Manuel Akanji – CaughtOffside https://www.caughtoffside.com Football transfer rumours, news and Gossip from the English Premier League and beyond Sun, 11 Aug 2024 06:50:45 +0100 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9 3497552 Manuel Akanji names Man City’s shock best penalty taker after Community Shield win https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/10/manuel-akanji-names-man-city-best-penalty-taker-community-shield-ederson/ https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/10/manuel-akanji-names-man-city-best-penalty-taker-community-shield-ederson/#respond Sat, 10 Aug 2024 16:47:09 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1597325 Manuel Akanji earned some redemption with the winning penalty to deliver the Community Shield for Manchester City on Sunday. Akanji missed from the spot as Switzerland lost to England on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals this summer. However, the centre-back stepped up and made it 7-6 for City against arch-rivals Manchester United at Wembley […]

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Manuel Akanji earned some redemption with the winning penalty to deliver the Community Shield for Manchester City on Sunday.

Akanji missed from the spot as Switzerland lost to England on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals this summer.

However, the centre-back stepped up and made it 7-6 for City against arch-rivals Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday, following a 1-1 draw in normal time.

“I let the others shoot first because obviously when you miss a penalty, you don’t go into the next one with that much confidence. I told Ederson I would shoot it down the middle in training so I did it and it went in,” Akanji told ITV (via BBC Sport) after the match.

“It wasn’t easy. We played well, United got a bit better before it went to 1-0. Then it was a great cross from Oscar [Bobb] and Bernardo’s header.”

Who is Man City’s best penalty taker?

Although Akanji scored the winning penalty, there’s no doubt goalkeeper Ederson was City’s star man in the shootout.

The Brazil international took a while to get going but denied Jadon Sancho with United’s fourth effort.

Ederson’s best moment was yet to come, however, as he stepped up and emphatically beat opposite number Andre Onana with City’s fifth spot-kick.

After the shootout, Ederson was Akanji’s shock pick as Man City’s best penalty taker — though given his ability on the ball, that shouldn’t be too surprising.

“Ederson is probably the best penalty taker in our team, Erling [Haaland] as well. When Ederson takes the penalty I know it is a goal,” said Akanji.

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]]> https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/10/manuel-akanji-names-man-city-best-penalty-taker-community-shield-ederson/feed/ 0 1597325 Man City 1-1 Man Utd player ratings: Akanji redemption as Red Devils keep unwanted Community Shield record https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/10/manchester-city-1-1-manchester-united-community-shield-player-ratings-penalties/ https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/10/manchester-city-1-1-manchester-united-community-shield-player-ratings-penalties/#respond Sat, 10 Aug 2024 16:22:48 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1597320 Manchester City won the Community Shield for the first time since 2019 with a 7-6 penalty shootout win over Manchester United following a 1-1 draw at Wembley on Sunday.  Following a slow-burn first half and a host of missed chances after the break — including a big one from Marcus Rashford — substitute Alejandro Garnacho […]

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Manchester City won the Community Shield for the first time since 2019 with a 7-6 penalty shootout win over Manchester United following a 1-1 draw at Wembley on Sunday. 

Following a slow-burn first half and a host of missed chances after the break — including a big one from Marcus Rashford — substitute Alejandro Garnacho gave United the lead in the 82nd minute following a driving run at the heart of the City defence.

However, that lead would last just seven minutes as fellow sub Bernardo Silva headed home City’s equaliser at the far post to force a shootout.

Bernardo missed City’s first spot-kick, but Pep Guardiola’s men remained perfect from there, with Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans missing for United.

City have now ended a run of three straight defeats in the Community Shield, while United remain the only side to lose four in a row (1998-2001).

Here are the full player ratings as Manchester City lifted yet another trophy.

Man City vs Man Utd player ratings — Community Shield

Man City (4-3-3)

Ederson – 7/10 – Could do nothing about Garnacho’s goal, wasn’t really tested otherwise. Sent Onana the wrong way in the shootout after denying Sancho.

Rico Lewis – 7/10 – Search ‘Rico Lewis’ on X and you’ll see a lot of divided opinion on his performance here. For the record, he was pretty solid.

Manuel Akanji – 6/10 – Desperately tried to block Garnacho’s shot for the goal but couldn’t make up the ground in time. The goal definitely wasn’t his fault, though. Gained some redemption for his penalty shootout miss against England at Euro 2024 by scoring the winning effort here.

Ruben Dias – 5/10 – Didn’t cover himself in glory on the goal, allowing Garncho to go by him and cause a terrible mix-up with Gvardiol. An excellent penalty in the shootout, however.

Josko Gvardiol – 4/10 – As above.

Mateo Kovacic – 8/10 – Probably Man City’s best player. Moved the ball quickly and tried to drive through the lines, while always looking alert to loose balls. Needed Rodri next to him, in all honesty.

Nico O’Reilly – 6/10 – Didn’t quite get into the game as much as he’d have liked, but O’Reilly will be happy with what was a solid debut.

James McAtee – 8/10 – Misplaced just one of his 30 attempted passes and almost got on the scoresheet, but was desperately unlucky to see his curling effort hit the post.

Oscar Bobb – 8/10 – Direct and electric, always looking to make something happen. Final ball was sometimes dreadful but he got it right to set up Bernardo’s equaliser.

Erling Haaland – 3/10 – No shots, no chances created, no impact. At least he scored in the shootout.

Jeremy Doku – 7/10 – Looked lively with his pace, especially in the first half. Lacking a little with his final ball.

Substitutes

Matheus Nunes (63′, for O’Reilly) – 5/10 – Didn’t get going in the final third and picked up a yellow card. Emphatic with his penalty, which even drew a visible reaction from Guardiola.

Savio (63′, for Doku) – 7/10 – Involved in the build-up to Bernardo’s equaliser and gave City fans promising glimpses on his debut. Sent Onana the wrong way with his penalty.

Bernardo Silva (80′, for McAtee) – 8/10 – With five touches of the ball, birthday boy Bernardo Silva managed to level the match with a header and complete 100% of his passes. Couldn’t follow that up in the shootout, missing City’s first penalty with a tame effort.

Kevin De Bruyne (90′, for Bobb) – 6/10 – Didn’t have time to get involved in normal time, but sent Onana the wrong way in the shootout.

Nathan Ake (90′, for Gvardiol) – N/A – No time to get into the game.

Man Utd (4-2-3-1)

Andre Onana – 5/10 – Had precious little to do until Bernardo’s goal in the final moments, which Onana could do nothing about. Denied Bernardo in the shootout but perhaps focused a little too much on his antics than keeping Man City players out for the rest of the contest.

Diogo Dalot – 8/10 – Put in a huge shift defensively and always looked to push forward in support of the attack. Just about squeezed his penalty beyond Ederson.

Harry Maguire – 7/10 – Clean with the ball and looked solid defensively. Only a couple of difficult moments and hopefully a sign of things to come this season.

Jonny Evans – 7/10 – Made it through the full 90 minutes and proved he can once again be a steady option for Ten Hag when required. Well, that’s as long as they don’t let him take any more penalties. A truly dreadful effort.

Lisandro Martinez – 7/10 – An old-fashioned full-back performance from a player out of position but kept things tight with three tackles, two clearances and 100% success on ground duels. Scored his penalty in style.

Casemiro – 8/10 – Looked like a completely different player to last season after what must have been one hell of a summer break. Made a match-high seven tackles, while also making eight recoveries and seven passes into the final third. At the heart of much of United’s best play. Cold as ice with his penalty.

Kobbie Mainoo – 7/10 – Tidy with the ball and worked hard without it, but his Euro 2024 exertions quickly caught up with him after half-time.

Amad Diallo – 6/10 – Lively around the box but his decision-making let him down. Could have scored in the first half but instead tried squaring it to Mount.

Mason Mount – 6/10 – Showed a few flashes of quality in tight spaces but still some way off being fully sharp.

Marcus Rashford – 5/10 – Missed a glorious chance in the second half, scuffing a left-footed effort inside the box onto the post.

Bruno Fernandes – 8/10 – Had a beautiful goal disallowed for offside before going on to provide the assist for Garnacho’s goal. Carved the Man City defence open a few times with his precision passing. Scored in the shootout.

Substitutes 

Scott McTominay (59′, for Mount) – 4/10 – Missed a massive chance to kill the game late on but went with his right foot when the left-footed shot was the easier option. Barely touched the ball otherwise. Good penalty in the shootout.

Alejandro Garnacho (59′, for Diallo) – 9/10 – Like Bernardo for City, Garnacho completely changed the game from the bench and deserved his goal. Made no mistake in the shootout.

Toby Collyer (59′, for Mainoo) – 6/10 – A clean and composed debut.

Facundo Pellistri (59′, for Maguire) – 2/10 – Fell asleep at the far post to allow Bernardo his header for the equaliser.

Jadon Sancho (83′, for Rashford) – 3/10 – Didn’t get into the game and was denied by Ederson in the shootout.

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]]> https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/08/10/manchester-city-1-1-manchester-united-community-shield-player-ratings-penalties/feed/ 0 1597320 Euro 2024 team of the tournament: Chelsea & Arsenal stars in UEFA XI, only one England player makes it in https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/16/euro-2024-team-of-the-tournament/ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:40:17 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1594351 Euro 2024 is over, and now UEFA have released their official team of the tournament as winning finalists Spain unsurprisingly dominate, with Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella among the names in the line up. Cucurella was a big success story at these Euros, as he’d struggled to show his best form in a Chelsea shirt prior […]

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Euro 2024 is over, and now UEFA have released their official team of the tournament as winning finalists Spain unsurprisingly dominate, with Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella among the names in the line up.

Cucurella was a big success story at these Euros, as he’d struggled to show his best form in a Chelsea shirt prior to this competition, looking like he could be a major weak link in Luis de la Fuente’s side.

Instead, the Blues ace shone for his country and played a key role in them winning the trophy, and he’s joined by fellow Spain stars Nico Williams, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Dani Olmo and 17-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal.

See below for the XI in full, which contains just one England player as Kyle Walker got the nod at right-back…

Other notable names in there are Arsenal and France centre-back William Saliba, and Bayern Munich and Germany youngster Jamal Musiala, who will surely be shining at more major international tournaments in years to come.

Spain were deserved winners this time, though, so it’s no surprise to see six of their players making this line up, and some will even feel there was room for one or two more.

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England may have reached the final, but there weren’t too many players who covered themselves in glory in Germany, with even Walker’s place arguably being slightly contentious.

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]]> 1594351 Video: Fan footage shows how Jordan Pickford’s brilliant mind-games before crucial penalty https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/07/pickford-time-wasting-on-akanji-penalty/ https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/07/pickford-time-wasting-on-akanji-penalty/#comments Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:03:23 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1592989 England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was the man for the big occasion again last night as he helped Gareth Southgate’s side get past Switzerland on penalties with a great save from Manuel Akanji’s spot kick. See below as some fan footage that has emerged since after the game shows that Pickford brilliantly wasted time before Akanji’s […]

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England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was the man for the big occasion again last night as he helped Gareth Southgate’s side get past Switzerland on penalties with a great save from Manuel Akanji’s spot kick.

See below as some fan footage that has emerged since after the game shows that Pickford brilliantly wasted time before Akanji’s penalty attempt, which clearly got into the Swiss defender’s head…

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Pickford is not the biggest name in this England side, but he’s rarely if ever let the national team down, and this was another memorable moment from him when the team needed it most.

It was a close game between England and Switzerland, but the Three Lions scraped through again and now have a huge opportunity as they’ve made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

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]]> https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/07/pickford-time-wasting-on-akanji-penalty/feed/ 1 1592989 (Image) Jordan Pickford’s multi purpose water bottle helps England to shootout victory against Switzerland https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/07/06/pickfords-water-bottle-details-swiss-penalty-takers/ Sat, 06 Jul 2024 19:55:43 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1592895 Jordan Pickford once again played a part as England beat Switzerland on penalties to advance to the semi finals of Euro 2024, but it was his water bottle that caught people’s attention. Pickford saved Switzerland’s first penalty from Manuel Akanji as he got down to make a smart stop, although Akanji’s effort was poor and […]

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Jordan Pickford once again played a part as England beat Switzerland on penalties to advance to the semi finals of Euro 2024, but it was his water bottle that caught people’s attention.

Pickford saved Switzerland’s first penalty from Manuel Akanji as he got down to make a smart stop, although Akanji’s effort was poor and lacked power.

It turned out to be the crucial save as no other penalties were missed in the remainder of the shootout.

England’s players are rightly receiving plaudits for their brilliant penalties, but a picture of Pickford’s water bottle has emerged on social media.

On Pickford’s bottle was a list detailing Switzerland’s penalty takers and the direction in which they go, with dive left written next to Akanji’s name.

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This isn’t something new and Pickford has also done this with Everton and had success with it.

It has seemingly worked in Pickford’s favour again, but there’s always the chance if the opposition know they will change their mind and go in a different direction.

How much of a difference it makes is unknown but at the top level it’s about fine margins and you need every advantage you can get no matter how small.

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]]> 1592895 Another Man City star picks up injury with national team ahead of crucial Arsenal clash https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/26/man-city-manuel-akanji-arsenal/ Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:03:32 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1578432 Man City have seen several players pick up injuries during the international break and defender Manuel Akanji is the latest, missing Switzerland’s match with Ireland on Tuesday night.  The biggest scare Pep Guardiola had came last week when it looked like Erling Haaland injured himself in training with Norway. The superstar was spotted limping but […]

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Man City have seen several players pick up injuries during the international break and defender Manuel Akanji is the latest, missing Switzerland’s match with Ireland on Tuesday night. 

The biggest scare Pep Guardiola had came last week when it looked like Erling Haaland injured himself in training with Norway. The superstar was spotted limping but ended up featuring in a 2-1 defeat to the Czech Republic on Friday.

Kyle Walker is a bigger concern as the right-back came off during England’s defeat to Brazil on Saturday and has since returned to Man City. The extent of the defender’s injury has not yet been revealed but it looks like the player will be out for some time.

Now Manuel Akanji seems to have picked up an issue as Switzerland boss Murat Yakin revealed on Monday that the Manchester City star had picked up a knock and that the 28-year-old defender will also play no part in the Ireland match on Tuesday, reports The Irish Independent.

It is uncertain if the 28-year-old’s injury is serious but it is something to keep an eye on ahead of City’s huge clash with Arsenal on Sunday.

Man City's Manuel Akanji has picked up an injury with Switzerland
Man City’s Manuel Akanji has picked up an injury with Switzerland

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Manuel Akanji likely to be fit for Man City’s match with Arsenal

As the March internationals are not very serious, many players have pulled out of their national team squads if they have minor injuries as they cannot risk being injured for the run-in with their clubs.

Akanji’s injury likely falls under this as the defender will want to be fit for Man City’s match with title rivals Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday.

The Switzerland defender should be expected to be fit for the clash with the Gunners but if it is something more serious, then this would be another blow to Guardiola during a crucial time of the year.

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]]> 1578432 Video: Surprise Man City player scores incredible volley in Champions League clash https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/06/manuel-akanji-scores-incredible-volley-in-champions-league-clash/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 20:23:42 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1575499 Man City have already taken the lead in their Champions League round of 16 second leg clash with Copenhagen but the goal was a stunner from a surprise source in Manuel Akanji. The Premier League champions were 3-1 up from the first leg and that has allowed Pep Guardiola to rest players ahead of a […]

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Man City have already taken the lead in their Champions League round of 16 second leg clash with Copenhagen but the goal was a stunner from a surprise source in Manuel Akanji.

The Premier League champions were 3-1 up from the first leg and that has allowed Pep Guardiola to rest players ahead of a crucial clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

The goal came inside the opening five minutes as Akanji latched onto a Julian Alvarez corner to produce a stunning volley to give City the lead and neutrals will worry for the Danish side over what the score could be by the time the full-time whistle is blown.

Watch: Man City’s Manuel Akanji scores stunner in Champions League clash

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]]> 1575499 Manchester City need key player to return to the side to regain balance https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/12/04/1561964/ Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:53:44 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1561964 Manchester City have been involved in a series of thrilling games, including draws with Chelsea and Liverpool, a comeback win over RB Leipzig, and a 3-3 thriller with Tottenham on Sunday. Even though it adds entertainment for neutrals, Pep Guardiola is likely concerned about conceding 10 goals in four games. Guardiola, who gained a newfound […]

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Manchester City have been involved in a series of thrilling games, including draws with Chelsea and Liverpool, a comeback win over RB Leipzig, and a 3-3 thriller with Tottenham on Sunday.

Even though it adds entertainment for neutrals, Pep Guardiola is likely concerned about conceding 10 goals in four games.

Guardiola, who gained a newfound appreciation for the defensive side last season, is facing challenges this campaign, notably with the continued absence of John Stones due to injury.

Stones, who played a crucial role in the solid defensive platform last season, has started only four games this season and was an unused substitute on Sunday.

The absence of Stones has led to Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, and Manuel Akanji forming the backline, with Akanji sometimes moving into midfield. While Akanji provides versatility, his absence in the backline is noticeable, especially in dealing with fast counter-attacks.

City’s defensive concerns are compounded by their struggles to capitalise on the chances they create.

Guardiola’s unwavering philosophy involves committing men forward, evident in moments like Phil Foden’s goal against Spurs, where six players were in the area and two more on the edge of the box.

The commitment to attacking football can leave Manchester City exposed defensively.

Unai Emery, having observed the success others have had on the counter-attack in City’s recent games, is likely to encourage his players to move forward with the confidence they’ve shown all season.

In his quest to win games in a certain style, Guardiola will be aiming for a return to the balance that proved successful during their treble-winning campaign. The availability of a fully fit John Stones would significantly contribute to making City a more complete and formidable force.

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]]> 1561964 Video: Route one pass and a Akanji mistake sees Man City fall behind in Champions League clash https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/11/28/video-route-one-pass-and-a-akanji-mistake-sees-man-city-fall-behind-in-champions-league-clash/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:31:44 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1561078 Man City have fallen behind in their Champions League clash with RB Leipzig courtesy of a goal from Lois Openda.  As expected, the Premier League champions have dominated possession and have created the most chances, but Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves 1-0 down. Leipzig’s dangerman Openda pounced on a route one pass and a mistake […]

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Man City have fallen behind in their Champions League clash with RB Leipzig courtesy of a goal from Lois Openda. 

As expected, the Premier League champions have dominated possession and have created the most chances, but Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves 1-0 down.

Leipzig’s dangerman Openda pounced on a route one pass and a mistake from Manuel Akanji to go through on goal and finish beautifully.

Man City need a win tonight to confirm the top spot in the group and will now have to come from behind to achieve the three points.

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]]> 1561078 Former Premier League referee admits controversial Man City vs Liverpool decision was the right one https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/11/27/former-premier-league-referee-admits-controversial-man-city-vs-liverpool-decision-was-the-right-one/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:12:52 +0000 https://www.caughtoffside.com/?p=1560896 Man City and Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and the Premier League champions would have felt unlucky to have had one of their goals ruled out. The hosts took the lead in the first half through an Erling Haaland goal and City believed they had made the scoreline 2-0 […]

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Man City and Liverpool played out a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday and the Premier League champions would have felt unlucky to have had one of their goals ruled out.

The hosts took the lead in the first half through an Erling Haaland goal and City believed they had made the scoreline 2-0 when Ruben Dias tapped home from a corner in the second 45. However, the referee ruled that Manuel Akanji had fouled Alisson which forced the keeper to drop the ball that he had caught.

Former referee Dermot Gallagher discussed the disallowed goal on Sky Sports News on Monday morning and he believed the decision was the correct one.

The former Premier League official said via Manchester Evening News: “People say goalkeepers are over-protected but you only have to knock him slightly off balance and he’s lost all stability, he can’t catch the ball and he loses it.

“I think he knocks him enough off balance to give a foul. And when he hits [Akanji’s arm], he loses the ball. Definitely [the right decision].”

Akanji fouls Alisson
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Had the goal stood, it would have almost guaranteed that Man City would take all three points; therefore, the decision was a huge one but not everyone agreed with it.
Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports after the match that he felt Liverpool had got “extremely lucky” as there was not much in it.
The goal was a mistake by Alisson and Akanji’s contact is very light. It is an extremely harsh decision but by the law, it was the correct one as the goalkeeper in the modern game cannot be interfered with.

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