LONDON • Pep Guardiola has once again sought to play down Manchester City's chances of winning the quadruple after their narrow 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory over Brighton on Saturday.
Describing the unprecedented feat as highly unlikely, Gabriel Jesus' goal in the fourth minute was enough for City to set up a return visit to Wembley for the final on May 18.
They will be firm favourites to triumph and claim another piece of silverware, having won the League Cup in February.
Guardiola's men also remain in contention to retain the Premier League title and win the Champions League for the first time - with a quarter-final first leg against Tottenham to come tomorrow.
Should they prevail in the three competitions, they would become the first English club to achieve such a clean sweep.
But, after an unexpectedly subdued showing in what was City's 11th victory in 14 FA Cup semi-finals, and one in which they were somewhat fortunate not to lose Kyle Walker to a first-half red card for an apparent headbutt, Guardiola maintained his stance of not getting carried away with regard to what his team can achieve.
The Spaniard said post-game: "It is almost impossible to win the quadruple. Put it in the headline: almost impossible. Surviving in that stage of the competitions is already a miracle. And still we are there."
The 48-year-old was in somewhat tetchy mood after what was a 22nd victory in 23 games for his side, which could in part have been down to how City performed at Wembley.
Jesus' goal appeared the cue for a rout. Yet as was the case in the recent wins against Fulham and Cardiff, City retreated within themselves after taking an early lead.
They created only four shots on target in the entire game and found themselves under pressure from a spirited Brighton side in the second half.
It could also have been a different game had Walker been sent off in the first half following a scuffle with Brighton winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh. Both players were booked by referee Anthony Taylor before the defender's yellow card was looked at by the Video Assistant Referee with the possibility of it being upgraded.
After a short delay, the original decision was upheld despite replays showing Walker had thrust his head into that of the Iranian.
While Guardiola claimed to have not seen the incident, Chris Hughton was in no doubt the England right-back was lucky to remain on the field.
"In my opinion, it was a red card. There was sufficient force," said the Brighton manager. "We're at a stage where everybody is pushing for it (VAR). I've been converted, but I'm not sure how far it will take us."
THE GUARDIAN
Yuya Osako scored twice as Japan overcame a spirited Turkmenistan side 3-2 to claim three points in the AFC Asian Cup Group F opening match in Abu Dhabi. It was a brave performance by Turkmenistan
Opinion: Heavyweight Ryan Reaves-Adam McQuaid scrap a
allmysportsnews.com/nhl/opinion-heavyweight-ryan-reaves-adam-mcquaid-scrap-a-microcosm-of-nhl-fighting-debate/
Football: Osako double saves the day for Japan in 3-2 Asian Cup win over Turkmenistan »
Yuya Osako snatches shock victory for Japan in opposition to
tmssmagazine.com/yuya-osako-snatches-shock-victory-for-japan-in-opposition-to-10-man-colombia/
It is difficult to imagine a team making a more calamitous start to a game in this World Cup finals than Colombia did here and, unfortunately for José Pékerman and his players, there was another blow to come on top of being a goal and a man down inside a chaotic first six minutes.
Japan 1 - Ivory Coast 2 | Reuters.com
Lucas Moura, from PSG cast-off to Tottenham idol
Kevin de Bruyne is set for another injury lay-off after suffering a suspected hamstring strain against Tottenham. The Manchester City playmaker will be assessed over the weekend, but Pep Guardiola
Manchester City Midfielder Kevin de Bruyne to miss derby with
Sergio Aguero's 20th Premier League goal of the season left Manchester City just two wins from the title after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday. Aguero, who has now scored nine times in his past eight appearances against Burnley, struck in the 63rd minute, with a shot that only just […]
Aguero inches City closer to title - Newspaper - DAWN.COM
Egypt international Mohamed Salah has crowned a memorable 2018 year by collecting the CAF Player of the Year award for the second year in a row.. Salah made the final three-man shortlist for this year's African Player of the Year award alongside Senegal's Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon.
Salah retains African award to seal great day for Egypt
Leicester welcome Rodgers with win, Newcastle end Burnley run. New boss in the stands after agreeing terms earlier in day
Leicester welcome Rodgers with win, Newcastle end Burnley run
Top 10 Dramatic Comebacks Of 2016 Top 10 Greatest Comebacks In Football History Hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE Thank you for watching! If you enjoyed, please Subscribe Leave your opinion! Thank for the
Top Ten NFL Running Backs of All Time - TheTopTens®
David de Gea is determined to prove he remains a world-class goalkeeper and will start against Huddersfield Town on Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed. The under-fire Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sets out stance on David De Gea ahead of
Injuries open the way for Lukaku and Sanchez to shine for Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku to step up to help the club in its injury crisis.
Injuries open way for Sanchez and Lukaku to shine for United
What Man United's draw with Huddersfield means for Arsenal, Chelsea & Tottenham in top-four race. How the battle for the top four looks after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United drew with bottom side Huddersfield Town
Man Utd miss out on top four after draw at Huddersfield
It is safe to say that even statistics will fail to measure the impact Leo Messi has on the pitch. He is a constant threat, who can do things which is impossible even in video games.
El Clasico 1-On-1: Lionel Messi Vs Cristiano Ronaldo | Goal.com
Ronald Koeman. Soccer: Coach Koeman sees 'great future' for Dutch national team. Reuters India - by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru (Reuters) - The Netherlands head into this week's Nations League semi-finals with one of the best young squads the country has produced in recent years and Dutch football can once again look forward to a bright future, manager Ronald Koeman has said.
Nations League: 'We were not good enough' - Ronald Koeman
Liverpool will spend Christmas on top of the Premier League after goals from Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk earned them a 2-0 win at Wolves on Friday, opening up a four-point lead over second
Liverpool seal Christmas top spot as Salah and Van Dijk sink
0 comments:
Post a Comment