Daily Archives: May 23, 2023

How Manchester City ‘switched on’ to win the Premier League

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“The year was just a few days old but word of disharmony in the Manchester City camp had spread far and wide. It was even being discussed at other clubs. The start of 2023 was rough for City. Yet they have emerged from that period emphatically, storming to a third straight Premier League title thanks to 11 victories in a row — even if they had Arsenal’s defeat away to Nottingham Forest to thank for getting them over the line. Such has been their resurgence, powered by Erling Haaland’s 36 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, they could lay claim to being the best of manager Pep Guardiola’s great City teams. If they go on to win the treble — Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League — in June, they will go down as one of the best sides in history. …”
The Athletic
The Athletic: The Guardiola gear change – why nobody can match Manchester City in the spring (Video)
The Athletic: Manchester City, Premier League champions*? (Video)
NY Times: At Manchester City, Clinical Success Leaves Outsiders Cold
Guardian: Player ratings for Manchester City’s 2022-23 Premier League title winners

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Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has faced persistent racist abuse. What’s being done?

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“Spanish football has a racism problem. It’s clear to see. There is the persistent abuse suffered by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. There is the ignorant attitude of fans who believe calling a black player a monkey is no different to any other abuse they might direct at the opposition. Then there is the slow, incomplete or often insufficient reaction from those with a responsibility to help stamp it out. It’s clear to Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who said as much on Tuesday, speaking two days after Sunday afternoon saw yet more racist abuse directed at the club’s Brazilian forward. …”
The Athletic (Video)
NY Times: Vinícius Júnior Says Racism Is ‘Normal’ in Spanish Soccer (Video)

Victorious

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““In the aftermath of SSC Napoli’s league victory, Nigerians descended on the official Serie A Twitter account to protest what they considered to be an unfair (and ‘racist’) attempt to acknowledge someone other than Victor Osimhen as the hero of the club’s successful campaign. And, while other players no doubt played a part in a team’s success, few would argue against Osimhen, born in Lagos, being the standout star of Napoli this season. His composure in front of goal and his dynamic presence leading the line has earned him accolades and has unified a country desperately in need of a rallying point after a contentious election cycle. …”
Africa Is a Country
W – Victor Osimhen