themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-20--Children's services in £15m overspend as council fights to retain Ofsted rating

Wigan council 's projected £18.5m overspend has been partly blamed on the pandemic – but one department in particular is facing financial pressures .
The children 's services directorate , which has been under serious scrutiny since a 'scathing ' letter was sent by Ofsted in February , is £15m over budget .
Social workers have been battling through big caseloads throughout the coronavirus crisis and the department has struggled to keep agency costs down as it tries to fix the failings the government watchdog found this year .
It comes after inspectors said some children remained 'at risk or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they should have due to delays within the department .
In a letter published on Friday , Ofsted says that 'significant changes ' have been made in the senior leadership team in children ’ s services since its January visit .
The new director of children 's services , Colette Dutton , who joined in July , is now preparing for a full two-week inspection which could be as early as April .
Inspectors will then decide whether Wigan council retains its rating of 'Good ' .
The department has now published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It includes creating a new , independently chaired , ‘ Wigan Deal for Children and Young People Board ’ , to oversee improvements in quality and performance .
The new director told a scrutiny committee this week that caseloads have been cut to manageable levels – between 18 and 20 each , with some on 25 .
At some points in the last 12 months , there were caseloads as high as 40 each .
She also told councillors on Tuesday of an 'exodus ' of staff who she says did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do the job without that support .
While she says the workforce is not yet 'stable ' , some changes have been made which will help the department retain staff as it has done in the past .
She told the committee that a 'poorly performing agency team ' has now been 'moved on ' and a 'much more reputable ' agency has been brought in instead .
But because of a rise in the number of children in care in recent years , the council will have to continue to use the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cope .
She said : `` That 's not a long-term plan .
Agency staff cost a lot of money .
`` But also , we want people who want to work in Wigan permanently who we can invest in , who we can do training with and want to be part of the journey going forward . ''
There have been no savings that children 's social care has been asked to make in the last 12 months , which the director says is a recognition of the situation .
Portfolio holder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councillor Nazia Rehman , reported the budget overspend to the council 's cabinet on Thursday .
She said : `` It is unlikely that this will be brought back into balance in the short-term , and I expect to see a medium to longer-term plan for the directorate highlighted in our budget report in February this year .
`` We will see if the position can recover at all in the third quarter , but we may need to use reserves to balance our year-end budget . ''

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Wigan council's projected £18.5m overspend has been partly blamed on the pandemic – but one department in particular is facing financial pressures.
The children's services directorate, which has been under serious scrutiny since a 'scathing' letter was sent by Ofsted in February, is £15m over budget.
Social workers have been battling through big caseloads throughout the coronavirus crisis and the department has struggled to keep agency costs down as it tries to fix the failings the government watchdog found this year.
It comes after inspectors said some children remained 'at risk or in situations of harm' for longer than they should have due to delays within the department.
In a letter published on Friday, Ofsted says that 'significant changes' have been made in the senior leadership team in children’s services since its January visit.
The new director of children's services, Colette Dutton, who joined in July, is now preparing for a full two-week inspection which could be as early as April.
Inspectors will then decide whether Wigan council retains its rating of 'Good'.
The department has now published its action plan to address failings found.
It includes creating a new, independently chaired, ‘Wigan Deal for Children and Young People Board’, to oversee improvements in quality and performance.
The new director told a scrutiny committee this week that caseloads have been cut to manageable levels – between 18 and 20 each, with some on 25.
At some points in the last 12 months, there were caseloads as high as 40 each.
She also told councillors on Tuesday of an 'exodus' of staff who she says did not felt supported and found it hard to do the job without that support.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
While she says the workforce is not yet 'stable', some changes have been made which will help the department retain staff as it has done in the past.
She told the committee that a 'poorly performing agency team' has now been 'moved on' and a 'much more reputable' agency has been brought in instead.
But because of a rise in the number of children in care in recent years, the council will have to continue to use the costly agency staff if it is to cope.
She said: "That's not a long-term plan. Agency staff cost a lot of money.
"But also, we want people who want to work in Wigan permanently who we can invest in, who we can do training with and want to be part of the journey going forward."
There have been no savings that children's social care has been asked to make in the last 12 months, which the director says is a recognition of the situation.
Portfolio holder for finance, resources and transformation, Councillor Nazia Rehman, reported the budget overspend to the council's cabinet on Thursday.
She said: "It is unlikely that this will be brought back into balance in the short-term, and I expect to see a medium to longer-term plan for the directorate highlighted in our budget report in February this year.
"We will see if the position can recover at all in the third quarter, but we may need to use reserves to balance our year-end budget."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-20--The Piccadilly Gardens wall is finally torn down - inside the demolition site

Piccadilly Gardens ’ infamous ‘ Berlin Wall ’ will soon be no more .
A demolition team has started to tear down the free-standing section of the much-maligned concrete barrier .
It ’ s ' a major moment in Manchester ’ s history ' , according to Councillor Pat Karney - the town hall 's city centre spokesman .
The work should be finished by Monday .
The first pieces of the wall fell in the early hours of Thursday without much fanfare .
An image caught by Manchester 's Finest showed a huge pile of rubble on the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's a 'new beginning ' for the Gardens .
Earlier this afternoon ( Friday ) , the Manchester Evening News gained access to the site , which will soon be part of a council redevelopment plan .
A unique 'cruncher ' demolition machine - the only one of its kind in the country - is making light work of the concrete that has stood for 18 years .
About a third of the wall , designed by artist Tadao Ando following an international competition , lies on the ground in huge chunks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the early hours to stop debris hitting passing trams .
The astonishing power of the machine means it will only be a few more days until the concrete block is gone for good .
Coun Karney , who has been one of the most outspoken critics of the wall over the past few years , said he couldn ’ t be happier .
“ For me personally it ’ s a day I ’ ve been hoping for for 18 years , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve hated it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a monstrosity .
Every time I saw it , it depressed me .
“ It ’ s mouldy-looking and in the Manchester rain it just puts you off .
“ The architect who built it was Japanese and it may have been nice in a flower garden in Japan , but not in Piccadilly Gardens.
” In 2014 , an M.E.N .
survey revealed that three in four Mancunians hated the concrete wall .
Two years later , more than 20,000 people signed a petition to bring the Gardens back to their '1950s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a £2m project approved in August by the council , work to redevelop the area into something Mancunians can be proud of can finally begin .
Coun Karney added : “ It ’ s a major moment for Manchester - a start of a new beginning for Piccadilly Gardens .
“ In two weeks time we ’ re going to launch a new beginning for the gardens .
“ Where I ’ m standing now will be a grass area .
We ’ re going to put to the public all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they ’ ll have their say on that .
“ Our pledge from the councillors is that we want to upgrade and improve these gardens so that Mancunians start liking this area again.
” The demolition project is said to be moving faster than expected .
“ That cruncher behind us could knock down all the buildings around Piccadilly .
It ’ s astonishing , I didn ’ t realise it would be gone so fast .
So the wall will be gone by Monday morning , ” Coun Karney added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see the wall go .
Eddy Rhead , of The Modernist Society , said any other city would be proud to have a piece by the world-renowned architect who designed it .
`` In Japan his work is revered , but in Manchester we treat it like s*** .
We literally put urinals against it , ” he said .
`` The administration which commissioned the wall back in the day is exactly the same administration that is now calling for its demolition .
`` There are fundamental problems with Piccadilly Gardens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knocking down the wall . ''
Critics of the initiative have suggested the removal of the wall will do little to combat the main issue in the area of anti-social behaviour and drug-related issues .
The wall has become notorious as a hotspot for drug dealing .
Officials have said removing the wall will improve 'sight lines ' in the Gardens , making it easier for police to monitor the area and discourage criminal behaviour .
Coun Karney said the main issues people witness in the surrounding area will not go away - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support from central government .
He added : “ In terms of social problems , homelessness , begging , people with drink and drug problems , they are the token result of the austerity we ’ ve had for ten years , and unless we get government help , we ’ re doing our best on those problems .
“ Nobody ’ s sweeping that under the carpet , those social problems still remain , but we still need government support.
” The 'artist ' responsible for the 'petri dish ' graffiti , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will be making a mini version of his work on a piece of the concrete , which will then go in an art gallery ... or ‘ possibly Andy Burnham ’ s front garden ’ , Coun Karney joked .
Others have asked if they can have a piece of the rubble as a memento - similar to how people kept pieces of the Berlin Wall .
Coun Karney said : “ We ’ ve kept bits of the wall here , so if anyone wants a piece of the wall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Not sure why you would want it but if you want a piece of Manchester history just contact me.
” By next week , the structure that has divided opinions across the city will be no more - and the £10m project to regenerate parts of central Manchester will begin .
The plans to revitalise Piccadilly Gardens will also cover an area of Piccadilly north of the gardens , Parker Street to the south and Mosley Street to the west .
Piccadilly councillor Jon-Connor Lyons has urged his constituents to get involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` This wall , and the other aspects of the built environment , has helped to foster anti-social behaviour in the area which local residents , Mancunians and international visitors have suffered with for years .
`` My local vision for the area is for it to be greener , more family and active travel focused .
`` This is a new beginning , and we must get it right . ''

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Piccadilly Gardens’ infamous ‘Berlin Wall’ will soon be no more.
A demolition team has started to tear down the free-standing section of the much-maligned concrete barrier.
It’s 'a major moment in Manchester’s history', according to Councillor Pat Karney - the town hall's city centre spokesman.
The work should be finished by Monday.
The first pieces of the wall fell in the early hours of Thursday without much fanfare.
An image caught by Manchester's Finest showed a huge pile of rubble on the floor the next morning.
Council bosses say it's a 'new beginning' for the Gardens.
(Image: manchestersfinest.com)
Earlier this afternoon (Friday), the Manchester Evening News gained access to the site, which will soon be part of a council redevelopment plan.
A unique 'cruncher' demolition machine - the only one of its kind in the country - is making light work of the concrete that has stood for 18 years.
About a third of the wall, designed by artist Tadao Ando following an international competition, lies on the ground in huge chunks.
Work is only taking place place in the early hours to stop debris hitting passing trams.
The astonishing power of the machine means it will only be a few more days until the concrete block is gone for good.
(Image: Vincent Cole)
Coun Karney, who has been one of the most outspoken critics of the wall over the past few years, said he couldn’t be happier.
“For me personally it’s a day I’ve been hoping for for 18 years,” he said.
“I’ve hated it for 18 years - it’s a monstrosity. Every time I saw it, it depressed me.
“It’s mouldy-looking and in the Manchester rain it just puts you off.
“The architect who built it was Japanese and it may have been nice in a flower garden in Japan, but not in Piccadilly Gardens.”
In 2014, an M.E.N. survey revealed that three in four Mancunians hated the concrete wall.
Two years later, more than 20,000 people signed a petition to bring the Gardens back to their '1950s splendour'.
Now, as part of a £2m project approved in August by the council, work to redevelop the area into something Mancunians can be proud of can finally begin.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Coun Karney added: “It’s a major moment for Manchester - a start of a new beginning for Piccadilly Gardens.
“In two weeks time we’re going to launch a new beginning for the gardens.
“Where I’m standing now will be a grass area. We’re going to put to the public all the ideas about improving and upgrading the gardens and they’ll have their say on that.
“Our pledge from the councillors is that we want to upgrade and improve these gardens so that Mancunians start liking this area again.”
The demolition project is said to be moving faster than expected.
“That cruncher behind us could knock down all the buildings around Piccadilly. It’s astonishing, I didn’t realise it would be gone so fast. So the wall will be gone by Monday morning,” Coun Karney added.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Not everyone is as happy as Pat to see the wall go.
Eddy Rhead, of The Modernist Society, said any other city would be proud to have a piece by the world-renowned architect who designed it.
"In Japan his work is revered, but in Manchester we treat it like s***. We literally put urinals against it,” he said.
"The administration which commissioned the wall back in the day is exactly the same administration that is now calling for its demolition.
"It's a populist decision.
"There are fundamental problems with Piccadilly Gardens and they won't be solved by knocking down the wall."
Critics of the initiative have suggested the removal of the wall will do little to combat the main issue in the area of anti-social behaviour and drug-related issues.
The wall has become notorious as a hotspot for drug dealing.
(Image: Andrew Bardsley)
Officials have said removing the wall will improve 'sight lines' in the Gardens, making it easier for police to monitor the area and discourage criminal behaviour.
Coun Karney said the main issues people witness in the surrounding area will not go away - and won't until there is proper support from central government.
He added: “In terms of social problems, homelessness, begging, people with drink and drug problems, they are the token result of the austerity we’ve had for ten years, and unless we get government help, we’re doing our best on those problems.
“Nobody’s sweeping that under the carpet, those social problems still remain, but we still need government support.”
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The 'artist' responsible for the 'petri dish' graffiti, which drew national media attention this autumn, will be making a mini version of his work on a piece of the concrete, which will then go in an art gallery... or ‘possibly Andy Burnham’s front garden’, Coun Karney joked.
Others have asked if they can have a piece of the rubble as a memento - similar to how people kept pieces of the Berlin Wall.
Coun Karney said: “We’ve kept bits of the wall here, so if anyone wants a piece of the wall, contact me at the town hall.
“Not sure why you would want it but if you want a piece of Manchester history just contact me.”
By next week, the structure that has divided opinions across the city will be no more - and the £10m project to regenerate parts of central Manchester will begin.
The plans to revitalise Piccadilly Gardens will also cover an area of Piccadilly north of the gardens, Parker Street to the south and Mosley Street to the west.
Piccadilly councillor Jon-Connor Lyons has urged his constituents to get involved in the upcoming public consultation.
He said: "This wall, and the other aspects of the built environment, has helped to foster anti-social behaviour in the area which local residents, Mancunians and international visitors have suffered with for years.
"My local vision for the area is for it to be greener, more family and active travel focused.
"This is a new beginning, and we must get it right."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-20--Several people injured in M66 crash

Several people injured in M66 crash

Emergency services were rushed to the M66 following a crash between two cars .
The incident happened on the northbound @ @ @ @ @ A58 Rochdale Road/Bury ) and junction 1 ( A56 Walmersley Road/Ramsbottom ) .
Police , @ @ @ @ @ and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene and a lane of the motorway was @ @ @ @ @ Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed that they have reports of five casualties , including a woman @ @ @ @ @ man with an arm injury .
None of the injuries are deemed to be serious @ @ @ @ @ Police spokesman confirmed that the crash was between two cars and that one vehicle was @ @ @ @ @ had a fire extinguisher .
A Greater Manchester Police Spokesman added : `` Officers were @ @ @ @ @ Friday 20 November 2020 ) to a report of multiple vehicles involved in collision on @ @ @ @ @ one and two .
According to traffic monitoring website Inrix , the road reopened at @ @

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Emergency services were rushed to the M66 following a crash between two cars.
The incident happened on the northbound carriageway between junction 2 (A58 Rochdale Road/Bury) and junction 1 (A56 Walmersley Road/Ramsbottom).
Police, firefighters, two ambulances, and a rapid response vehicle attended the scene and a lane of the motorway was closed.
A North West Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed that they have reports of five casualties, including a woman with facial injuries and a man with an arm injury.
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None of the injuries are deemed to be serious.
A North West Motorway Police spokesman confirmed that the crash was between two cars and that one vehicle was smoking but a passing car had a fire extinguisher.
A Greater Manchester Police Spokesman added: "Officers were called around 4.30pm today (Friday 20 November 2020) to a report of multiple vehicles involved in collision on the M66, between junction one and two.
"Emergency services are in attendance."
According to traffic monitoring website Inrix, the road reopened at 6.30pm.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-20--Matt Hancock 'more and more confident' life will be closer to normal by spring

Health Secretary Matt Hancock says he has grown “ more and more confident ” that life will be closer to normal by Spring next year .
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Friday night , Mr Hancock said : “ [ Professor ] Chris Whitty ( Chief Medical Officer for England ) has said he hopes that we will be able to get back more towards normal by the spring .
“ And with this news we ’ ve had over the last few weeks and with the expansion of mass testing I ’ m more and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Hancock said it is still too early to say what contact people will be able to have over Christmas and what additional restrictions may be required after lockdown is eased .
He said : “ We ’ re doing the work on what happens after December 2 right now , it ’ s still too early to tell .
“ I ’ m afraid we still haven ’ t made those decisions .
“ Over Christmas I know how important it is that we have a system in place , a set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also allows people to see their loved ones.
” Deputy Chief Medical Officer , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , has warned infection rates will pick up again if the public ignore any guidelines put in place around Christmas .
“ If people don ’ t ( follow the guidelines ) then the first scientific principle is things will go back up again .
There is dual responsibility here .
There is no magic number about how many days it is going to cost us . ''
Prof Van-Tam said he believed they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling out a vaccination programme .
“ Do I believe that we are now on the glide path to landing this plane ?
Yes I do , ” he said .
“ Do I accept that sometimes when you are on the glide path you can have a side wind and the landing is not totally straightforward , totally textbook ?
Of course.
” Prof Van-Tam , who was appearing remotely , said he was self-isolating due to a “ household contact ” .

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Health Secretary Matt Hancock says he has grown “more and more confident” that life will be closer to normal by Spring next year.
Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Friday night, Mr Hancock said: “[Professor] Chris Whitty (Chief Medical Officer for England) has said he hopes that we will be able to get back more towards normal by the spring.
“And with this news we’ve had over the last few weeks and with the expansion of mass testing I’m more and more confident that he’s right.”
Mr Hancock said it is still too early to say what contact people will be able to have over Christmas and what additional restrictions may be required after lockdown is eased.
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He said: “We’re doing the work on what happens after December 2 right now, it’s still too early to tell.
“I’m afraid we still haven’t made those decisions.
“Over Christmas I know how important it is that we have a system in place, a set of rules that both keeps people safe but also allows people to see their loved ones.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, has warned infection rates will pick up again if the public ignore any guidelines put in place around Christmas.
“If people don’t (follow the guidelines) then the first scientific principle is things will go back up again. There is dual responsibility here. There is no magic number about how many days it is going to cost us."
Prof Van-Tam said he believed they were on the “glide path” towards rolling out a vaccination programme.
“Do I believe that we are now on the glide path to landing this plane? Yes I do,” he said.
“Do I accept that sometimes when you are on the glide path you can have a side wind and the landing is not totally straightforward, totally textbook? Of course.”
Prof Van-Tam, who was appearing remotely, said he was self-isolating due to a “household contact”.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-22--Bruno Fernandes pinpoints where Manchester United need to improve

Bruno Fernandes has instructed his Manchester United teammates to become more ruthless in the final third after an unconvincing win over West Brom .
The Portuguese scored the only goal of the game in United 's 1-0 victory over the Baggies , converting a retaken penalty beyond former Old Trafford keeper Sam Johnstone .
It gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side their first home triumph of the Premier League campaign so far , but Fernandes spotted areas for improvement .
The United match-winner spoke to MUTV after the game and assessed the attacking display against West Brom .
Fernandes said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they were strong at the back [ but ] I think we can do much better in the final third .
Less passing , we need to do much better with the shooting , I think everyone agrees with this .
`` The performance was good but we can do better .
Today we know it was a tough game and I had the clear chance to score .
And I had to score for my teammates because we needed the three points in the league .
`` We had some chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first half then the game is much easier .
Because maybe they open up the game for us .
But we had chances and everyone agrees we can have better performances than this .
Manchester United ground out a 1-0 win over West Brom to finally notch a victory at home in the Premier League this season .
It was n't pretty but it means two successive wins for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side , who have to balance league and Champions League commitments over a busy period in the coming weeeks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction and analysis from United 's win against West Brom and you can have it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box the the top of this article , or simply click here .
It 's free and takes just a few seconds .
`` We have shown already we have more qualities than what we showed today .
`` We do n't have to build from here .
You build from the losses also .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you do n't have to lose to build something , but there are the mistakes to learn from and you have to keep doing the right things . ''
United will have the chance to build on the West Brom win at home to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League on Tuesday night , before travelling to Southampton in the Premier League next weekend .

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Bruno Fernandes has instructed his Manchester United teammates to become more ruthless in the final third after an unconvincing win over West Brom.
The Portuguese scored the only goal of the game in United's 1-0 victory over the Baggies, converting a retaken penalty beyond former Old Trafford keeper Sam Johnstone. It gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side their first home triumph of the Premier League campaign so far, but Fernandes spotted areas for improvement.
The United match-winner spoke to MUTV after the game and assessed the attacking display against West Brom.
Fernandes said: "They played really good football, they were strong at the back [but] I think we can do much better in the final third. Less passing, we need to do much better with the shooting, I think everyone agrees with this.
"The performance was good but we can do better. Today we know it was a tough game and I had the clear chance to score. And I had to score for my teammates because we needed the three points in the league.
"We had some chances. Maybe if we scored in the first half then the game is much easier. Because maybe they open up the game for us. But we had chances and everyone agrees we can have better performances than this.
"We have shown already we have more qualities than what we showed today.
"We don't have to build from here. You build from the losses also. You don't want to lose of course and you don't have to lose to build something, but there are the mistakes to learn from and you have to keep doing the right things."
United will have the chance to build on the West Brom win at home to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League on Tuesday night, before travelling to Southampton in the Premier League next weekend.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--West Brom manager Bilic slams refereeing decisions in Man Utd defeat

West Brom manager Slaven Bilic fumed at the refereeing decisions that went against his side during their defeat by Manchester United .
After a quiet first-half , there was controversy just a minute after the interval when Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have fouled Conor Gallagher in the penalty area .
Referee David Coote pointed to the spot but was advised to take a second look on the pitch-side monitor and overturned his decision after reviewing the footage .
Just minutes later , United scored the only goal of the game when Fernandes netted from the penalty spot following a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have stood and fumed at the officials for missing a foul by Fred in the build-up to United 's winner .
`` Well I am really disappointed .
I 'm really disappointed with the decision , '' he told BT Sport .
`` All those crucial decisions went against us .
I 've watched it a few times and for me , it 's a clear penalty .
I do n't understand why he overturned it .
`` Our penalty , with the new rules , it 's handball .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Before the handball , it was a clear foul on Gallagher .
`` We are talking about instead of 1-0 to us , it 's 1-0 to them .
That makes a difference , especially playing against Manchester United away , it 's game over . ''
Fernandes explained after the game that he believes he made contact with the ball before colliding with the on-loan Chelsea star .
However , former United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Coote made the wrong decision .
He said : `` It 's a disgraceful decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's a nailed-on penalty .
How can he go against his own decision on that ? ''

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West Brom manager Slaven Bilic fumed at the refereeing decisions that went against his side during their defeat by Manchester United.
After a quiet first-half, there was controversy just a minute after the interval when Bruno Fernandes was adjudged to have fouled Conor Gallagher in the penalty area.
Referee David Coote pointed to the spot but was advised to take a second look on the pitch-side monitor and overturned his decision after reviewing the footage.
Just minutes later, United scored the only goal of the game when Fernandes netted from the penalty spot following a handball.
Bilic believes the first penalty should have stood and fumed at the officials for missing a foul by Fred in the build-up to United's winner.
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"Well I am really disappointed. I'm really disappointed with the decision," he told BT Sport. "All those crucial decisions went against us. I've watched it a few times and for me, it's a clear penalty. I don't understand why he overturned it.
"Our penalty, with the new rules, it's handball. It's a bit unlucky but it's handball. Before the handball, it was a clear foul on Gallagher.
"We are talking about instead of 1-0 to us, it's 1-0 to them. That makes a difference, especially playing against Manchester United away, it's game over."
Fernandes explained after the game that he believes he made contact with the ball before colliding with the on-loan Chelsea star.
However, former United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Coote made the wrong decision.
He said: "It's a disgraceful decision. He got it right first time. It's a nailed-on penalty. How can he go against his own decision on that?"


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Manchester United manager Solskjaer praises officials vs West Brom

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the officials got every major decision right in Manchester United 's 1-0 win over West Brom .
The United boss admitted he had thought Bruno Fernandes should have been penalised for a foul on Conor Gallagher , which was given as a penalty by referee David Coote before he overturned his decision after consulting VAR .
Solskjaer said the replays showed the United man getting a touch on the ball , while the Norwegian also agreed with the handball call that allowed Fernandes to slot home from the spot minutes later .
Many pundits believed West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Old Trafford and Solskjaer was asked for his verdict on MUTV .
`` I thought at the time , live , that it was a penalty , '' he said on the West Brom appeal .
`` But when you look at the video you can see Bruno gets the ball first .
And I think the penalty that was n't given for Villa at the end against Brighton [ in the Saturday lunchtime game ] was in the mind of the ref as well .
`` So he gets the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I think it 's the right decision . ''
On the decision to allow Fernandes to retake his own penalty after VAR spotted Sam Johnstone off the West Brom goal-line , Solskjaer again lauded the technology .
He said : `` That 's VAR working and then you can discuss if it 's a penalty or not .
I do n't know the handball rule , we 've had it so many times , but it was clear .
Probably an unnatural position .
`` But we created enough big chances to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been more comfortable . ''
On Fernandes ' initial miss , Solskjaer added : `` It 's easier to take a penalty in front of no crowd and having a speech in front of 15 or 20 people , is n't it ?
He 's been doing it all his life , so if you do n't want to take a penalty , you 're in the wrong place .
`` It 's not easy when we keep giving away our good goalkeepers .
When we keep developing these good players ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fantastic game .
I had him before I went back to Norway and to see him develop as he has is great , but he does n't have to do it so well against us ! ''
Solskjaer admitted United can play a lot better but were hampered by a small amount of preparation time after the international break .
`` We have a tradition of making it hard for ourselves , '' he said , as United finally ground out a league win at home this season .
`` When I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] used to say that 'that 's why I 'm going to have heart trouble ' , but he 's still healthy so that 's fine .
`` Towards the end we seemed edgy , because we could have seen the game off with a couple of good chances .
`` Delighted with a clean sheet but we could have made it more comfortable .
International breaks , they never help .
All our prep was this morning , so it 's not easy when you only have 20 minutes or half an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Three points , home win , so we can stop talking about .
But if we want to move up the table , we have to play better . ''

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes the officials got every major decision right in Manchester United's 1-0 win over West Brom.
The United boss admitted he had thought Bruno Fernandes should have been penalised for a foul on Conor Gallagher, which was given as a penalty by referee David Coote before he overturned his decision after consulting VAR. Solskjaer said the replays showed the United man getting a touch on the ball, while the Norwegian also agreed with the handball call that allowed Fernandes to slot home from the spot minutes later.
Many pundits believed West Brom were harshly treated by the officials at Old Trafford and Solskjaer was asked for his verdict on MUTV.
"I thought at the time, live, that it was a penalty," he said on the West Brom appeal. "But when you look at the video you can see Bruno gets the ball first. And I think the penalty that wasn't given for Villa at the end against Brighton [in the Saturday lunchtime game] was in the mind of the ref as well.
"So he gets the ball first and maybe touches him slightly, but I think it's the right decision."
On the decision to allow Fernandes to retake his own penalty after VAR spotted Sam Johnstone off the West Brom goal-line, Solskjaer again lauded the technology.
He said: "That's VAR working and then you can discuss if it's a penalty or not. I don't know the handball rule, we've had it so many times, but it was clear. Probably an unnatural position.
"But we created enough big chances to score more goals, so we should have been more comfortable."
On Fernandes' initial miss, Solskjaer added: "It's easier to take a penalty in front of no crowd and having a speech in front of 15 or 20 people, isn't it? He's been doing it all his life, so if you don't want to take a penalty, you're in the wrong place.
"It's not easy when we keep giving away our good goalkeepers. When we keep developing these good players... and Sam [Johnstone] had a fantastic game. I had him before I went back to Norway and to see him develop as he has is great, but he doesn't have to do it so well against us!"
Solskjaer admitted United can play a lot better but were hampered by a small amount of preparation time after the international break.
"We have a tradition of making it hard for ourselves," he said, as United finally ground out a league win at home this season. "When I was a player here Sir Alex [Ferguson] used to say that 'that's why I'm going to have heart trouble', but he's still healthy so that's fine.
"Towards the end we seemed edgy, because we could have seen the game off with a couple of good chances.
"Delighted with a clean sheet but we could have made it more comfortable. International breaks, they never help. All our prep was this morning, so it's not easy when you only have 20 minutes or half an hour to prepare for a game.
"Three points, home win, so we can stop talking about. But if we want to move up the table, we have to play better."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Fernandes gives verdict on overturned penalty during Man Utd vs West Brom

Bruno Fernandes believes he touched the ball before making contact with Conor Gallagher during Manchester United 's win against West Brom .
The second-half begun with the scores level after a drab first 45 minutes at Old Trafford but there was controversy just minutes after the interval .
Fernandes made contact with the on-loan Chelsea player in the penalty area and referee David Coote pointed to the spot .
However , following advice from the VAR official , Coote overturned the decision after reviewing the footage on the pitch-side monitor .
Fernandes went on the score the winner from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Portuguese was asked about the incident following the game and believes he made contact with the ball first .
`` In the first moment , I touched the ball , '' he told BT Sport .
`` After I touched the ball , it was the second contact [ with the player ] .
I do n't know , I have n't seen the images .
`` What I felt in the moment , I touched the ball first then afterwards the player . ''
Fernandes ' first penalty was saved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after replays showed the former United goalkeeper way off his line .
The midfielder made no mistake at the second time of asking but expressed his frustration at missing in the first place He added : `` It 's not good .
You need to do it on the first one .
It does n't matter if the keeper comes off the line .
I 'm not happy .
Okay I scored the second one but I need to score the first one .
The most important thing is the three points .
@ @ @ @ @ @

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Bruno Fernandes believes he touched the ball before making contact with Conor Gallagher during Manchester United's win against West Brom.
The second-half begun with the scores level after a drab first 45 minutes at Old Trafford but there was controversy just minutes after the interval.
Fernandes made contact with the on-loan Chelsea player in the penalty area and referee David Coote pointed to the spot.
However, following advice from the VAR official, Coote overturned the decision after reviewing the footage on the pitch-side monitor.
Fernandes went on the score the winner from the penalty spot for United minutes later.
The Portuguese was asked about the incident following the game and believes he made contact with the ball first.
"In the first moment, I touched the ball," he told BT Sport . "After I touched the ball, it was the second contact [with the player]. I don't know, I haven't seen the images.
"What I felt in the moment, I touched the ball first then afterwards the player."
Fernandes' first penalty was saved by Sam Johnstone but a retake was ordered after replays showed the former United goalkeeper way off his line.
The midfielder made no mistake at the second time of asking but expressed his frustration at missing in the first place
He added: "It's not good. You need to do it on the first one. It doesn't matter if the keeper comes off the line. I'm not happy. Okay I scored the second one but I need to score the first one. The most important thing is the three points. It doesn't matter."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--This is when Boris Johnson will announce if families can meet at Christmas

Boris Johnson will announce if families can meet at Christmas as he unveils ' Covid winter plan ' .
The Prime Minister is expected to detail his plan to MPs on Monday after Downing Street said England will enter a strengthened three-tiered system of local restrictions when the national lockdown ends on December 2 .
The Cabinet is expected to discuss and sign off the plan on Sunday before Mr Johnson announces it to Parliament the following day when the full details are expected .
The plan will set out how people will be able to spend their Christmas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festive season will be different to normal , with some restrictions expected to remain in place .
Ministers will the set out what tier each area will be placed into on Thursday , with MPs being given the promised vote to approve the tiering system before it comes into force .
We 'd like to know what you think should happen next .
Would you like to see the lockdown extended or should all restrictions be lifted ?
Have your say in our survey below .
Click 'display interactive content ' or follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it on your device .
In recent months the Prime Minister and other government ministers have made their statements in House of Commons around 11am .
This is then usually followed by a coronavirus press briefing from Downing Street at 5pm .
The government is currently holding two press conferences a week as England remains under a national lockdown , with the next due on Monday ( November 23 ) .

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Boris Johnson will announce if families can meet at Christmas as he unveils ' Covid winter plan'.
The Prime Minister is expected to detail his plan to MPs on Monday after Downing Street said England will enter a strengthened three-tiered system of local restrictions when the national lockdown ends on December 2.
The Cabinet is expected to discuss and sign off the plan on Sunday before Mr Johnson announces it to Parliament the following day when the full details are expected.
The plan will set out how people will be able to spend their Christmas, but ministers have made clear that the festive season will be different to normal, with some restrictions expected to remain in place.
Ministers will the set out what tier each area will be placed into on Thursday, with MPs being given the promised vote to approve the tiering system before it comes into force.
We'd like to know what you think should happen next. Would you like to see the lockdown extended or should all restrictions be lifted? Have your say in our survey below.
Click 'display interactive content' or follow this link if you can't see it on your device.
In recent months the Prime Minister and other government ministers have made their statements in House of Commons around 11am.
This is then usually followed by a coronavirus press briefing from Downing Street at 5pm.
The government is currently holding two press conferences a week as England remains under a national lockdown, with the next due on Monday (November 23).


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--England will enter a 'strengthened three tier system' from December

England will enter a 'strengthened three-tier system ' from December , Downing Street has said .
In some areas tiers will be strengthened to safeguard the gains made during the national lockdown .
England 's four-week period of strict coronavirus restrictions is due to come to an end on December 2 .
The Prime Minister and other government ministers have said previously that the country would be put back under the tiered system of regulations .
Boris Johnson is expected to detail his plan for winter including information on how families can see their loved ones at Christmas , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter plan '' is expected to place more areas into the higher tiers to keep the virus under control to ensure further restrictions are not needed , No 10 said .
The PM will accept that the measures are difficult but will make clear they are not to last longer than is absolutely necessary and will take into account the need to support the economy .
A No 10 spokeswoman said : `` Everyone 's efforts during the current national restrictions have helped bring the virus back under control , slowed its spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But the Prime Minister and his scientific advisors are clear the virus is still present – and without regional restrictions it could quickly run out of control again before vaccines and mass testing have had an effect .
`` That would put in jeopardy the progress the country has made , and once again risk intolerable pressure on the NHS . ''
We 'd like to know what you think should happen next .
Would you like to see the lockdown extended or should all restrictions be lifted ?
Have your say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interactive content ' or follow this link if you ca n't see it on your device .
The Cabinet is expected to discuss and sign off the plan on Sunday ( November 22 ) before Mr Johnson announces it to Parliament the following day ( Monday 23 ) when the full details are expected .
The plan will set out how people will be able to spend their Christmas , but ministers have made clear that the festive season will be different to normal , with some restrictions expected to remain in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each area will be placed into on Thursday , with MPs being given the promised vote to approve the tiering system before it comes into force .
It comes as reports on Saturday suggest people in the UK could spend up to a week socialising with family and friends over Christmas .
Several families could be allowed to join a bubble and to mix between December 22 and 28 , The Daily Telegraph has reported .
This comes after health secretary Matt Hancock told a Downing Street briefing it was still too early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to have over the festive period .

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England will enter a 'strengthened three-tier system' from December, Downing Street has said.
In some areas tiers will be strengthened to safeguard the gains made during the national lockdown.
England's four-week period of strict coronavirus restrictions is due to come to an end on December 2.
The Prime Minister and other government ministers have said previously that the country would be put back under the tiered system of regulations.
Boris Johnson is expected to detail his plan for winter including information on how families can see their loved ones at Christmas, to MPs on Monday.
The "Covid winter plan" is expected to place more areas into the higher tiers to keep the virus under control to ensure further restrictions are not needed, No 10 said.
The PM will accept that the measures are difficult but will make clear they are not to last longer than is absolutely necessary and will take into account the need to support the economy.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: "Everyone's efforts during the current national restrictions have helped bring the virus back under control, slowed its spread and eased pressures on the NHS.
"But the Prime Minister and his scientific advisors are clear the virus is still present – and without regional restrictions it could quickly run out of control again before vaccines and mass testing have had an effect.
"That would put in jeopardy the progress the country has made, and once again risk intolerable pressure on the NHS."
We'd like to know what you think should happen next. Would you like to see the lockdown extended or should all restrictions be lifted? Have your say in our survey below.
Click 'display interactive content' or follow this link if you can't see it on your device.
The Cabinet is expected to discuss and sign off the plan on Sunday (November 22) before Mr Johnson announces it to Parliament the following day (Monday 23) when the full details are expected.
The plan will set out how people will be able to spend their Christmas, but ministers have made clear that the festive season will be different to normal, with some restrictions expected to remain in place.
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
Ministers will set out what tier each area will be placed into on Thursday, with MPs being given the promised vote to approve the tiering system before it comes into force.
It comes as reports on Saturday suggest people in the UK could spend up to a week socialising with family and friends over Christmas.
Several families could be allowed to join a bubble and to mix between December 22 and 28, The Daily Telegraph has reported.
This comes after health secretary Matt Hancock told a Downing Street briefing it was still too early to say what contact people will be able to have over the festive period.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Man United's old matchwinner David de Gea returns against West Brom

They played Something Tells Me I 'm Into Something Good by Herman 's Hermits at half-time , a song associated with Jose Mourinho 's Manchester United tenure .
Mourinho 's Tottenham sit at the Premier League summit and his successor 's soundtrack is not on the Old Trafford playlist .
United are no longer marooned in the bottom half of the table and are , remarkably , looking down at Spurs 's latest conquests , City .
They have won on home turf in the league for the first time since July 4 but this was not one to savour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect to a game West Brom .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lamented the coronavirus protocols following international matches in his programme notes and United looked jet-lagged from their air miles .
The irony is Harry Maguire , Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial were the only starters who had started for their country over the last fortnight .
Paul Pogba , absent through injury , likened France duty to a 'breath of fresh air ' and in the Manchester rain United 's performance was not much better than the weather .
Solskjaer was so unconvinced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five minutes to preserve United 's slender lead .
Despite the quantity of Sam Johnstone 's stops , none matched the quality of David de Gea 's from Conor Townsend with the game goalless .
De Gea has not jutted his leg so decisively for years and the manner of United 's goalkeeper-inspired win was a throwback to Louis van Gaal 's days .
United 's reliance on the Video Assistant Referee has been grossly overstated but they were indebted to the the system 's pedantry and the dubiousness of referee David Coote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conor Gallagher as he had grazed the ball before wellying the West Brom midfielder 's shin .
Coote could be heard saying , 'played the ball ' , which was just about true , though not necessarily clean enough to overturn his original decision and the officials have opened another can of worms with their umpteenth interpretation of what constitutes a foul .
Fernandes was , of course , the converter of United 's own penalty at the second time of asking , for Johnstone had strayed further off his line than Jerzy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fernandes has squandered three penalties this season but two have been struck from the record books and he scored with both retakes .
United have been awarded seven spotkicks already this season and 12 of Fernandes 's 19 goals for the club have come from 12 yards .
For most of this season his spotkick speciality has masked his performance level .
In the first-half against West Brom Solskjaer urged Fernandes , positioned as an auxiliary left-back , to return to familiar territory but the Portuguese was becoming frustrated by the congestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next to Fred .
The inclusion of Matic at the expense of McTominay , taxed by his Scotland excursions , was dubious and deprived United of a creator in midfield to act as a buffer between the defence and the attack .
Somehow , Solskjaer had overestimated one of the three winless teams left in the Premier League and Donny van de Beek , a suitable supplement for Fred , has gone eight league matches without a start .
West Brom had lost just once on their last five visits to Old Trafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call .
De Gea agilely denied Townsend seconds before Darnell Furlong 's naive handball inside his own area and the substitute Callum Robinson pinged the crossbar .
Slaven Bilic lamented West Brom 's lucklessness by kicking a water bottle onto the pitch before reclaiming it .
Johnstone , an FA Youth Cup-winning teammate of Pogba 's in 2011 , never played for United at Old Trafford but threatened to haunt them on his return .
United drew six saves from Johnstone though the finishing was feckless , with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Harry Maguire 's Yorkshire growl is not as incomprehensible as those in The Last of the Summer Wine and he took six minutes to get on Alex Telles 's case .
`` Alex , run it forward !
Alex !
Alex ! ''
Maguire hollered .
Telles was soon encouraged to advance by his manager and his captain used a pause in play to elaborate on the instructions before Maguire literally showed the way forward , sparking a faultless breakaway blemished by Martial 's tame attempt .
Martial 's dismal goalscoring record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Solskjaer was animated with exasperation at his failure to beat Johnstone .
Edinson Cavani 's entrance on the hour led to Martial 's relocation on the wing .
Solskjaer had implored Juan Mata to veer inside from the right and when Fernandes found him with a pinpoint pass the Spaniard 's cut-back just eluded Martial .
Though Mata procured the penalty , his presence on the right-hand side again highlighted United 's problem position following their failure to recruit a ready-made solution .
Fernandes claimed United 's first domestic home goal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not registered from open play since their season opener on September 19 .
United were anything but good .

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They played Something Tells Me I'm Into Something Good by Herman's Hermits at half-time, a song associated with Jose Mourinho's Manchester United tenure. Mourinho's Tottenham sit at the Premier League summit and his successor's soundtrack is not on the Old Trafford playlist.
United are no longer marooned in the bottom half of the table and are, remarkably, looking down at Spurs's latest conquests, City. They have won on home turf in the league for the first time since July 4 but this was not one to savour and they paid an excessive amount of respect to a game West Brom.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lamented the coronavirus protocols following international matches in his programme notes and United looked jet-lagged from their air miles. The irony is Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial were the only starters who had started for their country over the last fortnight.
Paul Pogba, absent through injury, likened France duty to a 'breath of fresh air' and in the Manchester rain United's performance was not much better than the weather. Solskjaer was so unconvinced Scott McTominay was introduced for the final five minutes to preserve United's slender lead.
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Despite the quantity of Sam Johnstone's stops, none matched the quality of David de Gea's from Conor Townsend with the game goalless. De Gea has not jutted his leg so decisively for years and the manner of United's goalkeeper-inspired win was a throwback to Louis van Gaal's days.
United's reliance on the Video Assistant Referee has been grossly overstated but they were indebted to the the system's pedantry and the dubiousness of referee David Coote. Coote eventually reprieved Fernandes for upending Conor Gallagher as he had grazed the ball before wellying the West Brom midfielder's shin.
Coote could be heard saying, 'played the ball', which was just about true, though not necessarily clean enough to overturn his original decision and the officials have opened another can of worms with their umpteenth interpretation of what constitutes a foul.
Fernandes was, of course, the converter of United's own penalty at the second time of asking, for Johnstone had strayed further off his line than Jerzy Dudek to repel the fluffed first effort. Fernandes has squandered three penalties this season but two have been struck from the record books and he scored with both retakes.
United have been awarded seven spotkicks already this season and 12 of Fernandes's 19 goals for the club have come from 12 yards. For most of this season his spotkick speciality has masked his performance level. In the first-half against West Brom Solskjaer urged Fernandes, positioned as an auxiliary left-back, to return to familiar territory but the Portuguese was becoming frustrated by the congestion and the risk-aversive passing of Nemanja Matic next to Fred.
The inclusion of Matic at the expense of McTominay, taxed by his Scotland excursions, was dubious and deprived United of a creator in midfield to act as a buffer between the defence and the attack. Somehow, Solskjaer had overestimated one of the three winless teams left in the Premier League and Donny van de Beek, a suitable supplement for Fred, has gone eight league matches without a start.
West Brom had lost just once on their last five visits to Old Trafford and were not demoralised by Coote's call. De Gea agilely denied Townsend seconds before Darnell Furlong's naive handball inside his own area and the substitute Callum Robinson pinged the crossbar. Slaven Bilic lamented West Brom's lucklessness by kicking a water bottle onto the pitch before reclaiming it.
Johnstone, an FA Youth Cup-winning teammate of Pogba's in 2011, never played for United at Old Trafford but threatened to haunt them on his return. United drew six saves from Johnstone though the finishing was feckless, with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford particularly culpable either side of the interval.
Harry Maguire's Yorkshire growl is not as incomprehensible as those in The Last of the Summer Wine and he took six minutes to get on Alex Telles's case. "Alex, run it forward! Alex! Alex!" Maguire hollered. Telles was soon encouraged to advance by his manager and his captain used a pause in play to elaborate on the instructions before Maguire literally showed the way forward, sparking a faultless breakaway blemished by Martial's tame attempt.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Martial's dismal goalscoring record with France was derided during the internationals and Solskjaer was animated with exasperation at his failure to beat Johnstone. Edinson Cavani's entrance on the hour led to Martial's relocation on the wing.
Solskjaer had implored Juan Mata to veer inside from the right and when Fernandes found him with a pinpoint pass the Spaniard's cut-back just eluded Martial. Though Mata procured the penalty, his presence on the right-hand side again highlighted United's problem position following their failure to recruit a ready-made solution.
Fernandes claimed United's first domestic home goal in 324 minutes of football though they have not registered from open play since their season opener on September 19. United were anything but good.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Manchester United player ratings: David de Gea good

Got the finest of touches to tip Karlan Grant 's deflected effort wide .
Made one of his classic toe saves from Conor Townsend seconds before United won a penalty .
8 Non-existent in attack too often again despite the reticent approach from West Brom .
Just does not do enough going forward .
5 Did not appear to be hampered by his back problem and helped United to a clean sheet .
6 The only one who acted like a proper United player from start to finish and started the breakaway Anthony Martial should have finished .
6 Took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there were some loose moments and his speculative shooting was awry .
6 Suffered the ignominy of a nutmeg but did little wrong .
The trouble was United did not needed two steely midfielders against the 18th-placed side .
5 Tidy enough with the ball and tried to get United on the attack but rarely played a memorable pass .
6 Too passive too often in the first-half but his cross was handled and earned United a penalty .
Made way for Cavani on the hour .
5 Set up Martial for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he withdrew into a deeper role .
Lucky not to have the penalty conceded stand and lucky he got to retake his saved spotkick .
6 Rusty after coming back from injury and wasted a great opportunity to all but kill the game in the second-half .
4 Had an early header saved before he squandered a gilt-edged chance soon after .
Was going through the motions at times .
5 Came on for the final 10 minutes .
5 Overestimated West Brom by starting Matic with Fred and should have made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an adventurous move .
6

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David de Gea
Got the finest of touches to tip Karlan Grant's deflected effort wide. Made one of his classic toe saves from Conor Townsend seconds before United won a penalty. 8
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Non-existent in attack too often again despite the reticent approach from West Brom. Just does not do enough going forward. 5
Victor Lindelof
Did not appear to be hampered by his back problem and helped United to a clean sheet. 6
Harry Maguire
The only one who acted like a proper United player from start to finish and started the breakaway Anthony Martial should have finished. 6
Alex Telles
Took some time to adjust to the demands and there were some loose moments and his speculative shooting was awry. 6
Nemanja Matic
Suffered the ignominy of a nutmeg but did little wrong. The trouble was United did not needed two steely midfielders against the 18th-placed side. 5
Fred
Tidy enough with the ball and tried to get United on the attack but rarely played a memorable pass. 6
Juan Mata
Too passive too often in the first-half but his cross was handled and earned United a penalty. Made way for Cavani on the hour. 5
Bruno Fernandes
Set up Martial for an easy chance but became so frustrated he withdrew into a deeper role. Lucky not to have the penalty conceded stand and lucky he got to retake his saved spotkick. 6
Marcus Rashford
Rusty after coming back from injury and wasted a great opportunity to all but kill the game in the second-half. 4
Anthony Martial
Had an early header saved before he squandered a gilt-edged chance soon after. Was going through the motions at times. 5
Subs
Edinson Cavani
Fluffed a good chance. 4
Donny van de Beek
Came on for the final 10 minutes. 5
Scott McTominay
Replaced Fred to protect the lead. 5
Manager
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Overestimated West Brom by starting Matic with Fred and should have made a change at half-time. Cavani for Mata was an adventurous move. 6


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--The reason Little Mix' Jesy Nelson isn't on The Jonathan Ross show

Little Mix fans were delighted to see Little Mix on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday .
The girl band appeared on the ITV chat show following the release of their sixth album 'Confetti ' .
But there was a notable absence as only Perrie Edwards , 27 , Jade Thirlwall , 27 , and Leigh-Anne Pinnock , 29 , were on the programme .
It is their first TV appearance since Jesy Nelson announced her extended break from the group .
The 29-year-old revealed she was taking a break earlier this week after pulling out of the final of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MTV EMAs .
A spokesman for the band said : `` Jesy is having extended time off from Little Mix for private medical reasons .
`` We will not be issuing any further comment currently and ask media to please respect her privacy at this time . ''
It is not clear if their appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show was filmed before the announcement as the remaining trio performed and chatted with the host , hinting at the pressures the band faces .
After watching the clip from the X Factor days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't think we expected it to be this hard .
When you 're young and you think of being a popstar , you think , 'Oh I want everyone to love me and ask for my autograph ... ' then you get thrown into it and you 're like , 'Holy s*** balls it 's a lot . '
`` We do n't rest , we do n't sleep .
But we love success so we 're willing to work for it and it 's been an amazing 10 years ! ''
Leigh-Anne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see how hard it is , the things that go on behind the scenes .
People do n't understand the pressure .
`` People sometimes see popstars and think , 'Oh it is glam and glitz ' , but really it 's hard . ''

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Little Mix fans were delighted to see Little Mix on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday.
The girl band appeared on the ITV chat show following the release of their sixth album 'Confetti'.
But there was a notable absence as only Perrie Edwards, 27, Jade Thirlwall, 27, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 29, were on the programme.
It is their first TV appearance since Jesy Nelson announced her extended break from the group.
The 29-year-old revealed she was taking a break earlier this week after pulling out of the final of Little Mix The Search and hosting the MTV EMAs.
A spokesman for the band said: "Jesy is having extended time off from Little Mix for private medical reasons.
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
"We will not be issuing any further comment currently and ask media to please respect her privacy at this time."
It is not clear if their appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show was filmed before the announcement as the remaining trio performed and chatted with the host, hinting at the pressures the band faces.
(Image: Getty Images for MTV)
After watching the clip from the X Factor days, Perrie admits: "I don't think we expected it to be this hard. When you're young and you think of being a popstar, you think, 'Oh I want everyone to love me and ask for my autograph...' then you get thrown into it and you're like, 'Holy s*** balls it's a lot.'
"We don't rest, we don't sleep. But we love success so we're willing to work for it and it's been an amazing 10 years!"
Leigh-Anne also added: "People don't see how hard it is, the things that go on behind the scenes. People don't understand the pressure.
"People sometimes see popstars and think, 'Oh it is glam and glitz', but really it's hard."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Scholes gives comprehensive explanation for Man United's creativity struggles

Paul Scholes says Manchester United regularly lack creativity because their sub-par defence means they often have to set their midfield up in a conservative manner .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once again picked two holding midfielders for United 's home game against West Brom as they looked to end their poor run of form at Old Trafford .
United legend Scholes believes the two-man holding midfield set-up is fine for away matches when United attack on the counter , but that it should be a different story on home soil .
Scholes said : “ The midfield they play is okay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home when you have to get to the ball , you have to take the ball off people and can play on the counter-attack at times .
“ I think at home , where you can have a lot of the ball , I don ’ t think the quality is quite there for the both of them .
“ Whether it ’ s Fred and Matic or Fred and McTominay , they ’ re both good at sitting and controlling games of football , protecting the two centre-halves , which is really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That takes away from the attacking side of it .
I feel a bit sorry for the forwards as they ’ re having to make their own chances .
“ They ’ ve got great skill and they ’ re capable of doing it , get the ball to Fernandes , he ’ s a great passer of the ball , Martial can go past people and Rashford has great pace , but the two central midfield players , especially at Old Trafford , they ’ ve got to contribute more to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The problem is we ’ ve got defenders who , one-on-one , aren ’ t very good at defending .
So we need those two sitting players to protect the back four .
There ’ s no reason why , at Old Trafford against West Brom , one holding midfielder shouldn ’ t be enough .
“ It should be enough but they ’ re so worried about the centre-backs getting done one-on-one that he can ’ t afford to do that.
” Scholes was appearing on BT Sport alongside Rio Ferdinand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis .
Ferdinand said : “ The main problem is that the two centre-half players need to be protected , that ’ s why he ’ s playing two central midfielders that are holding .
Away from home is what suits Manchester United , protecting the back four , pressing and giving it to players who can create on the counter-attack .
That seems to be the best way the team can play at the moment.
” He added : “ If you ’ ve not got a threat with a 30- or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to come out .
“ When you played against our team with Scholesy , the opposition midfielders had to come out to get Scholesy as he ’ d hurt them from that distance - then we ’ d be able to play the forwards in behind .
“ That ’ s the problem when you play the two sitters there , if one or two of them can ’ t pass then it makes it a bigger problem .
”

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Paul Scholes says Manchester United regularly lack creativity because their sub-par defence means they often have to set their midfield up in a conservative manner.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once again picked two holding midfielders for United's home game against West Brom as they looked to end their poor run of form at Old Trafford.
United legend Scholes believes the two-man holding midfield set-up is fine for away matches when United attack on the counter, but that it should be a different story on home soil.
Scholes said: “The midfield they play is okay when you’re playing away from home when you have to get to the ball, you have to take the ball off people and can play on the counter-attack at times.
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“I think at home, where you can have a lot of the ball, I don’t think the quality is quite there for the both of them.
“Whether it’s Fred and Matic or Fred and McTominay, they’re both good at sitting and controlling games of football, protecting the two centre-halves, which is really why they’re playing.
“That takes away from the attacking side of it. I feel a bit sorry for the forwards as they’re having to make their own chances.
“They’ve got great skill and they’re capable of doing it, get the ball to Fernandes, he’s a great passer of the ball, Martial can go past people and Rashford has great pace, but the two central midfield players, especially at Old Trafford, they’ve got to contribute more to the attacking side.”
He added: “The problem is we’ve got defenders who, one-on-one, aren’t very good at defending. So we need those two sitting players to protect the back four. There’s no reason why, at Old Trafford against West Brom, one holding midfielder shouldn’t be enough.
“It should be enough but they’re so worried about the centre-backs getting done one-on-one that he can’t afford to do that.”
Scholes was appearing on BT Sport alongside Rio Ferdinand, who agreed with his former teammate's analysis.
Ferdinand said: “The main problem is that the two centre-half players need to be protected, that’s why he’s playing two central midfielders that are holding. Away from home is what suits Manchester United, protecting the back four, pressing and giving it to players who can create on the counter-attack. That seems to be the best way the team can play at the moment.”
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He added: “If you’ve not got a threat with a 30- or 40-yard pass from deep, teams don’t have to come out.
“When you played against our team with Scholesy, the opposition midfielders had to come out to get Scholesy as he’d hurt them from that distance - then we’d be able to play the forwards in behind.
“That’s the problem when you play the two sitters there, if one or two of them can’t pass then it makes it a bigger problem.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Pep Guardiola blames defence for Man City results vs Spurs and Liverpool

Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City defence have cost their side points in their last two Premier League games .
City were beaten 2-0 on a miserable night at Tottenham , who bossed proceedings from the moment Heung-Min Son raced through the centre to collect a through-ball from a quick free kick to slot home after Aymeric Laporte was dragged out of position by Harry Kane As City dominated possession but could n't turn that into clear chances , Spurs broke through the middle again , and Giovani Lo Celso scored under Ederson .
Both goals were disappointing from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were unacceptable strikes to allow as he assessed the game .
He said : “ Assessment of the game , the stats speak for themselves , we were better in all departments but concede a goal we can not concede .
I know what happened right now , the drop from Kane and the movement in behind from Son and [ Steven ] Bergwijn .
“ We defend bad and we gave them the perfect scenario .
They defend so deep . ''
Guardiola also criticised his forwards for their general misfirings infront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not escape criticism despite the failure to get back into the game .
Not only did Guardiola focus on the defensive performance against Spurs , he also criticised his back line for the penalty conceded against Liverpool before the international break .
“ We created enough chances considering how difficult it is and the physicality , '' he said .
“ The reality is we ’ re struggling to score goals this season , this can happen , but you have to be [ good ] defensively .
`` We concede a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and today after five minutes concede that goal and it ’ s tough from that . ''

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Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City defence have cost their side points in their last two Premier League games.
City were beaten 2-0 on a miserable night at Tottenham, who bossed proceedings from the moment Heung-Min Son raced through the centre to collect a through-ball from a quick free kick to slot home after Aymeric Laporte was dragged out of position by Harry Kane
As City dominated possession but couldn't turn that into clear chances, Spurs broke through the middle again, and Giovani Lo Celso scored under Ederson.
Both goals were disappointing from a City perspective, and Guardiola said they were unacceptable strikes to allow as he assessed the game.
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He said: “Assessment of the game, the stats speak for themselves, we were better in all departments but concede a goal we cannot concede. I know what happened right now, the drop from Kane and the movement in behind from Son and [Steven] Bergwijn.
“We defend bad and we gave them the perfect scenario. They defend so deep."
Guardiola also criticised his forwards for their general misfirings infront of goal, but insisted the defence should not escape criticism despite the failure to get back into the game.
Not only did Guardiola focus on the defensive performance against Spurs, he also criticised his back line for the penalty conceded against Liverpool before the international break.
“We created enough chances considering how difficult it is and the physicality," he said.
“The reality is we’re struggling to score goals this season, this can happen, but you have to be [good] defensively.
"We concede a goal against Liverpool that cannot happen and today after five minutes concede that goal and it’s tough from that."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Bev Callard reveals 'no trumping' on Corrie set rule

Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard has revealed the strict rule she laid down on the ITV soap .
As the ladies chatted together in the courtyard on I 'm A Celebrity , they admitted they were worried about 'trumping ' once the rice and beans diet kicks in , which happens to be a pet hate of Bev 's .
Talking in the Telegraph she said “ If I did it , I would die .
I would cry with embarrassment .
`` Truly , I just can ’ t stand someone else doing it , unless it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liz McDonald in the soap , told the other ladies about her stipulation on set .
“ In Coronation Street , Charlie ( who played my on-screen husband Jim ) and I had a rule , no farting on the McDonald set.
” Her campmate BBC journalist Victoria Derbyshire smiled and said : `` Very good inside Corrie intel.
” And Beverley said : “ We had none of it.
” And fellow contestant Giovanna Fletcher asked her if anyone had crossed the line for it to become a rule .
Beverley joked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably have chinned them !
” The Corrie legend joined the cobbles in 1989 and was involved in a host of dramatic storylines , including the death of her baby daughter Katie and domestic abuse at the hands of husband Jim McDonald .
In 2018 Jim turned up on the street to cruelly con her with his girlfriend Hannah Gilmore .
Hannah pretended she was Katie , Liz and Jim 's daughter who died shortly after she was born in 1992 , in an attempt to scam the Rovers Return barmaid out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncovered when Hannah realised Jim still had feelings for Liz and plotted for Liz to walk in on them sharing a passionate kiss .
And on Christmas Day 2018 she was run over by drink driver Jenny Connor after having a fling with her husband Johnny .

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Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard has revealed the strict rule she laid down on the ITV soap.
As the ladies chatted together in the courtyard on I'm A Celebrity, they admitted they were worried about 'trumping' once the rice and beans diet kicks in, which happens to be a pet hate of Bev's.
Talking in the Telegraph she said “If I did it, I would die. I would cry with embarrassment.
"Truly, I just can’t stand someone else doing it, unless it’s by accident.”
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Beverley, who played Liz McDonald in the soap, told the other ladies about her stipulation on set.
“In Coronation Street, Charlie (who played my on-screen husband Jim) and I had a rule, no farting on the McDonald set.”
Her campmate BBC journalist Victoria Derbyshire smiled and said: "Very good inside Corrie intel.”
(Image: Granada Television)
And Beverley said: “We had none of it.”
And fellow contestant Giovanna Fletcher asked her if anyone had crossed the line for it to become a rule.
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
Beverley joked: “If they did I would probably have chinned them!”
The Corrie legend joined the cobbles in 1989 and was involved in a host of dramatic storylines, including the death of her baby daughter Katie and domestic abuse at the hands of husband Jim McDonald.
In 2018 Jim turned up on the street to cruelly con her with his girlfriend Hannah Gilmore.
Hannah pretended she was Katie, Liz and Jim's daughter who died shortly after she was born in 1992, in an attempt to scam the Rovers Return barmaid out of her life savings.
The truth was uncovered when Hannah realised Jim still had feelings for Liz and plotted for Liz to walk in on them sharing a passionate kiss.
And on Christmas Day 2018 she was run over by drink driver Jenny Connor after having a fling with her husband Johnny.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Guardiola's stark assessment of Man City's title chances after Spurs defeat

Pep Guardiola was blunt when asked about Manchester City 's chances of winning back the Premier League title , telling his side to start winning more games .
City have won just three of their opening eight games , and are on a two-game winless run after the draw against Liverpool and defeat to Spurs on Saturday .
Once again , City worked hard but struggled infront of goal , and were picked off by a resolute Spurs side , allowing Jose Mourinho 's men to move back to the top of the Premier League .
That is enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guardiola after the game , although the City boss insisted nothing will be decided after eight or nine games .
“ They 're top of the league so they are more contenders than anyone else right now , '' Guardiola said .
`` There ’ s lots of points to play for . ''
Assessing his own side 's chances of being involved in the title race , Guardiola had a simple message for his misfiring side : start scoring goals and winning games .
He said : “ There ’ s lots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have to start winning games , if not it will not be possible .
We know we have to start winning games .
“ I don ’ t think we ’ re far away but we ’ re struggling to score goals right now .
That ’ s the reality . ''
Looking back on his previous four seasons in charge , Guardiola likened this campaign to his first season in charge , where no side took control of the table until Chelsea emerged as the most consistent side .
That , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to City that their title hopes are not over yet .
He explained : “ The first year Chelsea took advantage , the second season and the third and the fourth was so clear .
This looks close , but it ’ s nine games so still a lot to play , we will see how it ’ s going to happen . ''

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Pep Guardiola was blunt when asked about Manchester City's chances of winning back the Premier League title, telling his side to start winning more games.
City have won just three of their opening eight games, and are on a two-game winless run after the draw against Liverpool and defeat to Spurs on Saturday.
Once again, City worked hard but struggled infront of goal, and were picked off by a resolute Spurs side, allowing Jose Mourinho's men to move back to the top of the Premier League.
That is enough to make Tottenham title contenders, according to Guardiola after the game, although the City boss insisted nothing will be decided after eight or nine games.
“They're top of the league so they are more contenders than anyone else right now," Guardiola said. "There’s lots of points to play for."
Assessing his own side's chances of being involved in the title race, Guardiola had a simple message for his misfiring side: start scoring goals and winning games.
He said: “There’s lots of teams in front of us, we have to start winning games, if not it will not be possible. We know we have to start winning games.
“I don’t think we’re far away but we’re struggling to score goals right now. That’s the reality."
Looking back on his previous four seasons in charge, Guardiola likened this campaign to his first season in charge, where no side took control of the table until Chelsea emerged as the most consistent side.
That, he said, should be a reminder to City that their title hopes are not over yet.
He explained: “The first year Chelsea took advantage, the second season and the third and the fourth was so clear. This looks close, but it’s nine games so still a lot to play, we will see how it’s going to happen."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Ferdinand and Scholes respond to Pogba comments about Man United

Rio Ferdinand has defended Paul Pogba over comments the Frenchman made during the recent international break .
Speaking earlier this week , Pogba said that linking up with the national team was a 'breath of fresh air ' during one of the most difficult periods in his career , although many outlets failed to contextualise the Frenchman 's remarks , which were not directly critical of United .
`` This is a period , the kind of which I have never experienced in my career , '' Pogba said .
`` We are very happy to come here and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is not the same as with the club… We all group together , it is magical .
We realise that everyone is happy to come and that makes a difference . ''
Speaking on BT Sport ahead of United 's game against West Brom on Saturday night , a game Pogba missed through injury , Ferdinand said he understood the midfielder 's point of view .
`` I understand what he 's saying , '' Ferdinand said .
`` You do n't want to hear it as a Manchester United fan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've been there , we know that when you 're in bad form as an individual , or collective as a team , going away with your national side is very much a breath of fresh air .
`` It means you can take your mind off that pressure , get out of that pressure , go into international football and get a bit of confidence back .
`` I think that 's what Paul 's done with two good games .
He 'll be in a different frame of mind after that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The big difference is that Paul Pogba 's playing for France , he 's not played many games - probably rightly so with the way Manchester United play .
`` He 's probably not deserved to play but he 's gone away with France and done okay .
`` [ I 'm ] a little bit disappointed after playing two games for France that he 's unavailable but , having said that , would he have played anyway ?
I 'm not sure he would . ''

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Rio Ferdinand has defended Paul Pogba over comments the Frenchman made during the recent international break.
Speaking earlier this week, Pogba said that linking up with the national team was a 'breath of fresh air' during one of the most difficult periods in his career, although many outlets failed to contextualise the Frenchman's remarks, which were not directly critical of United.
"This is a period, the kind of which I have never experienced in my career," Pogba said. "We are very happy to come here and all very happy to see each other again. It is not the same as with the club… We all group together, it is magical. We realise that everyone is happy to come and that makes a difference."
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Speaking on BT Sport ahead of United's game against West Brom on Saturday night, a game Pogba missed through injury, Ferdinand said he understood the midfielder's point of view.
"I understand what he's saying," Ferdinand said. "You don't want to hear it as a Manchester United fan, first and foremost, but we've been there, we know that when you're in bad form as an individual, or collective as a team, going away with your national side is very much a breath of fresh air.
"It means you can take your mind off that pressure, get out of that pressure, go into international football and get a bit of confidence back.
"I think that's what Paul's done with two good games. He'll be in a different frame of mind after that."
Paul Scholes added: "The big difference is that Paul Pogba's playing for France, he's not played many games - probably rightly so with the way Manchester United play.
"He's probably not deserved to play but he's gone away with France and done okay.
"[I'm] a little bit disappointed after playing two games for France that he's unavailable but, having said that, would he have played anyway? I'm not sure he would."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-11-21--Pep Guardiola sends message to Man City squad over lack of goals

Pep Guardiola is confident the goals are coming for his Manchester City side despite suffering a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham .
The defeat leaves City eight points behind Jose Mourinho 's side , who now top the Premier League table , and the Blues have scored only five times in their last six league fixtures .
City were dominant statistically at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium , taking 22 shots to Tottenham 's four , but aside from a disallowed goal for Aymeric Laporte they struggled to test Hugo Lloris .
The Blues have had spells without Gabriel Jesus and Sergio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't expect the return of both to lead to more goals , although he 's confident his side are close to scoring freely once again .
`` We had a long period without strikers but ca n't expect they will solve all our problems , '' said Guardiola .
“ We create chances , we have counter attacks without the last pass .
We ’ re going to change , something is going to break in games . ''
City have been free-scoring under Guardiola previously but this season they have just 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The City boss does n't sound too concerned though and having seen his team dominant against Spurs he 's confident their luck will soon turn .
“ The team is going to score goals .
We create with 10 players behind [ the ball ] , we create enough chances , they had two chances and two goals , we can not score with 22 shots , much less on target , that ’ s the thing you need to try to do , to shoot on target and see what happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organised team , it 's not easy when you concede after six minutes . ''

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Pep Guardiola is confident the goals are coming for his Manchester City side despite suffering a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.
The defeat leaves City eight points behind Jose Mourinho's side, who now top the Premier League table, and the Blues have scored only five times in their last six league fixtures.
City were dominant statistically at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, taking 22 shots to Tottenham's four, but aside from a disallowed goal for Aymeric Laporte they struggled to test Hugo Lloris.
The Blues have had spells without Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero this season, but Guardiola doesn't expect the return of both to lead to more goals, although he's confident his side are close to scoring freely once again.
"We had a long period without strikers but can't expect they will solve all our problems," said Guardiola.
“We create chances, we have counter attacks without the last pass. We’re going to change, something is going to break in games."
City have been free-scoring under Guardiola previously but this season they have just 10 goals in their eight Premier League fixtures.
The City boss doesn't sound too concerned though and having seen his team dominant against Spurs he's confident their luck will soon turn.
“The team is going to score goals. We create with 10 players behind [the ball], we create enough chances, they had two chances and two goals, we cannot score with 22 shots, much less on target, that’s the thing you need to try to do, to shoot on target and see what happens.
"They’re a well organised team, it's not easy when you concede after six minutes."