07/10/2025

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TUESDAY | OCT 7, 2025

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Cheeky Pep Guardiola takes jab at Liverpool and plans Ferguson, Wenger dinner after 250th win

Redemption for Russell

- Story on page 28

Man City’s Erling Haaland battles for the ball with Brentford’s Sepp Van den Berg during the English Premier League match yesterday. – AFPPIC

Rashford goal in vain

City manager Pep Guardiola. – REUTERSPIC

A S Manchester City reasserted them selves as challengers, Pep Guardiola cheekily reminded Liverpool of the fact some were ready to crown them Premier League champions mere weeks ago before their sharp downturn in form. Erling Haaland’s fine first half finish secured a 1-0 win away at Brentford as City moved two points behind reigning champions Liverpool and three off of table-toppers Arsenal. City had earlier been discounted in the title race after losing two of their first three games – to Tottenham and Brighton. But four unbeaten since, including a draw away at Arsenal, has reignited their belief. Guardiola made Premier League history at Brentford by reaching 250 wins in just 349 games, faster than any other manager in the division’s history. The Catalan coach has surpassed Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, who took 423 and 404 games respectively to reach the same milestone. City jumped to fifth place in the League table, and Guardiola appears optimistic his side will be title contenders once again after a barren season last year. As they seek to reclaim their crown from Liverpool, he rubbed salt in the wounds after the Reds suffered back-to-back losses to squan der an eight-point gap to the Citizens. Guardiola praised match-winner Haaland as “the best” striker in the business and expressed

- Story on page 29

his belief that his team will be serious contend ers again because they are only improving. “It’s just seven games for the Premier League,” said Guardiola. “I would say three weeks ago Liverpool apparently won the Premier League and now they have not. “It’s important to see the team better and better. Liverpool is an incredible team, like Arsenal, the question is to improve and improve, the way we play, the way we defend, will help us to be close to fight. “I’m really pleased for this month since the Man United game. We are there and I have the feeling we are getting better and better.” Haaland revealed that becoming a father has helped improved his game, telling Sky Sports : “I have never felt better than I do now. “With a kid it makes me even better because I disconnect more than ever – I don’t think about football at all.” Reacting to his 250-win milestone, Guardiola said: “We won a lot! Otherwise you cannot take this accolade without winning a lot of games. “It’s an honour for me to be alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger so I will invite them to a good dinner. “Maybe not in Manchester, maybe some where with more sun. No, we’ll do it in Manchester. It’s an honour, a pleasure to be part of that in the Premier League history. “I want to say thank you to the club, the organisation, the players and the staff that I had

because we did it quicker, faster, better and really, really pleased. Now, let’s go for 250 more.” City were unable to add to their tally and were almost pegged back when Igor Thiago raced through on goal, only for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to come to their rescue. “Away when you are 1-0 up always you suf fer,” added Guardiola. “In first half we were at our best and could have scored more goals to make it a little easier. “We knew at halftime they would push more. Throw-ins, corners, freekicks, always you suffer. But the game was well played.” Sadly, City’s afternoon in the west London sunshine was soured when midfielder Rodri suffered more injury misery. In the 20th minute the disconsolate Spaniard, still making his way back from almost a year out due to an ACL injury, sat down in the centre circle holding his hamstring and eventu ally limped off to be replaced by Nico Gonzalez. “It looks like a hamstring but we don’t know the damage yet,” said Guardiola. For Brentford it was a first home defeat of the season as their chaotic brand of long throws and set-pieces came up short. “We made it very uncomfortable in the sec ond half,” said boss Keith Andrews. “It was a game of very few chances and when you restrict them to very few chances you’re doing well. I’m not sure many other strikers in the world score that goal.” – Express Newspapers/The Independent

Two-thumbs up

- Story on page 31

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