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      Pep Guardiola spotted giving Phil Foden on-pitch coaching session AFTER Carabao Cup game with animated discussion

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      PEP GUARDIOLA gave Phil Foden an on-field coaching session – AFTER Manchester City’s win over Watford.Goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes helped City into the next round of the Carabao Cup against the Championship side.Pep Guardiola gave Phil Foden an on-field coaching session after Manchester City’s winCredit: PAThe Etihad boss could be seen pointing directions and instructions to FodenCredit: PAThe incident followed after a 2-1 win over WatfordCredit: PATom Ince grabbed a late consolation to give the Premier League champion’s a scare – but they held onto victory. Foden was tasked with leading the line for City and he was involved in an animated conversation after the final whistle with Guardiola. The Etihad boss could be seen pointing directions and instructions to Foden while putting his arm over the England international. It is not the first time the Spaniard has done so having given Erling Haaland an earful last season before half-time at Burnley. READ MORE IN football City have been handed a major headache with midfielder Rodri suffering a serious knee injury in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal. He could be ruled out until the end of the season with Guardiola faced with finding a replacement. Nunes was handed a shot in the game against Watford having endured an underwhelming 13 months since making a £53million move from Wolves.And after Nunes grabbed a goal, Guardiola said: “He has special qualities few players have, unique. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”With space in transition he’s unbelievable. I’m pleased for him and the goal. Still he has things to read and it’s not easy to adapt. “I’m really pleased for him, he’s a lovely guy and lovely guys always deserves good things.”Matheus Nunes scored against WatfordCredit: AP More

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      Premier League clubs ‘send concerns about Arsenal gamesmanship to PGMOL’ as Arteta’s side accused of ‘dark arts’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have flagged concerns about Arsenal’s use of the “dark arts” last season.And clubs might just do the same again after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.Premier League clubs have raised concerns over Arsenal’s time-wasting to the PGMOLThe Gunners stand accused of employing the ‘dark arts’ during their 2-2 draw with CityThe Daily Mail reports that Arsenal’s apparent gamesmanship was the talk of the top flight last year.Coaching staff and analysts across the division openly and frequently discussed the “dark arts” from the Gunners among themselves.Arsenal were on the receiving end of heavy criticism after their trips to Newcastle and Wolves in 2023 and when Brighton gained momentum in the Seagulls’ defeat last December – to name but a few.Mikel Arteta’s side were again accused of using delaying tactics as they aimed to hold on to their 2-1 lead in the second half at the Eithad.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSArsenal were down to ten men after Leandro Trossard was booked for kicking the ball away in the eighth minute of first-half stoppage time.Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly also received a yellow card while on the touchline at 65 minutes – half an hour before making his Prem debut.The 17-year-old was cautioned after walking behind David Raya’s goal shortly before the keeper went down with cramp ahead of goal kick.The Mail report cites the PGMOL revealed the midfielder was cautioned for “showing a lack of respect for the game”.Most read in FootballReferee Michael Oliver booked Myles Lewis-Skelly before his Prem debutGoalscorer Gabriel went down with cramp several timesFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSky Sports pundit Gary Neville claimed on commentary: “There is no doubt that is a tactic.”Several other stars went down with curious injuries such as cramp – but they were forced into working hard to stop Man City scoring.’Stay humble,’ Erling Haaland tells Arteta who gives him brutal death stare before Gabriel Jesus confronts Man City ace Arsenal retreated into a low block to frustrate the hosts.But sub John Stones equalised for City with almost the last kick of the game in the 98th minute.Tempers boiled over in the aftermath, with Erling Haaland seen arguing with Gabriel Jesus, and Bernardo Silva had plenty to infer when he said Liverpool had always faced City “head on”.SunSport reported this week that Arsenal have wasted the most time on average so far this season.The data looked at how long it takes to restart the game after it stops for corners, free-kicks, goal kicks, kick-offs, penalties, drop balls and throw-ins.And the Gunners take an average of 33.5 seconds each time – the joint-longest in the league alongside Aston Villa.In a press conference on Tuesday, Arteta said: “We have already moved on and are ready to battle again.”Mikel Arteta’s side are caught in a time-wasting storm More

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      Arsenal backed into joint-favourites with Man City after Rodri’s season-ending injury

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      ARSENAL have been backed into joint-favourites to win the Premier League – despite throwing away two points late on at the Etihad.Mikel Arteta’s men are also already two points off holders – and new fierce rivals – Manchester City after just five games.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereCoral: Claim £20 in free bets here*Premier League outright marketCoral pricesArsenal 11/8, Man City 11/8Liverpool 11/2Chelsea 22/1Man Utd 50/1Aston Villa, Newcastle, Tottenham 66/1But reports of pivotal midfielder Rodri’s injury ruling him out for the season has caused a shift in the outright market with bookmakers Coral.The Gunners currently sit fourth but could quite easily be top of the league had they not switched off in the dying seconds on Sunday.Arteta’s side parked the bus and almost left with all three points despite Leandro Trossard’s first half red card which changed the game.But the landscape of the game had changed earlier than that when Rodri went down clutching his knee on 20 minutes, forcing him off.Arsenal would equalise a minute later through Riccardo Calafiori.Reports yesterday claimed it was a season-ending injury the Spaniard picked up and he was later pictured arriving in Barcelona to have further tests carried out by a specialist.It’s a crushing blow to Pep Guardiola and co who have often relied on the defensive midfielder.That’s confirmed in the stats when City have lost A THIRD of the Premier League games he’s missed since arriving at the club (seven losses in 21 games missed) and holding an 11% defeat ratio in his 174 appearances.He led the stats last season in touches, carries and completed passes last season too.City missing their key man for the season has forced the bookmakers to react and despite Arsenal only taking a point on Sunday, their odds have been cut into joint-favouritism.The pair now lead the outright market at 11/8, with Liverpool starting the season strongly at 11/2.Chelsea are 22/1 and Manchester United 50/1, with Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham further back at 66/1.Coral’s John Hill said: “It’s rare for one player to have such an impact on a market like the Premier League outright betting, however, Rodri is such a key player for Manchester City, and we think this is a huge blow to their chances of defending their crown.“We now make Arsenal and Manchester City the joint-favourites for the Premier League title.”Coral: Claim £20 in free bets here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+ New UK & ROI Customers only. Min deposit £5. Min first £5 bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x 20 free bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excl. Free bet valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. More

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      Historic stadium of former Premier League club to increase capacity by 40% making it as big as Man City’s

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      LEEDS have announced plans to increase the capacity of their iconic Elland Road stadium by 40 per cent.This means the Championship ground will host the same amount of fans as seven-time Premier League champs Manchester City.Leeds have announced plans to upgrade Elland Road’s capacityElland Road will share the same capacity as the EtihadThe former Prem stadium will take its capacity from 37,600 to 53,000 – almost level with City’s Etihad ground at 53,400.The plans would see Elland Road become the seventh largest club stadium in England.The ground would also be modernised to meet Uefa Category 4 regulations for “elite” European stadia.Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe said: “We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.”Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club.”I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.”We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”Most read in FootballElland Road has been the home of Leeds United since 1919The Etihad is currently undergoing its own renovationFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere are also 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets.This year the ownership of Elland Road, home to Leeds since 1919, was transferred back to the club for the first time in 20 years.Etihad Stadium appears to suffer LEAK during Man City vs Arsenal as Man Utd fans say ‘happens to the best of us’Marathe is president of the club’s owners, 49ers Enterprises who have experience in constructing stunning state-of-the-art stadiums.49er Enterprises built the 68,500 capacity Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise.The company has hired acoustic consultants to work on preserving Elland Road’s fierce atmosphere.But Man City are currently undergoing a £300million renovation to take the ground’s capacity to above 60,000 – a jump of 13 per cent.And 400-bed hotel will open as part of the build.But Elland Road will be larger than the world’s richest club Newcastle’s St James’ Park (52,305).It will become the fifth largest football stadium in the country behind Wembley, Old Trafford, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, West Ham’s ground and Anfield.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeeds city council leader James Lewis said: “This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of south Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national significance.”Leeds fell short in their attempt to secure immediate promotion back to the Prem after losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final – but will make it their mission to jump back up this term.What we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      Man City verdict in legal challenge to Premier League rules ‘set to be revealed in coming days’

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      MANCHESTER CITY could hear the verdict on a huge legal battle with the Premier League within days.The champions are challenging financial rules designed to stop clubs getting an unfair advantage from massive sponsorship deals.Man City await the result of a big case over sponsorship dealings, but the matter of their alleged 115 fairplay breaches could take months more to resolveCredit: AlamyThe appeal is separate from the case over City’s alleged 115 breaches of Prem financial rules.But it too has big repercussions – as some rival clubs worry the top-flight’s global standing will be damaged if the Etihad club wins.Prem chiefs brought in “associated-party” transaction (APT) financial rules in December 2021 following Newcastle’s Saudi-backed takeover.The aim was to stop teams inflating sponsorship deals with organisations linked to the club owners.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe new rules were also intended to make sure transfers involving teams with multi-club ownerships remained fair.The Telegraph suggest many Prem opponents would be alarmed if City win their appeal.It’s also claimed a result is due imminently.Rivals reckon the Prem needs to keep the financial controls.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe fear is that losing them could create less interest in the English game at the top level across the world.That’s because it might get more difficult for so-called smaller clubs to compete financially with bigger rivals taking advantage of sponsorship arrangements.Furious Ian Wright calls Erling Haaland a ‘coward’ and says Man City star throwing ball at Gabriel ‘really boiled me up’ City launched their action in February – arguing that the rules were discriminatory.The Times revealed that Etihad chiefs want “damages for the losses which it [claims to have] incurred as a result of [what they alleged to be] the unlawfulness of the FMV [fair market value] rules”.City further say that other teams are just trying to “safeguard their own commercial advantages”Prem rules state the aim of the rules is to end the “reliance on enhanced commercial revenues” from “entities linked to the club’s ownership”.They want to ensure that such dealings don’t give clubs an “unfair advantage over domestic competitors”.Meanwhile, in the headline-grabbing other case, City could face points deductions and even possible relegation if they are found guilty of numerous financial fairplay breaches, relating to 2009-2018.The club deny all charges and say their case is backed by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence”.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe private hearing into that matter is likely to last around 10 weeks, with a verdict expected early next year.What City may face if 115 breaches are provedBy Martin LiptonMANCHESTER City’s fate lies in the hands of the independent commission hearing the financial allegations that have hung over the club for the past 18 months.But while it is theoretically possible that the Etihad club could be banned from any competitions if they are found guilty it is, simply, not going to happen.Yes, if the commission decides the Prem charges have been proven, any and all punishments are available.That would include expulsion from the League and relegation into the lower tiers.But nobody, seriously, in the real world, believes City will be banished from the top four levels of the pyramid and cast into the National League – the only way in which they would be ineligible to play in the Carabao Cup.And while the FA will ratify any punishment imposed by the Prem, the commission has NO remit that allows it to impose a sanction that applies to any other competition.As in so many potential scenarios, the word “may” can do an awful lot of heavy lifting.I, for example, at 57, “may” be a shock signing for Arsenal. It won’t happen. But, theoretically, it “may”. If I suddenly win a few billion and buy the club, for example. Which “may” happen. But won’t.What is more intriguing – and could cause a difficult series of conversations – is a scenario in which City, having been found guilty – a very big “if” given the club’s vehement and persistent denials of all the allegations – were to win the Champions League this season, after being given a points deduction that ensures relegation.Under Uefa regulations, the holders of the competition have an AUTOMATIC right to try to retain their trophy.But all representatives of a country can only play in European competition if their names are proposed by the national federation.In other words, while people often do not realise it, no club can play in Europe without FA endorsement – normally something that is guaranteed.It would therefore fall on the FA – after discussions with Uefa – to decide if City’s name should be put forward. Similar issues would arise if they won either this season’s Carabou or FA Cups.As for the looming Club World Cup, City are already confirmed as participating, by dint of their 2022 Champions League win.Fifa rules do not give holders automatic entry to competitions, so even if they win in the USA next summer, they would have to qualify through Uefa.And if they are relegated even to the Championship, meaning at least a two season Uefa absence, they would have to win the Champions League in 2028 to qualify.City fans are in for a nervous few daysCredit: Getty- More

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      ‘Pep will rue the day…’ – Man City fans demand return of forgotten Champions League winner after horror Rodri injury

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      HE’S a player who splits opinion – but sadly not often defences.Yet he could be a side-splitting answer to Manchester City’s problem of how to replace Rodri.Rodri has suffered a serious knee injury, which prompted many Man City fans into serious thinking over his possible replacementCredit: RexPep Guardiola has tough decisions to make if Rodri is ruled outCredit: GettyThat’s if you believe many fans online, who are mooting the return of a forgotten midfielder, currently loaned out of the Etihad for a second time.Some say he should plug the gap if star anchorman Rodri is ruled out for the season following a knee injury against Arsenal on Sunday.The Spanish Euro 2024 winner is already in Barcelona for tests that could confirm City’s fears he has torn a cruciate ligament.The 28-year-old is as close to irreplaceable as you can get for a club that has won the Premier League four seasons in a row.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSBeing without Rodri for so long would be an unthinkable problem.But fan reckon they’ve got a previously unthinkable answer – in the shape of an unfashionable player now trying to revive his career at the opposite end of the Prem.The same-aged ace in question, Kalvin Phillips, never won a regular place at City after arriving from home-town club Leeds in 2022 for £42million.And he remained on the bench during a 1-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan the next year as Pep Guardiola’s men sealed the Treble.Most read in FootballKalvin Phillips is on loan with the Tractor Boys but some fans reckon he should be thrown into the mix for a Man City returnCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHis England career stuttered, albeit mainly due to injury and then a miserable second half of last term on loan at West Ham.Now Prem new boys Ipswich have borrowed Phillips for the season – with encouraging hints so far he’s rediscovering his prime combative form.Fans all spot Wright’s reaction to Hart screaming in his face after Man City goal against Arsenal And a section of Etihad fans want him back – “pronto”.One posted: “Get Kalvin Phillips recalled, he’s got a title to win us.”Another claimed City chief Guardiola will “rue the day” he let the ball-winner leave once more.”Bring Kalvin Phillips back,” pleaded a third supporter, who added, perhaps mischievously: “Who says no?”A fourth supporter suggested he was “surely almost certain to be recalled?”That sparked the response: “Yeah, he’s definitely making a strong case for it!”   But another group of fans believe that if Phillips is the solution then the champions have really got a problem.A few pointed out ready-made alternatives – reliable Mateo Kovacic, returning legend Ilkay Gundogan, England starlet Rico Lewis and versatile John Stones.So how likely do they rate Phillips’ prospects of an early Etihad comeback?”Zero chance,” said one, with the explanation: “That’s why we recalled Gundogan.”Less tactical verdicts included “Absolutely not” … “Not a prayer” … “I can do a better job”… and “Let’s not lose our heads now”.Meanwhile, several fans suggested Guardiola would revert to the “double pivot” of fielding two No6s – if Rodri’s injury proves as severe as suspected.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for neutrals, many will hope the likeable Phillips can turn his career around this term wherever he plays,And although he was forgotten by some, he was always remembered by ex-Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate – who insisted England never truly replaced the 31-cap ace at his grafting best.Rodri was helped off after the second of his two injuries on SundayCredit: Rex More

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      Rodri lands in Barcelona for further medical tests after Man City star suffers ‘suspected cruciate ligament tear’

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      RODRI has arrived in Barcelona for tests that could confirm he’ll miss the rest of the season.Manchester City fear their star midfielder tore a cruciate ligament against Arsenal on Sunday.Rodri faces a medical exam to see if his injury is as bad as fearedCredit: X/victor_naheThe Man City midfielder went down twice against Arsenal on SundayCredit: RexThe Spaniard arrived in Barcelona to see a renowned specialistCredit: X/victor_naheAn initial exam the following day indicated his knee injury was worse than hoped.Now reports in Spain say the anchorman is preparing for a complete assessment in his home country.Rodri, 28, was seen walking out gingerly at the Barcelona-El Prat Airport.He appeared to have a slight limp but there was no sign of a crutch or any protective wear.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThe Spaniard, who looked relaxed, wore black tracksuit bottoms and a white top with the hood up as he got into a waiting vehicle.Journalist Victor Navarro said Rodri was with Etihad doctor Ed Mauri and would meet Dr Ramon Cugat – dubbed the “Messi of medicine”.The famed orthopaedic specialist is City’s expert of choice for many injuries.Rodri collapsed dramatically just EIGHT SECONDS into Sunday’s 2-2 home Premier League draw after colliding with Gunners’ attacker Kai Havertz.Most read in FootballRodri looked in agony with his second injury of the Prem matchCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut it was another freak collision, with midfield counterpart Thomas Partey, that forced the Euro 2024 winner out of the game midway through the first half.And it’s that knee problem that City are sweating on.Furious Ian Wright calls Erling Haaland a ‘coward’ and says Man City star throwing ball at Gabriel ‘really boiled me up’ John Stones’ last-gasp leveller against ten-man Arsenal put Pep Guardiola’s men top, one point above Liverpool and Aston Villa. But Rodri is that rare thing among the champions’ bulging squad – a player almost impossible to adequately replace.Arsenal ratings vs Man CityTEN-MAN Arsenal came desperately close to beating Man City.Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta’s men, John Stones popped up in the 98th minute to score an equaliser with the match ending 2-2.Here’s how the players rated…DAVID RAYA – 9Well beaten for Haaland’s opener but continued his impressive start to the season with some super second half stops – notably from Haaland and Gvardiol. RICARDO CALAFIORI – 8A full debut the Italian won’t forget. Didn’t get close enough to Savinho for the opening goal but made amends with his stunning long range curler to level it.GABRIEL – 9Planted one header over but made no mistake with his second one just before the break to score for the second straight weekend.WILLIAM SALIBA – 8Clattered by Haaland early on and lost the Norwegian for City’s goal – but dusted himself down and led the rearguard action for the visitors superbly.JURRIEN TIMBER – 8Asked to play an unfamiliar role on the right but did a great job for his boss keeping the livewire Doku quiet – and did fine when Pep changed it around too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7Caused Walker plenty of problems in the first half. Played the ball back for Calafiori to score and teed up another great chance for Trossard.DECLAN RICE – 7Helped Arsenal work their way back into the game after early onslaught – and protected the back four so well when City were camped on the edge of the box.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Quick thinking from free-kick led to equaliser – also involved in the collision with Rodri that changed the course of the game.BUKAYO SAKA – 6Always a threat with his corners – not least when Arsenal got their second. Subbed at the break to make way for an extra defender.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4Steered good chance over. Booked for pulling back Savinho then a second yellow for barge on Silva and then delaying the restart. Stupid from the Belgian.  KAI HAVERTZ – 7Early collision with Rodri and caused a few problems in the first half but then had to focus on helping his 10 man team out defensively.SUBSWHITE – 7(For Saka 46) – Thrown on to shore up the defence at the break – and did exactly that.KIWIOR – 6(For Calafiori 74 )– Gave the Italian a rest for the final few minutes and kept it tight.JESUS – 6(For Martinelli 87) – Some good pressing against his old team in the closing minutesLEWIS SKELLY – 6(For Timber 90) – Good experience for the youngster but was bizarrely booked before even coming on for his debut.Click here to read more on Arsenal. More

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      Fans joke Man City need ‘116th charge’ after spotting what Pep Guardiola did in Arsenal pre-match interview

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      MANCHESTER CITY manager Pep Guardiola went viral for all the wrong reasons during his pre-match interview ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.Guardiola saw his City side snatch a last-gasp 2-2 draw at the Etihad thanks to a dramatic equaliser by John Stones in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola went viral before the draw with ArsenalCredit: RexGuardiola was caught playing with his spit during his pre-match interviewCredit: Sky SportsThat worked as a massive result for the undefeated Citizens who are still top of the Premier League table with four wins out of five games and one point separating them from second-placed Liverpool.This comes during a challenging season for the reigning Prem champions as they are facing a whopping 115 charges alleging financial fair play rule breaches.And fans joked Man City should be charged with a 116th breach from the Prem because of what Guardiola did in his pre-match interview.The ex-Barcelona boss spoke to Sky Sports and while the interviewer was asking the question the 53-year-old was caught playing with his spit.Read More on FootballOne fan tweeted: “Enough is enough. This should be the 116th charge.” Another commented: “Pep Guardiola putting spit on the end of his tongue there then. That was delightful. 116th charge please.”A third asked: “Why is Pep playing with his spit during an interview?”This fan said: “So gross.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd that one stated: “That spit thing Pep does is knocking me sick.”City face relegation, points deductions or huge fines if found guilty of the charges brought to them by the Prem.Furious Pep Guardiola lashes out and kicks chair with Man City stars fuming at Arsenal’s stunning equaliserGuardiola’s side could also be kicked out of all of England’s domestic competitions.In addition, there is no certainty that the Manchester giants would be able to compete in the Champions League and Club World Cup either.However, SunSport understands that it is unlikely that City would be dumped from all competitions despite the rules allowing for it to happen.We thought games like this had been lostSunSport’s NEIL CUSTIS hails chaotic Man City vs Arsenal clash as a return to the Premier League of yesteryear.FOR two teams who have done so much to take the game forward this really was a tremendous throwback.We thought these games had been lost.Real feisty encounters between two rivals fighting for the top honours.How we used to love it when Manchester United came up against Arsenal when Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were in charge.When Roy Keane, watching on as a TV pundit here, used to clash with Patrick Vieira before a ball had been kicked.The Manchester derbies used to have it as well.In fact that were clashes everywhere throughout the league.Since then the emphasis on the beauty of the game, the tactical side, the ball playing centre-back, the false nine, the inverted full-backs have all come to the fore.But English football still loves something like this.Compare this to the two matches between this pair last season not least the really STALEmate here.Then along comes a blood and thunder classic.A match to set the tone for what we all hope will be a real title tussle to the end but with that added edge.While these two managers maybe good friends who knows we may even get the niggly comments in pre-match press conferences about each others teams.We knew we were in for something a bit different as straight from the kick-off Kai Havertz charged into Rodri and left him flawed.The first players’ melee ensued.Foreign coaches often scratch their heads as to why English crowds love stuff like this.Love a thumping tackle, or a bit of a barney.How that as much as any sweeping move gets them to the edge of their seats and there was plenty of that here.Jurrien Timber was employed on the right to combat the pace of Jeremy Doku.SO Doku just charged into him and floored him.Rodri was clearly seen as one of City’s key men so at a corner Thoams Party followed up Havertz’s early example and caught him behind the knee, and the player hobbled out of the action.Gabriel and Erling Haaland was a classic battle between a big centre-forward and an Arsenal centre-back who performs like greats of old like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.A player for whom a thumping tackle warrants the same high fives or celebrations as something defining at the other end of the pitch.Haaland did brilliantly to pull away William Saliba and slip behind Gabriel for his goal.Gabriel will have been fuming having kept the big Norwegian so quiet last season.He barely gave him another sniff of goal, barring a second-half header saved, as he stuck to him, the pair often pushing and shoving one another as Haaland became frustrated with his shadow.Leandro Trossard did not get his second yellow and therefore the only red for the actual barge on Bernardo as everyone first thought but for kicking the ball away after that.Both technical areas were a flurry of arm waving and shouting from the two managers.The staff on the two benches started having a go at each other and Guardiola had to intervene.In the press box one of Arsenal’s technical staff was losing it.As Arsenal players went down with cramp and played for time the boos went up.The fourth official was getting in the ear.Michael Oliver was being told he was not fit to referee by a large section of the home support.When Arsenal fans were spotted in the posh seats having been in the expensive tunnel club City fans shouted and pointed to try and get them ejected.Right at the end after City’s dramatic equaliser and the game restarted Haaland barged into Partey and every player on the pitch got involved even the two goalkeepers.At the final whistle the ref was harrangued.On the touchline Guardiola and Arteta hugged. 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