Manchester City

Holly Bacon
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Guardiola said Rodri is "getting better" but still has not trained with them. He said Ruben Dias will "not yet" return but he is getting better - as is Josko Gvardiol.

• The manager said City's end of the season schedule "is what it is" and that they "have to adapt". He added: "I'd prefer even to play the Champions League semi-finals. We've had this type of calendar, of course it could be better but I never expect from a long time ago, something."

• Guardiola was asked about when Paris St-Germain had a postponement request accepted earlier this season: "It can happen in other countries, but here it is what it is. We have to adapt. If you don't like it, go and train in France or Portugal. I like to be here and I've said many times - when I was at Barcelona I saw managers here complain about the schedule. So I never expect differently. They decide to play [any day of the week], we will play."

• On John Stones, who confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season: "He was the best player by far in the final in Istanbul. That means a huge personality. Now he feels fit. Hopefully he can find the rhythm, physically to be ready. Part of ourselves is leaving. He's an incredible person on and off the pitch."

• The City boss said they are "ready for another final" against an Everton team "still fighting for European competitions". On the Toffees he added: "They defend really well. David Moyes knows exactly what to do. The game we played here [The Etihad] we won because of two or three actions. I think we are better than in that moment and hopefully we can use that. We know what we are playing for."

• Guardiola was asked about his trip to watch Stockport County against Port Vale in midweek and joked: "I saw the calendar, PSG-Bayern Munich, I said 'ah, what a disaster game'. I am in love with English football and I went to see Stockport." He said he watched PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich "right after" when he got home, "with a glass of wine, knowing the result".

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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Arsenal squeezed past Newcastle to go top of the Premier League again by three points and could be six clear before Manchester City next play. Even so, it didn't feel close to the biggest story of the weekend, just business as usual at the Emirates.

The biggest surprise to me is that both City and Arsenal have seemed content with 1-0 wins in their last league games, even though both are keenly aware that goal difference and goals scored could decide the destination of the Premier League trophy.

I haven't given up hope yet. Soon enough, they will start going for the jugular in every match, which will be a joy to behold.

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Arsenal defender Gabriel should have been shown a red card for violent conduct against Manchester City, according to the Premier League's key match incidents panel.

However, while the panel believed referee Anthony Taylor should have dismissed the Brazil international, it also felt the incident did not reach the threshold for a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention.

Gabriel had been engaged in a battle with Erling Haaland throughout the top-of-the-table Premier League clash.

In the 82nd minute, the two players literally went head-to-head, with the Gabriel pushing his forehead into the City striker.

Referee Anthony Taylor opted to caution both players for adopting an aggressive attitude on the advice of his assistant.

The VAR, John Brooks, backed that decision, ruling that the centre-back's action was "not excessively aggressive or violent".

Most panellists disagreed with the yellow card shown by Taylor, voting 3:2 that "the extra head movement forward from Gabriel" should be seen as violent conduct.

The other two panellists argued "there is little force or initial backwards movement from Gabriel."

The panel voted 4:1 against a VAR intervention.

Gabriel would have been suspended for three matches if he had been sent off for violent conduct.

It was also unanimously ruled that Taylor was correct not to show a red card to City defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

Arsenal striker Kai Havertz went down under a challenge from the Uzbekistan international when running through on goal in the 53rd minute.

Taylor did not give a free-kick, and the VAR opted against a review for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

The panel noted that "Havertz is not in control of the ball and Khusanov makes shoulder-to-shoulder contact".

Everton are exploring a move for John Stones, who is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season. They also want to extend Jack Grealish's loan. (i paper - subscription required, external)

Tottenham will sell goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to Inter Milan this summer, with James Trafford on their list of possible replacements. (Teamtalk, external)

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Emily Brobyn
Fan writer

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From a trophyless season to the possibility of a domestic treble, it's been a wild ride for Manchester City fans so far – and it's time to hold on as we start to turn into the final straight.

I'm of the mind that the domestic double – the League Cup and FA Cup – would be an impressive end to a campaign where, at times, silverware certainly hasn't been promised.

I did believe City had the potential to just pip Arsenal to the title on goal difference, but now I think Mikel Arteta's men will get the job done. I'd always back the Blues – they have the momentum and real experience of locking in when it really matters. I just think with the trickier fixtures and a bit of fixture congestion, it feels like a big ask for this young side.

Arsenal are desperate – 22 years without a title – and that desperation to end their title drought could be their biggest strength. Whether they can hold their nerve to actually get it over the line remains to be seen.

But we've seen real progress from this evolving Pep side this season. Many of the younger players have come of age, the new signings have really bedded in. Pep's found a consistent starting XI that he trusts, that has a rhythm and consistency. But can they be perfect between now and the end of the season? It's a huge ask. It feels like it could just be a season too soon when it comes to the title – but it's ominous already for next season for City's rivals.

A domestic double is more than achievable. An FA Cup final against Chelsea could be tricky with Premier League midweek games either side. But having made more history by reaching four FA Cup finals in a row, surely Pep wouldn't want the honour of losing three of those on the spin.

The title race could boil down to who blinks first – and with City playing on Monday at Everton, the Blues may have to overturn a six-point deficit yet again should Arsenal beat Fulham.

Pep's men are currently 11 games unbeaten in the league. They'd need to go 16 to win the league. If they do? Well, nobody could argue with that.

Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester - find all their Man City audio here

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As with fellow legendary figure Bernado Silva, tributes to John Stones have been pouring in since the defender followed his team-mate in announcing he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has made 293 appearances since joining from Everton for £47.5m in 2016, helping City win six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, five League Cups, three Community Shields, the Club World Cup and the Uefa Super Cup.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, City fan Scott said: "I can't cope at the moment. All the players I've really liked over the last few years are leaving. He was the second signing under Pep Guardiola after Ilkay Gundogan, he was 20 and everyone thought he would be on the bench. He has shown his versatility and been a fantastic player for the club.

"His conversion into midfield has shown that and he has played his part in every season where we have won things. Specifically, the Champions League final when we won the treble, he had a magnificent game. He's been a great signing for the club."

Fellow City supporter Nigel added: "Having watched the guy, and especially the treble season, he can almost play the game with his eyes closed when he is fit. He is that good.

"He is one of those people who comes out of the womb and can just play football from birth. That's the calibre of John Stones.

"The way he bounced back after his first few years at City, that's what I admire. The way he fought back and established himself as a top footballer is testament to the lad's determination and dedication to making it."

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Manchester United do not want to get into a bidding war for Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, who is also a target for Manchester City. (ESPN, external)

Newcastle are planning a rebuild this summer with Lens' 21-year-old French goalkeeper Robin Risser and Manchester City and England stopper James Trafford, 23, being considered for the No 1 spot. (i paper - subscription required, external)

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Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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The sight of empty seats in the Manchester City end at Wembley for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton has inevitably triggered the usual cycle of lazy jibes from rival fans.

But for anyone living in the real world - and certainly outside of the vacuum of social media point-scoring - the lack of a sell-out is not an indictment of loyalty, but a symptom of staggering success and economic reality.

Under Pep Guardiola, a trip to England's showpiece venue has shifted from a once-in-a-generation opportunity to a routine commitment. Since 2011, City have visited the national stadium 33 times, and the weekend's clash against the Saints was Guardiola's 25th Wembley appearance alone, including the Premier League meetings with Tottenham in 2018.

For a fanbase largely based in the North West, the novelty of the M6 has long since worn off.

Factor in the real-life logistics - a return train from Manchester to London Euston can comfortably exceed £100, while match tickets, stadium food, and drinks push the cost of a single day trip toward the £300 mark. Now, imagine what it would take for a family of four - that's over £1,000 for a Saturday trip.

To expect the average fan to bankroll this every few weeks, or certainly multiple times across a season, in the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, and semi-finals of the former is bordering on delusional.

With Manchester City now having reached a historic four consecutive FA Cup finals, supporters have been forced to prioritise.

When facing Southampton - a Championship side City were favourites to beat, irrespective of the Saints' brilliant form in recent months - it is perfectly logical for fans to save their hard-earned cash for what some would deem as an inevitable final appearance next month. And that is now what we have on the cards, once again, as Chelsea await.

Why pay a premium for a semi-final that many would agree should be played at a neutral northern or Midlands ground like Villa Park, when the showpiece final is just around the corner? Wembley is Wembley, the ultimate reward for conquering every round, not for reaching the last-four.

In an era of soaring living costs, City fans chose to back their team where it matters most. As Pep Guardiola himself noted after the 2-1 win, they will be there for the final. And to suggest otherwise is to ignore the physical and financial exhaustion that comes with unparalleled dominance.

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For a third consecutive campaign, Manchester City will not increase ticket prices.

Official Supporters Club representative Kevin Parker told BBC Sport's Manchester City reporter, Shamoon Hafez that "putting prices up in this in the current climate is an absolute no, no".

City have reacted by freezing ticket prices "in recognition of the extraordinary accumulated impact of the current cost of living pressures on fans and their families".

Parker believes other top-flight clubs have "ignored" the current cost of living pressures and that some clubs have "gone way too far" with their ticket price increase.

"Any percentage increase is too far. For City to listen, that is the most important part of this," added Parker.

"Various protests around the stadiums also objected to that [proposed 2.8% increase to Man City tickets], but the club came back and said: 'We have listened and this is what we're going to do'."

City have also introduced a new bracket of adult ticket prices starting at £25 for some midweek Premier League games, acknowledging the difficulties of attending such matches during a working week.

Liverpool fans have already conducted several protests against plans to increase ticket prices before each of the next three seasons.

The move has prompted Supporters' Union Spirit of Shankly to call on fans to work together across the game in order to protect affordable access to matches.

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Everton are set to target Manchester City's Nathan Ake, 31, in the summer as the Dutch defender seeks more game time. (Football Insider), external

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Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Manchester City face a fixture pile-up of four games in 11 days next month after the Premier League confirmed the rescheduled dates for two of their key matches in the race for the title.

Pep Guardiola's side will host Crystal Palace on Wednesday, 13 May and travel to Bournemouth six days later, with the FA Cup final against Chelsea taking place in between on Saturday, 16 May.

City have been left frustrated by the length of time it has taken for the Crystal Palace game to be confirmed and feel the principle of rescheduling games at the earliest moment has not been followed.

The Premier League knew about the need to rearrange that game on 4 February, when City beat Newcastle to book their place in the Carabao Cup final, but it has taken almost three months to come to this decision.

It is understood City had offered three different alternatives for the Palace fixture in the weeks beginning 20 and 27 April, as well as 4 May, but the Burnley game was rescheduled for the first option and Oliver Glasner's side's participation in the Conference League ruled out the other.

City had put forward the scenario of potentially facing Bournemouth on 12 May and Palace a week later, which would have allowed an extra day to recover for the Wembley showpiece and to play their final two league games of the season at home.

While Manchester City wanted to play the game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday. 19 May, this did not seem to take into account the Eagles' game against Brentford.

That game has to be played on Sunday, 17 May as the FA Cup final takes place the day before, so there was no realistic prospect that Palace would be told to play again 48 hours later when there were other options available.

It leaves City with an arduous three games in seven days, with a lot of travelling involved, during the most crucial part of the campaign when they are chasing a domestic treble.

City's remaining fixtures:

• 4 May: Everton (a)

• 9 May: Brentford (h)

• 13 May: Crystal Palace (h)

• 16 May: FA Cup final v Chelsea

• 19 May: Bournemouth (a)

• 24 May: Aston Villa (h)

We asked for your views on John Stones, who will leave Manchester City this summer after 10 years at the club

Here are some of your comments:

Grace: Club legend. His performance in Istanbul to secure the Treble and our first Champions League will live long in the memory of all fans. It's unfortunate that his injuries kept him out of the team so much, but a decade of service to the club is not bad going!

Bryan: Stones has been brilliant for us and is my favourite centre-back of all time. He had/has everything - big, strong, quick, great reader of the game, always good on the ball and never panicked. A one-off. The only downside is his injury record so it's probably the right time to move on. I hope he does brilliantly wherever he goes.

Christopher: Johnny, Johnny Stones loves an 11mm goalline clearance.

Russ: All the best, John Stones. I'm sure the doubt over his fitness has played a part in the conversations with City. That aside, it's hard to think of a more classy central defender. If his next team can get a full season out of him it will be a nailed on good one. Some outstanding games for City over the years.

Evan: A top player and a top bloke. He's been absolutely fantastic for City and I'm truly gutted his injuries mean he will now leave us. The fans adore him - he will be truly missed. Thank you for 10 great years, John.

Usama: A truly special player in many ways. He arrived at the club with several question marks over his ability and the money we bought him for, but look back at what he has achieved and he is worth every penny. He's a perfect example of a Pep player. Has played in many different roles, accomplishing all of them - and what about that performance in Istanbul? Wow. He will be missed for sure and wish him the absolute best of luck in his next chapter. Sir John.

Steve: MOTM in the Champions League final. A fit John Stones walks into most sides. He gets the Blues excited.

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Manchester City defender John Stones will bring an end to his 10-year stay at Etihad Stadium at the end of this season.

The 31-year-old became Pep Guardiola's second signing after penning his first club contract in August 2016, joining from fellow Premier League side Everton in a £47.5m deal, but his current deal was set to expire this summer.

Stones has carved out a trophy-laden career in the north west, making 293 club appearances in all competitions while also netting 19 goals and contributing nine assists.

His 19-strong major trophy haul includes six Premier League titles, one Champions League win, two FA Cup triumphs, five EFL Cup successes, three Community Shields, a Club World Cup title and a Super Cup winners' medal.

The England international announced his decision in an Instagram video, external, saying: "What does Manchester City mean to me? It has been my home for the past 10 years and it will be the home for the rest of my life.

"It has been a rollercoaster in many ways. I came as a kid and now I'm leaving as a man, having become a father, a husband and a very fulfilled player on the pitch.

"I've lived all of my dreams out and I've lifted all the things that I came here to achieve. Every dream has been smashed out of the park.

"I can only relate it to me as a little kid. If you said to me: 'You will be playing at Manchester City, winning everything, the fans will be singing your name wherever you go in the world' - I don't think I would've believed it.

"The fans mean everything to me. I hope I've made them proud. I hope they can relate to me as a person and as a player in terms of how I've represented the club.

"I've got endless memories with everyone, which I'll cherish forever. I've been so lucky to be in every dressing room with such incredible people.

"It will always be my home - and I'm honestly thankful from the bottom of my heart.

"This is my team forever, it always will be. I haven't got the words to say how much I love everything about it."

Man City fans, how are you feeling about the announcement? Were you hoping for a different decision? How would you honour John Stones?

Let us know your thoughts here

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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The FA Cup is supposed to be about fairytales but Leeds and Southampton weren't able to keep those dreams alive, despite valiant efforts.

Manchester City will be waiting for Chelsea after initially fielding what was not far off a second string starting line-up. In reality it isn't about fairytales - it is about winning.

City's quality shone through in the end, even if it took 82 long minutes. When the final whistle went, no one was even slightly surprised that Pep Guardiola's men were still in the running for the domestic treble.

The question is, will City send out another weakened side for the final if the league chase is still neck and neck?

Had City still been in the Champions League, it wouldn't have surprised me. As it is Pep knows the importance of trophies for his legacy, so expect Erling Haaland and co. to be ready and waiting for Chelsea in three weeks' time.

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Jeremy Doku has become a "nightmare to play against", according to Wayne Rooney, who has compared the Manchester City winger to former Manchester United team-mate Nani.

The 23-year-old came off the bench to score and assist in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton, and Rooney thinks Doku's upped his consistency this campaign.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, he said: "When we went off-air [on Saturday], I said to him 'when you went around the goalkeeper, why didn't you shoot?', and he said 'I was on my left foot and I've seen one of my team-mates in a better position'.

"So I said he needs to be a bit more selfish and he was laughing, but I thought he was brilliant when he came on.

"He's been a little bit inconsistent over the past couple seasons but this season I think he's been brilliant - a nightmare for defenders to play against.

"He is a player who will frustrate you as a forward. We used to have that with Nani. You don't know what decision they're going to make so it's difficult to read them but they will pull off moments of brilliance and I think he's been so much more consistent this season.

"When he's in that form it's so difficult for anyone to defend."

You can also listen to Doku's full post-match reaction with BBC Radio Manchester here

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Manchester City will "slip up once or twice" in the Premier League title race to crown Arsenal champions, says former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Arsenal moved three points clear of Pep Guardiola's side at the weekend with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, while City dropped to second with a game in hand.

"I thought the Newcastle game was so important," Rooney said in the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show. "If Arsenal go and win that then they really can go and win every game. That was such a big win.

"I feel City have a couple of tricky games in there coming up and I can see them slipping up once or twice."

But despite predicting Arsenal as title-winners, when co-host Kae Kurd asked Rooney which dressing room he would rather be in, Rooney said: "City's - 100%.

"It depends what you're going for. In terms of the Premier League race, you'd rather be in City's one because, [although] I think Arsenal will win it, it's a challenge for City to go and win it again.

"But for Arsenal, all the pressure is on them to go and win the league."

Let us know which team you would rather be right now

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