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      Man City 5 Huddersfield 0: Kevin De Bruyne returns after five months out as FA Cup holders thump Championship strugglers

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      HE’S back – and needed no time to return to doing what he does best.Kevin De Bruyne made his long-awaited comeback to the Manchester City team after almost five months out due to hamstring surgery.
      Kevin De Bruyne provided an assist as he returned off the benchCredit: PA
      Jeremy Doku celebrates notching Man City’s fifth goalCredit: Getty
      He was only on the pitch for 35 minutes but was still able to have a hand in two goals in another rout for the FA Cup holders.
      No wonder Jurgen Klopp said the whole country was shaking about the brilliant Belgian coming back into the fold.
      You can stop shaking now, Jurgen – and start worrying because the early signs are he can have a huge say on the final few months of the season.
      The only question is where will Pep Guardiola play him – because Phil Foden has been relishing the central role he normally occupies.
      The Three Lions ace was superb again here – scoring twice as City awoke from a slow start and ran riot.
      It was always going to be a tall order for a team on the edges of the Championship relegation zone to come to the home of the newly-crowned world champions.
      But in addition, Huddersfield boss Darren Moore had to pick a team without 12 players – due to injury and international call ups.
      Guardiola opted to shake up his team despite having a rare midweek off in the build up.
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      Ederson, Kyle Walker and Rodri were among those to be stood down – and they were soon joined on the sidelines by Manuel Akanji.
      A thumping challenge from Alex Matos earned himayellow cardbut ended the afternoon of the Swiss defender in the 18th minute.
      His replacement Matheus Nunes perked up the home side who had struggled to get going in the opening exchanges.
      A shot from Oscar Bobb which deflected wide off team-mate Rico Lewis summed up their early efforts.
      But two goals in the space of four minutes just after the half hour put the tie beyond the visitors.
      First a shot from Julian Alvarez was blocked but the loose ball fell nicely into the path of  Foden who hammered it past Lee Nicholls from a tight angle.
       Town were still dusting themselves down when City struck again as Nunes played a neat one-two and burst into the box.
      His pull back reached Lewis whose connection was not what he wanted but Alvarez was able to divert it on target and over the line.
      “We want 10” chanted the home fans.
      For all that has happened since, the day back in 1987 when City hit double figures against the Terriers has not been forgotten.
      The loudest cheer of the day was reserved for KDB when he replaced Alvarez 10 minutes after the re-start.
      As ever things started to happen with the Belgian on the pitch – although surprisingly he was not involved as City added to their lead.
      A long ball forward from Mateo Kovacic was plucked out of the sky by Nunes and he played into the path of Bobb.
      The Norwegian youngster’s clever chip over Nicholls kissed the underside of the bar on its way in  
      Sorba Thomas fluffed the chance to give Town’s noisy away fans a consolation when he wriggled free of Ruben Dias but Ortega saved with his feet.  
      And De Bruyne was involved as City scored a fourth as he rolled a pass to Sergio Gomez who nudged it on to Kovacic.
      The Croatian found Foden on the edge of the box and he swept a low shot into the corner.
      The England starlet has relished his role in the middle in recent weeks – maybe because he’s had the old master KDB breathing down his neck.
      A goal for their beloved Belgian was what the crowd realy wanted but he whistled a 25 yard effort just over the angle.
      Yet an assist was the next best thing and he produced one of them as he swapped passes with Bobb before clipping a cross to the back post.
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      His fellow Belgium international and sub Jeremy Doku – himself returning from injury – was there to sweep home on the half volley.
      How they have missed their main man – and what a tonic for City to get him back.   More

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      I was one of THREE Man City players to bag hat-tricks in 10-1 win – no team has hit double figures in league game since

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      MANCHESTER CITY were the last side to score ten goals in a league game — in 1987, against Sunday’s FA Cup visitors Huddersfield.Ex-City striker Paul Stewart, who won three England caps, looks back and speaks of his pride at being part of a team to hit double figures, netting one of three hat-tricks on the day…
      Tony Adcock, Paul Stewart and David White after their hat-tricks for Manchester City in the 10-1 win over HuddersfieldCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – Getty
      IT’S very rare in any team sport that everyone in your side fires  in the same game.
      In 20 years as a professional footballer, I was lucky enough to have enjoyed that high in this match.
      Huddersfield — and their recently appointed manager Malcolm Macdonald — were just unlucky to meet our Manchester City side on a day when we were ruthless from the first minute.
      It shows just how well the team played that, in a match in which THREE of us scored hat-tricks, none of us ended up as a man of the match — that was Paul Simpson!
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      This was also 37 years ago, when you only ever played with one match ball during the 90 minutes.
      The idea of match balls scattered on the sidelines like today was unheard of.
      I remember if a ball went over the stands they would wait to get the ball back to resume the game!
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      So this double-figure score and three hat-tricks meant the club had to almost reluctantly part with three balls to myself, David White and Tony Adcock at the end.
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      I’m still very proud that I played — and hit a treble — in the last English league match to see one team rack up TEN goals.
      When a team starts rattling in the goals, I’m often watching or listening and hoping they don’t hit the magical double figures.
      It is still a wonderful talking point for all the players from this game that we were the last ones to do it.
      Despite City being third in the Premier League, I believe they are still the favourites for  the title, although it should be some second half of the season in a race that  also includes another of my old clubs, Liverpool.
      It’s easy to forget City have been without Kevin De Bruyne since the first game of the season in August.
       And goal machine Erling Haaland has missed their last seven matches overall.
      Having De Bruyne in the second half of the season will almost feel like they have signed a £100million player in the January window!
      When a team starts rattling in the goals, I’m often watching or listening and hoping they don’t hit the magical double figuresPaul Stewart
      The thought of those two returning with KDB providing killer passes for Haaland is a frightening thought for the rest of the top flight.
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      But it would be unfair of me not to single out Phil Foden who — in that pair’s absence — has gone up another notch in terms of his all-round game. I didn’t think he could possibly improve on  the last few seasons but he has been absolutely immense and deserves the plaudits.
      I will forever be happy to see my old club City rattling in the goals in big wins —  but I’d prefer to see them stop at seven or eight to leave our golden stat intact! More

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      Newcastle transfer for Kalvin Phillips ‘in doubt’ as two Premier League rivals ready to sign wantaway England star

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      NEWCASTLE could be pipped to Kalvin Phillips’ signature by two Premier League rivals, according to reports.Toon have been heavily linked with a move for the Manchester City midfielder this month.
      Newcastle are stalling over a move for Kalvin PhillipsCredit: Getty
      But they are stalling as signing Phillips could disrupt their long-term plans.
      Phillips, 28, is available to leave on loan after featuring just ten times for City this season.
      But the champions are demanding a £5million loan fee which could include an obligation to buy for a similar amount they bought him for – £40m.
      According to iNews, that is what could be proving to be a sticking point for Newcastle, despite Eddie Howe reportedly being a fan of the England star.
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      The Magpies might be able to afford Phillips and could be willing to make the deal happen – but it could have a knock-on effect on their business in the summer.
      That’s because Financial Fair Play restrictions will limit the amount the club can spend, with Newcastle likely lining up targets for the summer who may not be available this month.
      Newcastle will reportedly save any business they do until later in January – that could allow other clubs to swoop for Phillips.
      Crystal Palace and Fulham have been linked to the former Leeds ace and would be able to offer regular game time ahead of the Euros this summer.
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      Phillips has also attracted interest on the continent with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also eyeing a loan deal.
      City would likely prefer a permanent sale and use the money they get for Phillips on signing Fulham star Joao Palhinha. More

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      Juventus legend Leonardo Bonucci confesses he was ‘close’ to £100million Premier League transfer but turned it down

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      LEONARDO BONUCCI does not regret turning down Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.The Etihad outfit were prepared to make him the most expensive defender in the world eight years ago.
      Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that Man City tried to sign him in 2016 for £100mCredit: Getty
      Bonucci revealed: “In 2016, Man City and I were close. They offered almost £100million to Juventus but together with the club we decided to continue.
      “There were talks in 2017, too, after Juventus put me up for sale… in the end things had to go that way.
      “Being managed by Guardiola would have been a great achievement because he would have improved me but I can’t complain because I won many trophies, individual awards and the Euros.
      “I always let my heart dictate me, that’s why I stayed at Juventus.”
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      City instead welcomed John Stones in 2016 after having their approach for Bonucci rebuffed by the Old Lady.
      And the Italian is only full of praise for the man who was signed in his place as he gushed about the abilities of Stones.
      He said: “I struggle to find a deficiency in players like Stones, who have won what he did.
      “He’s a leader, reads the game well, has rhythms and is intelligent.
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      “He’s a technical player and a nasty defender. At City, Guardiola saw a perfect role for him, to be more of a ball-playing defender. He makes mistakes but who doesn’t?
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      “He’s still young and has a lot of time to improve and keep winning.
      “In the end, who decides if someone is the best in the world? The fans, but with all due respect, it’s got really whether they like you or not.
      “Stones has done great things and I like him a lot. He’s one of the best in the world.”
      Bonucci now plies his trade with Union Berlin after bidding farewell to Juventus last summer.
      A long way from Turin he faces a new challenge with the German club who are currently sat just one point off the relegation zone in the Bundesliga.
      Manchester City signed John Stones from Everton in 2016Credit: Getty More

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      Pep Guardiola speaks out on ‘bad moment’ for Jack Grealish and his family after terrifying raid during game

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      PEP Guardiola today spoke out following a terrifying raid at Jack Grealish’s home while his family was inside.Man City star Grealish was playing against Everton as his loved ones, including partner Sasha Attwood, cheered him on when the horror unfolded.
      Pep spoke out about the raid on Jack Grealish’s homeCredit: Getty
      They were forced to take cover as cops rushed to the £5.6million home to avoid a potential hostage situation.
      The robbers made off with £1million worth of jewellery and watches, while Grealish’s family were left “really shaken” in the horror.
      Manager Pep said today: “Fortunately nothing wrong happened where the family was inside.
      “It is what it is today in the modern day, with many things happening.
      “It was a bad moment for him and his family but, fortunately, what was not damaged were the people inside.”
      The gaffer also confirmed Grealish would be available to play tomorrow in City’s clash against Sheffield United.
      The crooks managed to get in despite extensive security and perimeter fencing around the England star’s home.
      Cops have been combing the area around the mansion from the ground and air in a desperate bid to apprehend the gang.
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      It is understood Grealish was told about the raid just minutes after Wednesday’s game finished in a City win.
      The club’s head of player support and protocol Manel Estiarte looked concerned as he spoke one-on-one with the winger.
      Grealish then looked worried as he raced down the tunnel at Goodison Park.
      Cheshire Police told The Sun: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday  December 27 police were called to reports of a burglary.
      “The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
      “Officers supported by police dogs and National Police Air Service were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area but there was no trace of the suspects.
      “No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police.”
      Grealish’s partner Sasha was in the house at the time
      The winger was playing at Goodison Park when the thieves broke inCredit: Alamy More

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      Gang who raided Jack Grealish’s home still on loose as terrified neighbours told to ‘lock their doors’

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      THE gang who raided Jack Grealish’s home are still on the loose as terrified neighbours were told to lock their doors.Raiders targeted the England midfielder’s £5.6million Cheshire mansion while he was playing for Manchester City at Everton on Wednesday night.
      Raiders targeted Jack Grealish’s £5.6million Cheshire mansion while he was playingCredit: Getty
      Sources said Jack was told of the break-in minutes after City’s winCredit: Reuters
      Members of his family and his fiancée, Sasha Atwood, were at the property at the timeCredit: Refer to Caption
      Members of his family and his fiancée, Sasha Atwood, were at the property at the time when they heard a disturbance and raised the alarm.
      Thieves made off with £1million worth of jewellery and watches and police are now investigating.
      Sources said Jack was told of the break-in minutes after City’s win at Goodison Park.
      The club’s head of player support and protocol Manel Estiarte appeared to rush onto the pitch to give the Prem ace a message.
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      Jack seemed concerned after having the private conversation and quickly headed down the stadium’s tunnel.
      Cops have now told The Sun that there have been no arrests and there was no trace of the suspects.
      Neighbours were told to lock doors and stay inside.
      A spokeswoman for Cheshire Constabulary said: “At around 9.50pm on Wednesday 27 December police were called to reports of a burglary.
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      “The caller reported that a number of items had been stolen.
      “Officers, supported by the police dogs and NPAS (National Police Air Service), were deployed and searches were conducted in the local area, but there was no trace of the suspects.
      “No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing.
      “Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1722738.”
      Around ten relatives were cheering on the City star in his televised match when they heard noises upstairs and dogs barking frantically.
      A source told The Sun: “The family are really shaken. The gang took a lot of watches and jewellery.
      “They executed their raid when Manchester City were playing live on TV and all his family had gathered downstairs to cheer him on.
      “No one was injured but there was a lot of panic. Everyone was terrified as they were all so vulnerable.
      “It’s an enormous property, so it is understandable why no one heard anything at first.
      “It was also the first time the family had visited  so they were unfamiliar with the property.
      “When the dogs went mad, and they could hear people creeping about, they pressed the security panic alarm.
      “An emergency unit responded immediately, with multiple police cars and a chopper deployed.
      ­”Initially, they feared they could be facing a hostage situation or worse.”
      City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his relief that nobody was hurt.
      Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola said: “Fortunately nothing wrong happened where the family was inside.
      Read more on The Sun
      “It is what it is today in the modern day, with many things happening.
      “It was a bad moment for him and his family but, fortunately, what was not damaged were the people inside.”
      Cheshire Police cops made house to house inquiries after the break-inCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Grealish and Sasha bought the mansion last year but have only just moved inCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
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      Kalvin Phillips handed major transfer blow as Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle deal ‘certainly not close’ amid FFP woes

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      EDDIE HOWE admits he “hasn’t had assurances” that he will be handed a January transfer kitty to arrest Newcastle’s slump.The underfire Magpies boss is desperate to add to his struggling squad with so many injuries but he says Financial Fair Play will impact any business next month.
      Kalvin Phillips is hoping to secure a loan move away from Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      Eddie Howe has cast doubt on Newcastle’s ability to spend in the January windowCredit: Alamy
      A defensive midfielder is top of Howe’s wishlist, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan their main target.
      Toon are also in the market for a forward to compete alongside Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak as well as a goalkeeper to replace the injured Nick Pope.
      The pressure is rising on Howe after six defeats in seven leaves them ninth in the Premier League and eight points off the top four.
      But asked if the Saudi owners have made money available, Howe said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.
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      “It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
      “Financial Fair Play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.
      “FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”
      Asked about Man City’s England midfielder Phillips, Howe replied: “If nothing’s close, that one’s certainly not close.”
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      Phillips joined Man City from Leeds for £45million in the summer of 2022 but has played very little since arriving at the Etihad.
      He has featured 31 times – all but six of which have come as a substitute.
      And after just one goal and no assists, he is seeking a way out as he bids to secure his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team for the Euros next summer. More

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      Man City plot shock January transfer raid for Chelsea outcast with Blues set to axe up to five stars

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      MANCHESTER CITY are interested in Chelsea star Ian Maatsen, according to reports.The Blues are set for a mass exodus this January with five players potentially heading for the exit door.
      Ian Maatsen is on Man City’s radarCredit: Getty
      Maatsen is one of those that Chelsea are considering selling in order to balance the books after they splashed £1billion on new players since owner Todd Boehly took over in May last year.
      The 21-year-old left-back spent the previous season on loan at Burnley, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League.
      Vincent Kompany’s side tried to make the move permanent in the summer only for Maatsen to supposedly turn them down.
      He was keen to fight for his place at Chelsea but has made just one Prem start this term.
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      The Athletic report that Man City are keen on him with the West Londoners open to cashing in.
      He would give Pep Guardiola a natural option at left-back with central defenders Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol playing in the role.
      Maatsen’s contract expires in 18 months and there has been no talks over an extension.
      However, Chelsea may want to keep him with Marc Cucurella injured for a couple of months and Ben Chilwell still in rehab after a serious hamstring issue.
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      Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino could reportedly see Conor Gallagher sold in January.
      The midfielder has played 22 times this season and has even captained the side on 12 occasions.
      But with 18 months left on his deal, Gallagher could be sold as he can bring in a large fee.
      This is despite the player being happy to stay.
      Chelsea want to sell academy graduates as they hand the club 100 per cent profit.
      Trevoh Chalobah has not played this season due to injuries and looks set to leave next month.
      Offers for Armando Broja and Malang Sarr will also be considered.
      And several Championship clubs are reportedly interested in signing Alex Matos on loan.
      Chelsea may consider offers for Conor Gallagher in JanuaryCredit: Getty More