Football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Why it’s all gone wrong for Newcastle as Saudi revolution heads into reverse after Mike Ashley-style defeat to West Ham

      by

      THREE years on from the euphoria of the Geordie Arabia takeover, it all looked a bit ‘Mike Ashley’ at St James’ Park on Monday.A mid-table team, ­scoring fewer than one goal per home match, deservedly losing to West Ham and their dreams of world domination a distant memory.Newcastle’s progress under the Saudi revolution has stalledCredit: GettyThings started well after Mike Ashley’s exit but PSR concerns have now taken centre stageCredit: GettyThe Saudi revolution on Tyneside has not just stagnated over the past year, it has headed into reverse.During those past 12 months, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have won 15 and lost 14 in the Premier League.They have better players than in the miserable era under Ashley — the Saudis have spent the sharp end of half a billion in the transfer market — yet they are bang-average all the same.There is still greater ambition and optimism than in the wretched years before the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s morally dubious influx of cash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA home Carabao Cup quarter-final with Brentford next month may not compete with the dizzy heights of thrashing Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain 4-1 early last season.But it offers the hope of silverware — 70 years on from the Toon’s last domestic trophy — and any such triumph would be greeted with elation throughout the ­Geordie nation. Although Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham have also reached the last eight — all part of the Big Six ‘cartel’ who fear Newcastle’s  owners and are behind the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) which have hindered them.Since the Newcastle takeover, the PIF has showered money on the Saudi Pro League, as well as on the sports of boxing and golf.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNewcastle have become less of a priority for the Saudis than originally planned because of PSR.While outsiders may rejoice at the stifling of a sportswashing project by a human rights-abusing regime, there are wider questions here about the competitiveness of the Premier League.Forgotten former Newcastle star who swapped national teams now a rapper after leaving Saudi minnows Aces like Alexander Isak are unlikely to be happy without Champions League footballCredit: PAPSR has slowed Newcastle’s spending so much that Lloyd Kelly — a free transfer from Bournemouth — was the only summer arrival to feature on Monday night — and he was badly at fault for West Ham’s opener.PSR forced Aston Villa, who broke into the top four last year, to sell Douglas Luiz in the summer.Unai Emery’s men host Juventus tonight  but — like Newcastle last term — are struggling to  juggle Premier League and Champions League football and are winless in six games.The Saudi revolution on Tyneside has not just stagnated over the past year, it has headed into reverse.Neither Emery — the Saudis’ first choice as Newcastle boss after their takeover — nor Howe enjoy the squad depth of the Big Six.And those ambitious characters who arrived on Tyneside amid that wave of euphoria in 2021 have since become restless.Sporting director Dan Ashworth quit for Manchester United, while it is believed Howe would have been interested in the England job had the FA been willing to pay £6million in compensation.How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story…Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes — three players of undoubted  Champions League quality —  will be frustrated Newcastle are not in elite European competition.The summer exits of Amanda Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi — seen as the acceptable face of the takeover — after an internal power struggle, hinted at further problems behind the scenes.A feeling of positivity and unstoppable momentum has been replaced by discord and stasis.Howe overachieved in his first full campaign as boss by securing Champions League football and reaching a first domestic knock-out final for 24 years.But while PSR has put a roadblock in the way of the Saudi juggernaut, Newcastle still ought to be much better than this.While last season’s regression was mitigated by fixture congestion and severe injury problems, there are no such excuses this time around.If results do not improve soon — and Newcastle have some kind fixtures before  Christmas — then Howe could be fighting to save his job.Unless the Saudis really have taken their eyes off the ball.READ MORE SUN STORIESPlans for a major redevelopment of St James’ Park, or a completely new stadium, may reveal the extent of their continued ambition.But while PSR has put a roadblock in the way of the Saudi juggernaut, Newcastle still ought to be much better than this. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Gabby Logan forced to apologise after Prime Video pundit deliberately swears following Man City’s collapse vs Feyenoord

      by

      GABBY LOGAN was forced to apologise during Amazon Prime Video’s live coverage of Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Feyenoord.It came after pundit Josie Henning swore on live TV during post-match coverage of City’s 3-3 draw at the Etihad.Pundit Josie Henning swore on live TV when talking about Man City’s collapse against FeyenoordCredit: Prime VideoGabby Logan was forced to apologise after Henning made a joke about itCredit: GettyCity were 3-0 up until the 75th minute before a catalogue of inexplicable defensive errors saw them throw away the lead.It marked Pep Guardiola’s side as the first team in competition history to be leading by three goals after 75 minutes to then go and fail to win, while it was also the first time the club had blown a 3-0 lead since May 1989 against Harry Redknapp’s Bournemouth.And while it ended City’s five-match losing run it now means they are winless in six, with Premier League leaders Liverpool up next on Sunday.Former Arsenal Women’s star Henning was part of Amazon’s coverage of the game alongside Gael Clichy and Stuart Pearce.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd while live on air the ex-Germany international said: “The situation is a little bit s***.”The 35-year-old then looked over at presenter Logan, and joked: “Gabby’s looking at me like oh my god she said it, but no it is the worst.”Logan could be seen smiling at the comment.Henning went on to explain: “You cannot deny this is not a mental problem.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Having and bringing the desire, you (Gael Clichy) said this earlier, until it’s not needed anymore and then you react a little bit sloppy, I think it’s a mental thing and you cannot deny it.”Speaking after the game, Guardiola admitted the result was a “difficult to swallow”.Guardiola left scratching his head as City blow 3-0 lead against FeyenoordThe 53-year-old said: “[It’s] difficult to swallow right now.”The game was good, we scored three and we could have scored more. At the end we are not stable enough to do it. We did a good game but then we were not able to control the last minutes.“We have to accept it for many circumstances. The team was so committed in many things. It happened today. We are not able to win games.“As a team we have always found a way to win games. Right now, after 3-0, other situations, it’s as if nothing happened. We could not score the fourth or fifth.“Unfortunately something happened and we were not strong enough and we have to avoid the mistakes.“Everybody knows the situations. We have to prepare and recover. Have a day off. “It has been, is being and will be a tough season for us. We have to accept it for many circumstances. The team was so committed in many things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Unfortunately something happened and we were not strong enough and we have to try to avoid the mistakes.”The draw, which followed on from Man City’s 4-1 defeat away at Sporting Lisbon last time in the Champions League has left them in 15th in the table, with the Wednesday games still to be played. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Micah Richards BANNED from talking about Brest live on CBS and squirms as Carragher says he ‘likes the shape of them’

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS was banned from talking about French club Brest live on CBS before squirming as Jamie Carragher said he “likes the shape of them.”The pair were in action for last night’s Champions League coverage.Micah Richards was banned from talking about French side Brest on CBSCredit: CBS SportsHe was left squirming after a comment from Jamie CarragherCredit: CBS SportsLigue 1 outfit Brest faced a tough ask against Barcelona in Spain.And they were well beaten 3-0 thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s brace plus a strike from Dani Olmo.However, before kick-off, Richards found himself in hot water with CBS host Kate Abdo.She insisted that the ex-Man City and England right-back was banned from talking about Brest as he “can’t stay professional.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt led to a hilarious interaction with fellow panel members Carragher and Thierry Henry, leaving Richards stunned.Abdo started by saying to the former right-back: “We are going to do a segment about Brest, but unfortunately you’ve consistently proven that you can’t stay professional when talking about Brest so production would ask are you comfortable just staying silent?”Richards answered: “Come on, Kate. I can do this! You can’t trust me?”Abdo replied: “No, we can’t. Experience has taught us not to trust you. So after four games, who here likes Brest? (To Carragher) You like Brest?”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCarragher, who had his hand raised, made Richards squirm by joking: “I like the shape of them.”Abdo continued: “You look at the setup that the manager has got – do you think he’s going with a front two tonight?” Fans ask ‘do they hate him-‘ as Micah Richards gets savaged live on CBS Sports with segment dedicated to his mistakesKate Abdo led a hilarious segment on BrestCredit: CBS SportsThe CBS panel joined in to leave Richards stunnedCredit: CBS SportsHenry chimed in this time, saying” “Yeah, two big – a big pair up front who will try to…”Carragher finished his sentence with: “Work off each other.”Abdo carried on: “I’m interested to know how much you like to watch them, would you pay to watch them?”Carragher noted: “I have done!”Henry added: “One thing you have to say is that you don’t have to be big, you can be small to compete.”Abdo pondered: “Hmm, that’s interesting. Do you think Brest could get exposed tonight?”Carragher laughed: “I hope so.”Richards then intervened, saying: “What is this? What is this? Nonsense! HR? Wow!”Abdo said: “What do you think Micah? Do you think Barcelona could come a bit quickly for Brest tonight?”Carragher noted: “Oooh, I think we might have crossed the line.”Richards added: “You’re trying to get me sacked! I’m taking the fifth.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAbdo ended the banter by saying: “Daydreaming about Brest, I”m sure you can all relate.”Richards added: “What is going on here?” More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Footie star Barbra Banda at centre of gender row controversially named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

      by

      A FOOTIE star at the centre of a gender row has been controversially named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.Zambian striker Barbra Banda, 24, missed the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022 due to elevated ­levels of testosterone in a gender test.She has now topped the Beeb’s poll after her performance at the Olympics in the summer.But ex-GB swimmer Sharron Davies branded her win “just bloody ridiculous”.And sailor Tracy Edwards called it “the destruction of women’s sports”.Banda, who plays for US side Orlando Pride, said: “I am shocked and surprised to have this.READ MORE ON WOMEN’S FOOTBALL”It is for everyone.“If I kept on thinking about what was going on in the past, I would not be where I am now.”A BBC spokesman defended her inclusion and said the result was based on a public vote.Olympics 2024 gender row boxer Imane Khelif set to turn pro after winning gold in Paris Zambian striker Barbra Banda, 24, has been controversially named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘That was not a nice feeling’ – Jude Bellingham explains why he ‘lost his smile’ playing for England

      by

      JUDE BELLINGHAM claims he was made “a scapegoat” for England failing to win Euro 2024.The Real Madrid superstar, who faces Liverpool in the Champions League on tonight, opened up on the agony of the Three Lions’ final defeat to Spain in July.Jude Bellingham has explained why he felt like he was made a ‘scapegoat’ at Euro 2024Credit: PABellingham started all seven of England’s games at the EurosCredit: GettyBellingham scored England’s group stage winner over Serbia before a stunning overhead kick against Slovakia saved them from last-16 humiliation.But the performances of the midfielder and most of his team-mates in Germany were largely disappointing.Bellingham, 21, said: “I felt like I contributed to big moments and, at the end, it felt like the whole world was crumbling down on me after the Euros. That was not a nice feeling.”I felt some of it was a bit harsh on me. I felt like maybe a scapegoat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When I reviewed the games, I felt my form had been pretty good.”I lost my smile after the Euros when it came to playing for England because I felt I was a mistreated in comparison to what I contributed. I was a little sorry for myself.”Bellingham, who won 36 of his 40 England caps under Gareth Southgate, shone in this month’s wins over Greece and Ireland and he made a point of thanking interim boss Lee Carsley as he hit top form.Carsley, who is replaced by Thomas Tuchel in January, brought in a host of new players during his six-game spell.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBellingham scored twice at the Euros – against Serbia and an overhead kick against SlovakiaCredit: GettySpeaking at Anfield on Tuesday night, Bellingham insisted: “I play my best football when I’m free to roam.”The smile is back now. That camp with a lot of new faces brought out the joy in my game again and you could see that in the two games.Moment Jude Bellingham gives Arsenal transfer hope after fan asks him to join Gunners”In general, I had not lost my smile in a Real Madrid shirt. I am annoyed and upset when we lose but it is never a case of being unhappy.”I’m the luckiest lad in the world to play for the biggest club in the world and represent my country. It was more to do with how I was treated at the Euros — but the smile is back.”Bellingham also claimed Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Manchester City’s Rodri.Bellingham, who finished third, said: “That’s nothing on Rodri, he’s a brilliant player… it was just about our season. When we won the Champions League, that was our Ballon d’Or.” More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Onana once looked like another Man Utd flop but is now one of Prem’s best keepers and making huge difference off pitch

      by

      FROM looking like just another expensive flop to one of the best goalkeepers in the Prem.It has been some year for Andre Onana, arguably Manchester United’s most improved player.Andre Onana has stepped up his game after a difficult debut season at Man UtdOnana kept out Liam Delap on several occasions on SundayOnana became the subject of scrutiny after several high profile howlers last seasonIn fact, Onana is leading the race for the Golden Glove with five clean sheets in 12 Prem games this season,.This is one more than Liverpool’s Alisson, Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Arsenal’s David Raya and Nottingham Forest stopper Matz Sels.Although Onana, 28, saw Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson find a way past him to level in Sunday’s 1-1 draw, Ruben Amorim would have been staring at defeat in his first game as United boss but for his keeper.The Cameroonian made two brilliant saves to deny Liam Delap.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAt one time you only needed to get it on target to beat Onana, signed in a £47.2million deal. He arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2023 with a big reputation having just reached the Champions League final with Inter Milan, losing 1-0 to Manchester City.But eyebrows were already being raised in pre-season when he called out former skipper Harry Maguire after conceding a goal in a friendly with Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas.United were quickly looking like they had gambled and lost, having let David de Gea leave when his deal ran out.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn Onana’s first outing at Old Trafford in a pre-season game against French club Lens he was lobbed from 50 yards.Then in the opening match of that Prem season he was very lucky not to concede a late penalty after clearing out Wolves’ Sasa Kalajdzic.Man Utd player ratings vs Ipswich The next month Onana allowed a weak shot from Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane to crawl under him in a 4-3 Champions League defeat in Germany. He was recruited for his distribution skills as well as his shot-stopping but a hospital pass to Casemiro led to a red card for the Brazilian in a 3-2 home defeat to Galatasaray.He conceded two savable free-kicks in the 3-3 return against the Turkish side, having let another shot squirm under his body against Brentford.Onana admitted he found the switch to a different country, league and team a problem at first. But United fans would eventually see why Erik ten Hag signed his former Ajax No 1.By the end of his debut campaign he had made more saves than any other keeper in the Premier League with 149.United are a lowly 12th now after the Portman Road draw but Onana boasts the most league shut-outs.Onana has the most clean sheets in the Prem this season as United sit 12thHe looks more like an athlete than when he arrived and has grown into someone United can rely on.Onana has been achieving things off the field, too — yesterday the international players’ union Fifpro gave him the Player Impact Award.That is for setting up the Andre Onana Foundation, which provides free medical care and surgeries for underprivileged children and adults in his native Cameroon and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.Doctors have performed more than 1,200 operations since 2021. The foundation also provides schools for orphans.Onana said: “The foundation means a lot to me. It makes me see things differently.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You see people who have nothing, yet they look happier than people who have everything. “They didn’t want to be in that position but destiny made it that way and they are making the best out of that situation.”Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Onana saves Amorim from embarrassment in first game as bossMANCHESTER UNITED began the Ruben Amorim era with a 1-1 draw away at Ipswich.Marcus Rashford needed just 81 seconds to put the Red Devils in front at Portman Road, tapping home an Amad Diallo cross.But Ipswich hit back when Omari Hutchinson’s strike flew in via a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui.And it was the newly-promoted side who looked likelier to get a winner in the second half.Here is how SunSport’s Charlie Wyett saw the performances of the Man Utd players…ANDRE ONANA – 7/10United’s best player. Two key stops to deny Liam Delap but no chance for the deflected Omari Hutchinson goal.Then delivered an 87th minute save to keep out an effort from Conor Chaplin.NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 5Slotted in on the right of the three-man defence but unfortunate with the deflection for the goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5Has been suspect this season and will probably be better suited to a back three although still given a tough time by Delap.JONNY EVANS – 5The 36-year-old was targeted by Ipswich for his lack of pace and no surprise he was replaced.AMAD DIALLO – 6Did incredibly well to bomb past Jens Cajuste and deliver the cross for Rashford’s early goal but offered little else.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Some nice touches going forward but too lightweight in this position in front of the back three.CASEMIRO – 4Lucky to start ahead of Manuel Ugarte and was really poor.Struggled throughout before being subbed and could maybe have got a block to the Hutchinson shot.DIOGO DALOT – 5Not suited to left wing-back although stayed there when Luke Shaw arrived because the English international replaced Evans in the back three.BRUNO FERNANDES – 5Some of his link-up play was fine but United need a captain who can inspire this team and Fernandes is not the man.Sent a free-kick flashing past the post with 12 minutes left.ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5Twice called over by Ruben Amorim in the first half for instructions.Denied by a decent save from Aro Muric 50 seconds into the second half.MARCUS RASHFORD – 6Criticised for his basketball trip to New York so to score after 80 seconds was two fingers up at his critics – but did not offer much after that.SubsUgarte (for Casemiro 56 mins) – 6Shaw (for Evans 56 mins) – 6Hojlund (for Rashford 67 mins) – 5Zirkzee ( for Eriksen 67 mins) – 5Mount (for Garnacho 87 mins) – 5 More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Shamed David Coote at centre of betting probe after discussing booking player BEFORE game & saying ‘I hope you backed’

      by

      SHAMED ref David Coote was at the centre of an FA betting probe last night after it emerged he discussed giving a yellow card before a match.Coote, 42, messaged a pal afterwards: “I hope you backed as discussed.”The FA has launched an urgent investigation into disgraced referee David CooteCredit: GettyMessages emerged showing Coote discussing dishing out a yellow card to a player before a gameCredit: YouTubeCoote gave Leeds player Ezgjan Alioski a yellow after 17 minutes, for a foul on Darnell FurlongCredit: SuppliedThe FA said it was investigating the “very serious allegations as a matter of urgency”.Coote denies any wrongdoing.Refs’ body the PGMOL — which suspended Coote earlier this month over a foul-mouthed rant about ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp — was last night poring over the ­latest “very serious allegations”.A separate investigation was also launched by the FA “as a matter of urgency” into the messages, which came before and after a Leeds United versus West Bromwich Albion game in October 2019.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEIt is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.There is no suggestion that the referee made any financial gains.Coote, who was filmed snorting white powder during the Euros this summer, said last night in a ­statement: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Most read in FootballIn the new exchange unearthed by The Sun, Coote appears keen to impress a Leeds fan he met online.He bragged that he was set to officiate in the upcoming Leeds- West Brom Championship clash.Snorting ref David Coote set up drugs party in Travelodge before Man City game – & even sent half time text about itThe pal says he jokingly told Coote to give a yellow card to Leeds left-back Ezgjan Alioski so he could put a bet on it at the bookies beforehand.The day before the game, Coote tells him: “Yeah really good I’ve got Leeds tomorrow.”The friend replied: “Ooh big game. We still on for what we ­discussed (Alioski). Maybe I could join you if so.”Coote replies: “Haha don’t know what you mean.”His friend then posts: “Haha well I’m off to back it in the morning so don’t let me down.”I hope you backed as discussedDavid CooteCoote answered: “Haha will see.”The following evening, Alioski is booked in the 18th minute of the game for a sliding challenge on Darnell Furlong.Last night football experts said the booking was fully justified given the nature of the tackle. Leeds eventually won the game 1-0 with a goal from Alioski.The following day, Coote messaged his friend again to say: “What a day yesterday. I hope you backed as discussed.”A pal of Coote’s says he jokingly told the referee to give a yellow card to the left backCredit: SuppliedDavid was also snapped snorting a white powder at the Euros this summerThe pal tells him that he did not put money on it but he believes another friend “backed it though”.Coote then replies: “Haha he will have to share with you then.”Football bosses were last night examining the latest shock revelations to ensure no corruption exists within the game.Speaking on condition of anonymity, the pal told The Sun yesterday: “My first contact with David Coote was online. When I got talking to him a bit more, I found out about his job as a football referee. “I jokingly told him to give Alioski a yellow card in the Leeds United game the following day against West Bromwich Albion, so I could back this in the bookies. “He sarcastically replied, ‘Haha will see’. Just 18 minutes into the game the next day Alioski was booked.“It was Leeds’ only yellow card in the match.“He messaged me a while after the game and said, ‘I hope you backed as discussed’.”The latest allegations come after Coote was suspended for a wide-eyed rant about Liverpool and their then-manager Klopp.Last night sources close to the ref suggested he may have engaged in “inappropriate banter” and sent “ill-judged” messages.But they ruled out any suggestion of corruption or deliberately booking players, and say he always officiated with “integrity and impartiality”.The PGMOL said last night: “The facts need to be established in light of these very serious allegations.“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any breach of our Integrity Code of Conduct, which is signed by all match officials on an annual basis.“PGMOL Board is committed to taking the appropriate action should any breach of that Code be proven. David Coote remains suspended and subject to an ongoing disciplinary process by PGMOL, separate to the investigation into this matter which will be carried out independently by the FA.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We will be making no further comment at this stage.”The Football Association added: “These are very serious allegations and we are investigating as a ­matter of urgency.”Alioski played for Leeds United from 2017 to 2021Credit: Rex FeaturesCoote was recently embroiled in controversy after being filmed slating ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen KloppCredit: XTexts between David and a palOfficial’s ‘coke’ bid at EurosBy Stephen MoyesTHE Sun revealed earlier this month that David Coote was filmed snorting white powder at the Euros this summer.Footage showed him ­sniffing the substance at a hotel in Germany the day after the France-Portugal quarter-final, where he was a support VAR official.He sent another photo a few days beforehand showing his credit cards next to six chopped-up white lines.We then revealed he tried to arrange a “drugs party” in messages sent at half-time in Spurs’ Carabao Cup tie with Man City last month.He was suspended after he was filmed calling Jurgen Klopp a “German c***”. More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City 3 Feyenoord 3: Pep left scratching his head as he blows 3-0 lead for first time EVER and extends nightmare run

      by

      ON the plus side – at least the run of five straight defeats is over.But the slump goes on for Manchester City as they somehow blew a three goal lead by conceding three goals in 14 minutes to leave Pep Guardiola black and blue.Manchester City’s threw a three goal lead away to draw 3-3 with FeyenoordPep Guardiola was left with his head in his hands and remains winless in six games after his side collapsed in the final stagesGuardiola’s head looked to have suffered more than most during the second-half collapseThe scratches were clear as he admitted City’s performance was ‘hard to swallow’Erling Haaland looked shell-shocked at full-time at the EtihadFeyenoord scored THREE in the last 14 minutes amid defensive mistakes for CityErling Haaland scored his 45th Champions League goal to open the scoringIlkay Gundogan’s deflected volley doubled City’s lead after half-timeHaaland tapped home his 46th Champions League goalThe manager was left with striking red marks all over his head at the end – no doubt a result of it spending much of the calamitous second half in the beleaguered Spaniard’s hands. City are the first team in Uefa Champions League history to be leading a match by three goals as late as the 75th minute and fail to go on to win.It leaves their European hopes in serious peril with games at Juventus and Paris Saint Germain still to come – as they sit 15th in the competition’s standings.But where does it leave their season with a huge trip to Liverpool looming on Sunday?READ MORE ON MAN CITYIt looked like normal service was resumed as they took a three goal lead in the 53rd minute – thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland.Somehow though they let it slip as the Dutch side came storming back and grabbed an astonishing equaliser a minute from time.It was Bernardo Silva who said City were in a dark place after they were beaten at Sporting Lisbon earlier this month.Guardiola didn’t agree then – but they have lost twice more since, including a 4-0 hammering by Spurs last Saturday.Most read in Champions LeagueKevin De Bruyne admitted it has been “chaotic” with all their problems.But it has now got that little bit darker.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere were flashes of the City we have come to know over recent seasons though – but also of how fragile their confidence has become in their dismal run.With tricky games still to come, this was one City simply had to win.Glum Pep Guardiola says Man City ‘cannot deny reality’ after slipping to FIFTH defeat in a rowIt is the kind of European tie they have normally made light work of in recent years but these are not normal times for Pep Guardiola’s men.A run of five straight defeats – across three different competitions – made it the worst run of the Catalan’s managerial career.In fact it was 2006 last time a City team last went on a six-match losing streak – back in the days when Stuart Pearce was in charge.Early on they looked in determined mood and came close to going ahead as Haaland’s flick header hit the base of the post before Timon Wellenreuther clawed away the reboundA volley from Jack Grealish looked destined for the net but hit the back of team-mate Phil Foden and ballooned over the bar.Foden almost made amends with a low shot that was pushed around the post by Wellenreuther at full stretch.The home side were in full control and should have been ahead by more before a triple change in the 60th minute.City fans were starting to worry they have seen this script before.Hadj Moussa brought one back for the visitors in the 75th minuteIt marked a historic night for FeynoordGuardiola’s side travel to Anfield eight points behind Liverpool on SundayBrian Priske said beforehand he was worried about a backlash from the English champions but they had held firm.And their first decent chance of the night came when Igor Paixao got through but fluffed his attempt to chip Ederson.Back at the other end Dutch defender Nathan Ake came close as his header from a Grealish corner drifted just wide.Haaland was denied by a last ditch tackle from David Hancko but from the resulting corner he went down under challenge by Quinten Timber.The Romanian ref pointed to the spot and there was even some suggestion it was given for a handball.Whichever way, it looked a soft one but apparently there was not enough to suggest a clear and obvious error.City’s top scorer – who missed his last spot-kick in Lisbon earlier this month – was made to wait but looked confident as he sent Wellenreuther the wrong way.That’s 16 for the season already for the Norwegian – and people say he has been struggling recently.Josko Gvardiol’s error led to the visitors first goal in the 75th minuteYet as Guardiola said on Monday – with hardly anyone else chipping in, where would they be without Haaland’s goals?It’s now 51 goal involvements for Haaland – 46 goals and five assists – in just 44 games in his favourite competition.That lifted some of the tension that was building around the Etihad and Matheus Nunes went close as his effort was deflected into the side netting.The resulting corner was only half cleared and Ilkay Gundogan’s 20 yard shot was deflected past his own keeper by Hancko.It might not have gone in without the defender’s help but a bit of good fortune was just what the German needed.City’s treble winning skipper has found it difficult since returning to the Etihad after a year in Barcelona but that will do his confidence no harm.Jack Grealish was inches away from making it 4-3 in the final minuteAnd three minutes later, the tie appeared to be over as Nunes burst clear down the right and sent over a low cross that a stretching Haaland turned in.Having reached his half century in the first half, he had now made a start towards the next one. You could see the confidence returning to the home side and now it seemed just a question of how many they would score.But Josko Gvardiol gifted the visitors a way back in as his lazy pass back to the keeper did not have the legs to reach Ederson.Anis Hadj Moussa nipped in and went round the keeper to give the Dutch a bit of hope.And they were dreaming of a famous comeback as Gvardiol again gave the ball away to put the visitors on the attack.Jordan Lotomba’s cross somehow squeezed between Ederson and the post and sub Santiago Giminez chested it over the line.Grealish started his first City game since the beginning of OctoberPhil Foden had his fine strike brilliantly kept out by Timon Wellenreuther inside 22 minutesNow it was panic stations and as Paixao got in ahead of Ederson who had dashed out of goal.He then kept his cool and crossed for Hancko to head home at the back post. A truly astonishing ending.Alan Shearer believes the draw could be WORSE for morale than City’s recent five consecutive defeats.It’s the first time Guardiola – whose head went down at 3-1 – failed to win a game from 3-0 up in his managerial career.And the first time City have not won from 3-0 up since 1989 against Bournemouth.Speaking after the game, a shell-shocked Guardiola said: “I don’t need to say anything to (the players), they know it perfectly.”It’s so difficult to swallow right now, the game was good, we scored three, we could have scored more, but in the end we give it away, we are not stable enough.”What can you do? Rest one or two days and prepare for Anfield.”Asked how he will lift the squad for the massive trip to Liverpool on Sunday, he added: “I have to, it’s my job.”Some City fans booed at the end, but Guardiola wasn’t angry with them.He said: “Last game against Tottenham, the 0-4, they were there, they support us, they applause. They are disappointed of course, we understand it.”Amazon pundit Shearer though was left fearing for the all-conquering Spaniard after this unprecendented slump.He said: “This could spell disaster for Guardiola. I can’t believe the decision making at the end of that game.”They looked light, they looked weak, they looked frail.”You cannot give the opposition a chance, give them hope, and that’s exactly what they did.READ MORE SUN STORIES”With two minutes to go they tried to take a quick free-kick. Why?Their game management was awful. It’s been a disaster for them.”City head to Prem leaders Liverpool on Sunday looking rather shaky. More