Manchester, UK
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a muscular issue, compounding Pep Guardiola's problems as he seeks to save the club's season.
The Portugal international missed all five matches in November with a calf problem but returned at the start of December and has been an ever-present this month.
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ice-hockey-league-set-to-rejuvenate-ladakhs-sports-culture-and-tourism-785549">Exclusive: Ice Hockey League set to rejuvenate Ladakh's sports culture and tourism</a>
But he will not be available for City's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, while there is uncertainty about the fitness of goalkeeper Ederson.
"Ruben is out for a long time and Ederson I don't know if he will be ready tomorrow," Guardiola said on Friday.
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PEP ? [Ruben Dias will be out for] three or four weeks. It's muscular. [He played] 75 minutes against United and he felt something but he is so strong and wanted to stay on the pitch. <a href="https://t.co/6SEEuOwftL">pic.twitter.com/6SEEuOwftL</a>
— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1870086074925560308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The City boss added that Dias would be out for "three or four weeks".
"After 75 minutes against United he felt something," he said. "He's strong and wanted to stay on the pitch but now he's injured."
Injury-hit City have suffered a dramatic collapse in form over recent weeks, losing eight of their past 11 games in all competitions and are fifth in the Premier League table.
Nathan Ake remains out but fellow defenders Manuel Akanji and John Stones are back in full training.
"Manuel and John are back in training," said Guardiola. "That is good for us. As many players that are back the better.
"I don't know yet (if they can start against Aston Villa). Yesterday was their first training session, I would say, properly. They have been out for a while."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Portugal international missed all five matches in November with a calf problem but returned at the start of December and has been an ever-present this month.



Manchester, UK Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a muscular issue, compounding Pep Guardiola's problems as he seeks to save the club's season. The Portugal international missed all five matches in November with a calf problem but returned at the start of December and has been an ever-present this month. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Ice Hockey League set to rejuvenate Ladakh's sports culture and tourism But he will not be available for City's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, while there is uncertainty about the fitness of goalkeeper Ederson. "Ruben is out for a long time and Ederson I don't know if he will be ready tomorrow," Guardiola said on Friday. PEP ? [Ruben Dias will be out for] three or four weeks. It's muscular. [He played] 75 minutes against United and he felt something but he is so strong and wanted to stay on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/6SEEuOwftL — Manchester City (@ManCity) December 20, 2024 × The City boss added that Dias would be out for "three or four weeks". "After 75 minutes against United he felt something," he said. "He's strong and wanted to stay on the pitch but now he's injured." Injury-hit City have suffered a dramatic collapse in form over recent weeks, losing eight of their past 11 games in all competitions and are fifth in the Premier League table. Nathan Ake remains out but fellow defenders Manuel Akanji and John Stones are back in full training. "Manuel and John are back in training," said Guardiola. "That is good for us. As many players that are back the better. "I don't know yet (if they can start against Aston Villa). Yesterday was their first training session, I would say, properly. They have been out for a while." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ruben Dias ruled out for nearly four weeks in massive blow to Manchester City

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a muscular issue, compounding Pep Guardiola's problems as he seeks to save the club's season.

The Portugal international missed all five matches in November with a calf problem but returned at the start of December and has been an ever-present this month.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ice-hockey-league-set-to-rejuvenate-ladakhs-sports-culture-and-tourism-785549">Exclusive: Ice Hockey League set to rejuvenate Ladakh's sports culture and tourism</a>

But he will not be available for City's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, while there is uncertainty about the fitness of goalkeeper Ederson.

"Ruben is out for a long time and Ederson I don't know if he will be ready tomorrow," Guardiola said on Friday.

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PEP 💬 [Ruben Dias will be out for] three or four weeks. It's muscular. [He played] 75 minutes against United and he felt something but he is so strong and wanted to stay on the pitch. <a href="https://t.co/6SEEuOwftL">pic.twitter.com/6SEEuOwftL</a>
— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1870086074925560308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The City boss added that Dias would be out for "three or four weeks".

"After 75 minutes against United he felt something," he said. "He's strong and wanted to stay on the pitch but now he's injured."

Injury-hit City have suffered a dramatic collapse in form over recent weeks, losing eight of their past 11 games in all competitions and are fifth in the Premier League table.

Nathan Ake remains out but fellow defenders Manuel Akanji and John Stones are back in full training.

"Manuel and John are back in training," said Guardiola. "That is good for us. As many players that are back the better.

"I don't know yet (if they can start against Aston Villa). Yesterday was their first training session, I would say, properly. They have been out for a while."

Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a muscular issue, compounding Pep Guardiola's problems as he seeks to save the club's season.

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a muscular issue, compounding Pep Guardiola's problems as he seeks to save the club's season. The Portugal international missed all five matches in November with a calf problem but returned at the start of December and has been an ever-present this month. ALSO READ: Exclusive: Ice Hockey League set to rejuvenate Ladakh's sports culture and tourism But he will not be available for City's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, while there is uncertainty about the fitness of goalkeeper Ederson. "Ruben is out for a long time and Ederson I don't know if he will be ready tomorrow," Guardiola said on Friday. PEP 💬 [Ruben Dias will be out for] three or four weeks. It's muscular. [He played] 75 minutes against United and he felt something but he is so strong and wanted to stay on the pitch. pic.twitter.com/6SEEuOwftL — Manchester City (@ManCity) December 20, 2024 × The City boss added that Dias would be out for "three or four weeks". "After 75 minutes against United he felt something," he said. "He's strong and wanted to stay on the pitch but now he's injured." Injury-hit City have suffered a dramatic collapse in form over recent weeks, losing eight of their past 11 games in all competitions and are fifth in the Premier League table. Nathan Ake remains out but fellow defenders Manuel Akanji and John Stones are back in full training. "Manuel and John are back in training," said Guardiola. "That is good for us. As many players that are back the better. "I don't know yet (if they can start against Aston Villa). Yesterday was their first training session, I would say, properly. They have been out for a while." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Manchester City centre back Ruben Dias will be one of five players sharing the captain's armband this season, manager Pep Guardiola said.

Dias joined City from Benfica last year and was a mainstay of Guardiola's defence as he helped the club win the Premier League title.

The Portugal defender, named Premier League Player of the Season as well as England's Footballer of the Year in a stellar debut campaign, led the team in Wednesday's 6-3 thrashing of RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

"Everyone has to be their own leader," Guardiola told the club website&nbsp;on Friday. "Every season we make the selection of captains. The players and backroom staff make the decision.

"Eleven months and one week we are all here together and they know who are the best to represent the team. We all choose our five captains."

Dias, 24, said he was proud to be named one of the captains and ready for the responsibility.

"It's definitely a big responsibility and I will do my best to be there for everyone," he said.

City, fifth on the table after four matches, host Southampton on Saturday.

Manchester City centre back Ruben Dias will be one of five players sharing the captain's armband this season, manager Pep Guardiola said. Dias joined City from Benfica last year and was a mainstay of Guardiola's defence as he helped the club win the Premier League title.

Manchester City centre back Ruben Dias will be one of five players sharing the captain's armband this season, manager Pep Guardiola said. Dias joined City from Benfica last year and was a mainstay of Guardiola's defence as he helped the club win the Premier League title. The Portugal defender, named Premier League Player of the Season as well as England's Footballer of the Year in a stellar debut campaign, led the team in Wednesday's 6-3 thrashing of RB Leipzig in the Champions League. "Everyone has to be their own leader," Guardiola told the club website on Friday. "Every season we make the selection of captains. The players and backroom staff make the decision. "Eleven months and one week we are all here together and they know who are the best to represent the team. We all choose our five captains." Dias, 24, said he was proud to be named one of the captains and ready for the responsibility. "It's definitely a big responsibility and I will do my best to be there for everyone," he said. City, fifth on the table after four matches, host Southampton on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola says defender Ruben Dias added to Manchester City's leadership group

From Cristiano Ronaldo to Ruben Dias: Football super agent Jorge Mendes' star-studded client list

Portugal defender Ruben Dias said a grueling season with club side Manchester City had motivated him for Euro 2020 and he hoped to outdo himself in the national team's title defense.

Center-back Dias, who was named England's&nbsp;Footballer of the Year by the&nbsp;Football&nbsp;Writers' Association, played 50 matches for City in all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign apart from his national team commitments.

"This just motivates me. I like to outdo myself and I like to play always on the red line," Dias told reporters.

Global players' union FIFPRO warned that player welfare was not being considered when competition calendars were drawn up.

The Euros were postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 crisis, which delayed the start of the 2020-21 season and forced European leagues to complete the demanding season in time for the summer tournament.

A number of top club coaches criticized the compressed schedule but Dias played down the impact of fatigue.

"I want to do things that nobody has done before and the chance to represent my country with all these games behind me only motivates me further," Dias said.

"This also leads me to believe I can show that I'm doing well, that I'm strong, and that I can keep on playing."

Portugal began their campaign by beating Hungary 3-0 and take on Germany in their Group F match later on Saturday.

"Our expectations are that we're going to be facing one of the best teams in the Euros," Dias said.

"We're also one of the best teams and we're fully aware that even if we started off on the right foot we need to have our feet planted firmly on the ground."

Portugal defender Ruben Dias said a grueling season with club side Manchester City had motivated him for Euro 2020 and he hoped to outdo himself in the national team's title defense.

Portugal defender Ruben Dias said a grueling season with club side Manchester City had motivated him for Euro 2020 and he hoped to outdo himself in the national team's title defense. Center-back Dias, who was named England's Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association, played 50 matches for City in all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign apart from his national team commitments. "This just motivates me. I like to outdo myself and I like to play always on the red line," Dias told reporters. Global players' union FIFPRO warned that player welfare was not being considered when competition calendars were drawn up. The Euros were postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 crisis, which delayed the start of the 2020-21 season and forced European leagues to complete the demanding season in time for the summer tournament. A number of top club coaches criticized the compressed schedule but Dias played down the impact of fatigue. "I want to do things that nobody has done before and the chance to represent my country with all these games behind me only motivates me further," Dias said. "This also leads me to believe I can show that I'm doing well, that I'm strong, and that I can keep on playing." Portugal began their campaign by beating Hungary 3-0 and take on Germany in their Group F match later on Saturday. "Our expectations are that we're going to be facing one of the best teams in the Euros," Dias said. "We're also one of the best teams and we're fully aware that even if we started off on the right foot we need to have our feet planted firmly on the ground."

Football: Portugal's Ruben Dias says demanding season motivated him for Euros

Manchester City has won a trio of prizes at the end of season Premier League awards. Manager Pep Guardiola has won his third Premier League Manager of the Season award as he led his side to their third Premier League title in four seasons.

The Catalan, who was also named LMA Manager of the Year last month, beat Marcelo Bielsa, David Moyes, Brendan Rodgers and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the award, in a season where his team finished 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Just weeks after collecting the FWA Player of the Year Award, Ruben Dias has been named Premier League Player of the Season. Signed from Benfica last summer, the Portuguese international has had an outstanding impact in his first season in England.

City kept 15 clean sheets in Dias’ 32 league appearances as they secured the meanest defence in the division. This is the defender’s third accolade of the summer having also received FWA recognition and been named the Club’s Etihad Player of the Season. Phil Foden completed the sweep of honours, by being named Premier League Young Player of the Season.

The City Academy graduate has had a season to remember for his boyhood club, adding a third Premier League and fourth Carabao Cup medal to his collection, as well as starting in the Club’s first ever UEFA Champions League final. With 16 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, Foden fought off competition from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Illan Meslier, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka to secure the award.

Foden remains shortlisted for PFA Young Player of the Year and joins Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne and Diasin the running for the main PFA Player of the Year award, to be announced tomorrow.<o:p></o:p>

Manchester City has won a trio of prizes at the end of season Premier League awards. Manager Pep Guardiola has won his third Premier League Manager of the Season award as he led his side to their third Premier League title in four seasons.

Manchester City has won a trio of prizes at the end of season Premier League awards. Manager Pep Guardiola has won his third Premier League Manager of the Season award as he led his side to their third Premier League title in four seasons. The Catalan, who was also named LMA Manager of the Year last month, beat Marcelo Bielsa, David Moyes, Brendan Rodgers and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the award, in a season where his team finished 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Just weeks after collecting the FWA Player of the Year Award, Ruben Dias has been named Premier League Player of the Season. Signed from Benfica last summer, the Portuguese international has had an outstanding impact in his first season in England. City kept 15 clean sheets in Dias’ 32 league appearances as they secured the meanest defence in the division. This is the defender’s third accolade of the summer having also received FWA recognition and been named the Club’s Etihad Player of the Season. Phil Foden completed the sweep of honours, by being named Premier League Young Player of the Season. The City Academy graduate has had a season to remember for his boyhood club, adding a third Premier League and fourth Carabao Cup medal to his collection, as well as starting in the Club’s first ever UEFA Champions League final. With 16 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, Foden fought off competition from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Illan Meslier, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka to secure the award. Foden remains shortlisted for PFA Young Player of the Year and joins Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin de Bruyne and Diasin the running for the main PFA Player of the Year award, to be announced tomorrow.

Football: Manchester City win trio Of Premier League Awards

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was named the Premier League Player of the Season on Saturday, becoming the second Portuguese to receive the honor after former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

City boss Pep Guardiola was named Manager of the Season for the third time.

Center-back Dias was named England's&nbsp;Footballer of the Year in the annual vote of the&nbsp;Football&nbsp;Writers' Association last month following a superb debut campaign after his move from Benfica last year.

Dias played a key role in delivering City's third Premier League title in four years as well as the League Cup and helped his side the Champions League final.

The 24-year-old was also named in the Professional&nbsp;Footballers' Association (PFA) Team of the Year.

Dias is the fourth defender to be voted Player of the Season by the public, the captains of the 20 Premier League clubs, and a panel of experts after Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic, former City captain Vincent Kompany and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk.

His compatriot and former Manchester United forward Ronaldo won the award in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

Other nominees for the award this season included Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Mason Mount, Mohamed Salah, and Tomas Soucek.

Guardiola won the manager's award in 2017-18 and again in 2018-19 when he led City to consecutive league titles.

Under the Spaniard, City conceded the fewest goals (32) this season and kept clean sheets in half of their games (19) to finish 12 points clear of second-placed United.

Guardiola won the award ahead of fellow nominees Marcelo Bielsa (Leeds United), David Moyes (West Ham United), Brendan Rodgers (Leicester City), and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United).

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was named the Premier League Player of the Season on Saturday, becoming the second Portuguese to receive the honor after former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was named the Premier League Player of the Season on Saturday, becoming the second Portuguese to receive the honor after former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo. City boss Pep Guardiola was named Manager of the Season for the third time. Center-back Dias was named England's Footballer of the Year in the annual vote of the Football Writers' Association last month following a superb debut campaign after his move from Benfica last year. Dias played a key role in delivering City's third Premier League title in four years as well as the League Cup and helped his side the Champions League final. The 24-year-old was also named in the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Team of the Year. Dias is the fourth defender to be voted Player of the Season by the public, the captains of the 20 Premier League clubs, and a panel of experts after Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic, former City captain Vincent Kompany and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk. His compatriot and former Manchester United forward Ronaldo won the award in 2006-07 and 2007-08. Other nominees for the award this season included Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Mason Mount, Mohamed Salah, and Tomas Soucek. Guardiola won the manager's award in 2017-18 and again in 2018-19 when he led City to consecutive league titles. Under the Spaniard, City conceded the fewest goals (32) this season and kept clean sheets in half of their games (19) to finish 12 points clear of second-placed United. Guardiola won the award ahead of fellow nominees Marcelo Bielsa (Leeds United), David Moyes (West Ham United), Brendan Rodgers (Leicester City), and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United).

Football: Man City's Ruben Dias named PL Player of Season, Pep Guardiola wins manager's award

Ruben Dias has been named Football Writers’ Player of the Year for 2020-21. The 24-year old became the first defender to win the award since Steve Nicol in 1989. Dias also became one of only three players ever to win the award in their first season at a club, following Jurgen Klinsmann (1995) and Gianfranco Zola (1997).<o:p></o:p>

The centre-half topped the poll of a 400-strong FWA membership, following in the illustrious footsteps of team-mate Raheem Sterling who won the award in 2019.<o:p></o:p>

Only the third player ever to win the prestigious honour in his first season at a club, following Jurgen Klinsmann and Gianfranco Zola, Dias has quickly established himself in the heart of a defence that has conceded fewer goals than any other in this season’s Premier League [32].<o:p></o:p>

Joining from Benfica only last September, the 24-year-old has made 48 appearances for City across all competitions and played an instrumental role in the club securing the Premier League title, lifting the League Cup and in reaching a first-ever UEFA Champions League final.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/champions-manchester-city-fans-take-to-streets-after-premier-league-win-384449" hreflang="en">'CHAMPIONS': Manchester City fans take to streets after Premier League win</a><o:p></o:p>

The Portuguese international becomes the first defender to win the award since Steve Nicol, over three decades ago.<o:p></o:p>

Ruben Dias said: “It’s a huge privilege. I’m very, very happy. It’s the same as always: obviously, I could not have done it without the success of the team – everyone in the team being able to deserve this award. Only by that was I – as a defender – able to be here to receive this prize.<o:p></o:p>

“It means something special because normally, the ones who finish the plays are the ones getting the spotlight but me receiving this prize is a major example of our team and the way we work – the way we build our game. It reflects all the togetherness we have on the pitch, the spirit in the team and how we perform.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-villa-loss-deepens-tottenham-gloom-with-kane-future-in-the-balance-386171" hreflang="en">Football: Villa loss deepens Tottenham gloom with Kane future in the balance</a><o:p></o:p>

“With these players, for me to be receiving this award, it shows how we play like a family.”<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Manchester City will lift the Premier League trophy in front of the home crowd at the Etihad Stadium this weekend following their match against Everton.<o:p></o:p>

Ruben Dias has been named Football Writers’ Player of the Year for 2020-21. The 24-year old became the first defender to win the award since Steve Nicol in 1989.

Ruben Dias has been named Football Writers’ Player of the Year for 2020-21. The 24-year old became the first defender to win the award since Steve Nicol in 1989. Dias also became one of only three players ever to win the award in their first season at a club, following Jurgen Klinsmann (1995) and Gianfranco Zola (1997). The centre-half topped the poll of a 400-strong FWA membership, following in the illustrious footsteps of team-mate Raheem Sterling who won the award in 2019. Only the third player ever to win the prestigious honour in his first season at a club, following Jurgen Klinsmann and Gianfranco Zola, Dias has quickly established himself in the heart of a defence that has conceded fewer goals than any other in this season’s Premier League [32]. Joining from Benfica only last September, the 24-year-old has made 48 appearances for City across all competitions and played an instrumental role in the club securing the Premier League title, lifting the League Cup and in reaching a first-ever UEFA Champions League final. ALSO READ: 'CHAMPIONS': Manchester City fans take to streets after Premier League win The Portuguese international becomes the first defender to win the award since Steve Nicol, over three decades ago. Ruben Dias said: “It’s a huge privilege. I’m very, very happy. It’s the same as always: obviously, I could not have done it without the success of the team – everyone in the team being able to deserve this award. Only by that was I – as a defender – able to be here to receive this prize. “It means something special because normally, the ones who finish the plays are the ones getting the spotlight but me receiving this prize is a major example of our team and the way we work – the way we build our game. It reflects all the togetherness we have on the pitch, the spirit in the team and how we perform. ALSO READ: Football: Villa loss deepens Tottenham gloom with Kane future in the balance “With these players, for me to be receiving this award, it shows how we play like a family.” Meanwhile, Manchester City will lift the Premier League trophy in front of the home crowd at the Etihad Stadium this weekend following their match against Everton.

Football: Man City's Ruben Dias named FWA Player of the Year

Manchester City's centre-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones both struck as the Premier League leaders beat West Ham 2-1 on Saturday, while West Brom enlivened the battle to beat the drop with a controversial 1-0 win over Brighton in which the Seagulls missed two penalties.

Pep Guardiola's men are now 13 points clear thanks to a 20-game winning run in all competitions that has seen them close in on an unprecedented quadruple of trophies.

For the first time in recent weeks, City showed signs of fatigue, though, and needed the dominant centre-back pairing that has been a huge part of their success defensively this season to also make their mark at the other end.

"After 10 or 15 minutes today we realised we were not going to paint anything beautiful," said Guardiola.&nbsp;

"When you play a lot of games - in the league and then the Champions League - this is normal. We were lucky to get all three points."

Kevin De Bruyne made just his second start since returning from a hamstring injury and the Belgian's teasing cross was powered home by Dias for his first City goal since joining from Benfica in September.

City had kept eight clean sheets in their previous 10 league games, but West Ham showed why they are fourth and pushing to edge out the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal to qualify for next season's Champions League.

"I'm really disappointed we didn't get a point," said West Ham boss David Moyes.&nbsp;

"It was a terrific performance. We came here and tried to match a top side - and for long periods we did."

Michail Antonio had already threatened an equaliser by hitting the post before he did level by tapping home Jesse Lingard's mishit shot just before half-time.

But City's determination to keep winning shone through in the second-half as Stones smashed home Riyad Mahrez's pass for the winner on 68 minutes.

<h2>- Blunder costs Brighton -</h2>

West Brom kept their hopes of avoiding the drop alive with just a second win in 13 games under Sam Allardyce in a match overshadowed by a surreal moment of refereeing by Lee Mason that cost Brighton an equaliser.

Kyle Bartley's early header gave West Brom the lead before Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck both hit the woodwork either side of half-time from the penalty spot for the visitors.

Brighton did have the ball in the net when Lewis Dunk's quickly taken free-kick, after Mason had whistled for it to be taken, caught Sam Johnstone napping.&nbsp;

Mason initially did not award the goal before reversing his decision. However, after reviewing the incident on VAR, the goal was ruled out as the referee changed his mind for a second time.

"It's embarrassing, it's just a horrendous decision," said Dunk. "I said to the ref 'can I take it', he blew his whistle and I took it. I don't think he knew what he was doing."

In a statement, the Premier League said: "Referee Lee Mason has overturned the goal because the whistle had been blown a second time before the ball had crossed the line."

Victory for the Baggies hauls Allardyce's men to within eight points of safety, while Brighton remain just four points clear of the drop zone in 16th.

Newcastle are also now four points clear of the bottom three despite blowing the lead to draw 1-1 at home to Wolves.

Jamaal Lascelles's towering header put the Magpies in front before Ruben Neves equalised for Nuno Espirito Santo's men, who remain in 12th.

Aston Villa coped without the injured Jack Grealish and kept their bid for the top four alive with a 1-0 win at Leeds.

Anwar El Ghazi's early strike moved eighth-placed Villa to within six points of West Ham with two games in hand to come.

Manchester City's centre-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones both struck as the Premier League leaders beat West Ham 2-1 on Saturday, while West Brom enlivened the battle to beat the drop with a controversial 1-0 win over Brighton in which the Seagulls missed two penalties.

Manchester City's centre-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones both struck as the Premier League leaders beat West Ham 2-1 on Saturday, while West Brom enlivened the battle to beat the drop with a controversial 1-0 win over Brighton in which the Seagulls missed two penalties. Pep Guardiola's men are now 13 points clear thanks to a 20-game winning run in all competitions that has seen them close in on an unprecedented quadruple of trophies. For the first time in recent weeks, City showed signs of fatigue, though, and needed the dominant centre-back pairing that has been a huge part of their success defensively this season to also make their mark at the other end. "After 10 or 15 minutes today we realised we were not going to paint anything beautiful," said Guardiola. "When you play a lot of games - in the league and then the Champions League - this is normal. We were lucky to get all three points." Kevin De Bruyne made just his second start since returning from a hamstring injury and the Belgian's teasing cross was powered home by Dias for his first City goal since joining from Benfica in September. City had kept eight clean sheets in their previous 10 league games, but West Ham showed why they are fourth and pushing to edge out the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal to qualify for next season's Champions League. "I'm really disappointed we didn't get a point," said West Ham boss David Moyes. "It was a terrific performance. We came here and tried to match a top side - and for long periods we did." Michail Antonio had already threatened an equaliser by hitting the post before he did level by tapping home Jesse Lingard's mishit shot just before half-time. But City's determination to keep winning shone through in the second-half as Stones smashed home Riyad Mahrez's pass for the winner on 68 minutes. - Blunder costs Brighton - West Brom kept their hopes of avoiding the drop alive with just a second win in 13 games under Sam Allardyce in a match overshadowed by a surreal moment of refereeing by Lee Mason that cost Brighton an equaliser. Kyle Bartley's early header gave West Brom the lead before Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck both hit the woodwork either side of half-time from the penalty spot for the visitors. Brighton did have the ball in the net when Lewis Dunk's quickly taken free-kick, after Mason had whistled for it to be taken, caught Sam Johnstone napping. Mason initially did not award the goal before reversing his decision. However, after reviewing the incident on VAR, the goal was ruled out as the referee changed his mind for a second time. "It's embarrassing, it's just a horrendous decision," said Dunk. "I said to the ref 'can I take it', he blew his whistle and I took it. I don't think he knew what he was doing." In a statement, the Premier League said: "Referee Lee Mason has overturned the goal because the whistle had been blown a second time before the ball had crossed the line." Victory for the Baggies hauls Allardyce's men to within eight points of safety, while Brighton remain just four points clear of the drop zone in 16th. Newcastle are also now four points clear of the bottom three despite blowing the lead to draw 1-1 at home to Wolves. Jamaal Lascelles's towering header put the Magpies in front before Ruben Neves equalised for Nuno Espirito Santo's men, who remain in 12th. Aston Villa coped without the injured Jack Grealish and kept their bid for the top four alive with a 1-0 win at Leeds. Anwar El Ghazi's early strike moved eighth-placed Villa to within six points of West Ham with two games in hand to come.

Man City stride clear, Brighton pay the penalty amid refereeing chaos

Manchester City have announced the signing of Ruben Dias. The 23-year-old centre-back joins from Portuguese outfit Benfica, with Nicolas Otamendi moving in the opposite direction. Having undergone a medical in Lisbon prior to completing the deal, Dias arrived in Manchester on Monday.

A product of the Benfica academy, Dias enjoyed individual success at youth level, featuring in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2016 and being named Cosme Damião Revelation of the Year the following season.

He went on to win both the Portuguese title and Super Cup during his three seasons in the first team, while also competing in the Champions League.

With 19 senior international caps already to his name, Dias won the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 with his native Portugal. He was named man-of-the-match in the final and also featured in the team of the tournament alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Virgil Van Dijk and City teammate Bernardo Silva.

Rúben Dias said: “To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down. Their success speaks for itself. They have been the dominant team in England over the last few years, playing an attacking brand of football which I feel suits my own game.

“It is really exciting to be part of such a talented squad and to play for a world class manager like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record of developing young players like myself. “I believe I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions match my own and I will give everything to be successful and win titles.”

Txiki Begiristain added: “Ruben is a player we have admired for some time and we have been impressed with how he has progressed at Benfica. He has developed into a real leader and as a defender, he has all the attributes we are looking for. He is strong in the air, good in one v one situations and technically, he is very good, so we are confident he can thrive in our system.

“He is young but has gained valuable experience at a big European club in Benfica and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to sign him. He is another talented addition to the squad and someone who is only going to get better working under Pep.”

Manchester City have announced the signing of Ruben Dias. The 23-year-old centre-back joins from Portuguese outfit Benfica, with Nicolas Otamendi moving in the opposite direction.

Manchester City have announced the signing of Ruben Dias. The 23-year-old centre-back joins from Portuguese outfit Benfica, with Nicolas Otamendi moving in the opposite direction. Having undergone a medical in Lisbon prior to completing the deal, Dias arrived in Manchester on Monday. A product of the Benfica academy, Dias enjoyed individual success at youth level, featuring in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2016 and being named Cosme Damião Revelation of the Year the following season. He went on to win both the Portuguese title and Super Cup during his three seasons in the first team, while also competing in the Champions League. With 19 senior international caps already to his name, Dias won the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 with his native Portugal. He was named man-of-the-match in the final and also featured in the team of the tournament alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Virgil Van Dijk and City teammate Bernardo Silva. Rúben Dias said: “To have the opportunity to join a club like Manchester City is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I couldn’t turn down. Their success speaks for itself. They have been the dominant team in England over the last few years, playing an attacking brand of football which I feel suits my own game. “It is really exciting to be part of such a talented squad and to play for a world class manager like Pep Guardiola, who has a proven track record of developing young players like myself. “I believe I can improve here, at a club whose ambitions match my own and I will give everything to be successful and win titles.” Txiki Begiristain added: “Ruben is a player we have admired for some time and we have been impressed with how he has progressed at Benfica. He has developed into a real leader and as a defender, he has all the attributes we are looking for. He is strong in the air, good in one v one situations and technically, he is very good, so we are confident he can thrive in our system. “He is young but has gained valuable experience at a big European club in Benfica and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to sign him. He is another talented addition to the squad and someone who is only going to get better working under Pep.”

Ruben Dias signs for Manchester City from SL Benfica

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Ruben Dias signs for Manchester City from SL Benfica