<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-darkest-hour-response-of-government-inadequate-49-former-bureaucrats-write-to-pm-modi-after-kathua-unnao-gang-rapes-130680">'Our darkest hour... </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-darkest-hour-response-of-government-inadequate-49-former-bureaucrats-write-to-pm-modi-after-kathua-unnao-gang-rapes-130680">response</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-darkest-hour-response-of-government-inadequate-49-former-bureaucrats-write-to-pm-modi-after-kathua-unnao-gang-rapes-130680"> of govt inadequate,' 49 ex-bureaucrats write to PM Modi after Kathua, Unnao</a>

Forty-nine former bureaucrats have written a scathing open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes. "In post-independence India, this is our darkest hour and we find the response of our government, the leaders of our political parties inadequate and feeble," the bureaucrats write in their letter.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-special-status-call-for-statewide-bandh-today-130688">Andhra special status: Call for statewide bandh today</a>

Andhra Pradesh Pratyeka Hoda Saadhana Samiti on Monday observed a one-day statewide bandh over the demand of Special Status for the state. Opposition parties such as &nbsp;Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), Congress and Left parties have extended support to the strike.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iits-to-add-779-more-seats-exclusively-for-women-applicants-130683">To improve gender imbalance, IITs to add 779 more seats exclusively for women</a>

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will add 779 more seats exclusively for women applicants in the new academic session this year. Sayantani Saha, a student from IIT Kharagpur told ANI that the decision by the institutes will help in improving the problem of gender imbalance in the IITs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-win-epl-start-of-a-dynasty-130675">Manchester City </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-win-epl-start-of-a-dynasty-130675">win</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-win-epl-start-of-a-dynasty-130675"> EPL. Start of a dynasty?</a>

By winning their third title in seven seasons since first being backed by the petro-dollars of Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City can justifiably claim to be the outstanding Premier League club of the current decade.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-preparing-new-sanctions-on-russia-over-syria-says-haley-130693">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-preparing-new-sanctions-on-russia-over-syria-says-haley-130693"> preparing new sanctions on Russia over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-preparing-new-sanctions-on-russia-over-syria-says-haley-130693">Syria,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-preparing-new-sanctions-on-russia-over-syria-says-haley-130693"> says Haley</a>

The United States is preparing new sanctions on Russia over its continued support of Syrian President Bashar-al Assad, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Sunday.

'Our darkest hour... response of govt inadequate,' 49 ex-bureaucrats write to PM Modi after Kathua, Unnao Forty-nine former bureaucrats have written a scathing open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes. "In post-independence India, this is our darkest hour and we find the response of our government, the leaders of our political parties inadequate and feeble," the bureaucrats write in their letter. Andhra special status: Call for statewide bandh today Andhra Pradesh Pratyeka Hoda Saadhana Samiti on Monday observed a one-day statewide bandh over the demand of Special Status for the state. Opposition parties such as Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), Congress and Left parties have extended support to the strike. To improve gender imbalance, IITs to add 779 more seats exclusively for women The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will add 779 more seats exclusively for women applicants in the new academic session this year. Sayantani Saha, a student from IIT Kharagpur told ANI that the decision by the institutes will help in improving the problem of gender imbalance in the IITs. Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty? By winning their third title in seven seasons since first being backed by the petro-dollars of Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City can justifiably claim to be the outstanding Premier League club of the current decade. US preparing new sanctions on Russia over Syria, says Haley The United States is preparing new sanctions on Russia over its continued support of Syrian President Bashar-al Assad, the US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said Sunday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

By winning their third title in seven seasons since first being backed by the petro-dollars of Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City can justifiably claim to be the outstanding Premier League club of the current decade.

Even more alarming for their rivals, though, after Manchester United's 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday sealed City's triumph is that Pep Guardiola's latest fabulous creation may only be at the dawn of a potential new dynasty.

Yet, even if City's season has already been a majestic success, what with a League Cup triumph and winning the Premier League with a record-equalling five matches to spare, a better measure will only come by the end of next season.

For no English champions have successfully defended their Premier League crown since City's once lordly neighbours United won the title for a third straight season in 2008-09.

That side, guided by Alex Ferguson and featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in their pomp, completed a remarkable three-year spell, also featuring a Champions League win, another final appearance and a Club World Cup triumph.

This is the deafening level of dominance that the team once famously derided as "noisy neighbours" by Ferguson will now be out to cement after what could still end up as an unprecedented 100-goal, 100-point season.

The last decade, though, suggests back-to-back successes will be no given. Ferguson's last United triumph in 2012-13 was by 11 points from the then champions City the following season, under new management, they finished seventh.

Jose Mourinho's 2015 Chelsea side won the league handsomely but could only finish 10th the following campaign. Last season's champions, Chelsea, look unlikely to be in the top four this year.

Yet if any team look capable of bucking this trend, it is Guardiola's latest potential masterpiece, which, remember, is still a work in progress.

He won both La Liga, with Barcelona, and the Bundesliga at Bayern Munich three years in succession, changing attitudes in both the Spanish and German game with the sort of possession-based pass mastery at pace that some believed would be stifled in England. That theory has been wholly debunked.

Certainly, Liverpool's heroics in both the Champions League and Premier League, swarming all over City for three victories this term, and Manchester United's 3-2 comeback win at the Etihad which delayed the coronation, dented the aura.

Those performances offered others a blueprint of how to knock City out of their aristocratic stride, yet still this could not hide the extent of their overall dominance.

CONTINENTAL SUCCESS

The dynasty will only be built on European success, though, and after the quarter-final exit to Liverpool, City's owners, who want a gilded continental powerhouse to match United's global lustre, will demand it and back those demands with huge funding.

Guardiola's talent and commitment is the key to this.

City's fans must have been left with soaring hearts on hearing how the Spaniard, in the second of a three-year deal, had talked of his long-term ambitions to make City's name resonate more in global terms.

"(Manchester City) does not have a history behind it at the level of titles but it does have the desire to become winners," he told a South American TV company.

"I do not rule out continuing to lead in 10 years. It will depend how I feel and if they want me."

Of course, they will want him. Every club does. His imprint in just two seasons has already been immense, vastly improving youthful talent like Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, none of whom are older than 23.

Key men Fernandinho and David Silva are in their thirties now but much more can be still be expected of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva alongside Kevin de Bruyne, the league's outstanding player this season.

"We need titles in Europe," Guardiola concedes. "After what this club has done in the last ten years, in terms of creating facilities and making it bigger, it will happen.

"But you need time. It might be next season or the season after that but it will happen, soon it will happen."

Guardiola sounded like a man who will be there when it does.

City have now won their third title in seven seasons

By winning their third title in seven seasons since first being backed by the petro-dollars of Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City can justifiably claim to be the outstanding Premier League club of the current decade. Even more alarming for their rivals, though, after Manchester United's 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday sealed City's triumph is that Pep Guardiola's latest fabulous creation may only be at the dawn of a potential new dynasty. Yet, even if City's season has already been a majestic success, what with a League Cup triumph and winning the Premier League with a record-equalling five matches to spare, a better measure will only come by the end of next season. For no English champions have successfully defended their Premier League crown since City's once lordly neighbours United won the title for a third straight season in 2008-09. That side, guided by Alex Ferguson and featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in their pomp, completed a remarkable three-year spell, also featuring a Champions League win, another final appearance and a Club World Cup triumph. This is the deafening level of dominance that the team once famously derided as "noisy neighbours" by Ferguson will now be out to cement after what could still end up as an unprecedented 100-goal, 100-point season. The last decade, though, suggests back-to-back successes will be no given. Ferguson's last United triumph in 2012-13 was by 11 points from the then champions City the following season, under new management, they finished seventh. Jose Mourinho's 2015 Chelsea side won the league handsomely but could only finish 10th the following campaign. Last season's champions, Chelsea, look unlikely to be in the top four this year. Yet if any team look capable of bucking this trend, it is Guardiola's latest potential masterpiece, which, remember, is still a work in progress. He won both La Liga, with Barcelona, and the Bundesliga at Bayern Munich three years in succession, changing attitudes in both the Spanish and German game with the sort of possession-based pass mastery at pace that some believed would be stifled in England. That theory has been wholly debunked. Certainly, Liverpool's heroics in both the Champions League and Premier League, swarming all over City for three victories this term, and Manchester United's 3-2 comeback win at the Etihad which delayed the coronation, dented the aura. Those performances offered others a blueprint of how to knock City out of their aristocratic stride, yet still this could not hide the extent of their overall dominance. CONTINENTAL SUCCESS The dynasty will only be built on European success, though, and after the quarter-final exit to Liverpool, City's owners, who want a gilded continental powerhouse to match United's global lustre, will demand it and back those demands with huge funding. Guardiola's talent and commitment is the key to this. City's fans must have been left with soaring hearts on hearing how the Spaniard, in the second of a three-year deal, had talked of his long-term ambitions to make City's name resonate more in global terms. "(Manchester City) does not have a history behind it at the level of titles but it does have the desire to become winners," he told a South American TV company. "I do not rule out continuing to lead in 10 years. It will depend how I feel and if they want me." Of course, they will want him. Every club does. His imprint in just two seasons has already been immense, vastly improving youthful talent like Raheem Sterling, John Stones, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, none of whom are older than 23. Key men Fernandinho and David Silva are in their thirties now but much more can be still be expected of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva alongside Kevin de Bruyne, the league's outstanding player this season. "We need titles in Europe," Guardiola concedes. "After what this club has done in the last ten years, in terms of creating facilities and making it bigger, it will happen. "But you need time. It might be next season or the season after that but it will happen, soon it will happen." Guardiola sounded like a man who will be there when it does.

Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been charged with improper conduct after being sent to the stands in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat by Liverpool.

UEFA confirmed the same&nbsp;on Wednesday.

the incident happened when Pep protested about forward Leroy Sane's disallowed goal at the end of the first half in the quarter-final second leg and was dismissed by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz.

The Spanish manager was charged for communicating with the team's technical staff in the second half.

UEFA also charged Liverpool after their fans set off fireworks and threw objects inside the Etihad Stadium.

The case will be heard by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on May 31.

Liverpool completed a 5-1 aggregate victory to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Pep was charged for communicating with the team's technical staff

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been charged with improper conduct after being sent to the stands in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat by Liverpool. UEFA confirmed the same on Wednesday. the incident happened when Pep protested about forward Leroy Sane's disallowed goal at the end of the first half in the quarter-final second leg and was dismissed by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz. The Spanish manager was charged for communicating with the team's technical staff in the second half. UEFA also charged Liverpool after their fans set off fireworks and threw objects inside the Etihad Stadium. The case will be heard by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on May 31. Liverpool completed a 5-1 aggregate victory to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Man City manager Guardiola charged with improper conduct after Liverpool defeat

Manchester City's Premier League title celebrations were put on hold as rivals Manchester United produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down to win an enthralling derby clash 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

A win for City would have clinched the title but instead their first home defeat in the league this season leaves Pep Guardiola's side with a 13 point lead with six games remaining.

With United having closed the gap, City need to win two of their final games to be sure of the title. While that outcome still looks a formality, this was a bitter blow coming after Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

"In football anything can happen, it's the first time we've lost two games in a row this season and now we have to recover and try again, go back to the basics and win games. We're going to try on Tuesday and in the next games," said Guardiola.

With an eye on Tuesday's second leg, the Spaniard left several regular starters on the bench. They were nonetheless 2-0 up within half an hour thanks to goals from Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Guendogan and they wasted several other chances to extend their lead.

But two goals from Paul Pogba in the 53rd and 55th minutes brought United level before Chris Smalling grabbed the winner in the 69th minute.

In a dramatic game, City had a strong penalty appeal turned down and twice went close to an equaliser in the final stages. In the end, however, the planned title party at the Etihad was replaced by the sight of United players celebrating in front of their supporters.

"If they had won they are champions, for all the fans it would be like death. To lose against City and to see them celebrate, I couldn't let that happen," said Pogba.

Kevin De Bruyne started on the bench along with Kyle Walker, strikers Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus and French defender Aymeric Laporte.

There was no question of City taking the game lightly though as they attacked with intent and incisiveness.

When the opener came in the 25th minute, however, it was from a simple corner played in by Leroy Sane which skipper Kompany, despite having his shirt pulled by Smalling, met with a thundering header.

The second, on the half hour, came from a poor clearance from David de Gea, straight to Sane and from the ensuing break, Raheem Sterling slipped the ball inside to Guendogan who created space with a clever turn and drove into the bottom corner.

Sterling then missed two clear chances, twice blasting over when he was put clear on goal and Guendogan could have done better when, alone in the area, he headed straight at De Gea.

COMEBACK SHOCK

It wasn't even halftime and the City fans were roaring 'ole' to each pass as Guardiola's side toyed with a totally ineffective United, passing the ball around them in midfield. But if they thought the game – and the title – were in the bag, they were in for a shock.

Seven minutes after the restart, United pulled a goal back when Alexis Sanchez wriggled some room for a cross which Ander Herrera intelligently chested into the path of Pogba who slotted past Ederson to make it 2-1.

Two minutes later and United were level. Again it was Pogba, who had been poor in the first half, who did the damage, rising to meet a deep Sanchez cross and angling his header into the bottom corner.

Suddenly the air of celebration had vanished from the stadium but it was to get worse in the 69th minute, with Sanchez again the provider. The Chilean floated a free kick into the area and Smalling, inexplicably unmarked, simply side-footed past Ederson.

City felt they should have had a penalty when Aguero went down under a challenge from Ashley Young. They then went close to an equaliser when De Gea made a brilliant save to keep out a header from the Argentine striker and Sterling hit the post.

A win for City would have clinched the title but instead their first home defeat in the league this season leaves Pep Guardiola's side with a 13 point lead with six games remaining.

Manchester City's Premier League title celebrations were put on hold as rivals Manchester United produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down to win an enthralling derby clash 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. A win for City would have clinched the title but instead their first home defeat in the league this season leaves Pep Guardiola's side with a 13 point lead with six games remaining. With United having closed the gap, City need to win two of their final games to be sure of the title. While that outcome still looks a formality, this was a bitter blow coming after Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. "In football anything can happen, it's the first time we've lost two games in a row this season and now we have to recover and try again, go back to the basics and win games. We're going to try on Tuesday and in the next games," said Guardiola. With an eye on Tuesday's second leg, the Spaniard left several regular starters on the bench. They were nonetheless 2-0 up within half an hour thanks to goals from Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Guendogan and they wasted several other chances to extend their lead. But two goals from Paul Pogba in the 53rd and 55th minutes brought United level before Chris Smalling grabbed the winner in the 69th minute. In a dramatic game, City had a strong penalty appeal turned down and twice went close to an equaliser in the final stages. In the end, however, the planned title party at the Etihad was replaced by the sight of United players celebrating in front of their supporters. "If they had won they are champions, for all the fans it would be like death. To lose against City and to see them celebrate, I couldn't let that happen," said Pogba. Kevin De Bruyne started on the bench along with Kyle Walker, strikers Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus and French defender Aymeric Laporte. There was no question of City taking the game lightly though as they attacked with intent and incisiveness. When the opener came in the 25th minute, however, it was from a simple corner played in by Leroy Sane which skipper Kompany, despite having his shirt pulled by Smalling, met with a thundering header. The second, on the half hour, came from a poor clearance from David de Gea, straight to Sane and from the ensuing break, Raheem Sterling slipped the ball inside to Guendogan who created space with a clever turn and drove into the bottom corner. Sterling then missed two clear chances, twice blasting over when he was put clear on goal and Guendogan could have done better when, alone in the area, he headed straight at De Gea. COMEBACK SHOCK It wasn't even halftime and the City fans were roaring 'ole' to each pass as Guardiola's side toyed with a totally ineffective United, passing the ball around them in midfield. But if they thought the game – and the title – were in the bag, they were in for a shock. Seven minutes after the restart, United pulled a goal back when Alexis Sanchez wriggled some room for a cross which Ander Herrera intelligently chested into the path of Pogba who slotted past Ederson to make it 2-1. Two minutes later and United were level. Again it was Pogba, who had been poor in the first half, who did the damage, rising to meet a deep Sanchez cross and angling his header into the bottom corner. Suddenly the air of celebration had vanished from the stadium but it was to get worse in the 69th minute, with Sanchez again the provider. The Chilean floated a free kick into the area and Smalling, inexplicably unmarked, simply side-footed past Ederson. City felt they should have had a penalty when Aguero went down under a challenge from Ashley Young. They then went close to an equaliser when De Gea made a brilliant save to keep out a header from the Argentine striker and Sterling hit the post.

Football: No celebration for City after United comeback win

Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United on Saturday -- and Pep Guardiola's claim he was offered Paul Pogba has added to the occasion.

A City side that has lost just once in the league all season will seal their third Premier League title in seven seasons unless Jose Mourinho's side can throw a spanner in the works in what promises to be a memorable Manchester derby.

Liverpool's 3-0 defeat of City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday took some gloss off their impending coronation, but Guardiola has come out fighting by taunting United with the claim he was given the chance to sign the club's record signing Paul Pogba in January.

"I said no. We don't have the money to buy Pogba because he is so expensive," Guardiola told reporters on Friday as he attacked the conduct of Pogba's agent Mino Raiola.

Guardiola, who stressed he thought Pogba was an "incredible player", also suggested Raiola offered him then-United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan shortly before Arsenal signed him instead in part-exchange for the deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford.

Pogba, who joined United for £89 million ($125 million, 102 million euros) from Juventus in 2016, has endured a wretched season and is by no means guaranteed to be in the starting line-up on Saturday.

The French midfielder responded to Guardiola's revelations with a picture on Twitter cupping his hand to his ear, captioned "Say what?"

United manager Jose Mourinho indicated last month that it was up to Pogba to explain why his form has been so inconsistent in recent months.

There is no suggestion that United had given their approval for Pogba to be offered to City and Guardiola's ire appeared to be aimed solely at Raiola -- the two men have feuded since the Catalan coach was managing Barcelona.

Raiola believes Guardiola forced another of his clients, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, out of Barcelona in 2011.

Their row was reignited two weeks ago when Raiola called Guardiola a "zero", a "coward" and a "dog" for the way he treats his players.

"Comparing someone to a dog is bad. It's not good. He has to respect the dogs," Guardiola said with heavy sarcasm on Friday.

Mourinho has not commented on the Pogba claims, but he said although it would not be "the end of the world" if United lost, "we don't want to offer them the game".

"We want to go there and want to compete and win the match if possible."&nbsp

Emirati riches

Despite Guardiola's suggestion that City could not stretch to Pogba's price tag, the investment by their owners from Abu Dhabi, who took over in 2008, has been phenomenal.

The CIES Football Observatory estimates that the current City squad, including Sergio Aguero and contender for player of the year Kevin De Bruyne, cost 878 million euros ($1.07 billion) to assemble.

That financial firepower has put City 16 points ahead of second-placed United.

Guardiola, also a former manager of German giants Bayern Munich, has himself splashed out nearly 600 million euros in his time in northwest England, but he defended the level of spending.

"I am so, so happy with what we have done this year," he said. "It's impossible to do that, to play the way we play, the results we achieved, without top players. It's impossible. And today the top players cost a lot of money.

"When the people say, 'You win because you spend 600 million euros', I don't know how much money we spent in two years. But it is impossible to do it without money.

"When people you say, 'You can do that, Pep, what you have done in Barcelona or Bayern Munich without those players, is it possible to do that?' No, it's impossible, so be calm."

Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United

Manchester City can become English champions for the fifth time if they beat Manchester United on Saturday -- and Pep Guardiola's claim he was offered Paul Pogba has added to the occasion. A City side that has lost just once in the league all season will seal their third Premier League title in seven seasons unless Jose Mourinho's side can throw a spanner in the works in what promises to be a memorable Manchester derby. Liverpool's 3-0 defeat of City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday took some gloss off their impending coronation, but Guardiola has come out fighting by taunting United with the claim he was given the chance to sign the club's record signing Paul Pogba in January. "I said no. We don't have the money to buy Pogba because he is so expensive," Guardiola told reporters on Friday as he attacked the conduct of Pogba's agent Mino Raiola. Guardiola, who stressed he thought Pogba was an "incredible player", also suggested Raiola offered him then-United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan shortly before Arsenal signed him instead in part-exchange for the deal that took Alexis Sanchez to Old Trafford. Pogba, who joined United for £89 million ($125 million, 102 million euros) from Juventus in 2016, has endured a wretched season and is by no means guaranteed to be in the starting line-up on Saturday. The French midfielder responded to Guardiola's revelations with a picture on Twitter cupping his hand to his ear, captioned "Say what?" United manager Jose Mourinho indicated last month that it was up to Pogba to explain why his form has been so inconsistent in recent months. There is no suggestion that United had given their approval for Pogba to be offered to City and Guardiola's ire appeared to be aimed solely at Raiola -- the two men have feuded since the Catalan coach was managing Barcelona. Raiola believes Guardiola forced another of his clients, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, out of Barcelona in 2011. Their row was reignited two weeks ago when Raiola called Guardiola a "zero", a "coward" and a "dog" for the way he treats his players. "Comparing someone to a dog is bad. It's not good. He has to respect the dogs," Guardiola said with heavy sarcasm on Friday. Mourinho has not commented on the Pogba claims, but he said although it would not be "the end of the world" if United lost, "we don't want to offer them the game". "We want to go there and want to compete and win the match if possible." Emirati riches Despite Guardiola's suggestion that City could not stretch to Pogba's price tag, the investment by their owners from Abu Dhabi, who took over in 2008, has been phenomenal. The CIES Football Observatory estimates that the current City squad, including Sergio Aguero and contender for player of the year Kevin De Bruyne, cost 878 million euros ($1.07 billion) to assemble. That financial firepower has put City 16 points ahead of second-placed United. Guardiola, also a former manager of German giants Bayern Munich, has himself splashed out nearly 600 million euros in his time in northwest England, but he defended the level of spending. "I am so, so happy with what we have done this year," he said. "It's impossible to do that, to play the way we play, the results we achieved, without top players. It's impossible. And today the top players cost a lot of money. "When the people say, 'You win because you spend 600 million euros', I don't know how much money we spent in two years. But it is impossible to do it without money. "When people you say, 'You can do that, Pep, what you have done in Barcelona or Bayern Munich without those players, is it possible to do that?' No, it's impossible, so be calm."

Manchester City to clash Man United for title win

Liverpool ripped apart Manchester City with three goals inside the opening 31 minutes as they won their Champions League quarter-final, first leg tie 3-0 on Wednesday.

Anfield has witnessed many memorable European nights over the years and this will take its place among the most spectacular as a simply devastating, first-half display was crowned with goals from Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane.

The tie may not be over, with 90 minutes remaining at the Etihad on Tuesday, but Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp, who has enjoyed more wins over City counterpart Pep Guardiola than any other manager, will be delighted as his commitment to attacking football was amply rewarded.

Liverpool are the only team to have beaten City in the Premier League this season, with a thrilling 4-3 victory in January, and they repeated the formula of that success by attacking City’s defence from the outset.

Roared on by a particularly vocal home crowd, Liverpool put the Premier League’s champions-elect under intense pressure from the first kick and it took just 12 minutes for City to crack.

After a City corner, James Milner launched the ball forward, Salah broke from the halfway line and played the ball inside to Roberto Firmino.

His shot was blocked by City keeper Ederson but Firmino pounced on the loose ball and slipped it to Salah, who fired home.

City responded with a swift counter-attack of their own but Leroy Sane, who had broken from deep, screwed the ball wide when he could have played in team mate Kevin De Bruyne.

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Enjoy that, Liverpool fans? ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/S7kWI6JF0J">pic.twitter.com/S7kWI6JF0J</a>
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Unstoppable Drive

Liverpool were rampant though and harrying City off the ball in midfield when Milner won back possession and moved it straight to Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The former Arsenal midfielder unleashed an unstoppable drive from 25 metres to make it 2-0 in the 20th minute.

City were now reeling and looked nothing like the team that has marched so convincingly to a 16-point lead in the Premier League and it was not long before Juergen Klopp’s side made it 3-0.

Salah floated a teasing cross from the right towards Mane, who rose above the City defence to power a header past Ederson and send the Anfield crowd into delirium.

City came out brightly after the break though, finally managing to find some composure with their passing.

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? Liverpool heroes ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/wP5o7GpAaP">pic.twitter.com/wP5o7GpAaP</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/981628335368306690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Liverpool were unable to get back into their first-half rhythm and they suffered a blow when Salah went off injured in the 52nd minute.

Guardiola’s side were back in their familiar role of controlling possession but were struggling to create chances with Sane wasting a promising opening at the back post, one of a series of frustrations for the German left winger.

A miserable night for Sane, who was superbly handled by young Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, was completed when he was ruled offside as he broke down the left and crossed for Gabriel Jesus to put the ball in the net.

Yet the fact that City’s late pressure was accompanied by audible tension from the Liverpool fans was a reminder that the tie is not over. Few teams could overturn a 3-0 deficit against Liverpool but Guardiola’s side is certainly one of them.

&nbsp

Liverpool ripped apart Manchester City with three goals inside the opening 31 minutes as they won their Champions League quarter-final, first leg tie 3-0

Liverpool ripped apart Manchester City with three goals inside the opening 31 minutes as they won their Champions League quarter-final, first leg tie 3-0 on Wednesday. Anfield has witnessed many memorable European nights over the years and this will take its place among the most spectacular as a simply devastating, first-half display was crowned with goals from Mohamed Salah, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Sadio Mane. The tie may not be over, with 90 minutes remaining at the Etihad on Tuesday, but Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp, who has enjoyed more wins over City counterpart Pep Guardiola than any other manager, will be delighted as his commitment to attacking football was amply rewarded. Liverpool are the only team to have beaten City in the Premier League this season, with a thrilling 4-3 victory in January, and they repeated the formula of that success by attacking City’s defence from the outset. Roared on by a particularly vocal home crowd, Liverpool put the Premier League’s champions-elect under intense pressure from the first kick and it took just 12 minutes for City to crack. After a City corner, James Milner launched the ball forward, Salah broke from the halfway line and played the ball inside to Roberto Firmino. His shot was blocked by City keeper Ederson but Firmino pounced on the loose ball and slipped it to Salah, who fired home. City responded with a swift counter-attack of their own but Leroy Sane, who had broken from deep, screwed the ball wide when he could have played in team mate Kevin De Bruyne. Enjoy that, Liverpool fans? ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/S7kWI6JF0J — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 4, 2018 × Unstoppable Drive Liverpool were rampant though and harrying City off the ball in midfield when Milner won back possession and moved it straight to Oxlade-Chamberlain. The former Arsenal midfielder unleashed an unstoppable drive from 25 metres to make it 2-0 in the 20th minute. City were now reeling and looked nothing like the team that has marched so convincingly to a 16-point lead in the Premier League and it was not long before Juergen Klopp’s side made it 3-0. Salah floated a teasing cross from the right towards Mane, who rose above the City defence to power a header past Ederson and send the Anfield crowd into delirium. City came out brightly after the break though, finally managing to find some composure with their passing. ? Liverpool heroes ?#UCL pic.twitter.com/wP5o7GpAaP — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 4, 2018 × Liverpool were unable to get back into their first-half rhythm and they suffered a blow when Salah went off injured in the 52nd minute. Guardiola’s side were back in their familiar role of controlling possession but were struggling to create chances with Sane wasting a promising opening at the back post, one of a series of frustrations for the German left winger. A miserable night for Sane, who was superbly handled by young Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, was completed when he was ruled offside as he broke down the left and crossed for Gabriel Jesus to put the ball in the net. Yet the fact that City’s late pressure was accompanied by audible tension from the Liverpool fans was a reminder that the tie is not over. Few teams could overturn a 3-0 deficit against Liverpool but Guardiola’s side is certainly one of them.

Champions League: Liverpool stun Manchester City with 3-0 win at Anfield

A day after fans threw bottles at Manchester City's team bus ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Anfield, UEFA on Thursday opened disciplinary proceedings against Liverpool&nbsp

Liverpool have been charged by European soccer's governing body with setting off fireworks, throwing objects, acts of damage and crowd disturbances.

The case will be dealt with by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on May 31.

Fans set off red flares and sang their club's songs before the City coach arrived and beer cans were thrown at the bus.&nbsp

Earlier in the day, &nbspLiverpool apologised to Manchester City for the incident.

The case will be dealt with by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on May 31

A day after fans threw bottles at Manchester City's team bus ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg at Anfield, UEFA on Thursday opened disciplinary proceedings against Liverpool Liverpool have been charged by European soccer's governing body with setting off fireworks, throwing objects, acts of damage and crowd disturbances. The case will be dealt with by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on May 31. Fans set off red flares and sang their club's songs before the City coach arrived and beer cans were thrown at the bus. Earlier in the day, &nbspLiverpool apologised to Manchester City for the incident.

UEFA charge Liverpool after bottles thrown at Man City bus

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/indore-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-10-127558">Indore building collapse: Death toll rises to 10</a>

At least 10 were killed in a building collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Indore last night. According to reports, a four storeyed-building in Sarwate area collapsed around 9:20 pm last night.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556">Gaza sees </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556">bloodiest</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556"> day in years</a>

Gazans buried their dead on Saturday with calls for "revenge" a day after a mass protest led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 Palestinians in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/two-encounters-in-kashmir-1-terrorist-killed-one-held-127564">Two encounters in Kashmir 1 terrorist killed, one held</a> 
 
An encounter between security forces and terrorists in Dialgam area of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir got one terrorist killed while another has been held. The operation has finally come to an end.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/epl-manchester-city-one-win-away-from-title-127565">EPL: Manchester City one win away from </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/epl-manchester-city-one-win-away-from-title-127565">title</a> 
 
Pep Guardiola's side, who will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby, grabbed the lead in the fourth minute through Leroy Sane's sizzling volley from a tight angle at the back post after a pinpoint cross from David Silva.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/the-indian-beauty-queen-that-no-one-has-heard-of-127568">The Indian beauty queen that no one has heard of</a> 
 
Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia in November 2016. Miss Scuba International is a beauty pageant with a slight twist – the contestants all have to be scuba divers.&nbsp;

Indore building collapse: Death toll rises to 10 At least 10 were killed in a building collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Indore last night. According to reports, a four storeyed-building in Sarwate area collapsed around 9:20 pm last night. Gaza sees bloodiest day in years Gazans buried their dead on Saturday with calls for "revenge" a day after a mass protest led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 Palestinians in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war. Two encounters in Kashmir 1 terrorist killed, one held An encounter between security forces and terrorists in Dialgam area of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir got one terrorist killed while another has been held. The operation has finally come to an end. EPL: Manchester City one win away from title Pep Guardiola's side, who will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby, grabbed the lead in the fourth minute through Leroy Sane's sizzling volley from a tight angle at the back post after a pinpoint cross from David Silva. The Indian beauty queen that no one has heard of Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia in November 2016. Miss Scuba International is a beauty pageant with a slight twist – the contestants all have to be scuba divers.

Manchester City moved to within one win of the Premier League title after an impressive 3-1 win at Everton on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola's side, who will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby, grabbed the lead in the fourth minute through Leroy Sane's sizzling volley from a tight angle at the back post after a pinpoint cross from David Silva.

Eight minutes later it was 2-0 to City after Kevin De Bruyne did well with a high bouncing ball to find Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus who confidently headed home.

City were utterly dominant and Silva was again the provider for the third goal, in the 37th minute, when he slipped the ball across the area and Raheem Sterling drove past Jordan Pickford.

Everton gained encouragement in the 63rd minute when Yannick Bolasie's low drive from the edge of the area flew in off the inside of the post but City, preserving energy ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Liverpool, comfortably saw out the game.

Pep Guardiola's side will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby

Manchester City moved to within one win of the Premier League title after an impressive 3-1 win at Everton on Saturday. Pep Guardiola's side, who will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby, grabbed the lead in the fourth minute through Leroy Sane's sizzling volley from a tight angle at the back post after a pinpoint cross from David Silva. Eight minutes later it was 2-0 to City after Kevin De Bruyne did well with a high bouncing ball to find Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus who confidently headed home. City were utterly dominant and Silva was again the provider for the third goal, in the 37th minute, when he slipped the ball across the area and Raheem Sterling drove past Jordan Pickford. Everton gained encouragement in the 63rd minute when Yannick Bolasie's low drive from the edge of the area flew in off the inside of the post but City, preserving energy ahead of Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Liverpool, comfortably saw out the game.

EPL: Manchester City one win away from title

Manchester City defender John Stones has been ruled out of Saturday's Premier League match against his former club Everton due to concussion, manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday.

Stones picked up the head injury during England's 1-1 friendly draw with Italy and Guardiola said that head injury protocol needed to be followed.

"He feels really good but the rules say he needs seven days off...everybody else is really good," said Guardiola whose team need two wins to secure the title.

Stones left Everton for City in 2016 in a 47.5 million-pound ($67 million) move and Guardiola's comments suggest he should be fit to face Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final at Anfield on Wednesday.

Guardiola said Sergio Aguero, who missed Argentina's two friendlies during the international break with a knee injury, was doing better but suggested he was unlikely to feature against Everton.

A win at Goodison would leave City, who have a 16-point lead at the top of the table, with the chance to wrap up the title at home to local rivals Manchester United on April 7. 
&nbsp

Stones picked up the head injury during England's 1-1 friendly draw with Italy

Manchester City defender John Stones has been ruled out of Saturday's Premier League match against his former club Everton due to concussion, manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday. Stones picked up the head injury during England's 1-1 friendly draw with Italy and Guardiola said that head injury protocol needed to be followed. "He feels really good but the rules say he needs seven days off...everybody else is really good," said Guardiola whose team need two wins to secure the title. Stones left Everton for City in 2016 in a 47.5 million-pound ($67 million) move and Guardiola's comments suggest he should be fit to face Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final at Anfield on Wednesday. Guardiola said Sergio Aguero, who missed Argentina's two friendlies during the international break with a knee injury, was doing better but suggested he was unlikely to feature against Everton. A win at Goodison would leave City, who have a 16-point lead at the top of the table, with the chance to wrap up the title at home to local rivals Manchester United on April 7.

Manchester City's Stones ruled out of Goodison return with concussion

Liverpool will face Manchester City in an all-English Champions League quarterfinal after the draw in Switzerland on Friday.

Juventus take on defending champions Real Madrid while Barcelona - the first team to emerge from the draw - play Serie A side Roma, having won three and lost three of their previous meetings with Italian teams.

Sevilla, who knocked out Manchester United to reach the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time, face Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for a place in the last four.

The first legs of the quarterfinal ties will be played on April 3 and 4, with the return games taking place the following week.

The Champions League final takes place in Kiev on May 26.

Sevilla faces Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for a place in the last four

Liverpool will face Manchester City in an all-English Champions League quarterfinal after the draw in Switzerland on Friday. Juventus take on defending champions Real Madrid while Barcelona - the first team to emerge from the draw - play Serie A side Roma, having won three and lost three of their previous meetings with Italian teams. Sevilla, who knocked out Manchester United to reach the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time, face Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for a place in the last four. The first legs of the quarterfinal ties will be played on April 3 and 4, with the return games taking place the following week. The Champions League final takes place in Kiev on May 26.

Champions League quarterfinals: Liverpool to face City, Juventus to take on Real Madrid

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has suggested that the Manchester United fans will be happiest with his side&#39;s difficult Champions League quarter-final draw against local rivals Manchester City.

City are runaway leaders in the Premier League, with United currently second and Liverpool five points behind them in fourth.

If the Champions League draw hardly delighted Klopp, he suspected City were not too happy either and took a dim view of the likely rescheduling of the Liverpool derby against Everton as a consequence.

&quot;I think it is an absolute dream draw -- for Manchester United fans,&quot; the German told reporters.

&quot;I didn&#39;t expect anything, I didn&#39;t wish anything, I don&#39;t think it&#39;s good in the Champions League if you play against a team from your own country, but at one point it&#39;s pretty clear you will play them,&quot; he added.

&quot;It didn&#39;t matter who we got, I knew it would be difficult. And it&#39;s difficult. Manchester City will be difficult. It doesn&#39;t look like Christmas and Easter in the same day.&quot;

Pep Guardiola&#39;s City side face United in the league in between the two legs of the European tie and could potentially clinch the title against their local foes.

Manchester City&#39;s director of football Txiki Begiristain told the club website (www.mancity.com) that the draw had thrown up difficult opponents, who beat his side at Anfield in January after losing 5-0 at the Etihad last September.

&quot;We like to travel and to go to another country in the Champions League but it is what it is,&quot; he said.

&quot;We know each other very well, they are a very offensive team, the truth is it is going to be a great couple of games and we are going to see good football.&quot;

The first leg will be played at Anfield on April 4, with the return on April 10.

Klopp said he had caught sight of Begiristain&#39;s face after the draw was announced and he &quot;didn&#39;t look like it was Christmas&quot;.

The rescheduling of the Merseyside derby from April 8 to April 7 has yet to be confirmed but Klopp said he had heard that it would be.

&quot;Sometimes, the associations will cancel the fixture to help, but not in this case,&quot; he said. &quot;We play Wednesday night v Man City and then play Everton at 12.30 three days later... Not too cool, but we do it the hard way.&quot;

Pep Guardiola's City side face United in the league in between the two legs of the European tie and could potentially clinch the title against their local foes.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has suggested that the Manchester United fans will be happiest with his side's difficult Champions League quarter-final draw against local rivals Manchester City. City are runaway leaders in the Premier League, with United currently second and Liverpool five points behind them in fourth. If the Champions League draw hardly delighted Klopp, he suspected City were not too happy either and took a dim view of the likely rescheduling of the Liverpool derby against Everton as a consequence. "I think it is an absolute dream draw -- for Manchester United fans," the German told reporters. "I didn't expect anything, I didn't wish anything, I don't think it's good in the Champions League if you play against a team from your own country, but at one point it's pretty clear you will play them," he added. "It didn't matter who we got, I knew it would be difficult. And it's difficult. Manchester City will be difficult. It doesn't look like Christmas and Easter in the same day." Pep Guardiola's City side face United in the league in between the two legs of the European tie and could potentially clinch the title against their local foes. Manchester City's director of football Txiki Begiristain told the club website (www.mancity.com) that the draw had thrown up difficult opponents, who beat his side at Anfield in January after losing 5-0 at the Etihad last September. "We like to travel and to go to another country in the Champions League but it is what it is," he said. "We know each other very well, they are a very offensive team, the truth is it is going to be a great couple of games and we are going to see good football." The first leg will be played at Anfield on April 4, with the return on April 10. Klopp said he had caught sight of Begiristain's face after the draw was announced and he "didn't look like it was Christmas". The rescheduling of the Merseyside derby from April 8 to April 7 has yet to be confirmed but Klopp said he had heard that it would be. "Sometimes, the associations will cancel the fixture to help, but not in this case," he said. "We play Wednesday night v Man City and then play Everton at 12.30 three days later... Not too cool, but we do it the hard way."

Football: Liverpool v Man City is a dream draw for United fans, say Klopp

In-form&nbsp;Sergio Aguero of Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out due to a knee injury. He will miss Monday&#39;s&nbsp;Premier League match against Stoke.

It is expected that it will take two weeks time to heal the injury and&nbsp;Aguero will mark his return in the time for City&#39;s next fixture at Everton on March 31.

He shared the news on his official Twitter account captioning, &quot;During yesterday&#39;s training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club&#39;s doctors told me I&#39;ll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it&#39;s time for a full recovery!&quot;

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During yesterday&#39;s training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club&#39;s doctors told me I&#39;ll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it&#39;s time for a full recovery!
&mdash; Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) <a href="https://twitter.com/aguerosergiokun/status/972859117726588928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Argentine striker,&nbsp;Aguero&nbsp;is also a doubt for Argentina&#39;s World Cup warm-up friendlies against Italy and Spain on March 23 and 27 respectively.

Manchester City is set to claim the&nbsp;Premier League title as they hold a 13-point lead and&nbsp;Aguero will have a big part to play if City&nbsp;are&nbsp;to land a first-ever Champions League after easing into the quarter-finals for just the second time in the club&#39;s history with a 5-2 aggregate win over Basel&nbsp;are in&nbsp;the last 16.

The Argentine striker, Aguero is also a doubt for Argentina's World Cup warm-up friendlies against Italy and Spain on March 23 and 27 respectively

In-form Sergio Aguero of Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out due to a knee injury. He will miss Monday's Premier League match against Stoke. It is expected that it will take two weeks time to heal the injury and Aguero will mark his return in the time for City's next fixture at Everton on March 31. He shared the news on his official Twitter account captioning, "During yesterday's training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club's doctors told me I'll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it's time for a full recovery!" During yesterday's training I had a discomfort on my left knee. The club's doctors told me I'll be back with the team in approximately two weeks. Now it's time for a full recovery! — Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) March 11, 2018 × The Argentine striker, Aguero is also a doubt for Argentina's World Cup warm-up friendlies against Italy and Spain on March 23 and 27 respectively. Manchester City is set to claim the Premier League title as they hold a 13-point lead and Aguero will have a big part to play if City are to land a first-ever Champions League after easing into the quarter-finals for just the second time in the club's history with a 5-2 aggregate win over Basel are in the last 16.

Sergio Aguero suffers injury, out for 2 weeks

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola labelled his team&#39;s second-half performance against Basel as &quot;really, really poor&quot; and said their possession play had been largely pointless in their 2-1 Champions League defeat on Wednesday.

City advanced to the quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate thanks to their 4-0 first-leg win in Switzerland, but while Guardiola fielded a weakened side at the Etihad Stadium he was still unhappy with his team&#39;s first home loss in over a year.

City completed 978 passes, the most recorded by a side in a Champions League match since such statistics began being recorded in 2003, but Guardiola was not impressed.

&quot;The first half was quite good but in the second half we forgot to attack, we forgot to play. When we pass the ball we do it to move through the opponents to attack - just to pass the ball for itself is nothing and the second half was really really poor,&quot; Guardiola told reporters.

&quot;It is not easy to play with a 4-0 lead. We tried, we spoke about that and I think what we showed in the first half we showed we wanted to win the game. We created a lot of chances and we were good.

&quot;But after 1-1 in the second half, it didn&rsquo;t happen. We just passed for itself and when that happens, that is not football,&quot; he added.

The result ended a 36-game unbeaten run for City at the Etihad Stadium in all competitions and the Spaniard acknowledged that his team selection had impacted Wednesday&#39;s outcome.

&quot;You will find all the clubs in the world when you make six or seven changes, always the team is not the same,&quot; he said.

&quot;That&#39;s why I insisted to start well and we did well in the first half. In the second half we just passed the ball to pass the ball. It was everything slowly, without rhythm.&quot;

Guardiola did have some positive words for 17-year-old English midfielder Phil Foden, who delivered a confident display in a rare start.

&quot;He was good. In the second half, with Leroy (Sane), he was the only one who tried to be aggressive.&quot;

Manchester City advanced to the quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate thanks to their 4-0 first-leg win in Switzerland

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola labelled his team's second-half performance against Basel as "really, really poor" and said their possession play had been largely pointless in their 2-1 Champions League defeat on Wednesday. City advanced to the quarter-finals 5-2 on aggregate thanks to their 4-0 first-leg win in Switzerland, but while Guardiola fielded a weakened side at the Etihad Stadium he was still unhappy with his team's first home loss in over a year. City completed 978 passes, the most recorded by a side in a Champions League match since such statistics began being recorded in 2003, but Guardiola was not impressed. "The first half was quite good but in the second half we forgot to attack, we forgot to play. When we pass the ball we do it to move through the opponents to attack - just to pass the ball for itself is nothing and the second half was really really poor," Guardiola told reporters. "It is not easy to play with a 4-0 lead. We tried, we spoke about that and I think what we showed in the first half we showed we wanted to win the game. We created a lot of chances and we were good. "But after 1-1 in the second half, it didn’t happen. We just passed for itself and when that happens, that is not football," he added. The result ended a 36-game unbeaten run for City at the Etihad Stadium in all competitions and the Spaniard acknowledged that his team selection had impacted Wednesday's outcome. "You will find all the clubs in the world when you make six or seven changes, always the team is not the same," he said. "That's why I insisted to start well and we did well in the first half. In the second half we just passed the ball to pass the ball. It was everything slowly, without rhythm." Guardiola did have some positive words for 17-year-old English midfielder Phil Foden, who delivered a confident display in a rare start. "He was good. In the second half, with Leroy (Sane), he was the only one who tried to be aggressive."

Champions League: Guardiola bemoans pointless possession of 'really poor' Manchester City

&quot;I think the pundit has to use the head when you speak tactics because you must have the knowledge to speak about tactics,&quot; said&nbsp;Chelsea manager Antonio Conte while defending&nbsp;the tactics of his team in the Sunday&#39;s match, which they eventually lost by 0-1 against the table leader Manchester City.

Conte defended his cautious approach despite his side failing to register a shot on target as they went down 1-0 to Premier League champions-elect Manchester City.

The Italian&#39;s tactics were lambasted by pundits and Chelsea fans alike as he started without a recognised striker by leaving club-record signing Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud on the bench.

City moved 18 points clear at the top of the table, and 25 ahead of Chelsea in fifth, as Bernardo Silva&#39;s goal 35 seconds into the second half broke the visitors&#39; resistance.

However, Conte claimed it would be &quot;stupid&quot; to open up against the runaway league leaders, citing criticism of Arsenal`s back-to-back 3-0 defeats to City in the League Cup final and Premier League in the past week.

&quot;I&#39;m not so stupid to play against Man City open and lose 3-0 or 4-0,&quot; said Conte.

&quot;If I remember well, Arsenal three days ago played against them and you criticise (Arsene) Wenger because they concede three goals.

Chelsea, though, had no response after going behind as Conte waited until 12 minutes from time to introduce Giroud, whilst Morata wasn`t brought on until the final minute when he replaced Chelsea&#39;s top scorer Eden Hazard.

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Great performance boys! A step closer! ???????????????????????? <a href="https://t.co/pfG1tbk2gB">pic.twitter.com/pfG1tbk2gB</a>
&mdash; David Silva (@21LVA) <a href="https://twitter.com/21LVA/status/970369878766112768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Belgian ploughed a lonely furrow as an auxiliary central forward but had no impact on the game before trudging off with his head bowed to make way for Morata.

&quot;I try to wait because the (Morata) substitution was with (Eden) Hazard and you hope until the end that a player like Hazard can invent something in the game,&quot; added Conte.

A fourth defeat in five Premier League games leaves Chelsea&#39;s ambitions of Champions League football next season in serious peril.

Conte&#39;s men now trail Tottenham Hotspur in fourth by five points. 
However, the former Juventus boss insisted it wasn&#39;t his side&#39;s performance at the Etihad that will come back to haunt them if they fail to make the top four.

&quot;We must have a big regret for the defeat against Bournemouth, Watford, (Manchester) United, but I don&#39;t think today because today we played against a team that is showing to be a strong team,&quot; he said.

&quot;Today they showed the difference between them and us in this moment. Twenty-five points is a big gap and I think that we can have a regret for the other games but not for this.&quot;

City boss Pep Guardiola wouldn`t be drawn on Chelsea`s tactics as his side registered 902 passes - the most of any team in a Premier League game for 14 years.

However, he hailed the standards set by his players.

&quot;In all aspects we were better. We make an amazing high pressing, they could not contact with Hazard, Willian or Pedro (Rodriguez).

&quot;We didn&#39;t concede one shot on target, we create enough chances to win, and I think we made an amazing performance because (it) is against Chelsea, the last champion.&quot;

Guardiola admitted even he has been surprised by the extent of City&#39;s dominance this season, but insisted it is to their credit rather than the other contenders falling away.

&quot;To have the distance from five or six contenders: 25 to Chelsea; 33 for Arsenal; United tomorrow (are) going to play; 20 to Tottenham, in March it is a lot.

&quot;I think Tottenham, Liverpool, United even, they make good results but we were so good so far.&quot;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Manchester City moved 18 points clear at the top of the table, and 25 ahead of Chelsea in fifth, as Bernardo Silva's goal 35 seconds into the second half broke the visitors' resistance

"I think the pundit has to use the head when you speak tactics because you must have the knowledge to speak about tactics," said Chelsea manager Antonio Conte while defending the tactics of his team in the Sunday's match, which they eventually lost by 0-1 against the table leader Manchester City. Conte defended his cautious approach despite his side failing to register a shot on target as they went down 1-0 to Premier League champions-elect Manchester City. The Italian's tactics were lambasted by pundits and Chelsea fans alike as he started without a recognised striker by leaving club-record signing Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud on the bench. City moved 18 points clear at the top of the table, and 25 ahead of Chelsea in fifth, as Bernardo Silva's goal 35 seconds into the second half broke the visitors' resistance. However, Conte claimed it would be "stupid" to open up against the runaway league leaders, citing criticism of Arsenal`s back-to-back 3-0 defeats to City in the League Cup final and Premier League in the past week. "I'm not so stupid to play against Man City open and lose 3-0 or 4-0," said Conte. "If I remember well, Arsenal three days ago played against them and you criticise (Arsene) Wenger because they concede three goals. Chelsea, though, had no response after going behind as Conte waited until 12 minutes from time to introduce Giroud, whilst Morata wasn`t brought on until the final minute when he replaced Chelsea's top scorer Eden Hazard. Great performance boys! A step closer! ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/pfG1tbk2gB — David Silva (@21LVA) March 4, 2018 × The Belgian ploughed a lonely furrow as an auxiliary central forward but had no impact on the game before trudging off with his head bowed to make way for Morata. "I try to wait because the (Morata) substitution was with (Eden) Hazard and you hope until the end that a player like Hazard can invent something in the game," added Conte. A fourth defeat in five Premier League games leaves Chelsea's ambitions of Champions League football next season in serious peril. Conte's men now trail Tottenham Hotspur in fourth by five points. However, the former Juventus boss insisted it wasn't his side's performance at the Etihad that will come back to haunt them if they fail to make the top four. "We must have a big regret for the defeat against Bournemouth, Watford, (Manchester) United, but I don't think today because today we played against a team that is showing to be a strong team," he said. "Today they showed the difference between them and us in this moment. Twenty-five points is a big gap and I think that we can have a regret for the other games but not for this." City boss Pep Guardiola wouldn`t be drawn on Chelsea`s tactics as his side registered 902 passes - the most of any team in a Premier League game for 14 years. However, he hailed the standards set by his players. "In all aspects we were better. We make an amazing high pressing, they could not contact with Hazard, Willian or Pedro (Rodriguez). "We didn't concede one shot on target, we create enough chances to win, and I think we made an amazing performance because (it) is against Chelsea, the last champion." Guardiola admitted even he has been surprised by the extent of City's dominance this season, but insisted it is to their credit rather than the other contenders falling away. "To have the distance from five or six contenders: 25 to Chelsea; 33 for Arsenal; United tomorrow (are) going to play; 20 to Tottenham, in March it is a lot. "I think Tottenham, Liverpool, United even, they make good results but we were so good so far."

Bernardo Silva thrashes Chelsea's 'tactics' to stretch City's lead

Manchester City tore Arsenal apart for the second time in five days on Thursday, beating them 3-0 on a freezing night at The Emirates to restore their 16-point lead as they close in on the Premier League title.

Arsenal hoped for redemption after City thrashed them by the same scoreline in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday but first-half goals by Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sane handed the Gunners their second home league loss this season.

Arsenal&#39;s club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added to the home side&#39;s woes when his penalty was saved by Ederson early in the second half after fellow new arrival Henrikh Mkhitaryan was brought down just inside the area.

The win leaves Pep Guardiola&#39;s scintillating City side on 75 points from 28 games ahead of second-placed Manchester United and they only have to win five of their last 10 matches to be crowned champions for the third time in seven seasons.

&quot;We are close. It&#39;s in our hands, we can&#39;t deny it,&quot; Guardiola said, while stressing his team must focus on the next game at home to last season&#39;s champions Chelsea on Sunday.

He expressed some sympathy for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has faced renewed speculation over his future at the London club as the Gunners slide out of contention for Champions League football next season for the second year in a row.

&quot;He knows my admiration for him... I know all the managers can be in that situation. I&#39;m sure he&#39;s going to take the right decision for him and for the club,&quot; Guardiola told a post-match news conference without elaborating.

LOW CONFIDENCE

The result leaves Arsenal sixth, 10 points outside the top four places that guarantee Champions League football next term.

They can still qualify for Europe&#39;s elite club competition, but to do so they will almost certainly have to win the Europa League in which they meet AC Milan in the last 16.

&quot;We played with low confidence, you could see that at the start of the game and we paid for it,&quot; said Wenger.

&quot;We needed the penalty to go in, but that was another negative. We lost to a team that is the best in the country at the moment... The difference in the league is no coincidence.&quot;

On a snowy night at The Emirates, City&#39;s Portuguese forward Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 14th minute, collecting a pass after a long weaving run from Leroy Sane and delightfully curling his shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Petr Cech.

City sliced open Arsenal&#39;s defence again just before the half-hour, moving the ball swiftly upfield to Aguero who laid it into the path of David Silva racing up on the left, and the Spaniard drove a low shot into the corner to double the lead.

Sane made it 3-0 five minutes later, walking the ball into the goal after another quick-fire City move had bamboozled Arsenal&#39;s ramshackle defence who were left chasing shadows.

The young German&#39;s goal drew the first of many boos from the home fans in the less than full stadium as their team headed for home and away defeats by City for the first time in 42 years.

Arsenal had a chance to get back into the game when they won a penalty early in the second half but their Gabon striker Aubameyang saw his spot kick saved by Ederson to complete a miserable night that piles more pressure on Wenger&#39;s team.

Manchester City tore Arsenal apart for the second time in five day, beating them 3-0 at The Emirates to restore their 16-point lead at the top of the table

Manchester City tore Arsenal apart for the second time in five days on Thursday, beating them 3-0 on a freezing night at The Emirates to restore their 16-point lead as they close in on the Premier League title. Arsenal hoped for redemption after City thrashed them by the same scoreline in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday but first-half goals by Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Leroy Sane handed the Gunners their second home league loss this season. Arsenal's club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added to the home side's woes when his penalty was saved by Ederson early in the second half after fellow new arrival Henrikh Mkhitaryan was brought down just inside the area. The win leaves Pep Guardiola's scintillating City side on 75 points from 28 games ahead of second-placed Manchester United and they only have to win five of their last 10 matches to be crowned champions for the third time in seven seasons. "We are close. It's in our hands, we can't deny it," Guardiola said, while stressing his team must focus on the next game at home to last season's champions Chelsea on Sunday. He expressed some sympathy for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has faced renewed speculation over his future at the London club as the Gunners slide out of contention for Champions League football next season for the second year in a row. "He knows my admiration for him... I know all the managers can be in that situation. I'm sure he's going to take the right decision for him and for the club," Guardiola told a post-match news conference without elaborating. LOW CONFIDENCE The result leaves Arsenal sixth, 10 points outside the top four places that guarantee Champions League football next term. They can still qualify for Europe's elite club competition, but to do so they will almost certainly have to win the Europa League in which they meet AC Milan in the last 16. "We played with low confidence, you could see that at the start of the game and we paid for it," said Wenger. "We needed the penalty to go in, but that was another negative. We lost to a team that is the best in the country at the moment... The difference in the league is no coincidence." On a snowy night at The Emirates, City's Portuguese forward Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 14th minute, collecting a pass after a long weaving run from Leroy Sane and delightfully curling his shot into the far corner past goalkeeper Petr Cech. City sliced open Arsenal's defence again just before the half-hour, moving the ball swiftly upfield to Aguero who laid it into the path of David Silva racing up on the left, and the Spaniard drove a low shot into the corner to double the lead. Sane made it 3-0 five minutes later, walking the ball into the goal after another quick-fire City move had bamboozled Arsenal's ramshackle defence who were left chasing shadows. The young German's goal drew the first of many boos from the home fans in the less than full stadium as their team headed for home and away defeats by City for the first time in 42 years. Arsenal had a chance to get back into the game when they won a penalty early in the second half but their Gabon striker Aubameyang saw his spot kick saved by Ederson to complete a miserable night that piles more pressure on Wenger's team.

EPL: Sparkling City close in on title by thrashing Arsenal again

Manchester City won the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era with three of their veteran players scoring in an emphatic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/aguero-kompany-silva-inspire-city-to-win-first-trophy-of-guardiola-era-34056">3-0 win against Arenal</a> at Wembley. Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy for the fifth time. &quot;We&#39;re so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me,&quot; said City coach Guardiola.

Unsurprisingly, the other team, Arsenal was again overshadowed by the voodoo of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/aguero-kompany-silva-inspire-city-to-win-first-trophy-of-guardiola-era-34056">losing in the finals</a>. No manager has lost more League Cup finals than Arsene Wenger (2007, 2011 and 2018). This was the fourth time when the Gunners lost in a final clash. Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal&#39;s Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City on Sunday was caused by their own mistakes.&nbsp;Last season was Wenger&rsquo;s worst at the club. This season is shaping up to be even poorer.

In the post-match presentation, Wenger said, &quot;Well done to (Manchester) City. Congratulations to them, they won the trophy, they won the cup and they will go happy home and we will go very <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/aguero-kompany-silva-inspire-city-to-win-first-trophy-of-guardiola-era-34056">disappointed</a>.

&quot;I feel that a little bit everything went against us today and we self-inflicted our punishment because we had an unbelievable chance at nil-nil. We gave them a goal at one-nil,&quot; he added.

Wenger also mentioned, &quot;We were a bit unlucky in the second half even if I think we didn&#39;t start well at all in the second half and we were punished but that second goal is offside.&quot;

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When Wenger complained about added time, the fourth official replied: &#39;Why would you want more time?!&#39; ???? <a href="https://t.co/7n5VL5HF1a">pic.twitter.com/7n5VL5HF1a</a>
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He also made an astonishing remark on added injury time and said, &quot;Why would you want more time?&quot;

He asked the team to focus on the next match, &quot;You have to prioritise your next game first before we speak about the Europa League. We will, of course, take the Europa League very seriously but we have to as well win big games because if you want to go far in the Europa League you have to win big games as well if you look at the opponents already in the Europa League many big teams are in there.&quot;

&nbsp;

Manchester City defeated Arsenal by 3-0 to win the first trophy of Guardiola era

Manchester City won the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era with three of their veteran players scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win against Arenal at Wembley. Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy for the fifth time. "We're so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me," said City coach Guardiola. Unsurprisingly, the other team, Arsenal was again overshadowed by the voodoo of losing in the finals. No manager has lost more League Cup finals than Arsene Wenger (2007, 2011 and 2018). This was the fourth time when the Gunners lost in a final clash. Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City on Sunday was caused by their own mistakes. Last season was Wenger’s worst at the club. This season is shaping up to be even poorer. In the post-match presentation, Wenger said, "Well done to (Manchester) City. Congratulations to them, they won the trophy, they won the cup and they will go happy home and we will go very disappointed. "I feel that a little bit everything went against us today and we self-inflicted our punishment because we had an unbelievable chance at nil-nil. We gave them a goal at one-nil," he added. Wenger also mentioned, "We were a bit unlucky in the second half even if I think we didn't start well at all in the second half and we were punished but that second goal is offside." When Wenger complained about added time, the fourth official replied: 'Why would you want more time?!' ???? pic.twitter.com/7n5VL5HF1a — Goal UK (@GoalUK) February 25, 2018 × He also made an astonishing remark on added injury time and said, "Why would you want more time?" He asked the team to focus on the next match, "You have to prioritise your next game first before we speak about the Europa League. We will, of course, take the Europa League very seriously but we have to as well win big games because if you want to go far in the Europa League you have to win big games as well if you look at the opponents already in the Europa League many big teams are in there."

'Defeat caused by own mistakes,' says Arsene Wenger after losing to City

Catalonia-born Pep Guardiola, who wore a yellow ribbon on his grey jumper in the post-match press conference at Wembley defended his intent to wear a yellow ribbon in support of jailed Catalan independence leaders after his side beat Arsenal 3-0 to win the League Cup final on Sunday.

The Football Association on Friday charged Guardiola, saying the symbol sported by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket broke its rules.

Former Barcelona coach said, &quot;Before I&#39;m a manager I&#39;m a human being. I am a person.&quot;

He mentioned Britain&#39;s exit from European Union and said, &quot;You did the Brexit you let the people make an opinion. You allowed Scotland to make a referendum about if they want to stay or not and after the people voted. That is what they are asking.&quot;

Guardiola sympathised with the jailed Catalan leader and said, &quot;They are in prevention jail right now. So go out and after maybe be judged okay but they are (in jail) for more than 145 days. You know everybody is innocent until the judge proves you are guilty and they aren&#39;t being judged.&quot;

Guardiola was charged by the FA for wearing a political message.

The Football Association on Friday charged Guardiola, saying the symbol sported by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket broke its rules

Catalonia-born Pep Guardiola, who wore a yellow ribbon on his grey jumper in the post-match press conference at Wembley defended his intent to wear a yellow ribbon in support of jailed Catalan independence leaders after his side beat Arsenal 3-0 to win the League Cup final on Sunday. The Football Association on Friday charged Guardiola, saying the symbol sported by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket broke its rules. Former Barcelona coach said, "Before I'm a manager I'm a human being. I am a person." He mentioned Britain's exit from European Union and said, "You did the Brexit you let the people make an opinion. You allowed Scotland to make a referendum about if they want to stay or not and after the people voted. That is what they are asking." Guardiola sympathised with the jailed Catalan leader and said, "They are in prevention jail right now. So go out and after maybe be judged okay but they are (in jail) for more than 145 days. You know everybody is innocent until the judge proves you are guilty and they aren't being judged." Guardiola was charged by the FA for wearing a political message.

Pep Guardiola defends wearing Catalan support ribbon

Manchester City rolled back the years on Sunday to win the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era with three of their veteran players scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win against Arsenal at Wembley.

Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy for the fifth time -- only Liverpool have won it more.

&quot;It&#39;s important,&quot; said Guardiola. &quot;We&#39;re so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me.

&quot;The first half we were not good, there were a lot of mistakes. In the second half we played with a lot more courage and personality -- we were outstanding.&quot;

City&#39;s first goal, in the first half, came in unlikely circumstances for a side lauded for their slick passing style.

A long punt upfield from goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was controlled by Sergio Aguero, who coolly lifted the ball over a helpless David Ospina in the Arsenal goal.

Captain Kompany doubled the lead in the second half with just over half an hour to go and Silva put the game out of the reach of Arsene Wenger&#39;s team.&nbsp;

The runaway Premier League leaders will be hoping to use the victory as a springboard to greater glory as the season approaches its final stretch but defeat for Wenger means he has never lifted the League Cup.

Control

On a bitterly cold, clear day in London, City, in their light blue kit, took control early, playing measured football and enjoying the lion&#39;s share of possession against a side who have made Wembley a second home in recent years.

But Arsenal went closest to taking the lead within the first 10 minutes, with new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seeing his scuffed shot saved by a sprawling Bravo.

Seconds later Aguero found the side netting after an incisive break from City, who looked short of their fluent best.&nbsp;

But it was Aguero who broke the deadlock, controlling the ball as Arsenal&#39;s defence failed to deal with the danger.

The Argentine striker has scored in each of his past five games in all competitions against Arsenal and this was his 199th goal in City colours.

It was an unusual goal for Guardiola&#39;s team, who have been lauded for their silky passing game this season, which has already seen them hailed as one of the finest sides in Premier League history.

City made a bright start to the second half and captain Kompany was in the right place to steer home Ilkay Gundogan&#39;s shot from the edge of the box after a Kevin De Bruyne corner in the 58th minute.

It was no more than City deserved against a lacklustre Arsenal and the Belgian celebrated wildly in front of his own fans.

Just seven minutes later Arsenal was left with a mountain to climb when Silva smashed the ball past Ospina into the far corner of the net to make it 3-0.

Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola kept faith with reserve goalkeeper Bravo for the Wembley showpiece ahead of first-choice Ederson. Bravo has played in every round of the competition so far.

Wenger also played his number two between the sticks, fielding Ospina ahead of Petr Cech.

A disappointed Wenger bemoaned his side&#39;s failure to take the lead through Aubameyang.

&quot;I felt the game, we had the first good chance, a very easy one that we missed,&quot; he said.

&quot;After that we made a big mistake for their first goal. But we controlled them pretty well in the first half, but they came out in the second half, and we were unlucky because the second goal was offside. But congratulations to Man City, they deserve the win.&quot;

&nbsp;

Manchester City defeats Arsenal to register their first victory of the season

Manchester City rolled back the years on Sunday to win the first trophy of the Pep Guardiola era with three of their veteran players scoring in an emphatic 3-0 win against Arsenal at Wembley. Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy for the fifth time -- only Liverpool have won it more. "It's important," said Guardiola. "We're so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me. "The first half we were not good, there were a lot of mistakes. In the second half we played with a lot more courage and personality -- we were outstanding." City's first goal, in the first half, came in unlikely circumstances for a side lauded for their slick passing style. A long punt upfield from goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was controlled by Sergio Aguero, who coolly lifted the ball over a helpless David Ospina in the Arsenal goal. Captain Kompany doubled the lead in the second half with just over half an hour to go and Silva put the game out of the reach of Arsene Wenger's team. The runaway Premier League leaders will be hoping to use the victory as a springboard to greater glory as the season approaches its final stretch but defeat for Wenger means he has never lifted the League Cup. Control On a bitterly cold, clear day in London, City, in their light blue kit, took control early, playing measured football and enjoying the lion's share of possession against a side who have made Wembley a second home in recent years. But Arsenal went closest to taking the lead within the first 10 minutes, with new signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seeing his scuffed shot saved by a sprawling Bravo. Seconds later Aguero found the side netting after an incisive break from City, who looked short of their fluent best. But it was Aguero who broke the deadlock, controlling the ball as Arsenal's defence failed to deal with the danger. The Argentine striker has scored in each of his past five games in all competitions against Arsenal and this was his 199th goal in City colours. It was an unusual goal for Guardiola's team, who have been lauded for their silky passing game this season, which has already seen them hailed as one of the finest sides in Premier League history. City made a bright start to the second half and captain Kompany was in the right place to steer home Ilkay Gundogan's shot from the edge of the box after a Kevin De Bruyne corner in the 58th minute. It was no more than City deserved against a lacklustre Arsenal and the Belgian celebrated wildly in front of his own fans. Just seven minutes later Arsenal was left with a mountain to climb when Silva smashed the ball past Ospina into the far corner of the net to make it 3-0. Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola kept faith with reserve goalkeeper Bravo for the Wembley showpiece ahead of first-choice Ederson. Bravo has played in every round of the competition so far. Wenger also played his number two between the sticks, fielding Ospina ahead of Petr Cech. A disappointed Wenger bemoaned his side's failure to take the lead through Aubameyang. "I felt the game, we had the first good chance, a very easy one that we missed," he said. "After that we made a big mistake for their first goal. But we controlled them pretty well in the first half, but they came out in the second half, and we were unlucky because the second goal was offside. But congratulations to Man City, they deserve the win."

Aguero, Kompany, Silva inspire City to win first trophy of Guardiola era

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech is expecting to be benched for the League Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday with David Ospina being favoured to start.

Ospina, 29, has played in all but one of Arsenal`s League Cup matches this campaign and Cech, who has featured in all 27 of the club`s Premier League games, expects his Colombian counterpart will continue in goal against City.

&quot;At the start it was clear that it was going to be like that,&quot; Cech told British media when asked if Ospina would play in the final.

&quot;I will be there with the team supporting but I don`t expect to play. It is always hard to watch any game from the bench or even from the stand if you are not selected.

&quot;As a player, you always want to be involved.&nbsp;

&quot;But obviously you are in a professional club where there are 25 top players and the manager always makes his choices for the game and you need to accept that.&quot;

Ospina has also been Arsenal`s first-choice keeper in the Europa League and is likely to start in Thursday`s second-leg of their last-32 tie against Ostersunds.

&quot;Going to Wembley is special, the atmosphere and the occasion is special,&quot; Ospina told Arsenal`s matchday programme.

&quot;I`d like to play every week but I respect the manager`s decision.

&quot;You have to prepare as though you`re going to play every game. It can be tough to play maybe a couple of games a month, especially when they are as big as this one.

&quot;You just need to focus and be ready. I have a very good relationship with Petr, and that helps.&quot;

Cech is expecting to be benched for the League Cup final against Manchester City

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech is expecting to be benched for the League Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday with David Ospina being favoured to start. Ospina, 29, has played in all but one of Arsenal`s League Cup matches this campaign and Cech, who has featured in all 27 of the club`s Premier League games, expects his Colombian counterpart will continue in goal against City. "At the start it was clear that it was going to be like that," Cech told British media when asked if Ospina would play in the final. "I will be there with the team supporting but I don`t expect to play. It is always hard to watch any game from the bench or even from the stand if you are not selected. "As a player, you always want to be involved. "But obviously you are in a professional club where there are 25 top players and the manager always makes his choices for the game and you need to accept that." Ospina has also been Arsenal`s first-choice keeper in the Europa League and is likely to start in Thursday`s second-leg of their last-32 tie against Ostersunds. "Going to Wembley is special, the atmosphere and the occasion is special," Ospina told Arsenal`s matchday programme. "I`d like to play every week but I respect the manager`s decision. "You have to prepare as though you`re going to play every game. It can be tough to play maybe a couple of games a month, especially when they are as big as this one. "You just need to focus and be ready. I have a very good relationship with Petr, and that helps."

Ospina likely to start for Arsenal in League Cup final, says goalkeeper Cech

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

Wigan Athletic defeated Manchester City 1-0 to end City&#39;s dream run.

Pep Guardiola&#39;s quest to win an unprecedented quadruple with Manchester City came to a stunning and controversial end when they fell to a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fa-cup-third-tier-wigan-athletic-ends-man-citys-fairytale-run-33412">1-0 defeat at third-tier Wigan</a> in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday.

Will Grigg netted the ball in the 79th minute to trigger chants of &#39;Will Grigg&#39;s on fire&#39; around the DW Stadium.

The full of drama when Premier League leaders, Manchester City faced a tragic defeat by third-tier Wigan Athletic.

A lot of things happened during the match, as&nbsp;City played the entire second half with 10 men after Fabian Delph was ousted was sent off after showing a red card, Sergio Aguero was confronted by Wigan supporters as they invaded the ground after the match was ended.

Apart from that, frustrated Guardiola involved in a fight with Wigan manager&nbsp;Paul Cook in the tunnel after the match, both of them had a major verbal confrontation.

Watch the video here:

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Pep Guardiola and Paul Cook arguing in the tunnel and Pep charging at the referee before the camera cuts away, Aguero punching a Wigan fan and the ManCity fans attacking the police. 
 
Manchester City, money cannot buy you class. 
 
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Frustrated Guardiola involved in a fight with Wigan manager Paul Cook in the tunnel after the match, both of them had a major verbal confrontation

Wigan Athletic defeated Manchester City 1-0 to end City's dream run. Pep Guardiola's quest to win an unprecedented quadruple with Manchester City came to a stunning and controversial end when they fell to a 1-0 defeat at third-tier Wigan in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Monday. Will Grigg netted the ball in the 79th minute to trigger chants of 'Will Grigg's on fire' around the DW Stadium. The full of drama when Premier League leaders, Manchester City faced a tragic defeat by third-tier Wigan Athletic. A lot of things happened during the match, as City played the entire second half with 10 men after Fabian Delph was ousted was sent off after showing a red card, Sergio Aguero was confronted by Wigan supporters as they invaded the ground after the match was ended. Apart from that, frustrated Guardiola involved in a fight with Wigan manager Paul Cook in the tunnel after the match, both of them had a major verbal confrontation. Watch the video here: Pep Guardiola and Paul Cook arguing in the tunnel and Pep charging at the referee before the camera cuts away, Aguero punching a Wigan fan and the ManCity fans attacking the police. Manchester City, money cannot buy you class. pic.twitter.com/8F3HmpmDd6 — Utd (@SimplyUtd) 19 February 2018 ×

Watch: Pep Guardiola fights with Wigan manager Paul Cook

Disgraced former British youth coach Barry Bennell was on Thursday found guilty of 43 counts of sexual abuse against 11 boys aged between eight and 15 in a case that has rocked English football.

Bennell, 64, who coached at Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra, was found guilty of indecent assault, buggery and attempted buggery and police said 86 more complainants have come forward since the case started.

&quot;Barry Bennell is a predatory paedophile who groomed and abused young boys who dreamed of a career in professional football,&quot; prosecutor Jackie Lamb said after the trial concluded at Liverpool Crown Court.

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<h5>Bennell was found guilty of sexually abusing 11 boys aged between eight and 15. Police said 86 more complainants have come forward since the case started</h5>
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The case has sparked wider allegations of sexual and physical abuse of boys at football clubs in Britain in the 1970s and 1980s, some of whom went on to become heroes of the terraces and international stars.

Nearly 800 victims have come forward against more than 100 coaches, leading to accusations that some of the game&#39;s most famous and loved clubs covered up allegations of abuse of boys in their care.

&quot;My parents thought I was safe,&quot; victim Steven Walters said outside court. &quot;They trusted the club, the staff, the senior management.

&quot;For years, hundreds of us were groomed in plain view. How can it be that no one realised something was wrong?

&quot;We suffered because a culture of complacency and cover-up was allowed to take root.&quot;

&#39;All worthwhile&#39; 
The scandal broke in late 2016 when former Liverpool and Tottenham star Paul Stewart broke his 40-year silence and revealed how he was abused as a teenager, shortly after former Crewe player Andy Woodward went public with allegations against Bennell.

&quot;I can&#39;t put it into words how difficult these last 15 months have been for me and my family,&quot; Woodward said outside court.

&quot;I feel such gratitude and I&#39;m proud of what I&#39;ve achieved, it was all worthwhile,&quot; he added.

The former youth player demanded that authorities and clubs reveal what they knew.

The clubs &quot;could have stopped this,&quot; he said.

&quot;I would personally like... an apology from Crewe Alexandra. The FA has been very quiet. I hope now they will speak out.&quot;

Crewe Alexandra put out a statement expressing its &quot;deepest sympathies&quot; to Bennell&#39;s victims.

The club said it was not aware of any sexual abuse by Bennell and only became aware of any offences committed by him when he was arrested in the United States in 1994.

During the trial, another victim revealed how four players coached by Bennell had gone on to commit suicide, including Newcastle and Wales star Gary Speed, who hanged himself in November 2011, at the age of 42.

England&#39;s Football Association (FA) opened an inquiry into the scandal in 2016, headed by lawyer Clive Sheldon.

He was due to report back in the New Year, but the sheer weight of accusations has put back its publication.

Any new information unearthed is being handed to Operation Hydrant, a wider police investigation into child abuse.

Premier League giants Chelsea were forced to apologise in 2016 after admitting to paying former player Gary Johnson &pound;50,000 ($70,000, 56,000 euros) to keep quiet about the abuse he suffered while in the club&#39;s youth team in the 1970s.

Meanwhile, Premier League leaders Manchester City are conducting their own review into Bennell&#39;s activities while at the club.

The club said it was examining &quot;a number of reports of historic anomalous behaviours.. over a period spanning more than 50 years&quot;.

The abuse of young sportspeople by those supposed to be in charge of their welfare was thrown into focus in the United States with the conviction earlier this year of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor who sexually abused girls and young women for decades.

Nassar faces a lifetime behind bars after being accused by some 265 women -- including Olympians and collegiate athletes -- of sexually abusing them over more than two decades.

Bennell will be sentenced at a later date.

Barry Bennell coached at Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra

Disgraced former British youth coach Barry Bennell was on Thursday found guilty of 43 counts of sexual abuse against 11 boys aged between eight and 15 in a case that has rocked English football. Bennell, 64, who coached at Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra, was found guilty of indecent assault, buggery and attempted buggery and police said 86 more complainants have come forward since the case started. "Barry Bennell is a predatory paedophile who groomed and abused young boys who dreamed of a career in professional football," prosecutor Jackie Lamb said after the trial concluded at Liverpool Crown Court. Bennell was found guilty of sexually abusing 11 boys aged between eight and 15. Police said 86 more complainants have come forward since the case started × The case has sparked wider allegations of sexual and physical abuse of boys at football clubs in Britain in the 1970s and 1980s, some of whom went on to become heroes of the terraces and international stars. Nearly 800 victims have come forward against more than 100 coaches, leading to accusations that some of the game's most famous and loved clubs covered up allegations of abuse of boys in their care. "My parents thought I was safe," victim Steven Walters said outside court. "They trusted the club, the staff, the senior management. "For years, hundreds of us were groomed in plain view. How can it be that no one realised something was wrong? "We suffered because a culture of complacency and cover-up was allowed to take root." 'All worthwhile' The scandal broke in late 2016 when former Liverpool and Tottenham star Paul Stewart broke his 40-year silence and revealed how he was abused as a teenager, shortly after former Crewe player Andy Woodward went public with allegations against Bennell. "I can't put it into words how difficult these last 15 months have been for me and my family," Woodward said outside court. "I feel such gratitude and I'm proud of what I've achieved, it was all worthwhile," he added. The former youth player demanded that authorities and clubs reveal what they knew. The clubs "could have stopped this," he said. "I would personally like... an apology from Crewe Alexandra. The FA has been very quiet. I hope now they will speak out." Crewe Alexandra put out a statement expressing its "deepest sympathies" to Bennell's victims. The club said it was not aware of any sexual abuse by Bennell and only became aware of any offences committed by him when he was arrested in the United States in 1994. During the trial, another victim revealed how four players coached by Bennell had gone on to commit suicide, including Newcastle and Wales star Gary Speed, who hanged himself in November 2011, at the age of 42. England's Football Association (FA) opened an inquiry into the scandal in 2016, headed by lawyer Clive Sheldon. He was due to report back in the New Year, but the sheer weight of accusations has put back its publication. Any new information unearthed is being handed to Operation Hydrant, a wider police investigation into child abuse. Premier League giants Chelsea were forced to apologise in 2016 after admitting to paying former player Gary Johnson £50,000 ($70,000, 56,000 euros) to keep quiet about the abuse he suffered while in the club's youth team in the 1970s. Meanwhile, Premier League leaders Manchester City are conducting their own review into Bennell's activities while at the club. The club said it was examining "a number of reports of historic anomalous behaviours.. over a period spanning more than 50 years". The abuse of young sportspeople by those supposed to be in charge of their welfare was thrown into focus in the United States with the conviction earlier this year of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor who sexually abused girls and young women for decades. Nassar faces a lifetime behind bars after being accused by some 265 women -- including Olympians and collegiate athletes -- of sexually abusing them over more than two decades. Bennell will be sentenced at a later date.

Ex-UK football coach found guilty on 43 charges of child sex abuse

Pep Guardiola saw his Manchester City side pushed hard before defeating second-tier Bristol City in an entertaining League Cup semi-final on Tuesday to leave him one game away from winning his first major trophy in English football.&nbsp;

Guardiola&#39;s runaway Premier League leaders, eyeing an unprecedented season quadruple given they also remain involved in both the FA Cup and Champions League, won 3-2 on the night for a 5-3 aggregate win over the Championship side.

They kicked off with a narrow advantage at Ashton Gate after a 2-1 first-leg win at the Etihad Stadium.

But goals either side of half-time from Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero effectively saw Manchester City to a win on Tuesday and success over the two legs as they reached their first final under former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager Guardiola.

Bristol City was undaunted, however, with Marlon Pack pulling a goal back in the 64th minute before Aden Flint scored deep into stoppage time.

However, there was still time for Kevin De Bruyne to round off the scoring for Manchester City.

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Manchester City&#39;s manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the English League Cup semi-final. (AFP)
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Guardiola&#39;s men will now face the winners of Wednesday&#39;s Emirates Stadium semi-final between their Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley on February 25, with the two London clubs deadlocked at 0-0 after a first-leg stalemate.

&quot;We are so happy to be there, to reach this final,&quot; Guardiola, whose debut season as City boss last term saw him end a campaign without a trophy for the first time in his managerial career, told Sky Sports.

&quot;We played an amazing game until 2-0 and then we lost control, these type of games never end until the end.

&quot;This is a lesson for next weekend in Cardiff in the FA Cup and especially for the Champions League,&quot; the Spaniard warned.

&#39;Judged on trophies&#39;

&quot;At 2-0 we knew it would be easier because they needed three or four goals but with one minute left it was 2-2 and anything could happen.&quot;

Guardiola played down the personal importance of reaching a Wembley final, saying: &quot;It&#39;s not for me, it&#39;s for Manchester City, a club who are trying to reach another level.&nbsp;

&quot;I know that we will be judged by trophies we win but we are so happy,&quot; he insisted. &quot;Nobody can take away what we have done, but Chelsea or Arsenal are strong teams.&quot;

Meanwhile, Pack summed up the mood of the home side by saying: I&#39;m proud of the boys and proud to be part of this team. Hopefully, we can take this into the league now and keep it going.&quot;

It looked as if Bristol City would deny Manchester City a goal in the first half of Tuesday&#39;s match.

But three minutes before the break, Hordur Magnusson made the mistake of trying to shepherd the ball out of play rather than clearing and was dispossessed near the byline by Bernardo Silva.

His cross was fired in by Sane and left Bristol City, chasing promotion to the lucrative Premier League, with a mountain to climb.

Four minutes after the re-start Aguero, Manchester City&#39;s all-time leading goalscorer seemed to put the result of the tie beyond doubt.

The Argentina striker, fresh from a hat-trick in a 3-1 league win over Newcastle United last weekend, still had plenty to do following De Bruyne&#39;s cross-field ball.

But he made light of a tight angle by letting fly with a shot into the top corner from 18 yards out.

It would have been easy for Bristol City to be overwhelmed from then on in but, to their credit, it was the southwest side who scored next, in the 64th minute.

John Stones made a mess of a clearance and when it came back into the box, Pack guided a well-directed header across Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and into the top corner.

Flint turned in a header late on to give Bristol City fans hope of extra time but, pressing for that goal, their side were wide-open to a counter-attack, with Sane cutting the ball back for De Bruyne to fire home.

&nbsp;

Manchester City will now face either Arsenal or Chelsea in the finals on February 25

Pep Guardiola saw his Manchester City side pushed hard before defeating second-tier Bristol City in an entertaining League Cup semi-final on Tuesday to leave him one game away from winning his first major trophy in English football. Guardiola's runaway Premier League leaders, eyeing an unprecedented season quadruple given they also remain involved in both the FA Cup and Champions League, won 3-2 on the night for a 5-3 aggregate win over the Championship side. They kicked off with a narrow advantage at Ashton Gate after a 2-1 first-leg win at the Etihad Stadium. But goals either side of half-time from Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero effectively saw Manchester City to a win on Tuesday and success over the two legs as they reached their first final under former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager Guardiola. Bristol City was undaunted, however, with Marlon Pack pulling a goal back in the 64th minute before Aden Flint scored deep into stoppage time. However, there was still time for Kevin De Bruyne to round off the scoring for Manchester City. Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the English League Cup semi-final. (AFP) × Guardiola's men will now face the winners of Wednesday's Emirates Stadium semi-final between their Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley on February 25, with the two London clubs deadlocked at 0-0 after a first-leg stalemate. "We are so happy to be there, to reach this final," Guardiola, whose debut season as City boss last term saw him end a campaign without a trophy for the first time in his managerial career, told Sky Sports. "We played an amazing game until 2-0 and then we lost control, these type of games never end until the end. "This is a lesson for next weekend in Cardiff in the FA Cup and especially for the Champions League," the Spaniard warned. 'Judged on trophies' "At 2-0 we knew it would be easier because they needed three or four goals but with one minute left it was 2-2 and anything could happen." Guardiola played down the personal importance of reaching a Wembley final, saying: "It's not for me, it's for Manchester City, a club who are trying to reach another level. "I know that we will be judged by trophies we win but we are so happy," he insisted. "Nobody can take away what we have done, but Chelsea or Arsenal are strong teams." Meanwhile, Pack summed up the mood of the home side by saying: I'm proud of the boys and proud to be part of this team. Hopefully, we can take this into the league now and keep it going." It looked as if Bristol City would deny Manchester City a goal in the first half of Tuesday's match. But three minutes before the break, Hordur Magnusson made the mistake of trying to shepherd the ball out of play rather than clearing and was dispossessed near the byline by Bernardo Silva. His cross was fired in by Sane and left Bristol City, chasing promotion to the lucrative Premier League, with a mountain to climb. Four minutes after the re-start Aguero, Manchester City's all-time leading goalscorer seemed to put the result of the tie beyond doubt. The Argentina striker, fresh from a hat-trick in a 3-1 league win over Newcastle United last weekend, still had plenty to do following De Bruyne's cross-field ball. But he made light of a tight angle by letting fly with a shot into the top corner from 18 yards out. It would have been easy for Bristol City to be overwhelmed from then on in but, to their credit, it was the southwest side who scored next, in the 64th minute. John Stones made a mess of a clearance and when it came back into the box, Pack guided a well-directed header across Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and into the top corner. Flint turned in a header late on to give Bristol City fans hope of extra time but, pressing for that goal, their side were wide-open to a counter-attack, with Sane cutting the ball back for De Bruyne to fire home.

EFL: Man City beats Bristol City to reach finals

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