Man City win record fourth PL2 title
Manchester City's elite development squad won the Premier League 2 title for a record fourth time with a 2-0 victory over Southampton.
Ben Wilkinson's side came top of the league phase and emerged through the play-offs to lift the trophy at Joie Stadium on Thursday evening.
First-half goals from Divin Mubama and Ashton Muir gave City a comfortable victory, keeping the Saints in check for the majority of the contest.
The squad received a message from first-team manager Pep Guardiola, who said: "To win the Premier League title is such a tough thing to achieve and a matter of huge pride for us all at the club.
"The manner of their victory showed how talented our young players are and also proved that they play with courage and personality too.
"We see how strong the academy is every single day, and the quality is there every single time the young players train with us."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Enzo Maresca says Nicolas Jackson red cards will not impact his Chelsea future
Enzo Maresca insisted that Nicolas Jackson's indiscipline is not putting his Chelsea future at risk after the striker received his second straight red card in his last four appearances for the club in a 3-1 defeat against Flamengo in the FIFA Club World Cup. Jackson was dismissed by referee Ivan Arcides Barton Cisneros in the 68th minute at Lincoln Financial Field — only four minutes after coming off the substitutes bench to replace £30million signing Liam Delap — after raising his studs to the ankle of Flamengo defender Ayrton Lucas. Advertisement Chelsea were already 2-1 down, having conceded twice in three minutes to Bruno Henrique and Danilo after Pedro Neto had given them a first-half lead. Flamengo substitute Wallace Yan then added a third to seal Flamengo's victory and all but ensure that Maresca's team are playing for second place in Group D. Jackson — who issued an apology on social media shortly after full time — will now miss Chelsea's final group match against Esperance de Tunis on Tuesday, but FIFA have the power to review and increase his suspension if they deem a one-match ban insufficient. He will also sit out the first match of the new Premier League season against Crystal Palace on August 17 as he serves the final match of his ban for the red card he was shown against Newcastle United in May after he caught Sven Botman with his elbow. Asked if Jackson's red cards are putting his Chelsea career at risk with Delap now poised to get a sustained run as the team's first-choice striker, Maresca replied: 'No, the red card has nothing to do with Nico's future. He had the first one against Newcastle when Liam was not even here and another one (against Flamengo). 'I'm not sure that it's 100 per cent a red card but the referee decided for that, and Nico knows very well that in both situations (it) was not something good for the team.' Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Marc Cucurella revealed that Jackson apologised to his Chelsea teammates in the dressing room after the match. 'He's very sad,' he said of Jackson. 'He tried to win the ball, had the bad luck that he kicked his leg and that's it. He's a young player with a lot of quality but maybe needs to improve a little bit in these things. He has to learn. After the manager spoke, he said sorry, he didn't do it on purpose. He's a very important player for us, we miss him the next game but this is football.' Jackson also apologised publicly with a statement on Instagram. 'Another red card… and honestly, I'm so angry at myself,' he wrote. 'I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation.I still don't fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn't intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way. No excuses. I take full responsibility.' Advertisement Flamengo coach Filipe Luis was firm that Jackson's tackle merited a straight red card, but backed the Senegal international to recover and continue to grow in his career. 'He's so good, he's young, he has all the potential, all the quality that the club needs,' Filipe Luis said of Jackson. 'For sure he will surpass this little mistake. It was clear. I saw it in front of me, and for me it was a red. But it's just a small detail for a big player who can be one of the biggest strikers in the world.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Phil Foden issues eight-word admission on Manchester City future
Manchester City's poster boy of their academy success in recent years has issued an update on his future at the club. Foden was on the scoresheet as City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Wydad AC in Philadelphia, with the 25-year-old also setting up Jeremy Doku for the second. Advertisement The England international was voted the 2023-24 PFA Players' Player of the Season after leading Manchester City to a fourth successive Premier League title, scoring 27 times and providing 13 assists in 53 appearances in all competitions. However, the Stockport-born forward struggled for form last season and admitted to mental and physical struggles taking a toll on him after years of unparalleled success under Pep Guardiola – since he broke into the Manchester City first-team. Foden has two years on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium and is expected to play a fundamental role for Guardiola in the seasons to come, with the Manchester City manager also signing a two-year extension last fall that will keep him at the club till the summer of 2027. Since breaking into the senior squad from the academy, Foden has established himself as one of England's most talented stars and played a crucial role for Gareth Southgate at the 2024 European Championship, with the Three Lions reaching the final. Advertisement Manchester City have taken the transfer window by the scruff of the neck after a sub-standard 2024-25 campaign, signing the quartet of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki in the first 10 days of June. Kevin De Bruyne has joined Napoli on a two-year deal and Foden is expected to take over the title of architect-in-chief from the legendary Belgian midfielder as Manchester City and Guardiola prepare for the new season. Speaking to reporters after Manchester City's opening Club World Cup victory against Wydad AC, Foden was asked on whether there had been any developments on a potential contract extension at the club. 'I've not heard nothing. We'll see what happens,' the 25-year-old insisted. Advertisement It is highly likely that the Manchester City board are waiting for the new season to assess how Foden performs and if he can return to his best before initiating contract renewal talks for one of the greatest success stories of their prestigious academy. Foden's fellow academy graduates – Rico Lewis, Nico O'Reilly and Oscar Bobb – are also all expected to play a key role in the first-team next term whilst England U-21 captain James McAtee is expected to complete a permanent transfer away from the club.
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
Flamengo stuns Chelsea with second-half comeback in FIFA Club World Cup
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. PHILADELPHIA — Flamengo overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Chelsea 3-1 in their Club World Cup Group D clash on Friday, with second-half goals from Bruno Henrique, Danilo, and Wallace Yan securing the Brazilian side's second consecutive win in the tournament. Pedro Neto's early strike had put Chelsea ahead, but the Premier League side squandered several opportunities to extend their lead, allowing Flamengo to stage a stirring comeback. 6 Wallace Yan (l.) celebrates CR Flamengo's third goal during their win against Chelsea on June 20. Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images 6 Pedro Neto reacts after Chelsea lost to CR Flamengo on June 20. FIFA via Getty Images The Brazilians scored two goals in quick succession through Henrique and Danilo, in the 62nd and 65th minutes, which was followed by Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson being shown a straight red for a nasty studs up challenge three minutes later. No matter where you are in the world, you can watch the FIFA Club World Cup for free on DAZN. All you need to get started is an email address. No subscription is required, but you will have to make a free account on the streamer to start watching. DAZN also has premium, paid options available to enhance your viewing experience with HDR picture, Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and fewer ads. DAZN Premium plans begin at $19.99/month. 6 Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca reacts after losing June 20. FIFA via Getty Images 6 Enzo Fernandez reacts after missing a header during Chelsea's loss June 20. Imagn Images Flamengo wrapped up the victory with Yan's strike in the 83rd minute. The result leaves Flamengo on top of Group D with six points from two matches, while Chelsea remain second with three. 6 Bruno Henrique scores during Flamengo's June 20 win. AFP via Getty Images 6 Flamengo celebrates after defeating Chelsea June 20. FIFA via Getty Images Esperance de Tunis and Los Angeles FC have yet to register a point, with both sides having a game in hand.
