Pep Guardiola

Arsenal have received a significant fitness boost with the news that Noni Madueke is expected to be available for Sunday's pivotal Premier League clash against Manchester City.

The start of April saw Arsenal sitting pretty nine points clear at the top of the Premier League. Just a few weeks later, it’s Manchester City who look primed to seize control of the title race. The two contenders will meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what will no doubt be the title […] The post Premier League title showdown set for the Etihad appeared first on Esteemed Kompany.

Bernardo Silva has confirmed he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, bringing a trophy-laden nine-year spell at the Etihad Stadium to a close.

Robert Lewandowski has had a disappointing season, losing his starting position at Barcelona and missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Following this, the Polish now faces one of the most important challenges of his career: Convincing the Blaugranas and securing his future. Despite arriving in Barcelona as a seasoned veteran, Robert Lewandowski managed to put in an impressive performance in his first few seasons, scoring 42 goals last season and surpassing 25 goals in the two seasons prior. Despite this, the Polish striker is having a season to forget, missing out on the 2026 World Cup and raising serious doubts among the Blaugranas. As a result, he faces a tough challenge: convincing the Spanish side to keep him and securing his future. Shortly after the start of the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski suffered two muscle injuries that limited his impact at Barcelona. As a result, Ferran Torres took his starting spot, delivering strong performances. Beyond the injuries themselves, this situation highlights a growing concern: his declining physical output. While the Polish striker remains in good shape, Hansi Flick’s tactical system demands far more than just goals, something he has not been consistently providing. Unlike his previous season, Robert Lewandowski has been far less productive in front of goal. In the 40 matches he has played this season, he has managed to score just 17 goals, marking his lowest scoring output since joining Barcelona. With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Blaugranas are not fully convinced about renewing him, reportedly offering only a one-year extension with a reduced salary and a secondary role. His struggles have not been limited to Barcelona, as Lewandowski has also failed to impress with Poland. Despite being an undisputed starter, the veteran was unable to make a decisive impact in the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers, going scoreless against Sweden and missing out on the 2026 edition, leaving him with just two World Cup appearances in his career. Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona looks on from the bench. Lewandowski disappointed with Poland in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Robert Lewandowski is one of the most important players in the history of Poland. After 165 appearances, he has scored 89 goals, making him the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He also ranks among the top five international goal scorers of all time, alongside players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Despite this, the 37-year-old striker did not deliver his best performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Lewandowski set a historic record by scoring 16 goals in 10 matches. Far from slowing down in the 2022 edition, the Polish forward once again impressed, netting 9 goals in 9 games and leading his national team to the tournament. However, he was unable to replicate that level in the most recent campaign, producing a less effective return. Unlike the previous two editions, Lewandowski managed just five goals in nine matches for Poland. While he has played a key role in creating space and assisting teammates, his goal output has dropped significantly. He also failed to score against Sweden in the play-off final, leaving his side without his usual scoring contribution and reflecting a difficult season in which he has struggled to find his best form. Lewandowski no longer fits in at Barcelona under Flick Hansi Flick has managed to establish a highly dominant style of play in Europe. Since his arrival in Barcelona, he has relied on intense high-pressing and pressure after turnover involving his forwards. As a result, the Blaugranas have excelled offensively, creating far more scoring opportunities. While Lewandowski performed brilliantly in the 2024-25 season, his physical condition has declined this season, making him less productive. During the 2025–26 season, Robert Lewandowski has become a less effective goalscorer, though he has maintained his importance in overall play by drawing defenders and creating opportunities for his teammates. However, head coach Hansi Flick has a clear demand for his striker: high pressing and immediate pressure after losing possession. As a veteran forward, Lewandowski has struggled to meet those physical demands. Given his declining goal output and high salary, Barcelona are reportedly no longer counting on him as an undisputed starter. Instead, they are pursuing the signing of a younger forward such as Julián Álvarez, prioritizing pressing, pace, scoring ability, and creativity. That said, the Polish striker could still play a key role off the bench, offering experience and finishing quality as a more traditional central striker. Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona With one of the highest salaries in the squad, Robert would need to significantly reduce his wages and accept a secondary role. While this scenario would be ideal for Barcelona, he could struggle to adapt to those conditions. In addition, he continues to attract strong interest from clubs that could offer him a more lucrative contract or a more prominent role. As a result, Lewandowski is not entirely open to staying at Barcelona, feeling neglected by the club, reports Nil Sola, via SER. How has Lewandowski’s playing style changed compared to previous seasons? Robert Lewandowski has gone through several distinct phases throughout his career. During his tenure at Borussia Dortmund, the Polish striker established himself as a brilliant forward, physically dominant and relentless in pressing defenders to score. While not yet a standout in collective play, he still managed to record 103 goals and 42 assists in 187 appearances, attracting interest from Real Madrid and several top European clubs. With his move to Bayern Munich, Lewandowski underwent a clear evolution in his playing style. Under the influence of Pep Guardiola, he developed into one of the most complete strikers in the world. Not only did he excel as a goalscorer, but he also became fully integrated into the team’s collective play, frequently rotating positions with Thomas Müller. At the same time, he maintained his physical dominance, finishing his spell with 344 goals and 73 assists in 375 matches. After his historic stint in Germany, Lewandowski chose to join FC Barcelona. Despite already being a veteran, he made an immediate impact under Xavi Hernández. Thanks to his game intelligence, he stood out by scoring 33 goals in his first season, playing a key role in creating space, pressing, and winning duels against defenders. However, he has since had to adapt his style, maintaining his importance while seeing a decline in pure scoring output. Even though Lewandowski had previously scored 42 goals for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, he has shown a noticeable physical decline this season. As a result, he has shifted his focus toward drawing defenders and facilitating play for Fermín López and Lamine Yamal. In doing so, he has remained highly influential in the team’s overall structure, albeit with a reduced scoring role, particularly as he is no longer applies pressure on opponents. Robert Lewandowski may be an ideal fit for AC Milan Robert Lewandowski can still thrive in European leagues, and AC Milan could be an ideal fit. Arriving as a free agent, the Polish striker would suit head coach Massimiliano Allegri. Unlike Barcelona, the Rossoneri are looking for a forward capable of dominating aerially and positioning himself between opposing center-backs. While he is not coming off his best season, he could still fulfill the role required by the Italian side. As a more traditional, fixed center-forward, Lewandowski could maintain solid output in Serie A. Without heavy creative or pressing responsibilities, he could preserve his physicality to outmuscle defenders and convert chances consistently. With his clinical finishing, he could become a key solution for Allegri, especially as a partnership with Christian Pulisic could significantly boost his goal production. Compared to Christopher Nkunku and Rafael Leão, Lewandowski has consistently demonstrated elite scoring ability in recent seasons, comfortably surpassing 15 goals. He also offers a strong aerial presence, which could be decisive, particularly as Milan have relied on Adrien Rabiot in that aspect. In addition, his presence could create more space for Leão and Pulisic to operate more effectively. While Lewandowski may no longer possess the physical profile to dominate in a high-intensity collective system, he remains highly effective as a fixed striker. Moreover, he could serve as an ideal mentor for Francesco Camarda, who could develop significantly as his backup—something the club does not currently get from options like Christopher Nkunku and Santiago Giménez.

Manchester City welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to The Etihad on Sunday in a hugely intriguing encounter. The Citizens currently sit second in the top flight table and are six points behind the Gunners, although Mikel Arteta’s side have played a game more than their title rivals. Pep Guardiola’s team have been in fine form […]

After a comprehensive 3-0 win over Chelsea, David Mooney is joined by City fan Ally Fogg and football commentator Mike Minay to reflect on where that has left the title race - in the wake of Arsenal's defeat at home to Bournemouth. They look at the strength of the back five, plus the influence of Rayan Cherki on City's creativity at the business end of the season. Why do City always seem to hit their stride in the springtime? Sam Rosbottom has been looking at what Pep Guardiola and others say about it. Plus, with Arsenal to come, we hear from Arsenal fan Michael Keshani about the mood at the Emirates after the last few weeks. On top of that, we've also got Guardiola's fashion sense, our favourite pre-takeover players and goals, and mascots that we hate (for various reasons). ========== To get more podcasts or to listen without the ads, join our Patreon. It's just £2 per month for all the extra content and you can get a 7-day free trial first: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/BlueMoonPodcast⁠ And why not gift a Patreon subscription to a friend or family member? More details: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/BlueMoonPodcast/gift Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva (31) will leave the club this summer after confirming he will depart when his contract expires, bringing an end to a glittering nine-year spell at…

It may sound counterintuitive, but Mikel Arteta might, before what is arguably the biggest Arsenal match in 20 years, need to adopt some things from a team that just lost 4-0 to our opponents. There’s often a tactical tweak or a surprise selection when Pep Guardiola heads into a big game. Last month’s League Cup […] The post Tactics Column: Lessons for Arsenal against Man City’s 4-2-4 appeared first on Arseblog ... an Arsenal blog.

Chelsea have secured a massive long-term boost as world-class midfielder Moises Caicedo has reportedly “given the green light” to a lucrative new contract, snubbing interest from European giants Real Madrid in the process. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 24-year-old Ecuador international is set to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until June 2033. […] The post ‘Has given the green light’: Chelsea closing in on deal for ‘world-class’ midfielder wanted by Real Madrid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

If Arsenal play with such little attacking threat against Manchester City as they did against Sporting then Pep Guardiola will relish the chance to pick their title rivals apart.

Jimbo sits down with Duncan Alexander, Mark Carey and JJ Bull to discuss a bonkers night of Champions League football in Munich, and a not-so-bonkers evening in North London. Both Arsenal and Bayern are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League. The Bavarians playing out a 4-3 thriller with Real Madrid, winning the tie 6-4 on aggregate to set up a semi-final against PSG. Will that tie be the real final? It’s not a thrill-fest for Arsenal, but a 0-0 draw with Sporting CP means they’re through 1-0 on aggregate. Get ready for Arteta v Simeone! The Gunners will play Atletico Madrid in two weeks. Next for them is Manchester City in the Premier League. Will Pep Guardiola’s side be licking their lips at this one? Will Roberto De Zerbi get his first Spurs win against his old club Brighton? Plus, there’s the small matter of Chelsea v Man Utd AND the first ever Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson between Everton and Liverpool. Listen to the audio version of the Totally Football Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by following this link: https://podfollow.com/totallyfootballshow 00:00 Bayern 4-3 Real Madrid 25:55 Arsenal 0-0 Sporting 33:01 TFS Special Guest and JJ's National Anthem 35:28 Premier League fixtures 37:02 Man City v Arsenal 43:48 Everton v Liverpool & Chelsea v Man Utd 47:51 Relegation battle Get in touch with the show: Email: [email protected] X: @thetotallyshow Instagram: @totallyfootballshow TikTok: @thetotallyshow BlueSky: ‪@totallyshow.bsky.social‬ The Totally Football Show is with you four times a week this season, giving you all the football news you need to know - and plenty that you don't. We've got views, stats and analysis from the very best football writers around. It's smart, it's funny, and it's totally free – so listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thumbnail: Carl Recine, Michael Regan / Getty, Adrian Dennis / Contributor Credit: Catherine Ivill / Getty #championsleague #premierleague #arsenal #mancity

DREAM TEAM managers have until 11am on Saturday to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 32. As usual, allow us to put forward some recommendations for consideration. Marc Guehi (£4.2m) Six teams are scheduled to play twice this coming Gameweek, including Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side are due to host Arsenal this Sunday in what is...

“I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was: man is but an ass, if he go about to expound this dream.” – William Shakespeare Let me ask you something: A Brazilian talent, born in the favelas, who managed to rise from deep poverty and reach the… The post Ronaldinho – A Midsummer Night’s Dream first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

► Subscribe to Sky Sports Premier League: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsPL ► Watch Sky Sports: https://bit.ly/BuySkySports Its time for another episode of Beefed Up, brought to you by Uber Eats. On today's episode Specs Gonzalez will referee a contest between Man City's Luke Stanley and Arsenal's Robbie Lyle, before the two title contenders massive clash this Sunday at the Etihad. On this week's show they'll be debating; does it matter how you win the Premier League title? With Arteta's side often criticised for their set piece dominant football. Next they'll be creating a combined XI between Pep Guardiola's 2017/18 Centurion side and Arsene Wenger's Invincibles before finally debating which of the two legendary managers will leave the GREATEST Premier League legacy. Enjoy the episode? Remember to like it, leave a comment and subscribe for more great content! TIMECODES 00:00 Does it matter how you win the Premier League? 04:48 How many of City's Centurions get into Arsenal's Invincibles? 13:53 Who will leave the greater Premier League legacy; Arsene Wenger or Pep Guardiola? #football #premierleague #arsenal #mancity ► Premier League highlights: https://bit.ly/PLHighlights2526 ► MNF, FNF, SNF & Super Sunday analysis: https://bit.ly/SkyMatchAnalysis ► Gary Neville Podcast: https://bit.ly/GaryNevillePodcast ► Saturday Social: https://bit.ly/SkySaturdaySocial ► Buy this season’s shirts: https://bit.ly/SkySportsShop More from Sky Sports on YouTube: ► Sky Sports: http://bit.ly/SkySportsSub ► Sky Sports Boxing: http://bit.ly/SSBoxingSub ► Sky Sports Cricket: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyCricket ► Sky Sports Darts: https://bit.ly/SubSkySportsDarts ► Sky Sports Football: http://bit.ly/SSFootballSub ► Sky Sports F1: http://bit.ly/SubscribeSkyF1 ► Sky Sports Golf: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsGolf ► Sky Sports News: http://bit.ly/SkySportsNewsSub ► Sky Sports Retro: http://bit.ly/SkySportsRetroSub ► Sky Sports WSL: https://bit.ly/SubscribeSkySportsWSL ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkySportsFootball ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skysportsfootball ► TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skysportsfootball ► X: https://x.com/SkySportsPL ► Website: https://www.skysports.com ► To enquire about licensing Sky Sports content, you can find out more here: https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/news/31754/11434270/license-sky-sports-footage

Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has provided a rare glimmer of hope for Tottenham supporters, revealing that Dejan Kulusevski is set to remain at the club next season even if the unthinkable happens and Spurs are relegated to the Championship. The North London side currently sits in 18th place with just six games remaining […] The post Sky Sports journalist drops future update on Tottenham star loved by Pep Guardiola as relegation looms appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Le informazioni su Manchester City-Arsenal, 33esima giornata di Premier League: le formazioni e come seguire il match.

Bernardo Silva’s summer exit from Manchester City has been officially confirmed today, with the club releasing a statement on their official site. We reported earlier this month that Silva had informed Man City of his decision to leave, with Juventus, Napoli, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid among the Portugal international’s suitors. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP […] The post Confirmed: Bernardo Silva leaving Manchester City – here’s what could happen next appeared first on CaughtOffside.