Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-27 05:48:08
Manchester City managed a dramatic 1-0 victory against Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday, positioning themselves to defend the title from last season. Nathan Ake scored the late, controversial goal that sealed the victory for City. This win was particularly significant as it marked the team’s first victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having lost all five of their previous matches at the venue without scoring a goal. The win was hailed by City boss Pep Guardiola, who expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the match.
The victory came amidst the surprising news of Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure as Liverpool manager at the end of the season, potentially impacting the Premier League title race. Guardiola and Klopp have shared a long-standing rivalry, with Guardiola expressing mixed feelings about Klopp’s exit.
City’s recent form has been impressive, with a seven-game winning streak across all competitions. They remain in contention for several titles, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. The team was able to secure their latest victory despite star striker Erling Haaland being sidelined due to injury.
Meanwhile, Chelsea was held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa in their fourth-round FA Cup match, leading to a rematch between the two teams at Villa Park. The strong defensive performance by Villa limited Chelsea’s scoring opportunities, despite Chelsea’s recent high-scoring victory over Middlesbrough in the League Cup.
In another fourth-round match, Nottingham Forest was held to a 0-0 draw by Bristol City at Ashton Gate. Earlier in January, Bristol City had achieved a shock victory over West Ham, once again proving to be a challenging opponent for Premier League teams. This draw sets the stage for a rematch between the two teams.
