Man City's best and worst players in electric draw with Real Madrid
Manchester City
Man City's best and worst players in electric draw with Real Madrid
Man City played out an entertaining 3-3 draw with Real Madrid on Tuesday
Silva, Foden & Gvardiol all among the goals
Defensive errors led to a frustrating start to the game
By Tom Gott
3:00 AM GMT+1
Another moment of magic from Foden
Another moment of magic from Foden / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages
Manchester City's quest to retain their Champions League crown took an enthralling stop at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday as they played out a 3-3 draw with Real Madrid.
Bernardo Silva's genius free kick early on put City ahead and, after Madrid roared back ahead, two screamers from Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol nearly had Pep Guardiola's men celebrating a famous victory.
Here are City's best and worst players from 90min's player ratings.
Man City's best player vs Real Madrid
Josko Gvardiol - 8/10
Josko Gvardiol
Gvardiol stole the show / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
People were talking about Josko Gvardiol before the game because he was a doubt through injury. By the time the dust had settled, he was on everyone's lips for an entirely different reason.
His impressive recent run of form reached new heights here with a dazzling individual display that even featured an astonishing strike to put City 3-2 up late on. A real statement performance from the defender.
Honourable mention
Phil Foden - 7/10
Phil Foden
Another great goal from Foden / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
Was Gvardiol's goal better than Foden's? You decide.
Foden had been a little quiet up until his goal but quickly reminded everyone of his quality with a ferocious equaliser from range.
Man City's worst player vs Real Madrid
Manuel Akanji - 4/10
Rodrygo, Manuel Akanji
Akanji had a tough time / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages
Kyle Walker's absence meant Manuel Akanji had to play out of position at right-back, and he definitely looked like he was playing out of position.
Akanji was utterly torched by Rodrygo in the first half, even helping the Brazilian's strike find the back of the net, and didn't do a great job of dealing with Vinicius Junior later on either.
Dishonourable mention
Erling Haaland - 4/10
Erling Haaland
A tough night for Haaland / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
Erling Haaland was once again prevented from getting into a game against Real Madrid by Antonio Rudiger.
Haaland didn't lose his composure this time around but simply couldn't shake the German's shadow, and while he did have a handful of neat flicks, that's nowhere near good enough from one of the game's best players.
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Arsenal
Arsenal's best and worst players in entertaining Bayern Munich clash
Arsenal only managed a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening
Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard scored the goals for the Gunners
Second leg of the Champions League quarter-final to take place next week in Bavaria
By Ewan Ross-Murray
3:00 AM GMT+1
Leandro Trossard was a difference-maker for the Gunners
Leandro Trossard was a difference-maker for the Gunners / Sportsphoto/Allstar/GettyImages
Arsenal may have been strong favourites for their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening, but they were only able to take a draw away from a high-octane clash in north London.
The Gunners dominated for large periods but were often left exposed on the counter-attack as the likes of Leroy Sane and old enemy Harry Kane caused them problems.
In the end, the 2-2 draw may have been a good result for the Gunners given they trailed at half-time, with goals from Serge Gnabry and former Tottenham striker Kane shocking the home fans after Bukayo Saka's opener.
Leandro Trossard proved a difference-maker off the bench and popped up with a crucial goal, but not all of Mikel Arteta's men were at their best against the Bundesliga giants.
Here are Arsenal's best and worst players during their draw with Bayern.
Arsenal's best player vs Bayern Munich
Bukayo Saka - 8/10
Bukayo Saka
Saka caused Bayern plenty of issues / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages
Saka certainly caught the eye when he put Arsenal ahead after just 12 minutes, but his impressive strike was only one contribution in a dazzling performance. It was an excellent and trademark left-footed finish from the youngster, who made Alphonso Davies' life incredibly difficult throughout.
Arsenal's starboy was always willing to run at the speedy Bayern left-back and continually drew fouls in the opposition half as the hosts looked to pile on the pressure. It was an electric outing from the forward and Bayern will need a special plan to deny him freedom next week - especially with Davies missing the second leg due to suspension.
Honourable mention
Leandro Trossard - 8/10
Just as Arsenal looked to be getting frustrated by some stubborn Bayern defending, Arteta brought Gabriel Jesus and Trossard on to the pitch. Both changed the complexion of the game, with the former setting up the latter for the all-important leveller.
Both deserve honourable mentions but it was Trossard who looked the most lively after his introduction, while also showing his ruthless streak once again inside the penalty area.
After all, Arsenal wouldn't be in the final eight without his vital goal against Porto in the last 16.
Arsenal's worst player vs Bayern Munich
David Raya - 5/10
David Raya
David Raya didn't have his best night / Eddie Keogh/GettyImages
It wasn't a terrible display from David Raya, let's make that clear. However, given Bayern seldom tested him, his questionable decision making in the vital moments arguably proved costly for the hosts.
In the build-up to Bayern's equaliser - a goal that dramatically changed the course of the game - Raya needlessly rushed out of his goal as Gabriel swept up an aimless ball over the top. As a result, the centre-back couldn't direct a pass back to his goalkeeper, forcing him to surrender possession with a loose pass. Both will share the blame, but Raya's decision forced Gabriel's hand.
Raya also made Kane's life pretty simple from the penalty spot in the first half, committing far too early as the Bayern forward went to strike his spot kick. It may not have mattered given the England captain's incredible penalty record, but it was another slight misjudgement from the Arsenal stopper.
Dishonourable mention
Gabriel Martinelli - 5/10
The Arsenal winger wasn't guilty of making too many errors at the Emirates, he was simply guilty of being far too quiet. He was rarely involved in the final third and was unable to get the better of Joshua Kimmich at right-back, with Arsenal's best moments coming down Saka's side.
Perhaps most telling, Arsenal looked instantly better when he was withdrawn, with Trossard coming on in his place.
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Manchester United
Man Utd's next academy graduates to look out for
Kobbie Mainoo & Willy Kambwala the latest to break through from United's academy
United have included a homegrown talent in every matchday squad since October 1937
Red Devils' youth setup features several exciting talents
By Tom Gott
12:00 AM GMT+1
Mainoo & Kambwala have made the breakthrough
Mainoo & Kambwala have made the breakthrough / Robin Jones/GettyImages
The 2023/24 season has been a tough watch for Manchester United fans at times, but it will always be remembered as the breakthrough season of both Kobbie Mainoo and Willy Kambwala.
Teenage midfielder Mainoo has been dazzling fans all season, while Kambwala has stepped up during an injury crisis to show Erik ten Hag that United's academy is bursting with talents looking to make an impact at senior level.
Here are ten more names from United's academy to keep an eye out for.
Harry Amass
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Age: 17
Position: Left-back
While Harry Amass' status as an academy graduate is up for debate - he joined from Watford in the summer of 2023 - what cannot be denied is his status as one of England's most intriguing young left-backs.
Amass was called up to the bench for United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool, and although injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia definitely aided his cause, he was more than deserving of such recognition after a dazzling campaign for Adam Lawrence's Under-18s.
An attack-minded, athletic talent, Amass was part of Watford's senior setup at 15 and was also the subject of interest from Chelsea before opting to take his talents to Manchester.
Bendito Mantato
Bendito Mantato
Mantato is making waves / Lewis Storey/GettyImages
Age: 16
Position: Winger/left-back
Bendito Mantato has really caught the eye for Lawrence's Under-18s this season but, as you can see by his position, is still figuring out what the future holds for him at senior level.
The 16-year-old has been compared to Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, who also broke through as a left-back before establishing himself further forwards. Mantato is left-footed and incredibly versatile, and his ability to fill in in almost every position on the pitch perhaps explains why he has already trained with Erik ten Hag's seniors.
Scouts believe Mantato will eventually settle as a winger, where his explosive ability to burst past defenders can be utilised fully.
Shea Lacey
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Age: 16
Position: Winger/midfield
Shea Lacey missed four months of the current campaign through injury but, once he rediscovers his match fitness, will hope to attract the same sort of excitement that followed him before he went down.
An attack-minded midfielder who has operated wide on the right in recent times, Lacey is a real talent. His dribbling skills have astounded fans for years now and some have even described him as the one to watch in the next few years.
Lacey was born in Liverpool but defied his family to support United, even refusing to take advantage of an Anfield season ticket handed to him as a youngster because of his allegiance.
Jack Fletcher
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Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
One of a pair of twin sons of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, Jack began his career at Manchester City before United parted with a significant sum to bring the two teenagers over to the other side of the city.
Fletcher has spent plenty of time training with the seniors and reports even suggest Ten Hag has been thoroughly impressed by the 17-year-old.
Often lining up in an attacking midfield role, Fletcher's eye for a pass is one of his strongest attributes and he has already been tipped for a bright future.
Tyler Fletcher
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Age: 17
Position: Midfielder
United spent a cool £1.25m to sign both Jack and Tyler, who play together in midfield at club level but line up against each other internationally. While Jack represents England, Tyler has regularly switched his allegiance and currently turns out for Scotland.
At the time of writing, Tyler has not yet made the same impact at Under-18 level as brother Jack, but he has still impressed behind the scenes and, having only turned 17 in March 2024, is still seen as one for the future.
Tyler has often been used in a deeper midfield role compared to Jack but does boast the skillset to play further forwards as well.
Elyh Harrison
Elyh Harrison
Harrison is highly rated / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages
Age: 18
Position: Goalkeeper
What has impressed scouts so much about Elyh Harrison is his ability with the ball at his feet. Seen as the archetypal modern goalkeeper, the 18-year-old's skills often go viral on social media as he rarely shies away from the chance to play his way around a pressing forward.
Harrison regularly trains with the senior side and was part of the travelling squad that faced Newport County in the FA Cup, although he did not end up making the matchday team.
This season, he has been the primary starter in Travis Binnion's Under-21 side, playing against players up to three years older than him.
Amir Ibragimov
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A post shared by Amir Ibragimov (@amir_ibra7)
Age: 16
Position: Left winger
Born in Russia but a recent England Under-15 international, United fans are right to be incredibly excited about Amir Ibragimov's future at the club.
His name may be familiar to some as Ibragimov went viral back in March 2022 for intentionally missing a penalty which was awarded to him when he went down in the box against Tottenham. Ibragimov argued that he had not been fouled and, when the referee refused to listen to his pleas, simply passed the resulting penalty straight to the goalkeeper.
When he's not exhibiting his honesty, Ibragimov can be found burning past defenders in both academy and senior training sessions. A fast-track to Erik ten Hag's first team is unlikely at this point but cannot be ruled out.
Habeeb Ogunneye
Habeeb Ogunneye
Ogunneye has already made a Premier League squad / Visionhaus/GettyImages
Age: 18
Position: Right-back
United's defensive injury issues have opened the door to right-back Habeeb Ogunneye, who has been on the bench for a handful of Premier League and FA Cup games already in his young career.
Ogunneye, who plays his youth football for England but remains eligible for Nigeria, is a natural defender but he has spoken previously about a desire to become more of an attack-minded player as he seeks to follow close friend Mainoo up to the senior side.
England officials have made an effort to show their faith in Ogunneye as they seek to convince him to commit to the Three Lions.
Ethan Williams
Ethan Williams
Williams is enjoying a breakout year / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages
Age: 18
Position: Left winger
Ethan Williams, who has been used anywhere on the left side of the pitch, has recently started to flex his eye for goal as a winger.
Turning out for both the Under-18s and Under-21s this season, Williams' versatility has helped him catch the eye. While he may be a natural attacker, his defensive insticts help him when it comes to tracking back and doing the dirty work - the sort of things coaches love to see.
Williams may have a few more steps in his development before he is ready for the seniors, but club officials feel as though he is on the right track.
Finley McAllister
Finley McAllister
McAllister captains the Under-18s / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages
Age: 18
Position: Defensive midfielder
Under-18 captain Finley McAllister has already made a big impact for both club and country. In 2021, he became the youngest player to represent United at Under-18 level when he debuted aged 14, having also broken the Under-16 record as a 13-year-old.
A tough-tackling anchor in midfield, McAllister has also been used at right-back but it is his leadership and work rate in the heart of the pitch which have helped him cement his place in Adam Lawrence's side.
McAllister was born in Salford and has previously been seen following United's seniors as a fan on away days, and his passion for the club has only strengthened his bond with fans.
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