Manchester City

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City Under-18s boss Oliver Reiss says he is "proud" of his players and it was "special" to beat rivals Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup final.

Reiss' side were beaten in two finals last season but have bounced back to claim the Premier League U18 North and made it a double on Thursday evening.

Reigan Heskey was the match-winner, scoring a late winning goal allowing City to overcome United 2-1. The win mirrored success over United in the final in 1986 - the first time there was an all-Manchester final.

"Just great, really just great," said German coach Reiss. "And of course it was a final, it was the title at the end, but I think I have to mention that this was also a special one of course.

"So playing against United after 40 years, these things, I don't know, but I this makes it a little bit more special for us and just proud and very happy."

There had been controversy in the build-up over the game being played at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium, as City said Etihad Stadium was unavailable because of ongoing construction work.

Reiss added: "I think the crowd was unbelievable today, both supporter sides were unbelievable today. And this is a different atmosphere when it is close or when it's tight. So we were really happy to play at the end.

"I know the discussions around this of course, but at the end we were happy to be here. My family was here. So to celebrate with them together was unbelievable and it made this place also special for us to play this final especially here."

Listen to Man City U18 captain Kaden Braithwaite and Reigan Heskey react to win

Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde wants to stay at Real Madrid but, Manchester City and Paris St-Germain are waiting in the wings, if the Spanish club decide to sell the 27-year-old. (AS - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Emily Brobyn
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

When Manchester City released the team news before their long-awaited game in hand against Crystal Palace, Arsenal fans must have been rubbing their hands.

Pep Guardiola made six changes to the side that beat Brentford 3-0 just a few days before, deciding to rest and rotate key players before the FA Cup final against Chelsea on Saturday.

However, never underestimate the quality of players City have throughout their squad.

There were players coming in for game time with a point to prove - none more so than Phil Foden. The Stockport-born academy graduate has come in for criticism this season after his drop in form and a surge from others, which had resulted in limited game time from the bench.

The last time he had scored was at Selhurst Park back in December, so a start would give him the opportunity to shine - and shine he most definitely did.

This was the Foden that won so many accolades after the 2023-24 season. This was the Foden that people had dubbed a mercurial maverick. This was a player determined to prove a point, demanding that people stand up and notice that his skill, talent and genius hasn't gone anywhere.

His two assists were proof of that. The first - an instant contender for the best of the season - being a no-look backheel ball for Antoine Semenyo to slot home.

He was constantly telling his team-mates to play the ball to him, he was full of energy but, most importantly, he looked really sharp and really focused.

His past two appearances from the bench had been encouraging, but this was the Foden that had made the world stand up and notice.

The local lad who has already won everything at his boyhood club - now a man who is reminding Pep Guardiola of the quality he possesses.

Will his display remind England boss Thomas Tuchel that he is more than worthy of his place on the plane for the World Cup this summer?

They say timing is everything - let's hope Tuchel stands up and notices it too.

Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester - find all their Man City audio here

The FA Youth Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United is upon us - and BBC Sport will be bringing you every moment.

It will be the first time the two sides have met in the final since 1985-86, when Manchester City emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over two legs.

However, the FA Youth Cup reverted to a one-game final back in 2020 - so it will be all or nothing when the two teams go head to head shortly.

Kick-off is at 19:00 BST at the Joie Stadium in Manchester.

You can watch the action live on BBC iPlayer or tune in on the BBC Sport website and app. You can also follow live text commentary of the final here.

We would love to know who you would like from the squad you see in action tonight around the first team next season.

Let us know your top picks and why here

The latest news and views on the Citizens in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Oliver Reiss' free-scoring Manchester City side have netted 18 goals in their run to the FA Youth Cup final - with wins over Fulham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and Blackburn Rovers to set up a crunch derby against Manchester United.

Star striker Teddie Lamb scored in the semi-final victory over Rovers and has netted a total of 28 goals in just 26 games in all competitions this season. The prolific 16-year-old joined from Leyton Orient for a reported £355,000, external last year and was the top scorer in the Premier League U18 competition. He was nominated for the player of the year award, beaten by Thursday's opponent JJ Gabriel.

There is also interest in the sons of former Premier League players being involved in City's academy set-up - Reigan Heskey, son of ex-Liverpool striker Emile - also scored in the previous round, while Tyrone and Floyd Samba - sons of former QPR and Blackburn defender Chris - have scored 18 goals between them so far this season.

At the back, Leke Drake was named as City's Premier League scholar of the year following an impressive campaign - in which the defender played in every game to skipper the side to the Premier League U18 North title. The 18-year-old is renowned for his ball-playing ability and versatility.

Midfielder Harrison Miles has only scored twice this season, but one of those came courtesy of a rasping, long-range strike against United in the league earlier this term - City came from 2-0 behind to win that game 4-2. "I can't wait to play," said Miles. "It's my second time playing in a final like this so it's definitely exciting. We know a lot of the players, but it is always big anyway.

"It is a Manchester derby and we are competing in the league. It is probably heightened by that, but we are all just focused on the game and what's to come."

Read the full preview here

The Youth Cup final kicks off at 19:00 BST on Thursday and will be broadcast live from 18:50 BST on BBC iPlayer here, plus the BBC Sport website and app.

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

Here are some of your comments:

Manchester City fans

Gene: Really nice to see Phil Foden play at the level he's capable of and contributing positively. A nice win but probably not enough to catch Arsenal considering their final two matches. They're still vulnerable on the quick transition and we were fortunate several times.

Harry: The football I watched between Rayan Ait-Nouri, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki was some of the most beautiful passing I've seen all season. Absolute privilege to watch them play and also immense credit to Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Foden. We don't know if Arsenal will slip up, but seeing our boy Phil with a smile on his face will be enough for me this season. Let's keep the pressure on! Thank you to Palace and their fans for the atmosphere and fair play, best of luck against Rayo Vallecano.

Lotfi: Apart from the win which was essential to keep the pressure on Arsenal, it was so exhilarating to see Foden bag two assists and get player of the match. Also, the return of Josko Gvardiol is massive for City. Over to you Arsenal. If you want the title, you're going to have to work for it.

Amanda: Phil Foden was showing what a great player he is. We started slow, but once the first goal was scored this City team clicked into gear. Bernardo Silva was superb and it was great to see John Stones come on. Nathan Ake was solid at the back and Cherki was superb - the assist was a joy to watch.

Crystal Palace fans

Robert: City gave us a lesson in football. Shear class and on a different level. Watch out Arsenal, it ain't over yet!

Len: Probably Palace's worst display of football this season. They just didn't compete. It looked like a City training game. We couldn't get hold of the ball and when they did their passing was dreadful. It wasn't that City were good, they were made to look so much better by Palace's lack of creativity and ability.

Steve: Outplayed! Outfought! Outwitted! The gap in class was on open display. Palace are in danger of dropping down the table like a stone. Their league record since the beginning of December is pretty dreadful. It is essential they win the Conference League final to attract a top manager and better quality players.

Tom: Palace have several players in the squad now that are on the margin of being good enough for this league, and recent recruitment has been poor. A summer clear out is needed and we may need to cut losses on some big-money signings if we want to keep up.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Phil Foden has scored 10 times in 48 appearances for Manchester City this season, but the most recent of those goals came on 14 December in the reverse fixture against Crystal Palace.

The midfielder has now gone 27 matches without scoring and boss Pep Guardiola has acted by relegating him to the bench in recent months - with Wednesday's start against Palace just his third in his past 13 league games and his first since 4 March.

"I would say I had a good half season - the first half - and dropped off a bit then struggled to find my place in the team," Foden said.

"It happens when you have quality players around you and they are more at it than you, so I have had to wait and be patient, train as hard as I can and when you get your moment you have to take it."

Although he wasn't on the scoresheet against Palace, Foden reminded spectators of his talents with an instinctive pass that was converted by Antoine Semenyo and wildly celebrated by his manager on the touchline.

Foden provided two assists in a City game for the first time since December 2023 and it was the first time he has assisted two goals in the first half of a Premier League match.

He also created five chances in the first half against Palace. No player has created more in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League game this season.

The local product was given a standing ovation when he was replaced on 82 minutes by John Stones and there was further cheer at full-time when he was announced as the man of the match.

The midfielder showcased his undoubted ability when crowned the PFA player of the year only two years ago but he spoke last season about off-field issues and injuries contributing to a campaign in which he "struggled".

Though he has not fully fired this season, City's commitment to the player is unquestionable as the two parties recently reached an agreement over a new contract at Etihad Stadium.

"These type of games, they play the low block, it is the talent for the wingers, like Phil in the first goal," Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day. "These types of games, the quality makes the difference and Phil is full of it in his body. I am beyond happy and satisfied.

"It has to be a big role in the future. We want the best for Phil and Phil has to deliver what he has done for many, many years. He felt how people loved him, the standing ovation from the actions. People want him to be happy."

Read more about Foden's impressive display here

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City's meeting against Crystal Palace was the game in hand from their appearance in the Carabao Cup final back in March – the top two have now both played the same number of games with 36 apiece.

Arsenal will guarantee a long-awaited title triumph if they win both their remaining games, while they can also claim the title early next week if they beat Burnley on Monday and City fail to beat Bournemouth the following day.

But it appears that Arsenal will have to go and win the title themselves rather than having it handed to them.

Pep Guardiola shuffled the starting XI against Palace but his side still managed to get the job done without enduring too much trouble.

Phil Foden has been consigned to the bench for much of the last two months and he made only his third start in City's past 13 matches, but the 25-year-old took his opportunity with two assists in the opening 45 minutes.

The first was a delightful piece of skill that ignited an insipid contest, finished off first-time by Antione Semenyo to end a run of five games without scoring, while the second pass across the box allowed Omar Marmoush to scramble in his eighth goal of the campaign.

City were handed a boost by the return in defence of Josko Gvardiol, playing for the first time since 4 January after sustaining a broken shinbone, and the Croatian almost scored on his comeback but saw a header pushed away at full stretch by Dean Henderson.

City have already claimed the Carabao Cup at Wembley this season and they will aim to make it a cup double on Saturday but the question remains, will it stay that way or can they complete a domestic treble come 24 May?

Man City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We had to work, but Palace worked harder. We were better. A tough team to break down because they defended incredibly well.

"These type of games, they play the low block - it is the talent for the wingers, like Phil in the first goal. These types of games, the quality makes the difference. And Phil is full of it in his body. I am beyond happy and satisfied.

"Phil, we know his qualities. I appreciate him a lot. Incredible runner and fighter. In the final third, an incredible spark. I was really pleased with that.

"Rayan [Cherki] has incredible quality coming from the bench and making an impact. Kovacic and him make an impact."

On title race: "Depends on them [Arsenal]. If they win two games - nothing to do, nothing to talk. All we can be is in there just in case. The last two games are tough."

On the upcoming FA Cup final: "All we can do is go to sleep as quickly as possible and prepare for the FA Cup. That is what we have to do.

"The FA Cup, incredible respect. We lost the last two times because we were not good enough. We are going to go there to win. We have to be ready physically and mentally against a team who are not in the best season, but the quality is there. Of course, they will do their best, and we have to do our best to try to win."

Did you know?

• Manchester City won a Premier League game 3-0 for the ninth time this season. It is the the most common scoreline in the division this season, followed by Arsenal winning 1-0 and Sunderland drawing 1-1 (both 7 times).

• Phil Foden provided two assists in a game for Manchester City for the first time since December 2023 against Sheffield United. It was the first time he's ever assisted two goals in the first half of a Premier League match.

• Pep Guardiola made six changes to his starting XI this evening, as many as in City's previous five Premier League matches combined.

• Only Erling Haaland (26) and Igor Thiago (22) have scored more Premier League goals than Antoine Semenyo this season (16), with four of his six goals in the competition for City putting them 1-0 up

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, who registered two assists in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, speaking to Sky Sports: "Massively important at this stage of the season to have fresh lads coming in - Josko [Gvardiol] as well back in a long time. We were all excited to play and we were ready. It's a massive game, must win, so we are really happy.

On his backheel assist to Antoine Semenyo: "I checked a few times before receiving the ball and I saw Ant [Semenyo] make a good movement. It is one of those, sometimes it doesn't come off. Sometimes a risk is worth taking and I'm very delighted it came off and we scored from it. Buzzing to contribute to a goal and help the lads get three points which is the most important."

On his form this season: "I would say I had a good half season, the first half, and dropped off a bit then struggled to find my place in the team. It happens when you have quality players around you and they are more at it than you, so I've had to wait and be patient, train as hard as I can, and when you get your moment you have to take it.

"It's a team game at the end of the day, if you want to win titles and trophies it's about a full squad and everyone playing their part.

On the title race: "The aim is to keep pushing and keep them [Arsenal] on their toes. We've seen a lot of things can happen on the final day. I've experienced it many times when the game doesn't go your way. We just have to keep pushing and doing our part.

This is what Manchester City's win over Crystal Palace does to the Premier League table.

After 36 games played, only two points separate leaders Arsenal and Manchester City.

It will all come down to the final two rounds of the season.

Arsenal's remaining fixtures:

Arsenal v Burnley - 18 May, 20:00 BST

Crystal Palace v Arsenal - 24 May, 16:00 BST

Man City's remaining fixtures:

Bournemouth v Man City - 19 May, 19:30 BST

Man City v Aston Villa - 24 May, 16:00 BST

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Palace's display?

Come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies - more reaction and analysis coming soon

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola clearly has Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea in mind by making six changes to the side that beat Brentford last time out and leaving out some of the big hitters.

Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, the in-form Jeremy Doku and Nico O'Reilly are all on the bench, as are Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders.

In come Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden, Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

There is also a return to the side for Josko Gvardiol, having been sidelined since 4 January with a broken leg. Midfielder Rodri remains out.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Gvardiol, Ait-Nouri, Silva, Foden, Semenyo, Savinho, Marmoush.

Crystal Palace also have a Europa Conference League final on the horizon and boss Oliver Glasner has made four changes to the side that drew against Everton last time out.

Jean Philippe-Mateta leads the line aiming for his 50th Premier League goal, while Yeremy Pino, Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma also come in.

Jorgen Strand Larsen, Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton drop out.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Munoz, Lacroix, Richards, Canvot, Mitchell, Lerma, Pino, Hughes, Johnson, Mateta.