ball from Kerem Demirbay to slot home.

The quickest goal City had ever conceded in the competition was another shock to their system after their loss to Lyon, their only defeat of the season in any competition so far.

Normal service was quickly resumed, though, when a fine ball from Silva found Leroy Sane, outstanding on his return to Germany, who picked out Aguero to bundle home his eighth goal in 10 matches in all competitions this season.

Raheem Sterling, after a lightning end-to-end break, and Aguero, who was a livewire all evening, went close to putting City ahead as they piled on the pressure.

Yet after the break, 31-year-old Julian Nagelsmann's side, reflecting the enterprise of the youngest manager in Champions League history, held on staunchly as City ramped up their attacks.

It seemed as if Guardiola's men would be deprived of the win when Sane was clearly brought down in the penalty area in the second half when rounding goalkeeper Oliver Baumann but no penalty was awarded.

Asked about the penalty, Guardiola, who had been back on the touchline after serving a one-match European ban, said he would not comment because he did not want to end up back in the stands.

His side kept their patience, though, and David Silva's quick thinking, robbing central defender Stefan Posch in the box and shooting home a sharp left-footed winner, secured them the three points.

"We knew we had 15 points to fight for and we now have three. Now it's in our hands unlike before and, of course, we cannot make the mistake we did against Lyon," said Guardiola.

"We are not quite at the level of our opponent," a philosophical Nagelsmann told reporters. "We did a good job, tactically we gave a great performance, but they are a world-class team, you cannot forget that."

Manchester City overcame a first-minute setback to relaunch their Champions League campaign with what manager Pep Guardiola hailed as an "important" 2-1 victory at Hoffenheim, clinched by a late David Silva winner, on Tuesday.

Manchester City overcame a first-minute setback to relaunch their Champions League campaign with what manager Pep Guardiola hailed as an "important" 2-1 victory at Hoffenheim, clinched by a late David Silva winner, on Tuesday. The Premier League champions and current leaders, urgently needing a win after their opening week Group F defeat at home by Olympique Lyonnais, had been rocked by an Ishak Belfodil goal after just 44 seconds. Sergio Aguero's equaliser seven minutes later seemed to have set them back on course as they dominated most of the match but the Bundesliga side, set up in an attacking 4-3-3 mode and dangerous on the break, held firm until Silva cashed in on a late defensive error. Guardiola felt it was another major learning experience for his side, who had looked as if they could be frustrated and deprived of a win they deserved when denied a clear-cut second-half penalty. The win pushed City into second-place in the group on three points after two matches, one point behind Lyon, who later drew 2-2 with Shakhtar Donetsk. Ukrainian champions Shakhtar, City's next opponents, are third on two points. "After losing the first game, it was important that we didn't lose today," he told BT Sport. "We need to live this type of experience as a club to improve, to get better. You cannot make the next steps if you don't suffer or live this kind of experience, where you have to fight against everything." Hoffenheim's home debut in the Champions League group stages at their Rhein-Neckar-Arena started perfectly for the high-flying 'village club' who have come so far so quickly in the Bundesliga, with Algerian Belfodil latching on to a neat through ball from Kerem Demirbay to slot home. The quickest goal City had ever conceded in the competition was another shock to their system after their loss to Lyon, their only defeat of the season in any competition so far. Normal service was quickly resumed, though, when a fine ball from Silva found Leroy Sane, outstanding on his return to Germany, who picked out Aguero to bundle home his eighth goal in 10 matches in all competitions this season. Raheem Sterling, after a lightning end-to-end break, and Aguero, who was a livewire all evening, went close to putting City ahead as they piled on the pressure. Yet after the break, 31-year-old Julian Nagelsmann's side, reflecting the enterprise of the youngest manager in Champions League history, held on staunchly as City ramped up their attacks. It seemed as if Guardiola's men would be deprived of the win when Sane was clearly brought down in the penalty area in the second half when rounding goalkeeper Oliver Baumann but no penalty was awarded. Asked about the penalty, Guardiola, who had been back on the touchline after serving a one-match European ban, said he would not comment because he did not want to end up back in the stands. His side kept their patience, though, and David Silva's quick thinking, robbing central defender Stefan Posch in the box and shooting home a sharp left-footed winner, secured them the three points. "We knew we had 15 points to fight for and we now have three. Now it's in our hands unlike before and, of course, we cannot make the mistake we did against Lyon," said Guardiola. "We are not quite at the level of our opponent," a philosophical Nagelsmann told reporters. "We did a good job, tactically we gave a great performance, but they are a world-class team, you cannot forget that."

Man City earn late win at Hoffenheim through David Silva

Ivorian professional footballer Yaya Toure accused Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola of 'often having problems with Africans'.

The Ivorian, who left City in May after eight years at the club, says he wants to break the myth about Guardiola, whom he described as "jealous".

"He [Guardiola] insists he has no problems with black players, because he is too intelligent to be caught out,” Toure said&nbsp

“But when you realise that he has problems with Africans, wherever he goes, I ask myself questions. He will never admit it. But the day he will line up a team in which we find five Africans, not naturalised, I promise I will send him a cake.”

Premier League champions City and Guardiola have declined to comment on Toure's views.

“Pep likes to dominate and wants to have obedient players who lick his hands,” said Toure.&nbsp

“I do not like this kind of relationship. I respect my coach but I am not his thing. Like all players I have bickered with my coaches. But at a certain point men who do not understand each other reconcile."&nbsp

"This is not possible with Pep, who is very rigid. The other players will never admit it publicly but some have already told me that they ended up hating him. Because he manipulates and plays a lot with your head,” he further said.

Toure, an Ivory Coast international, played for Guardiola at Barcelona for two seasons until he was sold to City in 2010 for £24m.

He won six major trophies in England but started just one Premier League game in City's latest title-winning campaign - their final home fixture of the season against Brighton.

The Ivorian left City in May after eight years at the club

Ivorian professional footballer Yaya Toure accused Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola of 'often having problems with Africans'. The Ivorian, who left City in May after eight years at the club, says he wants to break the myth about Guardiola, whom he described as "jealous". "He [Guardiola] insists he has no problems with black players, because he is too intelligent to be caught out,” Toure said “But when you realise that he has problems with Africans, wherever he goes, I ask myself questions. He will never admit it. But the day he will line up a team in which we find five Africans, not naturalised, I promise I will send him a cake.” Premier League champions City and Guardiola have declined to comment on Toure's views. “Pep likes to dominate and wants to have obedient players who lick his hands,” said Toure. “I do not like this kind of relationship. I respect my coach but I am not his thing. Like all players I have bickered with my coaches. But at a certain point men who do not understand each other reconcile." "This is not possible with Pep, who is very rigid. The other players will never admit it publicly but some have already told me that they ended up hating him. Because he manipulates and plays a lot with your head,” he further said. Toure, an Ivory Coast international, played for Guardiola at Barcelona for two seasons until he was sold to City in 2010 for £24m. He won six major trophies in England but started just one Premier League game in City's latest title-winning campaign - their final home fixture of the season against Brighton.

Man City Guardiola 'has  problems with Africans,' accuses Yaya Toure

Pep Guardiola is anxious to play down suggestions that winning his first piece of silverware for Manchester City in Sunday&#39;s League Cup final against Arsenal would herald a period of dominance.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach takes his side to Wembley with the Premier League title virtually in the bag and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals looking certain.

But despite City&#39;s dominance this season, Guardiola will be eager to get his hands on a trophy, even if it would have been fourth on the list of his priorities when the campaign began.

City are clear favourites to beat Arsenal but Arsene Wenger&#39;s men have made a habit of cup success in recent years, winning the FA Cup in three of the past four seasons.

&quot;Not even in Barcelona when we won the first title in the cup did I expect to win 14 titles in four years,&quot; said Guardiola, anxious not to over-burden his players. &quot;I&#39;m more pragmatic.

&quot;I think in football it&#39;s a big mistake to think what might happen in the next three years. It&#39;s a big mistake for our heads, our targets, it makes no sense.

&quot;When people asked in the beginning, about winning four titles (this season), I said of course we&#39;ll try, but the big teams have not been able to do that -- the big Liverpools, the big Uniteds, the big Arsenals, the big Chelseas.&quot;

Defeat for City could lead to a certain feeling of anti-climax at the Etihad as it would follow hot on the heels of their FA Cup exit at the hands of lowly Wigan Athletic -- ending their quest for a historic quadruple.

Shock Jesus return?

Striker Gabriel Jesus could make a shock return at Wembley after being out with a knee injury since the end of December, although there are doubts over Raheem Sterling&#39;s fitness.

Guardiola confirmed second-choice goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will start, having done so in all domestic cup matches this season, but Fabian Delph is suspended after being sent off against Wigan.

The Catalan boss earlier this season questioned the value of the League Cup, saying &quot;you waste a lot of energy&quot; but it could serve as a springboard to further success, as it has done previously for the likes of Jose Mourinho.

Wenger has won the FA Cup a record seven times since he took the helm at Arsenal but has twice been beaten in the final of the League Cup, by Chelsea in 2007 and Birmingham City in 2011.

The French manager was asked at his pre-match press conference what the key was to beating City.

&quot;To first of all have a strong belief that we can do it, be well-organised and take every opportunity to go forward and play our offensive game,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

He acknowledged the threat from players such as Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne but said it was difficult to focus on shutting down individuals.

&quot;One of the big strengths of Man City is De Bruyne of course, because he has become a very complete player,&quot; Wenger said.&nbsp;

&quot;He is a modern midfielder for me, he can be decisive in the final third, he works very hard, he is right-footed, left-footed and he is a fighter as well so overall I am not surprised he has done well.

&quot;They have so many players that you have to stop that it is better to focus on the team plan rather than on any individual.&quot;

Alexandre Lacazette is unavailable because of injury and Henrikh Mkhitaryan is ineligible because he played in the competition for Manchester United earlier this season.

Wenger said David Ospina would play in goal at the expense of Petr Cech, continuing his role as the go-to &#39;keeper for cup matches.

He said Mesut Ozil was likely to play and he would make a decision on Aaron Ramsey on Saturday.

&nbsp;

But despite City's dominance this season, Guardiola will be eager to get his hands on a trophy, even if it would have been fourth on the list of his priorities when the campaign began

Pep Guardiola is anxious to play down suggestions that winning his first piece of silverware for Manchester City in Sunday's League Cup final against Arsenal would herald a period of dominance. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach takes his side to Wembley with the Premier League title virtually in the bag and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals looking certain. But despite City's dominance this season, Guardiola will be eager to get his hands on a trophy, even if it would have been fourth on the list of his priorities when the campaign began. City are clear favourites to beat Arsenal but Arsene Wenger's men have made a habit of cup success in recent years, winning the FA Cup in three of the past four seasons. "Not even in Barcelona when we won the first title in the cup did I expect to win 14 titles in four years," said Guardiola, anxious not to over-burden his players. "I'm more pragmatic. "I think in football it's a big mistake to think what might happen in the next three years. It's a big mistake for our heads, our targets, it makes no sense. "When people asked in the beginning, about winning four titles (this season), I said of course we'll try, but the big teams have not been able to do that -- the big Liverpools, the big Uniteds, the big Arsenals, the big Chelseas." Defeat for City could lead to a certain feeling of anti-climax at the Etihad as it would follow hot on the heels of their FA Cup exit at the hands of lowly Wigan Athletic -- ending their quest for a historic quadruple. Shock Jesus return? Striker Gabriel Jesus could make a shock return at Wembley after being out with a knee injury since the end of December, although there are doubts over Raheem Sterling's fitness. Guardiola confirmed second-choice goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will start, having done so in all domestic cup matches this season, but Fabian Delph is suspended after being sent off against Wigan. The Catalan boss earlier this season questioned the value of the League Cup, saying "you waste a lot of energy" but it could serve as a springboard to further success, as it has done previously for the likes of Jose Mourinho. Wenger has won the FA Cup a record seven times since he took the helm at Arsenal but has twice been beaten in the final of the League Cup, by Chelsea in 2007 and Birmingham City in 2011. The French manager was asked at his pre-match press conference what the key was to beating City. "To first of all have a strong belief that we can do it, be well-organised and take every opportunity to go forward and play our offensive game," he said. He acknowledged the threat from players such as Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne but said it was difficult to focus on shutting down individuals. "One of the big strengths of Man City is De Bruyne of course, because he has become a very complete player," Wenger said. "He is a modern midfielder for me, he can be decisive in the final third, he works very hard, he is right-footed, left-footed and he is a fighter as well so overall I am not surprised he has done well. "They have so many players that you have to stop that it is better to focus on the team plan rather than on any individual." Alexandre Lacazette is unavailable because of injury and Henrikh Mkhitaryan is ineligible because he played in the competition for Manchester United earlier this season. Wenger said David Ospina would play in goal at the expense of Petr Cech, continuing his role as the go-to 'keeper for cup matches. He said Mesut Ozil was likely to play and he would make a decision on Aaron Ramsey on Saturday.

Arsenal stand in way of Pep's first Man City silverware

Third-tier Wigan Athletic lived up to the billing as Manchester City&#39;s bogey team by beating the 10-man Premier League leaders 1-0 in a stunning FA Cup fifth round upset on Monday (February 19).

Will Grigg coolly slotted home the winner in the 79th minute to trigger chants of &#39;Will Grigg&#39;s on fire&#39; around the DW Stadium.

The defeat ended City&#39;s hopes of an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this season.

City played the entire second half with 10 men after midfielder Fabian Delph was sent off in the 45th minute for a late challenge on Max Power.

But on a night of stirring memories for the home fans, whose side beat City in the 2013 FA Cup final and in the quarter-finals a year later, there was always the hint of an upset in the air.

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2013 ✅ 
2014 ✅ 
2018 ✅ 
 
Don&rsquo;t you just love an <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmiratesFACup</a> game against Manchester City ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wafc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wafc</a> <a href="https://t.co/aVvNcK93U2">pic.twitter.com/aVvNcK93U2</a>
&mdash; Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaticsOfficial/status/965740089216090117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">20 February 2018</a></blockquote>
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79&#39; GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL!!!! WILL GRIGG!!! ???? 
 
Follow it live ????<a href="https://t.co/R8XiBiTPX2">https://t.co/R8XiBiTPX2</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wafc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wafc</a> <a href="https://t.co/Itm1gzOXFw">pic.twitter.com/Itm1gzOXFw</a>
&mdash; Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaticsOfficial/status/965700642638573568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">19 February 2018</a></blockquote>
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That only increased when referee Anthony Taylor, a yellow card already in his hand, reached for the red.

Delph looked stunned, his angry teammates swarming around the official, while manager Pep Guardiola seethed on the touchline.

The Spaniard, already frustrated by his side&#39;s failure to break through the home side&#39;s sturdy defense, had to be kept apart from Wigan manager Paul Cook as they headed down the tunnel at the break.

Guardiola reacted to the setback by bringing on versatile right-back Kyle Walker for winger Leroy Sane at the start of the second half.

He then introduced midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in place of David Silva in the 65th, with the Belgian immediately piling the pressure on Wigan&#39;s defense.

But still, City, 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League, heading for the last eight of the Champions League and looking forward to Sunday&#39;s League Cup final, failed to find a way through despite having most of the possession.

Wigan will now host another Premier League team Southampton in next month&#39;s quarter-finals having now beaten three top-flight sides in their fairytale Cup run.

&nbsp;

Will Grigg coolly slotted home the winner in the 79th minute to trigger chants of 'Will Grigg's on fire' around the DW Stadium

Third-tier Wigan Athletic lived up to the billing as Manchester City's bogey team by beating the 10-man Premier League leaders 1-0 in a stunning FA Cup fifth round upset on Monday (February 19). Will Grigg coolly slotted home the winner in the 79th minute to trigger chants of 'Will Grigg's on fire' around the DW Stadium. The defeat ended City's hopes of an unprecedented quadruple of trophies this season. City played the entire second half with 10 men after midfielder Fabian Delph was sent off in the 45th minute for a late challenge on Max Power. But on a night of stirring memories for the home fans, whose side beat City in the 2013 FA Cup final and in the quarter-finals a year later, there was always the hint of an upset in the air. 2013 ✅ 2014 ✅ 2018 ✅ Don’t you just love an @EmiratesFACup game against Manchester City ????#wafc pic.twitter.com/aVvNcK93U2 — Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) 20 February 2018 × 79' GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLL!!!! WILL GRIGG!!! ???? Follow it live ????https://t.co/R8XiBiTPX2#wafc pic.twitter.com/Itm1gzOXFw — Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) 19 February 2018 × That only increased when referee Anthony Taylor, a yellow card already in his hand, reached for the red. Delph looked stunned, his angry teammates swarming around the official, while manager Pep Guardiola seethed on the touchline. The Spaniard, already frustrated by his side's failure to break through the home side's sturdy defense, had to be kept apart from Wigan manager Paul Cook as they headed down the tunnel at the break. Guardiola reacted to the setback by bringing on versatile right-back Kyle Walker for winger Leroy Sane at the start of the second half. He then introduced midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in place of David Silva in the 65th, with the Belgian immediately piling the pressure on Wigan's defense. But still, City, 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League, heading for the last eight of the Champions League and looking forward to Sunday's League Cup final, failed to find a way through despite having most of the possession. Wigan will now host another Premier League team Southampton in next month's quarter-finals having now beaten three top-flight sides in their fairytale Cup run.

FA Cup: Third-tier Wigan Athletic ends Man City's fairytale run

Manchester City&#39;s Spanish international forward David Silva missed four matches recently because his prematurely-born baby son is fighting for his life, he revealed on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old -- who returned to the runaway Premier League leaders starting line-up for Tuesday&#39;s 3-1 win over Watford -- thanked everyone for their support on his Twitter account.

&quot;Also I want to share with you the birth of my son Mateo, who was born extremely preterm and is fighting day by day with the help of the medical team,&quot; he tweeted.

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COMUNICADO OFICIAL: <a href="https://t.co/8Ooaef92ro">pic.twitter.com/8Ooaef92ro</a>
&mdash; David Silva (@21LVA) <a href="https://twitter.com/21LVA/status/948534711378415616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Manchester City midfielder David Silva reveals that his son has been brought prematurely and is fighting 'day by day' which is why he has been absent from the squad recently

Manchester City's Spanish international forward David Silva missed four matches recently because his prematurely-born baby son is fighting for his life, he revealed on Wednesday. The 31-year-old -- who returned to the runaway Premier League leaders starting line-up for Tuesday's 3-1 win over Watford -- thanked everyone for their support on his Twitter account. "Also I want to share with you the birth of my son Mateo, who was born extremely preterm and is fighting day by day with the help of the medical team," he tweeted. COMUNICADO OFICIAL: pic.twitter.com/8Ooaef92ro — David Silva (@21LVA) January 3, 2018 ×

David Silva explains absence from Manchester City squad

Manchester City&#39;s relentless assault on English football&#39;s record books continued on Wednesday as a Raheem Sterling goal earned them a 1-0 win at Newcastle United to extend their extraordinary record of successive Premier League wins to 18.

Sterling&#39;s fine 31st-minute finish saw Guardiola&#39;s men improve their unbeaten league sequence this season to 20 games and stretch their yawning gap at the top of the league to 15 points on a night where they dominated but were very wasteful.

Rafa Benitez started with the most negative approach St James&#39; Park can ever have seen from a Newcastle side, allowing City to monopolise proceedings before Sterling finally broke their resistance with his 13th league goal of the season.

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City hit the woodwork three times in total -- twice from Sergio Aguero and once from Kevin De Bruyne -- and they nearly paid for their profligacy in front of goal when, in rare Newcastle attacks, Rolando Aarons had a first-half chip cleared off the line and Dwight Gayle headed wide late on.

Despite a slightly sloppy second-half performance, it would have been a travesty if Newcastle, just a point above the relegation zone after their fifth straight home defeat, had been rewarded for an ultra-cautious approach.

City moved on to 58 points out of a possible 60, with their Manchester United neighbours on 43 points and Chelsea on 42.

&quot;We did absolutely everything but it is difficult to play when the other team doesn&#39;t want to play,&quot; Guardiola told BBC Sport in what sounded a harsh but fair assessment of Newcastle&#39;s early passivity.

&quot;Any manager can decide what he wants. I prefer to try to play but I respect a lot what opponents do and we have to try to discover how to attack against them.&quot;

Such is City&#39;s aura now that Newcastle, almost as if Benitez was resigned to their fate from the start, invariably put 10 men behind the ball in the opening half an hour as the visitors sought an opening.

Argentine Aguero volleyed against the post after seven minutes and De Bruyne let Newcastle off with some slack finishing before the South American again struck the post on the half-hour with a right foot shot.

City even made light of the early departure of captain Vincent Kompany, who suffered yet another of his injury woes and had to limp off after 10 minutes.

Refusing to compromise their attacking approach, they simply pushed midfielder Fernandinho back into central defence and brought on striker Gabriel Jesus.

With Newcastle offering nothing, it felt just a matter of time before De Bruyne picked out Sterling brilliantly with a floated through ball which saw the England international ghost in and squeeze it left-footed past Rob Elliot from a narrow angle.

Forced to offer a response, Newcastle responded almost immediately when a fine Aarons&#39; chip brought an excellent headed goalline clearance from Nicolas Otamendi under his own bar but it was just a brief respite as City equalled the English top-flight record of 11 consecutive away league victories.

De Bruyne, with a strange mixture of commanding orchestration and wayward finishing, struck the post with one searing shot but City did appear to become a little complacent as substitute Gayle came close with an 89th minute header that went just wide.

Now, Guardiola is just one win away from equalling the record of 19 league victories in a row that he set with Bayern Munich in 2013-14, the longest winning streak achieved in any of Europe&#39;s top five leagues. 
&nbsp;

A Raheem Sterling goal earned the league leaders a 1-0 win at Newcastle United

Manchester City's relentless assault on English football's record books continued on Wednesday as a Raheem Sterling goal earned them a 1-0 win at Newcastle United to extend their extraordinary record of successive Premier League wins to 18. Sterling's fine 31st-minute finish saw Guardiola's men improve their unbeaten league sequence this season to 20 games and stretch their yawning gap at the top of the league to 15 points on a night where they dominated but were very wasteful. Rafa Benitez started with the most negative approach St James' Park can ever have seen from a Newcastle side, allowing City to monopolise proceedings before Sterling finally broke their resistance with his 13th league goal of the season. Rafa Benitez started with the most negative approach St James' Park can ever have seen from a Newcastle side, allowing City to monopolise proceedings before Sterling finally broke their resistance with his 13th league goal of the season × City hit the woodwork three times in total -- twice from Sergio Aguero and once from Kevin De Bruyne -- and they nearly paid for their profligacy in front of goal when, in rare Newcastle attacks, Rolando Aarons had a first-half chip cleared off the line and Dwight Gayle headed wide late on. Despite a slightly sloppy second-half performance, it would have been a travesty if Newcastle, just a point above the relegation zone after their fifth straight home defeat, had been rewarded for an ultra-cautious approach. City moved on to 58 points out of a possible 60, with their Manchester United neighbours on 43 points and Chelsea on 42. "We did absolutely everything but it is difficult to play when the other team doesn't want to play," Guardiola told BBC Sport in what sounded a harsh but fair assessment of Newcastle's early passivity. "Any manager can decide what he wants. I prefer to try to play but I respect a lot what opponents do and we have to try to discover how to attack against them." Such is City's aura now that Newcastle, almost as if Benitez was resigned to their fate from the start, invariably put 10 men behind the ball in the opening half an hour as the visitors sought an opening. Argentine Aguero volleyed against the post after seven minutes and De Bruyne let Newcastle off with some slack finishing before the South American again struck the post on the half-hour with a right foot shot. City even made light of the early departure of captain Vincent Kompany, who suffered yet another of his injury woes and had to limp off after 10 minutes. Refusing to compromise their attacking approach, they simply pushed midfielder Fernandinho back into central defence and brought on striker Gabriel Jesus. With Newcastle offering nothing, it felt just a matter of time before De Bruyne picked out Sterling brilliantly with a floated through ball which saw the England international ghost in and squeeze it left-footed past Rob Elliot from a narrow angle. Forced to offer a response, Newcastle responded almost immediately when a fine Aarons' chip brought an excellent headed goalline clearance from Nicolas Otamendi under his own bar but it was just a brief respite as City equalled the English top-flight record of 11 consecutive away league victories. De Bruyne, with a strange mixture of commanding orchestration and wayward finishing, struck the post with one searing shot but City did appear to become a little complacent as substitute Gayle came close with an 89th minute header that went just wide. Now, Guardiola is just one win away from equalling the record of 19 league victories in a row that he set with Bayern Munich in 2013-14, the longest winning streak achieved in any of Europe's top five leagues.

EPL: Man City march to 18th straight win

&nbsp;Mauricio Pochettino hopes his Tottenham Hotspur side can silence Manchester City on Saturday by ending the Premier League leaders&#39; record-breaking 15-match winning streak.

City&#39;s players reportedly celebrated beating Manchester United, and Swansea City on Wednesday, by belting out music in the changing room.

United manager Jose Mourinho did not care for the decibel level and there were reports of a rumpus near the City dressing- room, but Pochettino will not be complaining.

&quot;I&#39;m not going to talk about what happened between City and United,&quot; Pochettino, whose side are in fourth spot, 18 points behind City, told reporters.

&quot;When we won at Huddersfield or at Wembley against Stoke the players put loud music on. If you lose the game, normally you will not put music on, you want to have a shower and go home.

&quot;It&#39;s because City are winning, winning, winning they put loud music on. It&#39;s normal. Tomorrow I wish we can stop it but I&#39;m never going to complain about another team celebrating because sometimes it&#39;s good (for the beaten team) to feel that pain. To think if we run more, we can have that feeling.&quot;

While there is a massive points gap between City and Tottenham this season, they are only two points worse off than after 17 games of last season when they finished runners-up.

City, who finished a place below Tottenham last season, splurged in excess of 220 million pounds ($293 million) on players during the summer, including paying about 50 million pounds for Tottenham&#39;s England right back Kyle Walker.

Tottenham spent around 80 million and recouped most of that.

So Pochettino bridles at suggestions that Tottenham, currently building a new stadium, have failed to keep pace.

&quot;We are disappointed because we wanted to be closer to them,&quot; said Pochettino, now in his fourth season at Tottenham.

&quot;But of course in the last two seasons we have tried to stick to our philosophy and keep improving step by step.

&quot;Today is completely unfair to compare Tottenham with City and United and Chelsea. We are in a complete opposite side.

&quot;Once we arrive at the new stadium and only focus and only invest in the team, not in improving the facilities the people will be allowed to blame us if we don&#39;t improve and achieve.&quot;

Pochettino was full of praise for his opposite number Pep Guardiola but said Saturday&#39;s clash was more about his side trying to show their quality than try to stop City.

He knows they will need a little luck to stop them though, likening City&#39;s run to his side&#39;s home form last season when they won 17, drew two and lost none at White Hart Lane.

&quot;Last season something special happened around the team. One player said to me he remembers that when they played at home last season they started already 1-0 up.&quot;

?Mauricio Pochettino hopes his Tottenham Hotspur side can silence Manchester City on Saturday by ending the Premier League leaders' record-breaking 15-match winning streak

Mauricio Pochettino hopes his Tottenham Hotspur side can silence Manchester City on Saturday by ending the Premier League leaders' record-breaking 15-match winning streak. City's players reportedly celebrated beating Manchester United, and Swansea City on Wednesday, by belting out music in the changing room. United manager Jose Mourinho did not care for the decibel level and there were reports of a rumpus near the City dressing- room, but Pochettino will not be complaining. "I'm not going to talk about what happened between City and United," Pochettino, whose side are in fourth spot, 18 points behind City, told reporters. "When we won at Huddersfield or at Wembley against Stoke the players put loud music on. If you lose the game, normally you will not put music on, you want to have a shower and go home. "It's because City are winning, winning, winning they put loud music on. It's normal. Tomorrow I wish we can stop it but I'm never going to complain about another team celebrating because sometimes it's good (for the beaten team) to feel that pain. To think if we run more, we can have that feeling." While there is a massive points gap between City and Tottenham this season, they are only two points worse off than after 17 games of last season when they finished runners-up. City, who finished a place below Tottenham last season, splurged in excess of 220 million pounds ($293 million) on players during the summer, including paying about 50 million pounds for Tottenham's England right back Kyle Walker. Tottenham spent around 80 million and recouped most of that. So Pochettino bridles at suggestions that Tottenham, currently building a new stadium, have failed to keep pace. "We are disappointed because we wanted to be closer to them," said Pochettino, now in his fourth season at Tottenham. "But of course in the last two seasons we have tried to stick to our philosophy and keep improving step by step. "Today is completely unfair to compare Tottenham with City and United and Chelsea. We are in a complete opposite side. "Once we arrive at the new stadium and only focus and only invest in the team, not in improving the facilities the people will be allowed to blame us if we don't improve and achieve." Pochettino was full of praise for his opposite number Pep Guardiola but said Saturday's clash was more about his side trying to show their quality than try to stop City. He knows they will need a little luck to stop them though, likening City's run to his side's home form last season when they won 17, drew two and lost none at White Hart Lane. "Last season something special happened around the team. One player said to me he remembers that when they played at home last season they started already 1-0 up."

Only way to silence Man City is to beat them, says Pochettino

Chelsea came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-1 win at Manchester City and forge clear at the top of the Premier League as their top-of-the-table clash ended in a mass brawl and two City players were sent off on Saturday.

Diego Costa, the league&#39;s leading marksman, scored his 11th of the season on the hour to equalise, substitute Willian notched on the counter-attack 10 minutes later and Eden Hazard sealed Chelsea&#39;s eighth straight win in the 90th minute.

Gary Cahill had given City a deserved lead just before halftime, slicing the ball into his own net with a clumsy attempted clearance, and the home side had chances to wrap up the points after the break as Kevin De Bruyne missed from three metres when it seemed easier to score.

In stoppage time, with Chelsea already guaranteed a four-point lead at the top, mayhem broke out following a terrible tackle by Sergio Aguero on David Luiz.

The Argentine was shown a red card and, as players piled in, Fernandinho was also dismissed for pushing Cesc Fabregas over the advertising hoardings.

It was the first time a team had finished a game with nine men in the Premier League for eight years yet, for large parts, it had looked as if it could be the end of Chelsea&#39;s purple patch with City largely dominating until Pep Guardiola&#39;s men were again found out defensively.

Several times, Aguero came close, thwarted by a brilliant Cesar Azpilicueta block and heading wide from De Bruyne&#39;s pinpoint cross.

Yet City&#39;s goal was a soft one with Cahill displaying technical deficiency, trying to clear Jesus Navas&#39;s cross with his right foot when he needed to use his left.

City piled on the pressure after the break with De Bruyne forcing a fine save from Courtois and more comedy defending almost gifting a goal for Aguero before De Bruyne&#39;s open-goal miss from Navas&#39;s cross.

It was a costly error as Fabregas found Costa with a lovely, long ball which he controlled on his chest before outsmuscling Nicolas Otamendi and firing the equaliser.

Costa then put Willian clean through, the Brazilian firing across Claudio Bravo into the corner before he marked his goal with an emotional raising of his black armband to honour those who died in the Chapecoense air crash.

After Hazard had latched on to a long ball from Marcos Alonso to sprint clear of Aleksandar Kolarov and net the third, City&#39;s frustration got the better of them as Aguero&#39;s wild knee-high lunge on Luiz resulted in furious scenes with all 22 players and staff being involved in a melee.

Luiz, with his knee bandaged afterwards, refused to be drawn on Aguero&#39;s challenge.

&quot;I don&#39;t like to speak about these type of things. Aguero is an amazing player who does a lot for football,&quot; he told Sky Sports.

&quot;I want to dedicate this win to the people who died in Brazil. It was difficult to get my head together as I had some friends there. We just need to pray for the victim&#39;s families.&quot;

(Reuters)

The top-of-the-table clash ended in a mass brawl that saw two City players sent off

Chelsea came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-1 win at Manchester City and forge clear at the top of the Premier League as their top-of-the-table clash ended in a mass brawl and two City players were sent off on Saturday. Diego Costa, the league's leading marksman, scored his 11th of the season on the hour to equalise, substitute Willian notched on the counter-attack 10 minutes later and Eden Hazard sealed Chelsea's eighth straight win in the 90th minute. Gary Cahill had given City a deserved lead just before halftime, slicing the ball into his own net with a clumsy attempted clearance, and the home side had chances to wrap up the points after the break as Kevin De Bruyne missed from three metres when it seemed easier to score. In stoppage time, with Chelsea already guaranteed a four-point lead at the top, mayhem broke out following a terrible tackle by Sergio Aguero on David Luiz. The Argentine was shown a red card and, as players piled in, Fernandinho was also dismissed for pushing Cesc Fabregas over the advertising hoardings. It was the first time a team had finished a game with nine men in the Premier League for eight years yet, for large parts, it had looked as if it could be the end of Chelsea's purple patch with City largely dominating until Pep Guardiola's men were again found out defensively. Several times, Aguero came close, thwarted by a brilliant Cesar Azpilicueta block and heading wide from De Bruyne's pinpoint cross. Yet City's goal was a soft one with Cahill displaying technical deficiency, trying to clear Jesus Navas's cross with his right foot when he needed to use his left. City piled on the pressure after the break with De Bruyne forcing a fine save from Courtois and more comedy defending almost gifting a goal for Aguero before De Bruyne's open-goal miss from Navas's cross. It was a costly error as Fabregas found Costa with a lovely, long ball which he controlled on his chest before outsmuscling Nicolas Otamendi and firing the equaliser. Costa then put Willian clean through, the Brazilian firing across Claudio Bravo into the corner before he marked his goal with an emotional raising of his black armband to honour those who died in the Chapecoense air crash. After Hazard had latched on to a long ball from Marcos Alonso to sprint clear of Aleksandar Kolarov and net the third, City's frustration got the better of them as Aguero's wild knee-high lunge on Luiz resulted in furious scenes with all 22 players and staff being involved in a melee. Luiz, with his knee bandaged afterwards, refused to be drawn on Aguero's challenge. "I don't like to speak about these type of things. Aguero is an amazing player who does a lot for football," he told Sky Sports. "I want to dedicate this win to the people who died in Brazil. It was difficult to get my head together as I had some friends there. We just need to pray for the victim's families." (Reuters)

EPL: Chelsea come from behind to beat Man City 3-1, top league

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