Manchester City

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Tuesday's triumph at Villarreal extended City's unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games and they are well placed in fifth position in the group phase of the Champions League, winning two and drawing the other of their three matches.

They are already showing an improvement on their performance last season when they finished in 22nd place to go into the play-offs, where they were knocked out by Real Madrid.

They face the La Liga giants on their next European away trip in December, heading into that match having ended a run of five without victory on the road in the competition.

City's previous Champions League win outside Manchester came on 1 October 2024 in their 4-0 thrashing of Slovan Bratislava but they never looked in any trouble against Villarreal.

The early chances set the tempo and scoring two goals in the first half allowed City to control and see out the contest in the second period, showcasing their growing confidence.

Ruthless striker Haaland loves scoring goals against any team but particularly enjoys facing Spanish opposition, having now netted nine goals in as many games against opponents from La Liga.

Boss Guardiola continues to take pleasure in playing Villarreal too as he has never tasted defeat against the opponents in nine meetings.

One concern will be an apparent injury to midfielder Nico Gonzalez, who himself has been playing in the absence of Rodri, hobbling off just short of the hour mark.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to TNT Sports: "It's a tough place to come. We played really good.

"At the end they had one or two chances but we played a fantastic game. A good step for us in this tournament.

"Last season was not good. Our numbers in the Champions League in the last year are not bad. Personally my numbers are not bad.

"But last season was tough for us, the vibe and how the team are playing now make me feel fine."

On Nico Gonzalez, who was substituted off: "Knock on the foot. Hopefully nothing serious."

Manchester City's Rico Lewis also spoke to TNT Sports: "We felt in control for most of the game. There's always things we can do better and we think there were a few spells that they had that we could have prevented, but we have to be harsh on ourselves because we want to win the competition.

"Happy with a clean sheet and a win. It relives a bit of stress and puts us in good stead for the next game. But we have to win them all - home or away."

On City getting back to their best: "I think we've got some confidence back. When you're playing with confidence there's nothing to stop you but yourself.

"Everyone trusts each other as well and there's nothing better than us having each other's backs too."

On Erling Haaland, who scored again: "To play with him in the team, he helps us more than people realise. He draws defenders to free other people and then that frees him up to score.

"He's impossible to defend. He's such a hard worker and never stops wanting to score."

Did you know?

• Bernardo Silva made his 66th start in the Uefa Champions League for Manchester City against Villarreal, which is now the most of any outfield player for the club after overtaking Kevin de Bruyne [65].

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

What did you make of City's display?

Come back on Wednesday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City make four changes to the side that beat Everton on Saturday.

Captain Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis come in with Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Nathan Ake and Nico O'Reilly dropping to the bench.

There is also a place as a substitute for full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, who has recovered from injury for this Champions League game.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol, Gonzalez, Savinho, Silva, Lewis, Doku, Haaland.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Rayan Cherki's fitness and the nature of his injury have been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Manchester City' form.

Cherki suffered a thigh injury at the end of August and boss Pep Guardiola said the issue would keep him out for two months.

But he returned to action earlier than expected, featuring as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win over Everton.

With the likes of Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku in fine form this season, the France international has a battle on his hands to not only break into the team but cement his place.

However, you can see how highly Guardiola rates when the Spaniard spoke before Tuesday's Champions League game at Villarreal.

"Rayan [Cherki] is one of the huge talents I have ever seen in my career, technically and individually," said Guardiola. "He is top."

No pressure on the 22-year-old then.

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There are nine games in the Champions League on Tuesday, three featuring Premier League teams and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Barcelona v Olympiacos (17:45)

• Kairat Almaty v Pafos (17:45)

• Arsenal v Atletico Madrid - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Copenhagen v Borussia Dortmund

• Bayer Leverkusen v Paris St-Germain

• Newcastle v Benfica

• PSV Eindhoven v Napoli

• Union Saint-Gilloise v Inter Milan

• Villarreal v Manchester City

Kick-off times 20:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Atletico Madrid".

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter in Villarreal

Image source, Villarreal FC

Manchester City arrived in Spain on Monday evening for their Champions League tie against Villarreal and Rodri tagged along with the travelling party.

The midfielder will miss Tuesday's game because of a hamstring injury and is also expected to be out of Sunday's Premier League match at Aston Villa.

The 29-year-old misses out on featuring against his former club but has been honoured by the Yellows by being inducted into their hall of fame.

Rodri unveiled a ceramic plaque of himself outside the ground, alongside other club legends including Santi Cazorla and Bruno Soriano.

"I feel honoured to have received this special recognition from my former club," said Ballon d'Or winning midfielder.

"I enjoyed my time with Villarreal immensely. I was a young boy, still learning and still developing. They helped me start on a good path which has led to many, many proud moments in my career so far.

"I would like to thank the club for this inclusion on their Walk of Stars. I really appreciate and it means a lot to me and my family."

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Saturday's double for Erling Haaland made it a staggering 14 goals in just 10 appearances for Manchester City this season, and his 22nd and 23rd goals across 13 appearances for club and country.

If Pep Guardiola's side are to win silverware this campaign, the Norway striker will play an integral role. On the same note, any downturn in form or an injury-induced absence could cause this side's collapse.

In a remarkable statistic, one of City's next joint top scorers does not even play for the club, with Maxime Esteve's two own goals in Burnley's 5-1 defeat at Etihad Stadium matched only by Phil Foden and his two strikes for the club this season.

Neither the attacking midfielders or the wingers are delivering goals, all despite some promising form in the way of chance creation for Haaland.

Should we be concerned? Pep Guardiola thinks so - and perhaps so should we.

The Catalan coach did offer some encouragement over the weekend, insisting that the standard of finishing from his attacking stars, aside from Erling Haaland, has been high behind the scenes.

But things on the pitch need to change.

While Haaland's dominant performances are an excellent problem to have, City could have a whole different beast across competitions, when their other attacking stars start delivering in front of goal.

It is an open message to Foden, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Oscar Bobb to become greedy when needed. By all means be the creative spark for the Norwegian giant to undoubtedly convert, but also be the man to win a game and be the saviour in big moments.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

I motored down to the Etihad this week to watch Erling Haaland in the flesh and, once again, he was scarily good when his moments came.

‌The analogies are endless. Sometimes he looks like an adult playing with kids, a big fish in a small pond but with that ruthless streak he is more like a great white shark in your local swimming pool.

It is terrifying if you are a defender or opposition fan.

‌The Etihad itself was eerily quiet for much of the first half. The ever-dwindling number of local "legacy" fans tried to make some noise to lift their team to little avail. City's "tourist" fans, those who might be tempted by half and half scarfs and have travelled there from all over the world, waited politely to be entertained.

‌Fortunately, Haaland can make even average games into memorable events because of the breathtaking, seemingly unnatural moments he delivers.

Many will recall the effect that Usain Bolt had on sprinting when he arrived on the scene, making all the other phenomenal runners look pedestrian. Haaland is so big, powerful, lightning quick and intelligent with his movement and finishing that he owns the stadium in those moments.

‌Even disappointed Everton fans would have accepted that they were witnessing a world class sportsman in action and they will probably never forget the occasion for that.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter at Estadio de la Ceramica

Image source, Getty Images

Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Thomas Muller, Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland - just some of the stellar names Pep Guardiola has coached in illustrious his career.

But the Spaniard has possibly picked out a surprise name as a "top" prospect.

"Rayan [Cherki] is one of the huge talents I have ever seen in my career, technically and individually," said Guardiola. "He is top."

France international Cherki signed from Lyon for £30m in the summer and featured at the Club World Cup, before scoring in the opening Premier League game of the season at Wolves.

However, after suffering a thigh injury in August, he missed six games before returning during Saturday's victory over Everton.

"The question is how he settles into what we want to do and how he reads every action that the game needs," Guardiola said. "He started really well at the [Club] World Cup but has been off for a few weeks.

"[With] the talent that he has, I have the feeling that most of the time the ball comes to him the situation [will be] better. Not all the time he has to do exceptional things - he just has to play football.

"But he has something. I like that he doesn't feel the pressure, he's like a street player and give me the ball, give me the ball. He has had a short time here and he needs time. These type of players are so intuitive. They see everything."

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter at Estadio de la Ceramica

Image source, Getty Images

Nico Gonzalez has huge pressure on his shoulders as a professional football as he has a dad who was extremely successful during his career.

Nifty winger Fran played his entire career at Deportivo La Coruna famously winning the La Liga title in 2000, as well as two Copas del Rey.

After signing for City from Porto in January, Gonzalez has taken time to settle into the side but boss Pep Guardiola believes the midfielder's mum and dad "have to be so proud" of how he is as a player and human being.

The midfielder has made 10 appearances for City this season and is expected to start against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday in the continued absence of compatriot Rodri.

"In Barcelona, when I was young I watched [Sergio] Busquets," said Gonzalez. "I played with him and learned a lot from him - maybe the player I've learned the most from. I used to look and love watching videos and everything."

Asked if he is given any advice by Rodri, Gonzalez said: "Every game. At half-time last game, he gave me some advice about what he saw because he knows a lot. I try to listen and learn a lot.

"He is one of the captains and that's a really important role. He tries to, especially to the young players, to advise us and make us understand the way we want to play."

On Guardiola's comments about him, he reflected: "It's really nice but hard because you always need to keep improving. He wants the best, which is why he is the best.

"In the last months I have improved a lot and that is why I play football. I think I am doing a good job."

Listen to Nico Gonzalez on BBC Sounds

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game against Villarreal at Estadi de la Ceramica (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Guardiola confirmed that Rodri has still travelled with the squad, despite having not trained due to injury and being unlikely to feature against the either the La Liga side or Aston Villa at the weekend.

• The City boss praised Nico Gonzalez as getting "better and better" in Rodri's absence: "It is not always easy when you arrive in a different style to maybe [you have] played in the past. We are really pleased with his behaviour. He will be better and better, month by month and year by year. He is so coachable and open-minded and a lovely guy."

• On whether there is a danger Gonzalez could feel the pressure to perform like Rodri: "He has to be himself. If you play with top players, you always learn if you are open [to it]. 'How can my game be better?' But Nico has to be Nico. Nico is fantastic, but just by his age he can get better."

• After going unbeaten for eight games, Guardiola sees how his City side have improved since the start of the season: "We score a lot of goals, create a lot of chances and we concede not much but tomorrow is another test. When we have played just eight Premier League games and two Champions League games, you have the feeling that every game is better. This does not define seasons but we talk a lot about what we can do better."

• On whether Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland can play together: "Everyone can play together. Rayan is one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my career. Technically and individually, he is top."

• He added: "I have a feeling most of the time, when the ball comes to him, the situation is better. But he doesn't have to be exceptional all the time. There are many, many things he can do. He doesn't feel the pressure - he is like a street player."

Listen to Guardiola's news conference on BBC Sounds

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter at Estadio de la Ceramica

Image source, Getty Images

Villarreal players would rather be playing against the likes of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the Champions League than being "sat at home", says manager Marcelino.

The La Liga outfit face a City side spearheaded by the in-form Haaland, who has racked up scored a remarkable 23 goals in 13 games for club and country this season including netting in 11 consecutive games.

City themselves are on a fine run, unbeaten in their past eight games in all competitions before facing Villarreal in Spain on Tuesday (kick-off 20:00 BST).

"Hopefully it won't be a 12th game in a row [for Haaland]," said Marcelino. "If I say he is the best number nine in the world, I won't be saying anything somebody hasn't said before.

"We want to play against players like this. We would rather be playing them than sat at home. We want to live this atmosphere, but to do this we need to play against the best. It helps us grow. That's the excitement we want.

"For Haaland, we will try to make sure he receives the ball as little as possible – although he can score with hardly any touches. I hope the 12th game is the one where he won't be able to score."

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

City fans

Chris: Erling Haaland is a machine. Other players need to step up and contribute to the goal stats. An injury to Haaland could derail our season.

Harry: Still looking a little shaky at the back. No disrespect to Beto but if anyone else is on the end of those two chances, then we're 2-0 down. Proud of the team. Yes, Haaland is doing the heavy lifting but I see only positives in the fact that we are finally getting him the service he needs. When Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush are fit enough he'll have some backup. Bring on Anfield.

Neil: Nico O'Reilly was my player of the match. His contribution was electric. The first half was sluggish and predictable with both wingers - Jeremy Doku and Savinho - putting poor crosses into the box. In the second half, City woke up and produced some decent football. Tijjani Reijnders seemed absent for most of the game but Haaland brightened up the day.

Everton fans

Mike: With such a blunt set of strikers like Everton have, the result was never really in doubt. As soon as we enter the final third, we look so naive. Beto can't control a football and Thierno Barry looks miles off it. Haaland was invisible until he scored, but that's the sign of a world-class striker - something Everton can only wish for. Iliman Ndiaye was brilliant and deserved to be on the winning team.

Harry: Never thought we would get anything against City. Although we have improved this year, we are miles off the top teams and Haaland alone is the proof of that.

Gerard: Pleased to see us have a go at City when we could. Love Beto's effort and never-say-die attitude, but ultimately, if he doesn't score we need someone who can. Not sure Barry is that person. Hasn't shown us anything yet and of the two, Beto provides us with more. Ndaiye and Jordan Pickford are fantastic and we look a good team - just need a goalscorer. Now where have I heard that before?

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City's Erling Haaland "is not normal", joked former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

There have only been three instances of a player reaching double figures in the Premier League by their eighth appearance of a season.

Haaland in 2022-23. Haaland in 2024-25. Haaland in 2025-26.

"It feels like he has taken his game to a whole different level this season because of what he is doing outside of the box," Morrison added.

"He used to be judged and criticised on that, but it never really bothered me as an ex-centre-forward because you are there to score goals.

"He is phenomenal and he is going to break all sorts of records in the Premier League."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

It is difficult at times to find new things to say about Erling Haaland and his goalscoring feats, but the frontman's numbers this season are staggering.

He has featured in 13 games for club and country, scoring a total of 23 goals including eight for Norway in World Cup qualifying to take his country to the brink of reaching next year's tournament.

By mid-October, Haaland has struck 14 times for City in the league and Champions League and blanked only against Tottenham back in August.

But he will have to continue scoring at this rate to beat Dixie Dean's record 63 goals in all competitions from almost a century ago, which stands as a record for an English top-flight player.

He came close to breaking that record in his first season by scoring 52 goals, helping City to a Treble of trophies, before netting 38 and 34 in the past two campaigns.

"The man is an absolute phenomenon," former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"He was walking about and looking fairly disinterested in the game. We had hardly mentioned his name. The ball has landed to him twice and never for a millisecond do you think it's going to end up anywhere but the goal.

"The thing with Haaland when you see him at his very best is that he just looks like a grown man playing with kids. He has got that back again hasn't he? People just bounce off him, his pace is extraordinary and he looks superhuman. He is alive again."

Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray said on Final Score:" The scary thing is, he has become more complete this season.

"He is a better footballer than when he arrived at Manchester City and scored all those goals. He was just a goalscorer then, I think his all-round game is improving."

Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Manchester City 2-0 Everton

• Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth

• Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This was another game when the prolific Erling Haaland managed to find the net. He has played 13 games this season and failed to score in only one.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker seems to be on a one-man mission to try and right City's wrongs from last season when they ended the campaign without a trophy.

City did not have it all their own way on Saturday and were fortunate not to go behind in the first half, but they have the ability to call upon one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.

Haaland could have completed his third hat-trick of the campaign late on but was twice denied by Pickford when through on goal.

Full-backs Nico O'Reilly and Matheus Nunes were getting forward and both drilled wide, but the home side did not click into gear until the second half.

City have ticked along quietly but are now looking a threatening prospect to the rest of the league, stretching their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions and had briefly gone top on goal difference before Arsenal beat Fulham later on Saturday.

City manager Pep Guardiola will also be thrilled to see his squad depth being strengthened by the return of key players from injuries, with Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic returning to action in the second half following lay-offs.

Pep Guardiola spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Manchester City's victory against Everton: "Typical first half after international break. We were not able to control the second balls, it wasn't easy. Everton and David Moyes are doing an incredible job. The quality is there and they have the long balls and experienced defenders. When we broke it we started to play better.

On Erling Haaland: "Disappointed he did not score four or five. All jokes aside, really pleased but we can not rely on just him, we need other players. Wingers, attacking midfielders. They have to make a step up and score goals. We play to provide Erling with quality and passing but other players have to step up. The chances were clear and they have to score. At this level they have to demand themselves. Chances from Savinho and Jeremy [Doku] and Tijjani [Reijnders] - they have to score. They have to do it otherwise we can't do what we want to do.

"Erling lives for it. Our delivery of passes has been better and Erling is our key man right now.

On building momentum: "We have sustained the level. Minutes from Oscar [Bobb] and Bernardo [Silva] and Rayan [Cherki]. We need everyone back because it's a lot of games. Contribution is important and the players know that they have to be ready. We started a bit difficult with Tottenham and Brighton but since the last international break we have come back. Winning helps us to win more and now we have to continue in Champions League."

Did you know?

• Erling Haaland scored his 10th (and 11th) Premier League goals of the season. It's the third earliest (MD8) a player has reached double figures in a campaign in the competition, with the Norwegian also responsible for the other two (MD5 in 2022-23, MD6 in 2024-25).

• With 11 Premier League goals so far, Haaland has scored as many or more goals than 12 of the other 19 sides in the competition this season.

Listen to Guardiola's post-match interview with BBC Radio Manchester on BBC Sounds

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

Have your say on Man City's performance

What did you make of Everton's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City make three changes to the side that beat Brentford before the international break.

Nico Gonzalez comes into the midfielder to replace Rodri, while Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku also start.

Josko Gvardiol and Oscar Bobb both drop to a very strong looking bench for Pep Guardiola.

Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki and Mateo Kovacic have all returned from injury and are available as substitutes today.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Ake, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Foden, Doku, Savinho, Haaland.

Everton boss David Moyes also makes three changes following their last-gasp win over Crystal Palace last time out.

Jack Grealish is ineligible to face his parent club so Carlos Alcaraz gets a start, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is back in the starting line-up following a one-game suspension in place of Tyler Dibling.

Beto starts up front, replacing Thierno Barry, who is yet to score for the Toffees since his big money summer move from Villarreal.

Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Garner, Gueye, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Alcaraz, Beto.