themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--National media react to Man City's 4-1 win over Arsenal

Manchester City secured their place in the final four of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night with a 4-1 victory over Arsenal .
Pep Guardiola 's men took advantage of the Gunners ' poor form to dump them out the competition and rewrite some wrongs from last season 's FA Cup semi-final defeat .
Gabriel Jesus , Riyad Mahrez , Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte were all on the scoreline as City rediscovered their goal-scoring touch in front of goal .
Here 's a round-up of how the national media reported Man City 's latest Carabao Cup triumph .
City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triumph , join Championship Brentford in the semi-final draw which will be made following Everton 's tie with Manchester United on Wednesday .
They have been far from their best in the Premier League but moved to within two wins of a ninth trophy since Guardiola took charge in 2016 after exposing Arsenal 's frailties .
The City boss named a much-changed line-up yet they were still too much for their opponents and in the end coasted to victory , so much so that the services of Raheem Sterling , who was on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jesus looks to have his swagger back .
He proved a handful while both Mohamed Elneny and Shkodran Mustafi were booked for fouls on City 's number nine .
City regained their lead 10 minutes into the second half , Runarsson spilling Mahrez 's free-kick , which was straight at him , into the net .
Guardiola 's side then turned on the style as Foden drew Runarsson off his line before producing a fine finish to lift the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper - although the England man was lucky that VAR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offside when the ball was played through .
Laporte finished the tie off with City 's third goal in 18 minutes , heading home Foden 's cross from a short corner to continue City 's brilliant League Cup run .
At this rate , they should rename the League Cup .
Or at least make sky blue ribbons a permanent feature .
Having won it for the past three campaigns and five times in the past seven years Manchester City are in the semi-finals again as Pep Guardiola inflicted yet more misery on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For Arsenal , there were some small signs of encouragement , at least when Gabriel Martinelli was on the pitch , but to the litany of weird woes in recent weeks – Granit Xhaka ’ s ill-discipline , Hector Bellerin ’ s foul throws , Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ’ s lack of goals , Arteta ’ s bizarre statistics , Alexandre Lacazette ’ s body language and Shkodran Mustafi simply being on the pitch – can be added another : the blunders of stand-in goalkeeper Alex Runarsson .
Arteta has to carry the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found a new way to lose , and that is some going as they have become accustomed to defeat .
With friends like Pep , who needs enemies ?
Ruthless City simply swept their hosts aside .
They struck early through Gabriel Jesus , were pegged back by Alex Lacazette , and then stretched away in the second half .
Riyad Mahrez scored the second , a free-kick straight through the hands of Runarsson and Phil Foden made it three , thanks to the absent offside flag .
Aymeric Laporte added the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Arsenal 's fragile confidence suffered another blow , with Chelsea up next in the Premier League .
His struggling team were ruthlessly put to the sword by a rampant Manchester City looking to win the League Cup for a fourth straight season .
And with friends like Pep Guardiola , Arteta certainly doesn ’ t need enemies .
His managerial mentor clearly wasn ’ t in the mood to do for his former Etihad assistant any favours on yet another night to forget for Arsenal .
Pretty much everything that could go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they suffered their heaviest defeat of Arteta ’ s year in charge .
Manchester City deserve credit for a faster , more assertive attacking performance than most of their offerings of recent months .
They were convincing winners and look good for a fourth successive Carabao Cup win but the manner of their second goal spoke volumes about the often shambolic nature of what they were up against .
In pre-season , Arteta agonised over the merits of two supremely competent goalkeepers , Emiliano Martínez and Bernd Leno , before letting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s replacement , Alex Rúnarsson , was given a chance to show he could meet the demands of a big occasion and fell badly short .
He had already been beaten to the ball for Gabriel Jesus ’ s opener when , with the scores level , Riyad Mahrez sized up a 54th-minute free-kick slightly outside the box .
Mahrez excels in these positions but his shot , while firm , was down Rúnarsson ’ s throat .

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Manchester City secured their place in the final four of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night with a 4-1 victory over Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola 's men took advantage of the Gunners' poor form to dump them out the competition and rewrite some wrongs from last season's FA Cup semi-final defeat.
Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte were all on the scoreline as City rediscovered their goal-scoring touch in front of goal.
Here's a round-up of how the national media reported Man City's latest Carabao Cup triumph.
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BBC Sport
City, seeking a fourth successive EFL Cup triumph, join Championship Brentford in the semi-final draw which will be made following Everton's tie with Manchester United on Wednesday.
They have been far from their best in the Premier League but moved to within two wins of a ninth trophy since Guardiola took charge in 2016 after exposing Arsenal's frailties.
The City boss named a much-changed line-up yet they were still too much for their opponents and in the end coasted to victory, so much so that the services of Raheem Sterling, who was on the bench, were not required.
Jesus looks to have his swagger back.
He proved a handful while both Mohamed Elneny and Shkodran Mustafi were booked for fouls on City's number nine.
Sky Sports
City regained their lead 10 minutes into the second half, Runarsson spilling Mahrez's free-kick, which was straight at him, into the net.
Guardiola's side then turned on the style as Foden drew Runarsson off his line before producing a fine finish to lift the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper - although the England man was lucky that VAR was not in operation as he strayed offside when the ball was played through.
Laporte finished the tie off with City's third goal in 18 minutes, heading home Foden's cross from a short corner to continue City's brilliant League Cup run.
Telegraph
At this rate, they should rename the League Cup. Or at least make sky blue ribbons a permanent feature. Having won it for the past three campaigns and five times in the past seven years Manchester City are in the semi-finals again as Pep Guardiola inflicted yet more misery on his beleaguered former apprentice, Mikel Arteta.
For Arsenal, there were some small signs of encouragement, at least when Gabriel Martinelli was on the pitch, but to the litany of weird woes in recent weeks – Granit Xhaka’s ill-discipline, Hector Bellerin’s foul throws, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s lack of goals, Arteta’s bizarre statistics, Alexandre Lacazette’s body language and Shkodran Mustafi simply being on the pitch – can be added another: the blunders of stand-in goalkeeper Alex Runarsson.
Arteta has to carry the can for that selection as his team found a new way to lose, and that is some going as they have become accustomed to defeat.
The Daily Mail
With friends like Pep, who needs enemies? Ruthless City simply swept their hosts aside.
They struck early through Gabriel Jesus, were pegged back by Alex Lacazette, and then stretched away in the second half. Riyad Mahrez scored the second, a free-kick straight through the hands of Runarsson and Phil Foden made it three, thanks to the absent offside flag.
Aymeric Laporte added the fourth, City eased into yet another semi-final and Arsenal's fragile confidence suffered another blow, with Chelsea up next in the Premier League.
The Sun
His struggling team were ruthlessly put to the sword by a rampant Manchester City looking to win the League Cup for a fourth straight season.
And with friends like Pep Guardiola, Arteta certainly doesn’t need enemies.
His managerial mentor clearly wasn’t in the mood to do for his former Etihad assistant any favours on yet another night to forget for Arsenal.
Pretty much everything that could go wrong for the Gunners did go wrong as they suffered their heaviest defeat of Arteta’s year in charge.
The Guardian
Manchester City deserve credit for a faster, more assertive attacking performance than most of their offerings of recent months. They were convincing winners and look good for a fourth successive Carabao Cup win but the manner of their second goal spoke volumes about the often shambolic nature of what they were up against.
In pre-season, Arteta agonised over the merits of two supremely competent goalkeepers, Emiliano Martínez and Bernd Leno, before letting the former leave for Aston Villa. Martínez’s replacement, Alex Rúnarsson, was given a chance to show he could meet the demands of a big occasion and fell badly short.
He had already been beaten to the ball for Gabriel Jesus’s opener when, with the scores level, Riyad Mahrez sized up a 54th-minute free-kick slightly outside the box. Mahrez excels in these positions but his shot, while firm, was down Rúnarsson’s throat.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Man City urged to target Erling Haaland after Sergio Aguero injury troubles

Jamie Redknapp has warned Manchester City that they have to start planning for life after Sergio Aguero .
The legendary City forward has been plagued by injuries so far this season , making just seven appearances in all competitions .
He came off the bench for the final 16 minutes of City 's 4-1 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening but failed to get on the scoresheet .
Aguero is yet to score in the Premier League this season , with just two goals in the Champions League to his name in the campaign .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which City have generally struggled for goals this season , with Pep Guardiola 's side currently the lowest scorers in the top half of the Premier League .
Speaking on Sky Sports , Redknapp said that City need to start finding a replacement for the 32-year-old Argentine forward .
The pundit argued that despite the presence of Gabriel Jesus , who scored against Arsenal , finding a potential replacement will likely involve dipping in the transfer market , identifying Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland as a potential signing .
Redknapp said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it forever .
We ’ re talking about one of the greats , one of the greatest goal scorers in modern-day football , but he ’ s not the same Sergio Aguero , so you have to find a different way .
Manchester City are in the Carabao Cup semi-finals once again after a comprehensive win over Arsenal .
Gabriel Jesus gave the Blues the lead in just over two minutes , but Alexandre Lacazette equalised before half-time .
Second half goals from Riyad Mahrez , Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dry .
We 'll bring you all the reaction and analysis to the match with our daily City newsletter .
You can get it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter - just submit your email address in the sign-up box above or follow this link - it 's free and it only takes a few seconds '' That will be trying to find the next superstar , be it Haaland , or whoever it is .
`` Jesus is a very good second striker , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start games away from home , want him to be involved , he looks like the sort of guy who is happy to play second fiddle at times , but you aren ’ t gon na score as many goals with that team because you haven ’ t got the young Aguero who was scoring 20-30 goals a season . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (David Byrom, Bobby Vincent)

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Jamie Redknapp has warned Manchester City that they have to start planning for life after Sergio Aguero.
The legendary City forward has been plagued by injuries so far this season, making just seven appearances in all competitions.
He came off the bench for the final 16 minutes of City's 4-1 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening but failed to get on the scoresheet.
Aguero is yet to score in the Premier League this season, with just two goals in the Champions League to his name in the campaign.
His injury troubles have coincided with a time in which City have generally struggled for goals this season, with Pep Guardiola's side currently the lowest scorers in the top half of the Premier League.
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Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said that City need to start finding a replacement for the 32-year-old Argentine forward.
The pundit argued that despite the presence of Gabriel Jesus, who scored against Arsenal, finding a potential replacement will likely involve dipping in the transfer market, identifying Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland as a potential signing.
Redknapp said: "He can’t keep doing it forever. We’re talking about one of the greats, one of the greatest goal scorers in modern-day football, but he’s not the same Sergio Aguero, so you have to find a different way.
"That will be trying to find the next superstar, be it Haaland, or whoever it is.
"Jesus is a very good second striker, he’s someone you want to start games away from home, want him to be involved, he looks like the sort of guy who is happy to play second fiddle at times, but you aren’t gonna score as many goals with that team because you haven’t got the young Aguero who was scoring 20-30 goals a season."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Home Bargains' £7.99 item that's 'exactly like' £40 M&S version

High street retailer Home Bargains is often a big hit with shoppers thanks to its 'gorgeous ' homeware products and low prices .
For many , it 's their first stop when looking for some new items to jazz up their homes on a budget - and it 's easy to see why .
And Home Bargains ' latest homeware product has gone down particularly well with shoppers , who think it looks just like a similar version from M & S and Next , despite only costing £7.99 .
Posting the picture , Home Bargains said : `` How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Perfect for accessorising your living space . ''
The tray is priced at £7.99 and has sold out online but shoppers may still find them instore , reports the ECHO .
M & S does a similar gold mirror tray , with a slightly different pattern , for £39.99 and Dunelm has an alternative version for £29 .
Next also does a mirror tray in rose gold for £25 .
One shopper excited at the Home Bargains version said : `` That would look perfect in my house . ''
Another said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silver , love it . ''
A third added : `` I need this . ''
And a fourth tagged a friend , saying : `` This is a bit of you . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Amy Browne, Rachel Pugh)

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High street retailer Home Bargains is often a big hit with shoppers thanks to its 'gorgeous' homeware products and low prices.
For many, it's their first stop when looking for some new items to jazz up their homes on a budget - and it's easy to see why.
And Home Bargains' latest homeware product has gone down particularly well with shoppers, who think it looks just like a similar version from M&S and Next, despite only costing £7.99.
Posting the picture, Home Bargains said: "How gorgeous is this Gold Round Mirror Tray? Perfect for accessorising your living space."
The tray is priced at £7.99 and has sold out online but shoppers may still find them instore, reports the ECHO.
M&S does a similar gold mirror tray, with a slightly different pattern, for £39.99 and Dunelm has an alternative version for £29. Next also does a mirror tray in rose gold for £25.
One shopper excited at the Home Bargains version said: "That would look perfect in my house."
Another said: "I've got it in silver, love it."
A third added: "I need this."
And a fourth tagged a friend, saying: "This is a bit of you."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Full list of Christmas opening hours for every major UK supermarket

Major supermarkets like Asda , Aldi , Tesco , Lidl , Morrisons and Sainsbury 's have announced their opening hours for Christmas Eve , Christmas Day and Boxing Day .
Most stores will be operating on reduced hours over the Christmas period , with some not opening on Boxing Day , so check ahead before visiting .
Here are all the opening times for Christmas Eve , Christmas Day and Boxing Day according to the ECHO .
Asda stores are largely operating the same opening hours , but will close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to confirm opening times over New Year .
You can check local stores details here .
Christmas Eve : All stores will close at 7pm Bigger Tesco stores will be open 24 hours a day , except Sundays , ahead of Christmas .
The company has announced that three hundred stores will have their opening hours extended between today and December 24 .
All other branches will be open between 5am and 11pm .
It 's likely that Tesco stores will open for reduced hours on Christmas Eve , close on Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Several stores in Greater Manchester have the following opening hours .
For other stores and further dates visit Morrisons Store Finder .
These are the opening times for several Sainsbury ’ s superstores in Greater Manchester .
For other opening times , including for Sainsbury ’ s Local stores , check the Sainsbury ’ s Store Locator .
These are the store opening times across England .
Selected stores may vary and you can use the for more information .
New Year ’ s Eve : Closed ( except stores inside M25 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times vary across Marks and Spencer stores , with some opening until midnight next week .
You can check others using the M & S store finder .

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Major supermarkets like Asda, Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, Morrisons and Sainsbury's have announced their opening hours for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Most stores will be operating on reduced hours over the Christmas period, with some not opening on Boxing Day, so check ahead before visiting.
Here are all the opening times for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day according to the ECHO.
Asda
Asda stores are largely operating the same opening hours, but will close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The retailer is yet to confirm opening times over New Year. You can check local stores details here.
Monday, December 21 - Wednesday, December 23: Usual opening times apply
Christmas Eve: All stores will close at 7pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed
Sunday, December 27: Usual opening times apply
Monday, December 28 - Wednesday, December 30: Usual opening times apply
New Year’s Eve: TBC
New Year's Day: TBC
Tesco
Bigger Tesco stores will be open 24 hours a day, except Sundays, ahead of Christmas.
The company has announced that three hundred stores will have their opening hours extended between today and December 24.
All other branches will be open between 5am and 11pm.
It's likely that Tesco stores will open for reduced hours on Christmas Eve, close on Christmas Day and reopen on Boxing Day.
Aldi
Monday, December 21 - Wednesday, December 23: 7am to 11pm
Christmas Eve: 7am to 6pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed
Sunday, December 27: 10am to 4pm
Monday, December 28: Wednesday, December 30: 8am to 8pm
New Year’s Eve: 8am to 6pm
New Year: Day: Closed
Morrisons
Several stores in Greater Manchester have the following opening hours. For other stores and further dates visit Morrisons Store Finder here .
Monday, December 21 - Wednesday, December 23: 6am to midnight
Christmas Eve: 6am to 6pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 9am to 6pm
New Year’s Eve: 7am to 6pm
New Year's Day: 7am to 6pm
Sainsbury’s
These are the opening times for several Sainsbury’s superstores in Greater Manchester. For other opening times, including for Sainsbury’s Local stores, check the Sainsbury’s Store Locator here .
Monday, December 21 - Wednesday, December 23: 6am to midnight
Christmas Eve: 6am to 7pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 10am to 5pm
Sunday, December 27: 10am to 4pm
Monday, December 28: 8am to 8pm
Tuesday, December 29: 7am to 9pm
Wednesday, December 30: 7am to 9pm
New Year’s Eve: 7am to 7pm
New Year's Day: 9am to 7pm
Lidl
These are the store opening times across England. Selected stores may vary and you can use the Lidl Store Checker for more information.
Monday, December 21 - Wednesday, December 23: 7am to 11pm
Christmas Eve: 7am to 6pm (stores inside M25 open until 7pm)
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed (except stores inside M25, open 10am to 7pm)
Sunday, December 27: Normal opening hours
Monday, December 28: Normal opening hours
Tuesday, December 29: Normal opening hours
Wednesday, December 30: Normal opening hours: 8am to 6pm (stores inside M25 open until 8pm)
New Year’s Eve: Closed (except stores inside M25, open 10am to 7pm)
New Year's Day: Normal opening hours
M&S


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Man United held their nerve over Pochettino and could be rewarded for it

There was a time back in the autumn when it looked like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Thomas Tuchel were engaged in a personal battle over which boss was under the greater pressure .
Solskjaer and Tuchel are dealing with harsh expectations in different ways at their two clubs , with the former trying to prove he 's the man to take Manchester United back to the top , while for Tuchel every game that Paris Saint-Germain do n't win can be considered a crisis .
Solskjaer has felt the heat at times this season , notably after United were thrashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were wretched in losing to Istanbul Basaksehir and when their Champions League dreams were extinguished by RB Leipzig .
But perhaps his greatest trait in his first two years as United manager has been an ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat when he most needs it .
Just when it 's looked like the pressure was becoming intolerable , Solskjaer finds a win .
Now it feels like those days might be over .
His United suddenly look more consistent , they 're playing better football and they 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League title race .
While it had looked at one stage like United and PSG were involved in a game of brinksmanship , a battle to see who would press the button marked 'panic for Pochettino ' first , the Parisians have ended up with a free run at the Argentine boss .
The idea of PSG sacking Tuchel and moving for Mauricio Pochettino would have terrified United fans in October and early November , concerned they were missing out on a proven manager while they continued to invest faith in Solskjaer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But on Christmas Eve the news that Pochettino looked to be Paris-bound could barely distract supporters from the last-minute wrapping and the devouring of chocolates .
Faith in Solskjaer amongst the fan base has probably never been higher .
While he was cracking dad jokes on TV after United 's win at Everton on Wednesday , Tuchel was trying to explain away an interview he 'd given suggesting managing the politics at PSG was his biggest challenge .
His side had just beaten Strasbourg 4-0 , but it was n't enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than four months after taking his team to the Champions League final , and barely 24 hours before Christmas .
Season 's greetings , Thomas .
That decision will lead to Pochettino .
It was only a matter of time before United , PSG or Real Madrid went calling for the former Tottenham manager .
Solskjaer and Zinedine Zidane have stemmed the tide of concern at their clubs , so Tuchel was the unfortunate ghost of Christmas present .
The expendable man for an upgrade in the dugout .
It seems remarkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year to get back into work after leaving Spurs .
For a long time it 's looked like his ascension to the United job was a fait accompli .
That was certainly the case when Solskjaer was named caretaker manager , when it was expected he was warming the seat for the then Spurs boss .
Since doing enough to get the job on a permanent basis the spectre of Pochettino has been hanging over the Norwegian every time results have nosedived , which has been too often really .
But United have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 47-year-old has never doubted his own ability to do the job .
He will also know that while United are flying at the moment and he 's being lauded for jokes he might have got out of a cracker , the mood can turn again quickly .
Clubs like United and PSG expect success sooner rather than later .
The process is working for Solskjaer at the moment and the progress has been smooth of late , but a congested Premier League table could lead to pressure again if that inconsistency rears its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good news for Solskjaer is the easy option has gone now .
Pochettino is off the market .
United never did press the panic button , and as supporters tuck into the turkey on Christmas Day dreaming of challenging for a 21st league title , it looks like they made the right decision .

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There was a time back in the autumn when it looked like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Thomas Tuchel were engaged in a personal battle over which boss was under the greater pressure.
Solskjaer and Tuchel are dealing with harsh expectations in different ways at their two clubs, with the former trying to prove he's the man to take Manchester United back to the top, while for Tuchel every game that Paris Saint-Germain don't win can be considered a crisis.
Solskjaer has felt the heat at times this season, notably after United were thrashed by Jose Mourinho's Tottenham, when they were wretched in losing to Istanbul Basaksehir and when their Champions League dreams were extinguished by RB Leipzig.
But perhaps his greatest trait in his first two years as United manager has been an ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat when he most needs it. Just when it's looked like the pressure was becoming intolerable, Solskjaer finds a win. Now it feels like those days might be over. His United suddenly look more consistent, they're playing better football and they've wedged themselves into the centre of the Premier League title race.
While it had looked at one stage like United and PSG were involved in a game of brinksmanship, a battle to see who would press the button marked 'panic for Pochettino' first, the Parisians have ended up with a free run at the Argentine boss.
The idea of PSG sacking Tuchel and moving for Mauricio Pochettino would have terrified United fans in October and early November, concerned they were missing out on a proven manager while they continued to invest faith in Solskjaer on a premise rather than a promise.
But on Christmas Eve the news that Pochettino looked to be Paris-bound could barely distract supporters from the last-minute wrapping and the devouring of chocolates. Faith in Solskjaer amongst the fan base has probably never been higher.
While he was cracking dad jokes on TV after United's win at Everton on Wednesday, Tuchel was trying to explain away an interview he'd given suggesting managing the politics at PSG was his biggest challenge. His side had just beaten Strasbourg 4-0, but it wasn't enough to save the German from the sack, less than four months after taking his team to the Champions League final, and barely 24 hours before Christmas. Season's greetings, Thomas.
That decision will lead to Pochettino. It was only a matter of time before United, PSG or Real Madrid went calling for the former Tottenham manager. Solskjaer and Zinedine Zidane have stemmed the tide of concern at their clubs, so Tuchel was the unfortunate ghost of Christmas present. The expendable man for an upgrade in the dugout.
It seems remarkable that it's taken Pochettino over a year to get back into work after leaving Spurs. For a long time it's looked like his ascension to the United job was a fait accompli. That was certainly the case when Solskjaer was named caretaker manager, when it was expected he was warming the seat for the then Spurs boss. Since doing enough to get the job on a permanent basis the spectre of Pochettino has been hanging over the Norwegian every time results have nosedived, which has been too often really.
But United have never lost faith in Solskjaer and the 47-year-old has never doubted his own ability to do the job. He will also know that while United are flying at the moment and he's being lauded for jokes he might have got out of a cracker, the mood can turn again quickly. Clubs like United and PSG expect success sooner rather than later.
The process is working for Solskjaer at the moment and the progress has been smooth of late, but a congested Premier League table could lead to pressure again if that inconsistency rears its ugly head again in 2021.
The good news for Solskjaer is the easy option has gone now. Pochettino is off the market. United never did press the panic button, and as supporters tuck into the turkey on Christmas Day dreaming of challenging for a 21st league title, it looks like they made the right decision.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Mum-of-four whose 20-a-day smoking habit left her in a coma for a month

A Wigan mum who believes her smoking habit left her in a coma for a month has spoken out about her ordeal .
Lisa Fildes started smoking when she was just 10-years-old .
The 49-year-old was soon getting through 20 cigarettes a day and used it as a coping mechanism for stress .
But two years ago , her world turned upside down when she suffered a heart attack , stroke , multiple-organ failure and sepsis – leaving her in a coma for four and a half weeks .
Lisa , from Hindley , was at home when she fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
Her frantic son alerted her husband who desperately tried to perform CPR until paramedics arrived at their home .
Lisa was rushed to hospital where she spent weeks in a coma and almost died .
The traumatic ordeal gave her the shock she needed to quit smoking for good and managed to stay away from cigarettes until December 2019 .
But she had a few puffs of a cigarette and relapsed .
“ My children and family hated that I ’ d started smoking again , but it was such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ During the start of the pandemic , I had to shield due to my health condition and was smoking more at home .
It was a high stress environment , but I had developed a nasty chest infection I couldn ’ t shift so I knew I had to do something .
“ I contacted my stop smoking service and my advisor helped me to make a plan , and we discussed different ways to quit .
“ My advisor was fab ; she would ring me every week to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time I needed advice or just to let off some steam .
“ I tried lots of different things , such as patches and gum , but due to my existing health condition they affected my blood sugar levels .
I was determined to give up so in the end I found vaping worked best for me.
” Lisa said her desire to stay out of hospital is what motivates her to stay away from cigarettes .
Although she still struggles to breathe , she can now taste and smell again and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It absolutely breaks my heart knowing that smoking probably caused the heart attack .
“ But when you start smoking , you don ’ t realise how strong that addiction is .
I am just so grateful now for every single day with my family .
“ My message to anyone who smokes is please don ’ t wait – give quitting a go now .
If I can do it , then anyone can do it .
“ Do n't waste all that time getting ill , wasting your money , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children or your family .
It ’ s just not worth it.
” Lisa has joined forces with other ex-smokers and NHS doctors in Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership ’ s New Year quit campaign .
The Don ’ t Wait campaign launches on December 28 ahead of the New Year , when many people are thinking about quitting smoking and making resolutions to improve their health .
Dr Tom Tasker , GP and interim chair of the Greater Manchester Medical Executive , said : “ 2020 has been an incredibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been inspiring to see that many smokers have taken action to improve their health , finances and quit for their loved ones .
“ The campaign highlights some of the amazing individuals who have bravely shared their stories , in the hope that others don ’ t have to experience the suffering they have been through .
“ Our message to people this New Year is not to give up on quitting , or themselves .
We know that it can take a few attempts to stop smoking for good , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop , so please give it a go .
It is the best New Year ’ s resolution you can give yourself – put the past year behind you and make a positive start to 2021 .
”

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A Wigan mum who believes her smoking habit left her in a coma for a month has spoken out about her ordeal.
Lisa Fildes started smoking when she was just 10-years-old.
The 49-year-old was soon getting through 20 cigarettes a day and used it as a coping mechanism for stress.
But two years ago, her world turned upside down when she suffered a heart attack, stroke, multiple-organ failure and sepsis – leaving her in a coma for four and a half weeks.
Lisa, from Hindley, was at home when she fell ill in June 2018 surrounded by her children.
Her frantic son alerted her husband who desperately tried to perform CPR until paramedics arrived at their home.
Lisa was rushed to hospital where she spent weeks in a coma and almost died.
The traumatic ordeal gave her the shock she needed to quit smoking for good and managed to stay away from cigarettes until December 2019.
But she had a few puffs of a cigarette and relapsed.
(Image: Ian Wallman)
“My children and family hated that I’d started smoking again, but it was such a powerful addiction,” she said.
“During the start of the pandemic, I had to shield due to my health condition and was smoking more at home. It was a high stress environment, but I had developed a nasty chest infection I couldn’t shift so I knew I had to do something.
“I contacted my stop smoking service and my advisor helped me to make a plan, and we discussed different ways to quit.
“My advisor was fab; she would ring me every week to make sure I was okay and was there any time I needed advice or just to let off some steam.
“I tried lots of different things, such as patches and gum, but due to my existing health condition they affected my blood sugar levels. I was determined to give up so in the end I found vaping worked best for me.”
Lisa said her desire to stay out of hospital is what motivates her to stay away from cigarettes.
Although she still struggles to breathe, she can now taste and smell again and is back at work.
She continued: “It absolutely breaks my heart knowing that smoking probably caused the heart attack.
“But when you start smoking, you don’t realise how strong that addiction is. I am just so grateful now for every single day with my family.
“My message to anyone who smokes is please don’t wait – give quitting a go now. If I can do it, then anyone can do it.
“Don't waste all that time getting ill, wasting your money, taking a possible life away from your children or your family. It’s just not worth it.”
Lisa has joined forces with other ex-smokers and NHS doctors in Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership’s New Year quit campaign.
The Don’t Wait campaign launches on December 28 ahead of the New Year, when many people are thinking about quitting smoking and making resolutions to improve their health.
Dr Tom Tasker, GP and interim chair of the Greater Manchester Medical Executive, said: “2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but it has been inspiring to see that many smokers have taken action to improve their health, finances and quit for their loved ones.
“The campaign highlights some of the amazing individuals who have bravely shared their stories, in the hope that others don’t have to experience the suffering they have been through.
“Our message to people this New Year is not to give up on quitting, or themselves. We know that it can take a few attempts to stop smoking for good, but the benefits start from the moment you stop, so please give it a go. It is the best New Year’s resolution you can give yourself – put the past year behind you and make a positive start to 2021.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Netflix's new drama Bridgerton cast and everything you need to know

If you 're already tired of Christmas films and are looking to get stuck into a new TV series , then Netflix has you covered .
The online streaming platform is releasing its highly-anticipated period drama , Bridgerton , on Christmas Day .
The eight-part series is about the competitive world of Regency London high society and is based on Julia Quinn 's bestselling romance novels .
Despite being a period drama , the scandalous Netflix original is not traditional or conservative , with creator Chris Van Dusen saying the show has a distinct “ swagger ” and “ style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the series follows the escapades of a rich family and their tumultuous social lives full of scandal , gossip and affairs .
Who is in the cast ?
Coronation Street 's Sally Dynevor 's daughter , Phoebe Dynevor , 25 , takes on the role of Daphne Bridgerton , the eldest of eight siblings caught up in a world of wealth , lust and betrayal .
The first episode sees debutante Daphne out on the social scene as prime marriage material .
Iconic star Julie Andrews , 85 , plays Lady Whistledown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Ben Miller , 54 , takes on the role of laid-back Lord Featherington .
Other familiar faces in the ensemble include Nicola Coughlan , 33 , of Derry Girls and Broadchurch 's Jonathan Bailey , 32 .
Zimbabwe-born Rege-Jean Page , 30 , plays Simon Basset , the charming and mysterious Duke of Hastings .
Creator Van Dusen said that on Grey ’ s Anatomy , they “ cast the best actors for the roles in ways that represent the world today – and we knew we ’ d have that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t want to call it “ colourblind casting ” , explaining : “ I think that would imply that colour and race aren ’ t considered and I think colour and race are a part of the show and a part of the show ’ s conversation , just like things like class and sexuality and gender are.
” Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown ( narrator ) Where is it filmed ?
Bridgerton was filmed before the coronavirus pandemic and in various locations across Britain , including Bristol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set between 1813 and 1827 , features a number of stately homes and is full of glamorous outfits .
It 's billed to be the perfect telly for festive lockdown blues .
You can watch Bridgerton on Netflix from Friday .

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If you're already tired of Christmas films and are looking to get stuck into a new TV series, then Netflix has you covered.
The online streaming platform is releasing its highly-anticipated period drama, Bridgerton, on Christmas Day.
The eight-part series is about the competitive world of Regency London high society and is based on Julia Quinn's bestselling romance novels.
Despite being a period drama, the scandalous Netflix original is not traditional or conservative, with creator Chris Van Dusen saying the show has a distinct “swagger” and “style”.
Set in Georgian England, the series follows the escapades of a rich family and their tumultuous social lives full of scandal, gossip and affairs.
Who is in the cast?
Coronation Street's Sally Dynevor's daughter, Phoebe Dynevor, 25, takes on the role of Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest of eight siblings caught up in a world of wealth, lust and betrayal.
The first episode sees debutante Daphne out on the social scene as prime marriage material.
Iconic star Julie Andrews, 85, plays Lady Whistledown, who is the narrator of the series, while Ben Miller, 54, takes on the role of laid-back Lord Featherington.
Other familiar faces in the ensemble include Nicola Coughlan, 33, of Derry Girls and Broadchurch's Jonathan Bailey, 32.
Zimbabwe-born Rege-Jean Page, 30, plays Simon Basset, the charming and mysterious Duke of Hastings.
Creator Van Dusen said that on Grey’s Anatomy, they “cast the best actors for the roles in ways that represent the world today – and we knew we’d have that same chance with Bridgerton”.
(Image: PA Features Archive/Press Association Images)
He doesn’t want to call it “colourblind casting”, explaining: “I think that would imply that colour and race aren’t considered and I think colour and race are a part of the show and a part of the show’s conversation, just like things like class and sexuality and gender are.”
The full cast:
Julie Andrews as the voice of Lady Whistledown (narrator)
Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton
Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury
(Image: Getty Images)
Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs. Varley
Sabrina Bartlett as Siena Rosso
Joanna Bobin as Lady Cowper
Harriet Cains as Philippa Featherington
Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington
Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton
Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton
Ben Miller as Lord Featherington
Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich
Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
Ruby Stokes as Francesca Bridgerton
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton
Ruby Barker as Marina Thompson
Polly Walker as Lady Portia Featherington
Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper
Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix
Where is it filmed?
Bridgerton was filmed before the coronavirus pandemic and in various locations across Britain, including Bristol and primarily Bath.
The series, set between 1813 and 1827, features a number of stately homes and is full of glamorous outfits.
It's billed to be the perfect telly for festive lockdown blues.
You can watch Bridgerton on Netflix from Friday.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Manchester United vs Man City Carabao Cup semi-final date confirmed

The date and kick-off details for Manchester United and Manchester City 's Carabao Cup semi-final have been confirmed .
The match will come after a hectic festive fixture schedule for both clubs and be played on January 6 at Old Trafford , with kick-off at 7:45pm .
Unlike previous seasons , this year 's semi-final will be a one-legged affair to help lessen the load on teams during a truncated season .
The tie is a repeat of last year 's semi-final in which City were 3-2 aggregate victors over two legs , winning the opening encounter at Old Trafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Etihad 1-0 .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side booked their spot in a fourth successive semi-final on Wednesday with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Everton , with late goals from Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial securing the victory .
City 's progression was much more comfortable as they eased past a hapless Arsenal 4-1 on Tuesday , with Gabriel Jesus , Riyad Mahrez , Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte grabbing the goals .
The winner of the match-up will meet either Tottenham or Brentford in the final , which has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 25 at Wembley .

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The date and kick-off details for Manchester United and Manchester City's Carabao Cup semi-final have been confirmed.
The match will come after a hectic festive fixture schedule for both clubs and be played on January 6 at Old Trafford, with kick-off at 7:45pm.
Unlike previous seasons, this year's semi-final will be a one-legged affair to help lessen the load on teams during a truncated season.
The tie is a repeat of last year's semi-final in which City were 3-2 aggregate victors over two legs, winning the opening encounter at Old Trafford 3-1 before United edged the return leg at the Etihad 1-0.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side booked their spot in a fourth successive semi-final on Wednesday with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Everton, with late goals from Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial securing the victory.
City's progression was much more comfortable as they eased past a hapless Arsenal 4-1 on Tuesday, with Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte grabbing the goals.
The winner of the match-up will meet either Tottenham or Brentford in the final, which has been rearranged and will now be played on April 25 at Wembley.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Government explains why Cheshire and Warrington were moved to Tier 3

The government has explained why Cheshire and Warrington have been placed into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions , bringing it in line with Greater Manchester from Boxing Day .
It said that in the last week the picture in Cheshire and Warrington `` has deteriorated '' with all epidemiological indicators increasing across all three local authorities .
Case rates have risen by more than 50 per cent in all three local authority areas in the last seven days , with Warrington a `` particular concern with a case rate over 200 per 100,000 . ''
Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 60 and over that is above 150 per 100,000 .
The government said the recent data shows an increase for all local authorities and is `` particularly marked '' in Warrington .
Covid admissions to hospitals in the local NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside have seen a slight increase in the past week , the previous trend was downwards .
Bed occupancy remains high but static and the position in critical care is stable `` with significantly greater proportion of beds occupied by non-Covid patients than Covid patients . ''
But due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicators , the situation in Cheshire and Warrington is `` concerning and warrants escalation from Tier 2 to Tier 3 . ''
The document said the latest analysis shows a strong correlation between areas with the most rapid rise of cases and prevalence of the new strain of coronavirus .
The government has decided to act ahead of the formal review point , in order to contain the spread of this new and more transmissible strain .
Since the end of national restrictions , the situation in the South and East of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rise and hospital admissions have increased .
Without urgent action this trend would continue at an increasingly rapid rate , leading to a rise in hospital admissions and deaths in the following two weeks and hitting the NHS at its busiest time of year .
New data suggests that the increasing speed of transmission in London , the South East and East of England is being driven by the new variant of the virus .
There is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes a higher mortality rate , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the latest NervTag analysis continues to indicate that the variant is more transmissible than other strains .
All available data has been assessed by the government , including the Health and Social Care Secretary , NHS Test and Trace including the Joint Biosecurity Centre ( JBC ) , Public Health England ( PHE ) , the Chief Medical Officer and the Cabinet Office .
Tier 3 means that from Saturday at one minute past midnight all pubs and restaurants will shut apart from takeaways .
People can only meet other households outdoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but they must not meet other households indoors unless there are limited exceptions to this rule .

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The government has explained why Cheshire and Warrington have been placed into Tier 3 coronavirus restrictions, bringing it in line with Greater Manchester from Boxing Day.
It said that in the last week the picture in Cheshire and Warrington "has deteriorated" with all epidemiological indicators increasing across all three local authorities.
Case rates have risen by more than 50 per cent in all three local authority areas in the last seven days, with Warrington a "particular concern with a case rate over 200 per 100,000."
Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington both have a case rate in people aged 60 and over that is above 150 per 100,000.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
The government said the recent data shows an increase for all local authorities and is "particularly marked" in Warrington.
Covid admissions to hospitals in the local NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside have seen a slight increase in the past week, the previous trend was downwards.
Bed occupancy remains high but static and the position in critical care is stable "with significantly greater proportion of beds occupied by non-Covid patients than Covid patients."
But due to the rate of increase of epidemiological indicators, the situation in Cheshire and Warrington is "concerning and warrants escalation from Tier 2 to Tier 3."
The document said the latest analysis shows a strong correlation between areas with the most rapid rise of cases and prevalence of the new strain of coronavirus.
The government has decided to act ahead of the formal review point, in order to contain the spread of this new and more transmissible strain.
Since the end of national restrictions, the situation in the South and East of England has deteriorated.
New cases have continued to rise and hospital admissions have increased.
Without urgent action this trend would continue at an increasingly rapid rate, leading to a rise in hospital admissions and deaths in the following two weeks and hitting the NHS at its busiest time of year.
New data suggests that the increasing speed of transmission in London, the South East and East of England is being driven by the new variant of the virus.
There is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes a higher mortality rate, or that it affects vaccines and treatments, but the latest NervTag analysis continues to indicate that the variant is more transmissible than other strains.
All available data has been assessed by the government, including the Health and Social Care Secretary, NHS Test and Trace including the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), Public Health England (PHE), the Chief Medical Officer and the Cabinet Office.
Tier 3 means that from Saturday at one minute past midnight all pubs and restaurants will shut apart from takeaways.
People can only meet other households outdoors if the rule of six is maintained but they must not meet other households indoors unless there are limited exceptions to this rule.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--What Solskjaer told Martial to trigger Man United striker's improved form

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has noticed a significant improvement in Anthony Martial 's running stats , after hammering home the point to the Manchester United striker in training .
Martial has returned to form of late after a difficult start to the season , scoring and assisting as a substitute in United 's 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Everton .
The impressive cameo came on the back of a goal and assist in United 's win over Sheffield United and two more assists in the 6-2 drubbing of Leeds .
And Solskjaer believes the Frenchman is hitting new heights with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let criticism earlier in the season affect him .
`` Anthony has made some important contributions lately , assists , scored goals , '' said Solskjaer .
`` He 's getting fitter .
I think he showed against Leeds - and he knows that I 'm onto him about this - his running stats from that game put a new standard from him , which I want to see more from .
`` And he 's always going to have the quality , Anthony .
Maybe his confidence has been bruised a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season and the red card .
He 's had some criticism .
But Anthony is going to be better and better . ''
Solskjaer believes United have to get their preferred attacking troika - Martial , Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford - all fit and on form at the same time for them to truly click into gear .
All three could start together when United take on Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day .
Solskjaer added : `` When we get Mason , Anthony and Marcus firing on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an even bigger threat for teams .
`` We 're getting better and better .
These boys know what I want from my team . ''

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has noticed a significant improvement in Anthony Martial's running stats, after hammering home the point to the Manchester United striker in training.
Martial has returned to form of late after a difficult start to the season, scoring and assisting as a substitute in United's 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Everton.
The impressive cameo came on the back of a goal and assist in United's win over Sheffield United and two more assists in the 6-2 drubbing of Leeds.
And Solskjaer believes the Frenchman is hitting new heights with his running, after admitting Martial may have let criticism earlier in the season affect him.
"Anthony has made some important contributions lately, assists, scored goals," said Solskjaer. "He's getting fitter. I think he showed against Leeds - and he knows that I'm onto him about this - his running stats from that game put a new standard from him, which I want to see more from.
"And he's always going to have the quality, Anthony. Maybe his confidence has been bruised a little bit by what happened earlier in the season and the red card. He's had some criticism. But Anthony is going to be better and better."
Solskjaer believes United have to get their preferred attacking troika - Martial, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford - all fit and on form at the same time for them to truly click into gear. All three could start together when United take on Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day.
Solskjaer added: "When we get Mason, Anthony and Marcus firing on all cylinders as well, we'll be an even bigger threat for teams.
"We're getting better and better. These boys know what I want from my team."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Wholesalers fined for selling axe online to 13-year-old

A wholesalers from Manchester has been prosecuted by a council and fined for selling an axe to a 13-year-old online .
Under the Offensive Weapons Act 1996 , it is illegal to sell an axe , knife , knife blade or razor blade to anyone aged under 18 .
But the teenager - who was used as a test purchaser for the council - was able to buy the 1.85lb hand axe on eBay in March last year .
No checks were made on the buyer 's age .
As a result Topline Wholesale Ltd , based on Derby Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court and prosecuted after an investigation by Croydon council in London .
The firm appeared at Croydon magistrates court on December 16 , the council said .
The court ordered Topline to pay a £8,500 fine , plus £10,500 in prosecution costs and a £170 victim surcharge .
It brings the total that the firm must pay to £19,170 .
The company pleaded guilty to selling a hand axe to a person aged under 18 contrary to Section 141A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 as inserted by Section 6 of the Offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was the latest in a series of court cases brought by the council 's trading standards team as part of a clampdown against illegal online sales of weapons to children .
The operation is backed by the Home Office and National Trading Standards - and there have been 16 successful prosecutions so far .
In a statement the council said : `` The latest case - against Topline Wholesale Ltd based in Manchester - came after a 13-year-old test purchaser in Croydon , who was a volunteer for the council , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on eBay on March 20 , 2019 .
`` Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 as amended by the Offensive Weapons Act 1996 , it is illegal to sell an axe , knife , knife blade or razor blade to anyone under 18 . ''
The council said the same company was previously convicted at a court in February last year for dealing in goods that did not comply with safety regulations under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and for a trade mark offence under the Trade Marks Act 1994 .
Councillor David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for communities , safety and resilience , said after the latest case : `` I am proud that Croydon council is playing a major part in bringing to account online retailers who are failing to follow the law and are illegally selling axes and knives to our children and young people .
`` I would also like to praise the hard work of our trading standards team in securing an impressive 16 prosecutions .
`` Too many young lives have been lost as a result of the online sales of dangerous weapons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible message to retailers that they must put in place far tougher measures to restrict underage sales or they may be prosecuted . ''
The Manchester Evening News has contacted Topline Wholesale Ltd for comment .

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A wholesalers from Manchester has been prosecuted by a council and fined for selling an axe to a 13-year-old online.
Under the Offensive Weapons Act 1996, it is illegal to sell an axe, knife, knife blade or razor blade to anyone aged under 18.
But the teenager - who was used as a test purchaser for the council - was able to buy the 1.85lb hand axe on eBay in March last year.
No checks were made on the buyer's age.
As a result Topline Wholesale Ltd, based on Derby Street in Cheetham Hill, was taken to court and prosecuted after an investigation by Croydon council in London.
The firm appeared at Croydon magistrates court on December 16, the council said.
The court ordered Topline to pay a £8,500 fine, plus £10,500 in prosecution costs and a £170 victim surcharge.
(Image: MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS)
It brings the total that the firm must pay to £19,170.
The company pleaded guilty to selling a hand axe to a person aged under 18 contrary to Section 141A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 as inserted by Section 6 of the Offensive Weapons Act 1996.
Council bosses said it was the latest in a series of court cases brought by the council's trading standards team as part of a clampdown against illegal online sales of weapons to children.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
The operation is backed by the Home Office and National Trading Standards - and there have been 16 successful prosecutions so far.
In a statement the council said: "The latest case - against Topline Wholesale Ltd based in Manchester - came after a 13-year-old test purchaser in Croydon, who was a volunteer for the council, was able to buy the 1.85lb hand axe on eBay on March 20, 2019.
"Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 as amended by the Offensive Weapons Act 1996, it is illegal to sell an axe, knife, knife blade or razor blade to anyone under 18."
The council said the same company was previously convicted at a court in February last year for dealing in goods that did not comply with safety regulations under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and for a trade mark offence under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
Councillor David Wood, the council's cabinet member for communities, safety and resilience, said after the latest case: "I am proud that Croydon council is playing a major part in bringing to account online retailers who are failing to follow the law and are illegally selling axes and knives to our children and young people.
"I would also like to praise the hard work of our trading standards team in securing an impressive 16 prosecutions.
"Too many young lives have been lost as a result of the online sales of dangerous weapons and I hope this prosecution sends the strongest possible message to retailers that they must put in place far tougher measures to restrict underage sales or they may be prosecuted."
The Manchester Evening News has contacted Topline Wholesale Ltd for comment.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Police officer headbutted while making an arrest in Bolton

A police officer was headbutted while making an arrest in Bolton .
The incident happened after police were called to @ @ @ @ @ Garstang Avenue , Breightmet , at 7.30pm on Wednesday ( December 23 ) .
After @ @ @ @ @ 46-year-old man on suspicion of a breach of the peace .
However , during the @ @ @ @ @ the man headbutted an officer .
He was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting an @ @ @ @ @ .
The man remains in police custody for questioning .

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A police officer was headbutted while making an arrest in Bolton.
The incident happened after police were called to reports of a disturbance in Garstang Avenue, Breightmet, at 7.30pm on Wednesday (December 23).
After attending, police arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of a breach of the peace.
However, during the course of the arrest, the man headbutted an officer.
He was further arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, said GMP.
The man remains in police custody for questioning.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--'Ho ho ho!' Police break down door in Christmas Eve morning drugs raid at home

Police have arrested three men after cash and Class A drugs were uncovered in a Christmas Eve drugs bust .
@ @ @ @ @ and stormed a home executing a drugs warrant in Scholes , Wigan , this morning @ @ @ @ @ drugs and cash were found at the property , leading police to arrest three men @ @ @ @ @ drugs .
Officers who left the front door broken in half in the bust said @ @ @ @ @ ho ' as they shared their success .
A statement posted on the GMP Wigan @ @ @ @ @ `` Neighbourhood officers from Scholes and Wigan West executed a warrant under the Misuse of @ @ @ @ @ this morning .
`` Three males have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in @ @ @ @ @ Class A drugs and cash were recovered .

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Police have arrested three men after cash and Class A drugs were uncovered in a Christmas Eve drugs bust.
Officers broke down a door and stormed a home executing a drugs warrant in Scholes, Wigan, this morning.
(Image: GMP)
Piles of Class A drugs and cash were found at the property, leading police to arrest three men on suspicion of supplying of drugs.
(Image: GMP)
Officers who left the front door broken in half in the bust said 'Happy Christmas, ho ho ho' as they shared their success.
A statement posted on the GMP Wigan West Facebook page said: "Neighbourhood officers from Scholes and Wigan West executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at 79 Scholes this morning.
"Three males have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs after Class A drugs and cash were recovered.
"Happy Christmas. Ho ho ho."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Marcelo Bielsa's 41-minute rant over why Leeds were better than Man Utd in loss

Marcelo Bielsa has hit out at journalists and pundits for their criticism after Leeds United 's 6-2 defeat to Manchester United .
The Reds recorded a big victory over their rivals in a frenetic game on Sunday with Scott McTominay 's brace inside the opening three minutes setting them on the way to victory .
United consistently took advantage of the gaps left in the Leeds defence as they tried to attack in numbers .
It prompted Match of the Day host Gary Lineker to tweet that Leeds were both fun to watch and play against .
Yet , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , Bielsa took issue with criticism .
He said : `` We have to analyse the last game in a very detailed manner to pick up the correct conclusions from the game .
The only conclusion I have heard from the last game is we have to modify our style of play .
`` The questions directed at the players try to weaken the style of play we have .
Suggesting to them whether they would ask me to change my style of play .
`` Having revised the game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost this game , they 're not taken into account .
This is not something new as media platforms , journalists , can only analyse results .
`` Normally , when there is adversity , what you guys do is try to weaken those facing adversity or to ridicule the style of play of a team .
I 'm referring to the comment Leeds ' style of play is attractive , especially to their opponents , but what really happened in the game has nothing to do with what 's said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity to analyse beyond the result that offers some interpretation for what happens on the pitch .
I do n't worry too much about what the press think . ''
He continued : `` I always listen , read and take the best possible message from what 's written .
What does worry me is what 's written influences the public , they decrease the capacity to understand for the public .
`` Also , try to destabilise by suggesting to the players the style needs to be changed .
`` Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It does n't matter if in the previous game , the opinion was completely different .
`` Of course , the substance to try and reach a conclusion is the amount of goals we have been conceding .
The context in the way we receive these goals is not revised . ''
Bielsa went on to argue that , in certain areas of the pitch , his Leeds side had actually outperformed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side despite the heavy defeat .
He said : `` I can tell you the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From a physical aspect , Manchester United played their best game of the season and Leeds were superior in this aspect .
`` In possession , we were superior , which does not signify anything , but within a context it starts taking some value .
There was no clear dominance in the game .
We were dominated and dominated in a similar manner .
`` The players who unbalanced from the opponent were 17 Fred and 39 McTominay .
It was n't Rashford or Bruno Fernandes , nor James who participated mainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Man Utd were superior to me in the way I imagined the game because it helped balance the defensive system of Manchester United and I did n't think the key would be with the two central midfielders .
`` If you look at the game in detail the unbalance comes from those two players .
Offensive production from both teams was pretty similar .
`` We created 11 chances at goal , scoring two .
Man United created eight chances at goal and scored six .
They needed 14 chances to score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score two .
`` The errors Man United made in defence were the same to the ones Leeds made .
It 's probable to be sincere and to be fair the sensation of danger from Man United was higher than from Leeds , but what is true is we created danger in a proportional way to Man United . ''

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Marcelo Bielsa has hit out at journalists and pundits for their criticism after Leeds United's 6-2 defeat to Manchester United.
The Reds recorded a big victory over their rivals in a frenetic game on Sunday with Scott McTominay's brace inside the opening three minutes setting them on the way to victory.
United consistently took advantage of the gaps left in the Leeds defence as they tried to attack in numbers.
It prompted Match of the Day host Gary Lineker to tweet that Leeds were both fun to watch and play against.
Yet, in a 41-minute monologue during his press conference this week, Bielsa took issue with criticism.
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He said: "We have to analyse the last game in a very detailed manner to pick up the correct conclusions from the game. The only conclusion I have heard from the last game is we have to modify our style of play.
"The questions directed at the players try to weaken the style of play we have. Suggesting to them whether they would ask me to change my style of play.
"Having revised the game, and the real reasons of how we lost this game, they're not taken into account. This is not something new as media platforms, journalists, can only analyse results.
"Normally, when there is adversity, what you guys do is try to weaken those facing adversity or to ridicule the style of play of a team. I'm referring to the comment Leeds' style of play is attractive, especially to their opponents, but what really happened in the game has nothing to do with what's said in the press.
"Some voices have the capacity to analyse beyond the result that offers some interpretation for what happens on the pitch. I don't worry too much about what the press think."
He continued: "I always listen, read and take the best possible message from what's written. What does worry me is what's written influences the public, they decrease the capacity to understand for the public.
"Also, try to destabilise by suggesting to the players the style needs to be changed.
"Of course, this happens when the results allow. It doesn't matter if in the previous game, the opinion was completely different.
"Of course, the substance to try and reach a conclusion is the amount of goals we have been conceding. The context in the way we receive these goals is not revised."
Bielsa went on to argue that, in certain areas of the pitch, his Leeds side had actually outperformed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side despite the heavy defeat.
He said: "I can tell you the data we collected from the last game. From a physical aspect, Manchester United played their best game of the season and Leeds were superior in this aspect.
"In possession, we were superior, which does not signify anything, but within a context it starts taking some value. There was no clear dominance in the game. We were dominated and dominated in a similar manner.
"The players who unbalanced from the opponent were 17 Fred and 39 McTominay. It wasn't Rashford or Bruno Fernandes, nor James who participated mainly to defend.
"With this decision, Man Utd were superior to me in the way I imagined the game because it helped balance the defensive system of Manchester United and I didn't think the key would be with the two central midfielders.
"If you look at the game in detail the unbalance comes from those two players. Offensive production from both teams was pretty similar.
"We created 11 chances at goal, scoring two. Man United created eight chances at goal and scored six. They needed 14 chances to score six goals, we needed 13 to score two.
"The errors Man United made in defence were the same to the ones Leeds made. It's probable to be sincere and to be fair the sensation of danger from Man United was higher than from Leeds, but what is true is we created danger in a proportional way to Man United."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Bruno Fernandes concern has given Man United extra motivation vs Leicester City

A Wednesday trip down the M62 might not fall into the same category as a Champions League night in Istanbul , but once again Manchester United have been dealt a poor hand by the fixture planners .
It was at Goodison Park back in the first week of November that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made his feelings known about the task his side were given in the aftermath of their European game against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish capital .
United played that game on a Wednesday night and were then assigned the Saturday lunchtime kick-off against Everton on Merseyside .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the injustice to fire up his players , he threw the shackles off at full-time , telling BT Sport what he thought of the “ absolute shambles ” and that his team had been “ set up to fail ” .
They didn ’ t fail that day though .
They won 3-1 to kickstart a run of 19 points from a possible 21 in the Premier League .
It ’ s a streak of form that has made the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City a crunch game in the title race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Boxing Day feast .
United played last in midweek and will now play first at the weekend .
It ’ s not the biggest injustice they ’ ve been handed this season , but it ’ s not ideal either , especially at Christmas , with United needing a recovery session on Christmas Eve before training on Christmas Day and then a hotel stay in Leicester on Christmas night .
That schedule might have influenced Solskjaer ’ s thinking in making nine changes for this Carabao Cup quarter-final , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most close observers of United expected to be handed a rest at Goodison Park , but his inclusion was an admittance from Solskjaer that he does n't quite trust this side to fire in the same manner without their brilliant Portuguese playmaker .
As Gary Neville described on co-commentary , `` he 's the man Solskjaer ca n't leave out '' and the level of his contribution is undeniable .
Since he signed for United they 've scored three or more goals in a game in the Premier League or in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have they done that without Fernandes scoring or assisting .
The last time Solskjaer tried to leave him out was at West Ham , but United were so bad in the first half at the London Stadium that it 's probably made the manager think twice about ever leaving Fernandes out again .
In that game he came on at half-time to rescue the situation .
He was excellent in the early stages against Everton and United could have been out of sight by half-time .
Instead , the failure to take those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and with United playing last in midweek and first on Boxing Day , recovery time is minimal .
At some point this season he will need a break .
Solskjaer will be delighted he can call on a player as influential in the final third as Fernandes , having struggled through 2019 without much creativity , but the next challenge is to find a way to make this team tick without him .
Donny van de Beek looked like the obvious Plan B when he arrived from Ajax in the summer , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected of him and at Goodison he was n't brought in to replace Fernandes , but instead stationed on the left side of the attack and asked to link up with the Portuguese .
It 's not Van de Beek 's best position and while he worked diligently down the left and did link well at times , especially when United were on top in the early stages , there was little surprise when his number was up just after the hour and the big guns Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial came on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out if Van de Beek is an ideal stand-in for Fernandes .
The lack of preparation for the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City sums up their festive period .
They have just over 72 hours from the game at Leicester to the Old Trafford meeting with Wolves and then just under 72 hours between that game and Aston Villa at home on New Year 's Day .
It 's a demanding schedule and one that will test the players to the limit .
That 's why playing Fernandes at Everton was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only made it even more of a risk .
The 26-year-old will be unlikely to get a rest until Watford visit in the FA Cup third round on January 9 now , with the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City in the first midweek of the New Year now .
Solskjaer used the unfairness of the fixture calendar to his advantage a couple of months ago .
He needs to summon that same spirit over Christmas .

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A Wednesday trip down the M62 might not fall into the same category as a Champions League night in Istanbul, but once again Manchester United have been dealt a poor hand by the fixture planners.
It was at Goodison Park back in the first week of November that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made his feelings known about the task his side were given in the aftermath of their European game against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish capital.
United played that game on a Wednesday night and were then assigned the Saturday lunchtime kick-off against Everton on Merseyside. Solskjaer was fuming and while he used the injustice to fire up his players, he threw the shackles off at full-time, telling BT Sport what he thought of the “absolute shambles” and that his team had been “set up to fail”.
They didn’t fail that day though. They won 3-1 to kickstart a run of 19 points from a possible 21 in the Premier League. It’s a streak of form that has made the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City a crunch game in the title race.
But that game is the starter for the Boxing Day feast. United played last in midweek and will now play first at the weekend. It’s not the biggest injustice they’ve been handed this season, but it’s not ideal either, especially at Christmas, with United needing a recovery session on Christmas Eve before training on Christmas Day and then a hotel stay in Leicester on Christmas night.
That schedule might have influenced Solskjaer’s thinking in making nine changes for this Carabao Cup quarter-final, but he also took a chance with his selection.
Most close observers of United expected Bruno Fernandes to be handed a rest at Goodison Park, but his inclusion was an admittance from Solskjaer that he doesn't quite trust this side to fire in the same manner without their brilliant Portuguese playmaker.
As Gary Neville described on co-commentary, "he's the man Solskjaer can't leave out" and the level of his contribution is undeniable. Since he signed for United they've scored three or more goals in a game in the Premier League or in Europe on 16 occasions, but only twice have they done that without Fernandes scoring or assisting.
The last time Solskjaer tried to leave him out was at West Ham, but United were so bad in the first half at the London Stadium that it's probably made the manager think twice about ever leaving Fernandes out again. In that game he came on at half-time to rescue the situation.
He was excellent in the early stages against Everton and United could have been out of sight by half-time. Instead, the failure to take those chances meant he had to stay on and with United playing last in midweek and first on Boxing Day, recovery time is minimal.
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At some point this season he will need a break. Solskjaer will be delighted he can call on a player as influential in the final third as Fernandes, having struggled through 2019 without much creativity, but the next challenge is to find a way to make this team tick without him.
Donny van de Beek looked like the obvious Plan B when he arrived from Ajax in the summer, but he's not yet had the influence expected of him and at Goodison he wasn't brought in to replace Fernandes, but instead stationed on the left side of the attack and asked to link up with the Portuguese.
It's not Van de Beek's best position and while he worked diligently down the left and did link well at times, especially when United were on top in the early stages, there was little surprise when his number was up just after the hour and the big guns Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial came on.
United could really do with finding out if Van de Beek is an ideal stand-in for Fernandes. The lack of preparation for the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City sums up their festive period. They have just over 72 hours from the game at Leicester to the Old Trafford meeting with Wolves and then just under 72 hours between that game and Aston Villa at home on New Year's Day.
It's a demanding schedule and one that will test the players to the limit. That's why playing Fernandes at Everton was a risk and why those early missed chances only made it even more of a risk. The 26-year-old will be unlikely to get a rest until Watford visit in the FA Cup third round on January 9 now, with the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City in the first midweek of the New Year now.
Solskjaer used the unfairness of the fixture calendar to his advantage a couple of months ago. He needs to summon that same spirit over Christmas.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Secret Santa gift handed to young hospital patients came from Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande has brought some Christmas cheer to young patients in Manchester .
The popstar has donated a £100 Amazon voucher to every child at Royal Manchester Children ’ s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary ( MRI ) .
One dad told the Manchester Evening News his daughter was 'absolutely delighted ' with the kind gift , describing the singer as ' a wonderful human ' .
“ As I understand it she ’ s given every child in the hospital a voucher , ” said Steve , whose daughter is receiving treatment at MRI .
“ I went to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excited .
“ She said ‘ look dad , I ’ ve got a £100 voucher from Ariana Grande ’ .
“ It was in a little personalised box with no message on it and no note to say who it ’ s from .
“ It ’ s such a lovely gesture and there ’ s no publicity around it so you know it ’ s genuine .
“ It ’ s brought a lot of joy after everything that ’ s gone in with the pandemic this year .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my daughter being in hospital .
The staff there are great and so hard working.
” Sharing the news on Facebook , Steve wrote : “ Ariana Grande has given every child in the Children 's hospital at Manchester Royal infirmary a £100 Amazon voucher for Christmas .
Ms Grande has previously spoken of her affiliation with the city after the Manchester Arena terror attack immediately after her concert in 2017 .
The day after the attack she tweeted : “ Broken .
from the bottom of my heart , i am so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have words.
” Two weeks later she returned to Manchester to visit survivors in hospital and the families who had lost loved ones .
The pop star then staged the One Love benefit concert at Old Trafford cricket ground .
She returned again last year to headline Manchester ’ s Pride celebrations .
Ahead of that show she posted a heartfelt message on Instagram : `` On our way to Manchester Pride .
Love u so much .
Can ’ t wait to give u all our love .
You ’ re my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon . ''
During the concert Ms Grande said : “ Manchester I just wanted to wish 'yall a very , very happy Pride ... she says .
“ Thank you so much for accepting and celebrating me the way I have celebrated you .
“ I have so much more to say but I 'm very overwhelmed so thank you and I love you .
”

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Ariana Grande has brought some Christmas cheer to young patients in Manchester.
The popstar has donated a £100 Amazon voucher to every child at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI).
One dad told the Manchester Evening News his daughter was 'absolutely delighted' with the kind gift, describing the singer as 'a wonderful human'.
“As I understand it she’s given every child in the hospital a voucher,” said Steve, whose daughter is receiving treatment at MRI.
“I went to pick her up and she was so excited.
(Image: Barbara Daley)
“She said ‘look dad, I’ve got a £100 voucher from Ariana Grande’.
“It was in a little personalised box with no message on it and no note to say who it’s from.
“It’s such a lovely gesture and there’s no publicity around it so you know it’s genuine.
“It’s brought a lot of joy after everything that’s gone in with the pandemic this year.
“It’s been a tough year with my daughter being in hospital. The staff there are great and so hard working.”
Sharing the news on Facebook, Steve wrote: “Ariana Grande has given every child in the Children's hospital at Manchester Royal infirmary a £100 Amazon voucher for Christmas.
“What a lovely gesture from a wonderful human.”
(Image: Getty Images for AG)
Ms Grande has previously spoken of her affiliation with the city after the Manchester Arena terror attack immediately after her concert in 2017.
The day after the attack she tweeted: “Broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.”
Two weeks later she returned to Manchester to visit survivors in hospital and the families who had lost loved ones.
The pop star then staged the One Love benefit concert at Old Trafford cricket ground.
She returned again last year to headline Manchester’s Pride celebrations.
Ahead of that show she posted a heartfelt message on Instagram : "On our way to Manchester Pride. Love u so much. Can’t wait to give u all our love. You’re my heart in every way. See u soon."
During the concert Ms Grande said: “Manchester I just wanted to wish 'yall a very, very happy Pride... she says.
“Thank you so much for accepting and celebrating me the way I have celebrated you.
“I have so much more to say but I'm very overwhelmed so thank you and I love you.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-24--Ruben Dias underlines what Man City need to be Premier League champions

Ruben Dias is hopeful that Manchester City 's draws will prove useful in the final Premier League reckoning but admits they can not get used to them .
Pep Guardiola 's side have lost just twice in the Premier League this season but are well down the table in 8th because of their inability to turn one point into three in more than a third of their matches .
With the team struggling for form , particularly in attack , the improved defensive resilience that new signing Dias has been a part of has ensured that the Blues are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of spark recently shown in consecutive draws with United and West Brom has left City lagging while rivals that have lost more games than them find themselves higher in the table because of their ability to win games .
While the points stacked up by City so far could yet be crucial , they can not afford to be satisfied with draws .
“ Obviously , in this club and where I come from , winning is the only option .
We know that a point is always a point , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Dias .
`` Sometimes it happens .
Along the run , it happens .
`` We just want to win and you have to have the stomach to know that when it doesn ’ t happen , you ’ ve just got to keep going .
Obviously , we were so frustrated , especially after the home game , but it will be a decision of where we want to be at the end , and these one points at the end might be important .
`` At the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going for the three [ points ] and the ability , after a one or a zero , to go after three again and again .
I think that ’ s the spirit that can make you a champion.
” Manchester City are in the Carabao Cup semi-finals once again after a comprehensive win over Arsenal .
Gabriel Jesus gave the Blues the lead in just over two minutes , but Alexandre Lacazette equalised before half-time .
Second half goals from Riyad Mahrez , Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte , though , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 'll bring you all the reaction and analysis to the match with our daily City newsletter .
You can get it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter - just submit your email address in the sign-up box above or follow this link - it 's free and it only takes a few seconds Dias has exceeded early expectations at Manchester City , becoming immovable from the team since his £64m switch was confirmed in late September .
The 23-year-old was thrown straight into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Elland Road and Guardiola has consistently praised the defender 's ability not to make mistakes .
Moving to the Premier League has certainly not disappointed the ex-Benfica man either .
“ I would consider that being the beauty of the Premier League because you play whoever , and they ’ re just going to try and win it , '' he said last week , '' he said .
`` Obviously , you have different teams , different styles .
But in general , every team can win a game .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
You ’ re watching a game and you might even not be watching a team from the top five , top ten , and you ’ re still watching a good game !
`` That for me was the thing that I wanted the most ; to have that feeling that I was in the right spot here .
It ’ s pure , the purest football that might exist .
I ’ m just really happy to be here .
”

Ruben Dias is hopeful that Manchester City's draws will prove useful in the final Premier League reckoning but admits they cannot get used to them.
Pep Guardiola's side have lost just twice in the Premier League this season but are well down the table in 8th because of their inability to turn one point into three in more than a third of their matches.
With the team struggling for form, particularly in attack, the improved defensive resilience that new signing Dias has been a part of has ensured that the Blues are more stable this season. However, the lack of spark recently shown in consecutive draws with United and West Brom has left City lagging while rivals that have lost more games than them find themselves higher in the table because of their ability to win games.
While the points stacked up by City so far could yet be crucial, they cannot afford to be satisfied with draws.
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“Obviously, in this club and where I come from, winning is the only option. We know that a point is always a point, and it’s not the worst scenario," said Dias. "Sometimes it happens. Along the run, it happens.
"We just want to win and you have to have the stomach to know that when it doesn’t happen, you’ve just got to keep going. Obviously, we were so frustrated, especially after the home game, but it will be a decision of where we want to be at the end, and these one points at the end might be important.
"At the end of it all, we are always going for the three [points] and the ability,after a one or a zero, to go after three again and again. I think that’s the spirit that can make you a champion.”
Dias has exceeded early expectations at Manchester City, becoming immovable from the team since his £64m switch was confirmed in late September. The 23-year-old was thrown straight into the starting line-up for the game at Leeds at Elland Road and Guardiola has consistently praised the defender's ability not to make mistakes.
Moving to the Premier League has certainly not disappointed the ex-Benfica man either.
“I would consider that being the beauty of the Premier League because you play whoever, and they’re just going to try and win it," he said last week," he said.
"Obviously, you have different teams, different styles. But in general, every team can win a game. I think that’s the beauty of it. You’re watching a game and you might even not be watching a team from the top five, top ten, and you’re still watching a good game!
"That for me was the thing that I wanted the most; to have that feeling that I was in the right spot here. It’s pure, the purest football that might exist. I’m just really happy to be here.”