
Ilkay Gundogan, Man City’s master of timing, sets up chance for perfect goodbye
The previous time a Manchester City captain lifted the FA Cup it represented his perfect goodbye. Vincent Kompany announced his departure the following morning. He had spent the second half, he subsequently admitted, soaking it all in, surveying the fans, with victory against Watford long since assured. As City, a game away from the treble, may make history, there is a way in which it might repeat itself. Partly, anyway. Once again, the captain is out of contract, wondering what comes next. This time, he has one more game, a Champions League final. And this time the skipper was not a spectator standing on the Wembley pitch. He was the match-winner. He often is. When a season reaches its business end, the man City increasingly rely upon is Ilkay Gundogan, the nice guy with a tendency to finish first and, as his winning goals demonstrate, score last. He can trace two of a growing medal collection directly to his strikes; to his doubles, really, as a brace decided the Premier League on the final day of last season and another secured the FA Cup. The platform for this season’s league title was laid by Gundogan, his pairs of goals against Leeds and Everton demoralising Arsenal. No wonder Mikel Arteta wants to recruit him. If you can’t stop Gundogan, sign him. On a landmark occasion, the first time both captains had scored in an FA Cup final, City found a curiously old-fashioned way of claiming a prize that dates back to 1872. There are places where the armband is simply given on grounds of seniority or longevity. In England, it can come with the expectation of inspirational leadership; the watching Sir Alex Ferguson had first Bryan Robson and then Roy Keane as warrior captains. The onlooking David Beckham’s greatest act in an England shirt was the 2001 free kick against Greece to send his country to the World Cup. The previous captain to deliver two FA Cup final goals in the No. 8 shirt was Steven Gerrard. Each had an element of Roy of the Rovers; so does Ilkay of the City. Which, to rewind a few years, would have seemed surprising. Gundogan was the stylist: amiable, multilingual, injury-prone but scarcely appeared Kompany’s natural heir. But the reinvention of German reached its apotheosis in record-breaking time at Wembley. Gundogan may yet have a place in history alongside Keane as a treble-winning captain. He has secured a spot as the scorer of the quickest FA Cup final goal; he was the scourge of both the modern-day United and a former United striker, Louis Saha, whose 2009 goal for Everton is now merely the second quickest. And 2009 had another relevance. Fourteen years after Ferguson said United would never go into a derby as underdogs in his lifetime, their outsiders were behind after 13 seconds. Often an elegant presence, Gundogan had an explosive impact. A crouching David de Gea watched a half-volley fly past him. The sedate technician has been converted into a dynamic, goalscoring force. Perhaps his innate calmness equips him for the big moments; he is both relaxed and ruthless. His second had an oddity. There are few purer strikers of a ball than Gundogan but his left shin sufficed, meeting Kevin De Bruyne’s free kick to find De Gea wanting. Few can score from 20 yards in an FA Cup final, fewer still with each foot – or leg – in arguably the biggest Manchester derby of all. But for an offside flag, he would have had a hat-trick. And yet City’s methods felt instructive. The opener stemmed from route one, from Stefan Ortega’s punt forward and Victor Lindelof’s header, as well as Gundogan’s more advanced role. The German can hang around Erling Haaland, looking for the flick-ons and knockdowns. This, instead, was a second ball, the sort of thing Pep Guardiola rarely had to consider when his Barcelona side monopolised possession. He was unmarked for his second goal. As subsequent corners suggested, it was as though City had spotted a flaw in United’s set-piece marking and realised there was space on the edge of the box. Guardiola directed Gundogan to lurk their, leaving one of his best goalscorers outside the penalty area, where he could do most damage. But City’s goals came not from intricate passing moves but from a long ball and a set-piece: Guardiola’s mutation into the Catalan Sam Allardyce is complete. Admittedly there are times this season, when Manchester City’s back four has comprised of four centre-backs, when he might have been more of a Spanish Tony Pulis. He had emerged from the tunnel in a hoodie, apparently dressed as a teenager. Erik ten Hag turned up dressed instead like Sean Dyche, a business-like figure in dark suit and white shirt. But like Dyche’s Everton, his United were defeated by a Gundogan double. He had a second trophy to lift. He is one game away from completing City’s greatest season as their greatest captain. And maybe taking his leave. It would seem odd, but in his own way Ilkay Gundogan has become City’s master of perfect timing. Read More Man City vs Manchester United LIVE: FA Cup final result and final score after Ilkay Gundogan double Man City vs Man Utd result and player ratings as Ilkay Gundogan wins FA Cup final Even in defeat, Alejandro Garnacho shows he’s the future of Man United Manchester City one win away from sporting immortality after winning FA Cup Victor Lindelof struck by object thrown from crowd in FA Cup final Gundogan breaks record for fastest-ever goal in an FA Cup final
2023-06-04 00:51

Hugo Lloris contemplating Tottenham exit as he has ‘desire for other things’
Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris admitted he “desires for other things” and is contemplating what life could look like away from the north London club at “the end of an era.” The 36-year-old retired from international duty with France in January, one year after signing a contract extension that would keep him at Spurs through to the end of next season. There has been speculation, however, that the goalkeeper might have already played his last game for the side he joined in 2012 following his season-ending thigh injury against Newcastle in April. Lloris told French newspaper Nice-Matin: “We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me. It’s the end of an era. I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible. “But I don’t forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen. “What is essential at the moment is to recover well from my injury. I’m on vacation but I continue to talk and do my training. My goal is to be on top in July, then we’ll see what the future holds for me.” Lloris acknowledged Spurs, who finished eighth this term after securing a Champions League berth last season, had failed to live up to expectations and cited injuries as part of the problem. He said: “We failed as a team by not being able to reverse the course of things. It’s disappointing but it’s part of the life of a top-level football club. The most important thing is to prepare as well as possible for next season and to learn from our mistakes.” The Frenchman did not rule out a return to Nice, where he started his senior career before moving to Lyon and then north London, though he was adamant he was not forcing his current club into a move. He added: “Nice is my city, my club, my roots. There is a season that must end, as best as possible, with the goalkeepers in place. I am not demanding, I have never forced things. We’ll see where fate takes me.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-04 00:51

Key takeaways from Day 1 of 2023 NCAA Baseball Regionals
The NCAA Baseball Regionals kicked off the tournament with 32 games on Friday and featured a couple of massive upsets to set up the drama early.Throughout the country Friday, the crack of bats, mitts smacking and hands slapping on the padding of the bench echoed throughout the sport.The offe...
2023-06-04 00:49

Ukraine Recap: Ready for Offensive; Contentious Cease-Fire Idea
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2023-06-04 00:27

Man City vs Man Utd result and player ratings as Ilkay Gundogan wins FA Cup final
Manchester City defeated Manchester United to win the FA Cup and take another step closer to completing the treble at Wembley. Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest-ever FA Cup final goal after just 13 seconds but Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot in a thrilling first half. But Gundogan struck for the second time to restore City’s lead after the restart and although substitute Alejandro Garnacho went close, Pep Guardiola’s side held on. City can complete the treble and match Manchester United if they defeat Inter in the Champions League final next week. Manchester City Stefan Ortega, 7 Pep Guardiola made the big call to start him in the FA Cup final and the goalkeeper didn’t do anything to let his manager down. Made a big save in stoppage time to tip over the crossbar. Kyle Walker, 6 The full-back’s recovery pace was needed at times but he wasn’t really troubled until Garnacho’s introduction. Ruben Dias, 7 A picture of authority in the centre of defence. The Portuguese is back to his best and he looked like he coasted through the final. Manuel Akanji, 7 Another key City performer who makes everything look so simple. Wins his individual duels and creates the platform for players like Gundgoan to be match-winners higher up the pitch. John Stones, 9 Outstanding in the second half as his growing influence helped City take back control. May have been man of the match if it wasn’t for Gundogan’s double. Rodri, 8 Hardly put a foot wrong defensively - or with the ball. Such a reliable performer week after week. Bernardo Silva, 6 A quieter afternoon for the Portuguese - didn’t have his usual big-game impact on the right. Kevin De Bruyne, 7 Mesmeric in the second half and showed his class to take the game away from United. Taken off after 75 minutes with the Champions League final in mind. Ilkay Gundogan, 9 City’s man for the big occasion. His record-breaking opener after 13 seconds was a dream strike, the second wasn’t struck as purely but the German’s sense of timing is extraordinary. Player of the match. Jack Grealish, 6 Didn’t look sharp enough in the first half. Unfortunate with the penalty, but his place in the team ahead of the Champions League final could be uncertain now. Erling Haaland, 7 The striker had some good moments against Raphael Varane but the match was won elsewhere. His work rate remained high. Manchester United David de Gea, 5 Gundogan’s second looked soft and although De Gea may argue he couldn’t see it through a pack of bodies, what’s clear is United need an upgrade in goal. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 5 The right back won his individual battle with Grelaish but was unable to offer much else. Victor Lindelof, 4 Beaten by Haaland in the move for Gundogan’s opener inside 15 seconds and replaced in the closing stages as Ten Hag rolled the dice. Raphael Varane, 5 Looked to get tight with Haaland and be physical but the City striker was still able to roll him on a couple of occasions. Luke Shaw, 5 Managed to keep Bernardo Silva quiet but was pinned back by City’s relentless pressing. Casemiro, 4 Unable to influence the game from midfield apart from putting in a couple of robust challenges - needed more help from elsewhere. Fred, 4 Struggled to match De Bruyne in the second half and gave away the free kick that led to Gundogan’s second with a foul on the Belgian. Bruno Fernandes, 5 Tucked away a first-half penalty to equalise for United but his team needed more from their influential captain. Christian Eriksen, 3 Looked off the pace and struggled to match City’s intensity in midfield. Taken off on the hour. Jadon Sancho, 3 The winger didn’t turn up and was fortunate he wasn’t removed too with half an hour to play. Sancho didn’t take the warning and was hooked just 17 minutes later. Marcus Rashford, 5 Starved of service for large spells and didn’t look fully fit. Centre forward just doesn’t suit his abilities but wasn’t too far away with a touch and hit from outside of the area. Subs Alejandro Garnacho, 7: Took responsibility and went close with a bending effort. Should have started. Wout Weghorst, 4: Didn’t make an impact and was frustratingly caught offside when the ball was played long to him. Read More Man City vs Manchester United LIVE: FA Cup final latest goal updates as Ilkay Gundogan scores second Victor Lindelof struck by object thrown from crowd in FA Cup final Gundogan breaks record for fastest-ever goal in an FA Cup final Even in defeat, Garnacho shows he’s the future of Manchester United
2023-06-04 00:17

MLB Rumors: A trade deadline shocker, Brewers megadeal looming, Phillies Nola question
MLB Rumors: The Brewers could package 2 startsIn a roundup by MLB insider Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Milwaukee Brewers could pull off another unpopular trade deadline move and package two of its stars -- say Willy Adames and Corbin Burnes -- to pick up as much prospect capital as possible near the t...
2023-06-04 00:17

Man City stay on course for treble after beating Man United in FA Cup final
Ilkay Gundogan’s jaw-dropping double fired treble-chasing Manchester City to an unforgettable FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester United. Wembley witnessed an all-Manchester epic on Saturday as the neighbours met in a major final for the first time, bringing the curtain down on the domestic season in enthralling fashion. City emerged triumphant thanks to Gundogan’s fine volleys in a 2-1 victory that gives Pep Guardiola’s men the chance to emulate United’s 1999 treble heroics next weekend. The 32-year-old midfielder has proven to be a man for the big occasions during his time with the Premier League champions and lashed home a record-breaking opener after just 12 seconds. Gundogan’s stupendous volley was the quickest FA Cup final goal and looked set to spark a derby humiliation, only for United to draw level against the run of play. City were enraged by the decision to award handball against Jack Grealish, but captain Bruno Fernandes kept his cool from the spot to slot home in front of the opposition support. But Guardiola’s men would not be denied a seventh FA Cup triumph, with Gundogan volleying home what proved to be the winner from the edge of the box early in the second half. Victory in arguably the biggest Manchester derby of all time now means City can win the treble in next weekend’s Champions League final against Inter Milan. As for United, this was a galling end to a promising first season under Erik ten Hag. They hit the woodwork in stoppage time, but a second equaliser was beyond them. Wembley was rocking to City’s tune at the final whistle, just as it was after 12 seconds. Gundogan played the kick-off straight to back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who fired a long ball forward for Erling Haaland to flick on. Victor Lindelof looked to have dealt with the danger when heading clear, only for Gundogan to produce a moment of magic. The City skipper met the looping ball with a stupendous right-footed volley from 22 yards that flew past a statuesque David De Gea. It was a start as remarkable as the strike, rocking United on their heels. City fans thought they had a second in the fourth minute as Rodri rippled the side-netting from a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick. Grealish soon dragged wide. Haaland fired a hopeful effort over and De Bruyne lasered wide after De Gea received treatment as City probed for what felt like an inevitable second. United looked uneasy and were creating precious little, only for a moment of fortune to bring a chance to level from the spot. Handball appeals against Grealish from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka header appeared to have fallen on deaf ears, only for VAR David Coote to intervene. Referee Paul Tierney checked the pitchside monitor and pointed to the spot, with Fernandes keeping his cool to send Ortega the wrong way after a stuttering run-up. United celebrated in front of the City hordes and Lindelof was hit by an object from the stands. Guardiola’s men were aggrieved and were soon haranguing the referee, claiming Fred fouled De Bruyne in the box. Those appeals were ignored and Raphael Varane fired over a decent chance before the break. City returned from the break reinvigorated and skipper Gundogan struck again in the 51st minute. Having been fouled by Fred on the right flank, De Bruyne arrowed a ball to the Germany international on the edge of the box. Inexplicably unmarked, Gundogan volleyed into the ground and his shot bounced past De Gea, sneaking into the bottom right-hand corner in front of the City faithful. Lindelof nearly turned a De Bruyne cross into his own goal and the Belgian maestro was then denied by De Gea as they looked to put the final to bed. Marcus Rashford whistled over before Gundogan thought he had completed his hat-trick. De Gea denied Haaland’s initial attempt and the skipper followed in, only to be ruled offside. Lively substitute Alejandro Garnacho bent just wide from the edge of the box as United pushed for another equaliser, giving City gaps to exploit. Bernardo Silva’s cross-shot flashed across the face of goal and Haaland nearly bundled in a clearance. United so nearly found a stoppage-time equaliser, with Varane and Scott McTominay involved in a scramble that ended with the ball hitting the bar and then just going over. But that was it as City celebrated the league and FA Cup double – achievements that could be added to in Istanbul next weekend. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Josh Tongue claims five on debut as England beat battling Ireland by 10 wickets Resistance of Ireland tail-enders ensures England must bat again at Lord’s Coco Gauff makes progress but French Open loses Elena Rybakina to illness
2023-06-04 00:16

Polish State Fund PFR Wants Higher Dividend From Bank Pekao
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2023-06-03 23:27

Hugo Lloris confirms desire to leave Tottenham
Hugo Lloris has confirmed his desire to leave Tottenham this summer.
2023-06-03 23:27

3 New York Mets who won't survive the trade deadline and why
The New York Mets are starting to come on strong, but a few players won't be along for the entire ride as they'll be gone by the trade deadline.Even though there have been a number of slip-ups along the way, the New York Mets have steadily been climbing back to relevancy, as many baseb...
2023-06-03 23:23

The Braves called up Charlie Culberson, but why hasn't he played yet?
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A Florida woman's car caught fire with her children inside while she allegedly shoplifted in a mall
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2023-06-03 22:52