As they look to end the summer transfer window with a bang, Chelsea have reportedly held talks over a potential swap deal that would see Raheem Sterling head for the exit door.

Chelsea transfer news

The Blues have once again stolen the headlines this summer, welcoming the likes of Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall alongside several other fresh faces in an attempt to finally turn a corner back towards the Premier League's top four. Even after already splashing the cash on Neto, however, those at Stamford Bridge seemingly have their sights set on another attacking boost.

The latest to arrive, Neto told Chelsea's official website: "I feel really grateful to have joined this club. I have worked really hard in my career to be here and I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch with this shirt."

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man could take the place of Sterling in Chelsea's starting side, with the former Manchester City star potentially on the move before the transfer window slams shut.

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According to Sky Sports' Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea have held talks with Juventus over a swap deal to sign Federico Chiesa in a move that would see Sterling head in the other direction.

Discussions over that deal didn't take long to reach a conclusion, however, with the Italian giants put off by Sterling's hefty £325,000-a-week salary. The Chelsea man earns over double Chiesa, who is reportedly on £153,000-a-week at Juventus.

That said, given that Chiesa has been frozen out of Thiago Motta's Juventus side and shown the door in Italy, the winger is likely to be on the move in the next two weeks. Whether that ends with a summer switch to Chelsea remains to be seen, however.

Chelsea don't need "fantastic" Chiesa

After just splashing the cash to sign Neto, signing Chiesa could be one winger too many at Chelsea, even if it could have been argued that was the case before the Portugal international arrived.

The Juventus winger has struggled in recent years too, with injuries playing a large part in his progress coming to a crashing halt. The last thing that the Blues need in their current state is a player hoping to rediscover his form amid fitness issues.

There was once a time when Chiesa wouldn't be struggling for a move; Europe's top clubs would have been queuing up for his signature after Euro 2020. Alas, those days, for now, are behind him.

Rio Ferdinand was among those full of praise for the Italian after his performance at Euro 2020, helping his country to tournament victory. The Manchester United legend said via The Metro: "He’s a huge player and he’s been linked with a few clubs in England. I’m sure they’re thinking ‘why didn’t we get him?’.

"He’s just a fantastic footballer. The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros he was the main goal threat for the Italians who went on to win the tournament."

The Saturday lunchtime kickoff saw Manchester United fall to a frustrating defeat at the AMEX Stadium against Brighton and Hove Albion. The Red Devils had moments where luck went against them and poor defensive lapses of concentration, which ultimately led them to a 2-1 defeat. They return to Manchester without a point to show for their efforts.

The Seagulls opened the scoring thanks to a goal from former Red Devil, Danny Welbeck, who scored his 100th career goal from inside the six-yard box. United equalised on the hour mark, with Amad’s deflected shot flying past Jason Steele in the Brighton goal.

In a second half that was arguably dominated by the home side, Alejandro Garnacho thought he had given United the lead. However, his shot from a narrow angle flicked off Joshua Zirkzee’s knee on the way in, meaning the goal was ruled out for offside.

Brighton’s winner came from a poor defensive error from the Red Devils, with Joao Pedro finding himself unmarked at the back post from a cross to head home for all three points. It was a disappointing day out for the Red Devils, who had some disappointing individual performances at the AMEX Stadium, which will no doubt have been frustrating for Erik ten Hag.

Harry Maguire’s stats vs. Brighton

One of those players who struggled at the back for United was Harry Maguire. The former Red Devils captain performed well in the second half before being replaced by new signing Matthijs de Ligt but missed a crucial interception from a pass by Pedro. It was a pass that found Kaoru Mitoma, whose cross then assisted Welbeck’s opener.

This was noted by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Lukchurst, who rated Maguire’s performance a 5/10. The journalist pointed out that the England international 'should have dealt with' Pedro’s pass better, something that could have prevented the opener by Brighton’s number 18.

Indeed, despite the missed interception from the United centre-back, his stats, courtesy of Sofascore ,were still more than respectable. He completed 40 out of 44 passes, with a 91% accuracy, and made one key pass. Defensively, Maguire made three clearances, won two duels and made two crucial interceptions.

It was certainly a mixed bag of a game for Maguire, who largely played well despite the mistake which led to Welbeck’s opener, although could now find himself ousted by new arrival, De Ligt.

However, he was perhaps not the United player who had the toughest day at the office, with a star attacker struggling against the Seagulls.

Marcus Rashford’s stats vs. Brighton

Coming off the back of a disappointing 2023/24 season, Marcus Rashford might well be frustrated with how he has started the new campaign. The England international struggled to make an impact on the game against Brighton and was subbed off for Alejandro Garnacho at the 65-minute make, with the score at 1-1.

Luckhurst did not make much of his performance and gave him a scathing review. The journalist rated his efforts on the South Coast just 4/10 and brutally described him as 'United's weakest player' at the AMEX Stadium.

Rashford never really got into the game, as his Sofascore stats reflect. The 26-year-old had just 23 touches in the 65 minutes he played, completing 13 out of 18 passes, with an accuracy of just 72%. He also completed just one dribble out of three that he attempted.

Metric

Stat

Passes completed

13/18 (72%)

Touches

23

Dribbles

1/3

Possession lost

7

Offsides

2

It was definitely a disappointing day out for Rashford in a rainy AMEX Stadium. After a tough start to the new season, the United number 10 will be hoping he can keep his place in the team and turn things around next Sunday at Old Trafford.

United are set to face Liverpool, the side Rashford has seven goals and an assists in 16 domestic appearances.

That said, with Amad firing – and Garnacho itching for a start – it could well be the Englishman who is forced to make way for the visit of the Merseysiders.

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He’s heading to the Premier League this summer…

1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 18, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a vitória sobre o Atlético-MG por 1 a 0 no Maracanã, pela 29ª rodada do Brasileirão, o Flamengo se reapresentou na manhã deste domingo no Ninho do Urubu. David Luiz, que está recuperado de lesão, esteve presente e participou normalmente do coletivo, mas, mesmo assim, ainda não deve voltar no próximo compromisso do Fla.

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>Gabi manda mensagem para a torcida do Flamengo após vitória sobre o Galo

Isso acontece porque o próximo jogo do Flamengo é contra o Athletico-PR nesta terça-feira, as 16h, na Arena da Baixada, onde o gramado é sintético – atuar sobre tal terreno exige mais da parte física dos atletas.Como o departamento médico do clube adota cautela no retorno, a tendência é de que o zagueiro fique de fora. A informação foi dada inicialmente pelo jornal “O Dia”.

> Veja e simule a tabela do Brasileirão

Dessa forma, David Luiz pode estar de volta ao Flamengo no jogo da próxima sexta-feira, às 21h30, no Maracanã, quando o Rubro-Negro enfrenta o Atlético-GO. Essa partida é válida pela 19ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

Vale lembrar que David Luiz, desde que chegou, disputou apenas dois jogos com a camisa do Flamengo e soma menos de 70 minutos em campo. Contra o Barcelona-EQU, pelo jogo da volta da semifinal da Libertadores, o zagueiro sentiu dores no adutor da coxa esquerda e deixou o campo com menos de dez minutos. Posteriormente, um exame constatou lesão no local.

With pre-season well underway, Manchester United have reportedly been contacted about the chance to sign a European star to boost Erik ten Hag's attacking options this summer.

Man Utd transfer rumours

The Red Devils may have made just two signings so far, but both have stolen the headlines in Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. The duo arrive full of potential, but fans will have to wait to see the former make his Old Trafford debut following a frustrating injury setback in pre-season. Zirkzee, however, could make an instant impact. The Dutchman starred at Bologna last season, helping them shock the rest of Serie A by qualifying for the Champions League.

He could yet be just the start of United's attacking rebuild, however, after they struggled for much of the last campaign. Marcus Rashford particularly struggled to find form, but recent rumours suggest that he could be handed competition and support in pursuit of his clinical best in the forthcoming campaign.

According to La Stampa via TuttoJuve, Federico Chiesa's agent is in talks over a move to Manchester United, whilst also reaching out to fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal. Earning a reported £150,000-a-week, the Italian seems destined for the exit door at Juventus, which could see the Red Devils pounce.

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The winger stole the spotlight at Euro 2020 but has since struggled with injuries and form, likely leading to a move away from Juventus this summer. Whether those at Old Trafford hand Chiesa the opportunity to get back to his best in the Premier League remains to be seen, however, especially with other top-flight clubs involved. With just a few weeks left until the window slams shut, Ten Hag may yet welcome a third arrival.

"Fantastic" Chiesa isn't without risks

After failing to qualify for the Champions League last season, Manchester United must get this summer right and that may mean avoiding a deal for Chiesa, whose recent form and injury history should be a concern. The numbers show that the Italian wouldn't be a guaranteed fix to Ten Hag's attacking problems either, perhaps even adding to them when not at his best.

Goals

9

7

Assists

2

2

Expected Goals

6.4

7.4

Key Passes

54

23

That said, Chiesa has already earned the approval of Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who said after Euro 2020: "He’s just a fantastic footballer. The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros he was the main goal threat for the Italians who went on to win the tournament."

Meanwhile, Joe Cole likened Chiesa to former Liverpool star Luis Suarez, saying in 2021: "The biggest attribute he’s got is he plays with a humility. He’s hustling and bustling like a young Luis Suarez character, he can make something out of nothing. Every club in Europe will want a slice of him when he become available."

Ipswich Town are also in talks to sign a £30m "animal" alongside new signing Sammie Szmodics.

Ipswich Town making moves before Premier League opener

The Tractor Boys make their long-awaited return to the Premier League on Saturday as they host Liverpool in Arne Slot’s first game in charge of the Reds. After keeping hold of manager Kieran McKenna, Ipswich have been active in the transfer window, sealing six new signings before activity went into overdrive in recent days.

It was first revealed on Thursday that Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be moving to Portman Road on a season-long loan deal. A transfer, which has now been confirmed, doesn’t include an option to buy but the England international will surely rival Sam Morsy, Massimo Luongo and Jack Taylor in the heart of midfield.

Hours later, it was confirmed that the club have also agreed a deal with Blackburn Rovers for long-term target Szmodics. The attacker has been on the club’s transfer wishlist all summer and a transfer has also been officially completed.

However, Szmodics isn’t the only attacking target on the radar, with another update sharing talks over a further addition in the final third.

Ipswich Town hold Armando Broja talks

According to reliable reporter Stuart Wilson of the East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich Town are also in discussions with Chelsea over a move for striker Armando Broja. He states that due to Broja’s £30m valuation, Ipswich would initially look to take the Albania international on loan.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has since backed this claim up, saying on X: “Ipswich Town interested in signing Chelsea forward Armando Broja. Ipswich exploring conditions of a season long loan. Chelsea listening to offers.”

The 22-year-old could be a smart option on loan alongside Phillips, with George Hirst’s pre-season knee injury set to keep him out for up to eight weeks.

Broja has had a number of loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, spending time with Vitesse, Southampton and Fulham. He scored 11 goals over in the Netherlands and netted nine goals with the Saints, however, he failed to score in eight appearances with Fulham for the second half of the previous campaign.

Described as an "animal" by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Broja was also praised by Frank Lampard, who added: “He’s a very nice, very good lad and a very talented young boy. He came into us at the start of the Covid times, trained with us and showed the attributes that I think you’re seeing now in the Premier League at Southampton.

"He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for goal and he’s a very, very good young player so I’m very aware of his strengths in a Southampton team playing very well.”

A move could therefore be one to keep an eye on in what could be an extremely busy end to the window for McKenna and Ipswich chiefs behind the scenes.

Chelsea have been one of the busier Premier League sides in the summer transfer window as Enzo Maresca has spent Todd Boehly’s cash on a whim.

The Italian has signed the likes of João Félix, Marc Guiu, Kieran Dewsbury-Hall and Pedro Neto over the previous couple of months, but that wasn’t without its fair share of chaos.

Initial results have been mixed, as the Blues have won just two of their opening four games this term, but time is of the essence.

The Londoners may have missed out on Victor Osimhen but one late move was completed as Jadon Sancho swapped Manchester for the capital.

How much Man Utd will pay for Jadon Sancho

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United had initially valued Sancho at around £40m in response to the interest from Chelsea but it was a fee lower than that which Boehly and Co agreed a deal on.

In the process of landing the England international on an initial loan deal, it’s been reported that an obligation to buy of around £20m-£25m has been put in place.

The winger has failed to really settle during his spell at Old Trafford, scoring just 12 goals in 83 appearances for the Red Devils, and iErik ten Hag has taken a hit on the player as a result.

In an alternative reality, Sancho should be comfortably one of the finest players on the planet. Yet things turned sour soon after he joined the club and is now actively seeking an exit from Old Trafford.

Chelsea have signed a bucket load of forwards this summer and it will come as no surprise to hear they have a few who are already worth more than that Sancho fee.

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Posts 2 ByStephan Georgiou Aug 23, 2024 What Chelsea spent to sign Pedro Neto

Despite having an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in his attacking department, Maresca still felt he had room for another winger in his squad.

This saw the Blues spend £54m to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ forward Pedro Neto a few weeks ago in a move which could perhaps net the club millions in profit if all goes to plan in the coming years.

Pedro Neto’s Wolves statistics

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

24

3

11

2022/23

19

0

1

2021/22

13

1

1

2020/21

35

5

6

2019/20

44

5

5

Via Transfermarkt

Analyst Ben Mattinson lauded the winger as a “monster” back in 2023, and he enjoyed a fabulous spell with the Old Gold.

Injury issues meant he wasn’t quite as consistent as he wanted to be in the Midlands, but he did demonstrate flashes of immense quality last term.

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Indeed, in the Premier League, Neto scored twice, and grabbed nine assists while averaging 1.9 key passes and 1.9 successful dribbles per game.

During his three full seasons at United, Sancho registered more than six goal contributions just once (2022/23), hardly the numbers expected following his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund.

Neto may have missed 23 games last season due to injury, but still registered 11 goal contributions in the top flight, proving that if he remained fully fit, this number would have been much higher.

The Portuguese star has made a solid enough start to life in Blue, grabbing an assist against his old side on the weekend in Chelsea’s 6-2 win.

If he carries on this early momentum, Neto can force his way into the starting XI sooner rather than later, potentially becoming one of the club’s key assets before long. It’s a deal, a rare one under Boehly, that they’re set to strike gold with.

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Shane Bond has opted not to seek a new contract as head coach with Sydney Thunder at the BBL to ensure he is able to spend an extended period of time at home amid the ongoing challenges caused by Covid-19.Bond, who is currently at the IPL with Mumbai Indians, had been in the role for three seasons and the Thunder reached the expanded finals series in the last two seasons – falling in the Knockout final this summer against Brisbane Heat – but could not commit to another long stint overseas.He also said he had withdrawn from his coaching role at the Hundred in the UK later this year where he had been due to work with Southern Brave.”I loved my time with the Thunder but with so much uncertainty around travel restrictions these days and not knowing what that might look like I just didn’t want to miss another summer at home,” Bond said.”I haven’t had one there for six years and my wife Tracey has had to carry the load. I want to be there again before I get to the point where my girls get to the end of high school. My son has some important cricket coming up too and I want to be there for that.”I’ll miss the boys at the Thunder, all the people from players to management. It’s a great club to be a part of. I’ll miss everybody. That will be the hardest thing.”Bond’s decision means the Thunder are searching for a new head coach and captain for next season after Callum Ferguson was cut from the list shortly after the recent season. It also comes at a time of a wider restructuring of the BBL clubs within Cricket New South Wales with the recent scrapping of the general manager roles with the Thunder and Sydney Sixers.”Shane has done a fantastic job over the last three years, ensuring the Thunder are in a good place for whoever takes on the role,” Greg Mail, Cricket New South Wales’ head of cricket, said.”He has been critical to the emergence of some brilliant young NSW based talent over the last two years whilst also bringing the best out of some of our established local and international players.”We are a values-based organisation and although we would have loved to have seen Shane at the helm next summer, choosing to spend time with his family is a decision we respect.”

Leeds United now have the overwhelming task on their hands of replacing two of their key performers, with it looking very likely that Georginio Rutter will follow Crysencio Summerville out of the exit door very soon at Elland Road.

That means Leeds' car-crash 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup could be the Frenchman's final ever anticlimactic outing for the Championship side, as a move back up to the Premier League now beckons for the £40m attacker with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Away from this pending departure obviously dominating news around the second-tier club currently, Leeds are still on the hunt for a brand-new winger to replace the gaping hole left by the Dutchman, with a whole host of names floating about.

Leeds hold concrete interest in EFL promotion winner

As per Daily Express reporter Charlie Gordon, Leeds are very keen on adding Manuel Benson to their depleted attacking spots this summer, with the Whites holding 'concrete interest' in the Burnley gem.

Leeds had been looking at the likes of Jonathan Rowe quite heavily when searching for a golden new star to replace Summerville, but that move could be too difficult to get over the line now, hence a long list of other targets now being spoken about.

Million Manhoef has also been touted for a move to West Yorkshire, with the similarities between the Stoke City attacker and Summerville obvious, when glancing immediately at his Dutch heritage and his tricky and explosive ability for the Potters.

What Benson could offer Leeds

Prioritising a major move for Benson could be the best possible course of action for Farke and Co moving forward, with the Clarets attacker a former promotion winner in the Championship, on top of being an upgrade on Manhoef.

As well as offering a title win at the level on his CV, Benson can also offer the same slaloming runs to Leeds that Summerville had become known for before he moved on to West Ham United, as well as conjuring up an audacious finish at the end of such a pacey dart forward.

The sumptuous strike above from Benson pushed his side further on to achieving promotion glory come the end of the 2022/23 season, with the tricky Clarets number ten registering an impressive 11 strikes from 33 second-tier games overall.

Games played

33

14

32

Goals scored

11

4

12

Assists

3

1

2

Scoring frequency

137 mins

205 mins

171 mins

Shots per game

1.8

2.6

1.8

Big chances missed

7

3

4

Big chances created

4

3

1

Taking in the table above as well, Benson would be the smartest player to bring into the building out of the options on the table, with more goal contributions managed from the winger on the way to the Clarets lifting the title than Manhoef managed for either Stoke or Rowe for the Canaries last season.

Moreover, the left-footed 27-year-old has also the experience of Premier League football on his resume over his two counterparts, with a hunger to get back there with Farke's men, even with recent setbacks being thrown their way.

Gnonto could also benefit in the long-term with this signing, with the dynamic Italian attacker loving life down the left channel against Portsmouth on the opening day, with one goal next to his name in the 3-3 draw and two successful dribbles completed.

The "electric" Burnley forward – as he was described by football pundit Sam Parkin at the height of his second-tier powers – would compete with James down the right-hand side for a starting spot as a result, with the Leeds manager then content with the depth he has at his disposal, at least in this position.

Then, it will be about recruiting a stunning replacement to make Rutter's exit feel less damaging, as a new-look Leeds XI continues to be assembled from the ashes of last season's nearly men.

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Europe's national teams learned their pathways towards qualifying for UEFA's 16 spots for the 2026 World Cup

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• Twelve groups drawn
• Playoffs will determine several Pot 1 spots
• Fifty-four teams were drawn

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  UEFA's 54 teams were drawn into 12 groups Friday with the aim of reaching the North America-hosted FIFA World Cup 2026.

  Several teams are still awaiting to be placed as a Pot 1 team in the respective group, with seeding to be determined by March’s UEFA Nations League (UNL) quarterfinals – including Italy, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, France, Croatia, Netherlands and Spain.

  A record 16 teams from UEFA (up from 13) are able to qualify due to FIFA's expanded format for the 2026 tournament.

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• FIFA
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The groups consist of four or five teams each, with winners qualifying directly for the World Cup. The remaining four spots will be decided in March 2026 via a 16-team UEFA playoff. The playoff field will include the 12 group-stage runners-up and four top-ranked UNL group winners not qualified via group stage or playoff runner-up slots.

  FIFA World Cup 26™: UEFA Preliminary Draw results
  

  Group A

  Winner Italy – Germany (UNL QF4)

  Slovakia

  Northern Ireland

  Luxembourg

  Group B

  Switzerland

  Sweden

  Slovenia

  Kosovo

  Group C

  Defeated team Denmark – Portugal (UNL QF3)

  Greece

  Scotland

  Belarus

  Group D

  Winner Croatia – France (UNL QF2)

  Ukraine

  Iceland

  Azerbaijan

  Group E

  Winner Netherlands – Spain (UNL QF1)

  Türkiye

  Georgia

  Bulgaria

  Group F

  Winner Denmark – Portugal (UNL QF3)

  Hungary

  Republic of Ireland

  Armenia

  Group G

  Defeated team Netherlands – Spain (UNL QF1)

  Poland

  Finland

  Lithuania

  Malta

  Group H

  Austria

  Romania

  Bosnia and Herzegovina

  Cyprus

  San Marino

  Group I

  Defeated team Italy – Germany (UNL QF4)

  Norway

  Israel

  Estonia

  Moldova

  Group J

  Belgium

  Wales

  North Macedonia

  Kazakhstan

  Liechtenstein

  Group K

  England

  Serbia

  Albania

  Latvia

  Andorra

  Group L

  Defeated team Croatia – France (UNL QF2)

  Czechia

  Montenegro

  Faroe Islands

  Gibraltar

• AFP
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The March playoff match between Croatia and France, which will determine the fates of Group D and L, is a rematch of the 2018 World Cup Final — which France won 4-2.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR UEFA?

  UEFA will kick off its Nations League quarterfinals in March 2025. Here are the match ups:

  Italy vs. Germany (Winner goes to Group A; Loser goes to Group I)

  Denmark vs. Portugal (Winner goes to Group F; Loser goes to Group C)

  Croatia vs. France (Winner goes to Group D; Loser goes to Group L)

  Netherlands vs. Spain (Winner goes to Group E; Loser goes to Group G)

Bernardo Silva says Manchester City "played like under-15s" and deserved to pay for their "stupid decisions" in their 2-1 loss to Manchester United.

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Man City lose 2-1 to Man UtdCity "played like under-15s"Silva criticises their "stupid" decisionsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

City threw away a 1-0 lead with two goals in the last two minutes to fall to a gut-wrenching loss at the Etihad on Sunday. In the lead-up to United's penalty, Josko Gvardiol's backpass played his team into trouble, and then Matheus Nunes clumsily brought down Amad Diallo in the box. Then Gvardiol missed the chance to make a gettable goalline clearance for Amad's winner. After the match, midfielder Bernardo did not hold back in his criticism of how his side wilted under pressure.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT BERNARDO SILVA SAID

He told Sky Sports: "If minute 87 of a derby you're winning 1-0, corner for your team, and the ball ends up at your keeper with a penalty for them, my friend, if you make these stupid decisions when it's three or four minutes to go, you deserve to pay for that.

"We have to look at ourselves. It's not about, 'Oh we're playing so well and it's a bit unlucky'. No! It's the decisions that you make. Today in the last minutes we played like Under-15s and you pay the price."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

City's loss means they have won just one of their last 11 games in all competitions, with Pep Guardiola's side nine points behind league leaders Liverpool – and Arne Slot's men still have a game in hand. City are in a crisis and there appears to be no quick fix.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Bernardo's City side will have to stew on this defeat for nearly a week as they are next in action on Saturday away to Aston Villa in the Premier League.