Manchester City vs Norwich City at Etihad Stadium
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Etihad Stadium
Referee : Craig Pawson
26th July 2020 4:00 PM (BST)
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5 Manchester City
- ‘11' Gabriel Jesus
- ‘45'+1' Kevin De Bruyne
- ‘79' Raheem Sterling
- ‘83' Riyad Mahrez
- ‘90' Kevin De Bruyne
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0 Norwich City
#mancity
Commentary By Caroline Oatway @Roline_MCFC
Done and dusted ๐
Well, there we have it.
The 2019/20 Premier League season comes to a close in incredible fashion.
A day to remember for our boys in Blue, especially the mercurial maestro that is David Silva.
That isn't the end for our Spanish magician though. We still have the Champions League to play for of course, and once he's donned the shirt for the very last time, we'll celebrate his sensational City career in style on ManCity.com.
As always, it's been a pleasure to bring you the action this afternoon. See you again in a few weeks for that mouth-watering Round of 16 second leg clash against La Liga Champions Real Madrid.
We can't wait!
The final standings ๐
๐
De Bruyne ๐ฌ
(On Real Madrid): "It's good to stay in the rhythm.
"There's no point slacking a bit you need to keep going full face.
"Itโs good to get the 90 minutes and keep going 'till the end. Weโve got two weeks to prepare ourselves."
(On looking to regain the Premier League): "I don't really care about the next Premier League now.
"We lost too many points and Liverpool were better this season.
"We have a lot to play for still and whatever will happen next season will happen."
Kevin De Bruyne ๐ฌ
(On equalling Thierry Henry's record: "Iโve got two more! You guys took two away from me but it is what it is. I need my teammates and if they score it, itโs nice to have it."
(On Ederson's Golden Glove): "Itโs great.
"If you end the season with that many clean sheets, then it means you've done very well.
"In my five years here, our defence has been criticised a lot so itโs great from him."
(On David Silva): "For me, heโs one of the best players to have ever played in the Premier League.
"When you play with him, you can appreciate what he does. Iโve played with him for five years and weโve won a lot together.
"He's gonna be a big miss. But that's why you get young players in who can learn from him. It would be great to win the Champions League for him."
Guardiola on the Real Madrid game ๐ฌ
"It's a different competition, a different opponent, You cannot compare.
"We have two weeks. We are going to start to prepare for the game, tell them hat they should do, try to play the game, do a good game and arrive in best conditions and we are going to do it.
"Now, itโs one day off and then good training sessions and try to arrive for the game with the feeling that it is an honour, with a free mind and do everything we can to go through. This is our target."
(On whether Sergio Aguero will be fit): "No, I think it will not be possible for the timing."
Guardiola on Ederson's Golden Glove ๐ฌ
"It's so nice. I think today he deserved it.
"He made two incredible saves. Without him, it would not be possible.
"It was really good - the fact he made a good season. The two saves he made, he deserves what he has done.
"It was really good - the fact he made a good season. Incredible credit for him as a 'keeper and we are so happy for this award."
Guardiola on David Silva ๐ฌ
"It was the smallest standing ovation of all time but he will come back to receive it with the fans.
"They want to do it. See what the players have done on pitch to show gratitude and the honour he had for an incredible ten years at this Club.
"The team and staff wanted to thank him for what he has done for the Club in ten years."
Guardiola on KDB ๐ฌ
"The two goals... The second is really nice too. I like it.
"You know the quality KDB has for assists but we needed it. Today, scored two really good goals. The first one was really special."
(On whether they'd discussed the record): "No. Everybody knows it.
"It was in the media. I told them: play. Don't focus too much on it.
"He made one assist and could have broken it easily. He will share the record with Thierry Henry. He played really good.
"To have individual targets and focus to achieve something is good and for the benefit of the team.
"It's not a problem. His is pace was different today and we were aggressive. Everyone did well."
Pep Guardiola ๐ฌ
"We did a good job, a good game with and without the ball.
"Many players outstanding. Kevin, Silva, Walker, Gabriel. In general, we were in a good mood.
"It's good to finish the Premier League season here with second position, scoring lots of goals and to win the Premier League awards for Ederson and Kevin.
"Now we have two weeks to prepare for Real Madrid."
Match report โฌ
David Silva ๐ฌ
"Iโve enjoyed it and this was the last one in the Premier League but we have to focus on the Champions League.
"It was emotional and I love all of them. I'm going to miss all of them.
"To win so many titles and the way weโve done it, of course I am very proud.
"I will miss everything, including the weather! I'm going to miss working every day with these amazing people. They have made my life much easier.
"I didn't expect to be this successful but because of the people here and how they treat my family, it made it easy.
"I hope we can win the Champions League and it's a shame we can't play with the fans here, but the safety comes first."
What a finale ๐
๐น A 5-0 win
๐น 100 Premier League goals
๐น David Silva's final Premier League game
๐น Golden Glove for Ederson
๐น 20 Premier League assists for Playmaker of the Season Kevin De Bruyne
๐น A career-best 22nd goal of the season for Gabriel Jesus
๐น Raheem Sterling's 20th Premier League goal of the season and 30th in all competitions
FULL-TIME โฑ
There we have it.
The 2019/20 Premier League campaign concludes with a 5-0 triumph over Norwich.
What a display.
Norwich subs ๐
Just prior to that free-kick, Famewo and Thomas replaced Cantwell and McLean.
Darn! ๐
De Bruyne whips in and Fernandinho connects but he gets too much on it and heads over.
Booking ๐ถ
Zimmerman carded for bringing down De Bruyne, who was on the rampage down the left flank, looking for that assist.
GOAL! DE BRUYNE AGAIN! ๐ฅ
Another fantastic finish, as he curls home beautifully in off the post!
FIVE!
Phew... ๐
Ederson is called into action as Norwich counter and thankfully, Martin's effort is straight at him!
Oh... it's time.
David Silva is leaving the field.
Our Spanish hero walks off the pitch for the final time in the Premier League, as our other super Silva, Bernardo, replaces him.
The players surround El Mago to share their love and those inside the stadium all rise to their feet in appreciation.
Fine finish!
De Bruyne pressures McLean into surrendering possession and the Algerian drills into the bottom corner!
GOAL! MAHREZ! ๐คฉ
IT'S FOUR!
Assist king ๐
Kevin De Bruyne has equalled Thierry Henry's Premier League record of 20 set in 2002/03.
What a player. An absolute gem.
Meanwhile, that goal means City have also reached 100 Premier League strikes for the season!
KEVIN DE BRUYNE HAS AN ASSIST โ
The Belgian plays a lovely though-ball into Sterling, who slots under Krul! Get in!
GOAL! STERLING!
WE HAVE THREE.
Double Norwich change ๐
Pukki and Stiepermann for Vrancic and Idah.
And repeat ๐
Krul again denies Gabriel Jesus.
The effort was deflected to take the sting out but still.
Super stop ๐งค
Krul again does well to keep the score at two.
Gabriel Jesus with a fierce effort.
The Premier League has less than 20 minutes left of this ๐
๐๐๐
Water break ๐ฆ
Time to take a breath.
Woah! ๐ฏ
De Bruyne floats a corner to the edge of the area, where Mahrez races to meet it but he can't keep his volley down.
Off the post! ๐
De Bruyne is so, so close to claiming an assist, as his cut-back - aimed for Gabriel Jesus - hits Zimmerman but cannons off the woodwork!
Inches away! ๐ฉ
Superb delivery from Walker, who fizzes the ball across the six-yard box.
Gabriel Jesus stretches every sinew but just can't connect!
Argh! ๐
At the other end, Sterling strikes... but it's the wrong side of the near post.
Cancelo then digs out a decent cross to the near post but Krul is able to gather at the second attempt.
Curse of the commentator ๐
Obviously(!), as soon as I type that, Norwich create their first chance of the second half, as Hernandez somehow dances into the City penalty area.
Again, Ederson is alert to race out and thwart.
He has one hand on the Golden Glove, as things stand...
On top ๐
City well in control of this half so far.
Passing the ball around, switching the play, looking for the openings.
With a two-goal cushion, it will be interesting to see whether the individual records on offer affect the play. Will players try to tee up Silva? Will KDB look to whip in more deliveries than usual? Will Sterling shoot on sight?
Let's see...
Great effort ๐
Silva swivels and curls to the far corner...
Krul stretches a strong hand to tip around the post.
Booking ๐ถ
Cancelo is cautioned, as he clatters into Cantwell.
Oooh! ๐ฏ
Gundogan with an almost immediate impact, as he bends towards the corner... just wide.
Would have been a KDB assist. Just sayin'.
Half-time changes ๐
Triple change for City, as Gundogan, Fernandinho and Mahrez replace Rodrigo, Foden and Garcia.
SECOND HALF โฑ
We're back under way at the Etihad Stadium.
Begiristain on the transfer window ๐ฌ
"We are working a lot. We have to be ready.
"It could be a strange transfer window because players have to move first.
"It's going to be strange because we have the Champions League so we have to wait until that finishes so there is less time than ever."
Begiristain on David SIlva ๐ฌ
"He has been winning leagues, cups, World Cups, Euros... we want to try to help him win the Champions League.
"It will be the best way to say goodbye."
(On KDB's stunner): "It was top.
"Itโs difficult to say that he's not the best player in the Premier League.
"We have a few, Raheem, etc but Kevin scored a wonderful goal."
Txiki Begiristain ๐ฌ
"They were good, they were intense - having a lot of chances, scoring, conceding a few too but got to be careful. We're quite happy with 2-0.
"Everyone wants to play that game (against Real Madrid). They are training for that and its good to compete. We could play maybe a closed doors friendly next weekend so it will help get fit.
"Real Madrid have won the league so it makes them a very dangerous team. We are also confident and we did a good game there in Madrid and they wont forget that."
Two goals to the good ๐
A dominant half for City, who deservedly lead 2-0, but it could have been different had Norwich's opener counted or Teemu Pukki levelled with that one-on-one.
Ederson still on for his Golden Glove, while Kevin De Bruyne may not have an assist but we'll let him off for that glorious effort just before the break. What a goal that was.
Great to see Gabriel Jesus on the scoresheet too, earning his best scoring season.
Of course, the spotlight has been on David Silva - and he's been excellent, almost finding a goal himself to mark his historic occasion.
But, of course, remember: this is not his last game for the Club. We'll be giving him a special send off when he does finally end his time here - hopefully, with another piece of silverware to his name!
Interesting insight from Rob Pollard - our man at the Etihad Stadium - who tells me Pep Guardiola spent a rather long time in the Norwich technical area watching the game with Daniel Farke. There appears to be an obvious mutual respect between them.
HALF-TIME โฑ
That's the half.
City 2-0 Norwich.
So far, so good.
Sensational ๐คฉ
Well, it's not an assist... it was even better!
The Belgian receives the ball just outside the corner of the box on the left, tricks his way into a yard of space and unleashes a superb curling effort into the far top corner.
The curl, the swerve... bend it like De Bruyne!
WHAT A GOAL! ๐ฅ
Kevin De Bruyne with an absolute worldie!!!
Lovely stuff ๐
Foden then with a delightful piece of skill to escape Hernandez, flicking the ball past him on the left and dancing around him on the right.
Agonising! ๐ฉ
Silva at his best, collecting Sterling's pass and showing excellent close control to evade his marker and create a yard of space.
His shot drags just wide though.
That would have been special.
Don't forget... ๐
At half-time, we'll be hearing from City's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain, who'll be sharing his thoughts on the first half.
Stay tuned!
Palm-stinger! ๐งค
Foden smashes one goalward but Krul is able to bat away.
Cancelo then fires over the top.
Need a second โฝ
City have been well in control, dominating possession and creating plenty of chances.
Another one there went begging as the ball dragged beyond the far post.
But Norwich have threatened numerous times on the counter attack and perhaps should be level.
They're still very much in this.
Great save ๐
Norwich counter and Pukki is sent clean through.
He has only Ederson to beat but the Brazilian bides his time before moving out to narrow the angle, making himself big and blocking the effort.
He wants that Golden Glove!
Ohhh! ๐ซ
Sterling sets up Silva, who looks to curl into the far corner but again, it's blocked.
The winger then clips the ball past Krul into the six-yard box but there's no-one there!
Some block! โ
Great defending by Norwich as Sterling and then Gabriel Jesus look to sweep home a rebound.
Godfrey again threw himself in front of the Brazilian's strike, which looked a certain goal.
Phwoar! ๐ฆ
De Bruyne smashes an effort towards the far corner but it's blocked by Godfrey.
Bet that hurt!
Foden then also sees a shot deflected over.
Argh! ๐
De Bruyne drills in a low delivery, looking for Sterling, but he just can't connect and Krul is out to gather.
Whenever KDB receives the ball, you can hear the coaches urging him on!
Ederson guaranteed to at least share the Golden Glove award ๐งค
Close! ๐ซ
Foden whips in a cross for Sterling but it's just behind him and he can't adjust to divert it under the bar.
And now it's time for the drinks break...
A warning โ
Hernandez again threatening, as he skips to the by-line and looks to cut back but thankfully, the ball is deflected into Ederson's arms.
Norwich looking lively in recent minutes.
Oooft! ๐ถ
Gabriel Jesus goes in search of his second, chesting the ball down beautifully but volleying over the bar!
Great effort.
๐๐๐
BOOM! ๐ฅ
GOAL FOR CITY! โฝ
Well, that's a response!
Lovely one-two between Sterling and De Bruyne. The England man crosses for Silva, who can't convert but Gabriel Jesus is there to smash home!
What a mad few minutes!
RULED OUT! โ
Offside!
Hernandez had strayed offside when receiving the ball before he drove at the City defence and drilled a low shot past Ederson!
A let-off...
Ederson will be relieved - not that he was at fault, but for his Golden Glove hopes!
Goal for Norwich ๐ก
Wow. Well, completely against the run of play, Norwich go ahead!
Oh! ๐ซ
Sterling sets his sights on nearing his 100-goal target but skews his effort the wrong side of the post.
Worth a go ๐
Cancelo tries his luck with a powerful drive but it's off-target.
KDB sting ๐
De Bruyne clearly chasing Thierry Henry's assist record.
Immediately whipped in a delivery to Gabriel Jesus, which was headed away, and then contested a goal kick decision - he wanted a corner.
Fingers crossed he can break the record. My word, he deserves it.
Instant pressure ๐
Encouraging start with an early venture into the Norwich penalty area, which earns a corner.
City sporting our new PUMA strip with Norwich in their traditional yellow and green.
The corner is punched clear by Krul.
KICK-OFF โฝ
The players take the knee in a show of solidarity against discrimination.
And we are under way.
COME ON, CITY!!!
The final countdown โฑ
Out come Norwich, as the clock ticks down to the final game of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign.
David Silva follows, leading City out for the final time in English competition.
(Everyone okay, yeah?)
A reminder of our City starting XI ๐
Fighting for places ๐ค
Today's game may not mean much in the Premier League standings but in addition to the individual records which could be smashed, it's another opportunity for the players to stake a claim for a place in the Champions League clash with Real Madrid in the last 16 second leg... and hopefully, beyond.
Is Michael Brown right in this theory that this could be the starting XI we see against the Spanish giants? Only time will tell... but positive performances today could well make up Pep Guardiola's mind.
He'll want to see that hunger, that desire. That should be more than enough motivation.
๐ค
Micah Richards: "Emotional day seeing this legend play his last game for City today. Honour to play with you sir!" ๐
City star Keira Walsh has already paid homage to her idol โญ
It's gonna be emotional ๐
Not sure I'm emotionally ready for seeing David Silva walk off the pitch this evening.
I bought my dad the El Mago book for his birthday last week and I'm sure he won't mind me telling you he shed a tear.
Can't wait to share with you the amazing content we have planned for his final game on ManCity.com, as the Club pays tribute to a man who will live on forever as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - players ever to don the sky blue shirt.
๐ญ
Ederson on the Golden Glove ๐ฌ
"Of course, it will be something special for me to get a clean sheet and get the Golden Glove.
"It's more important that the team plays well, finish in a good way and prepare for the next game against Real Madrid in two weeks.
"It's good preparation. Norwich are a difficult obstacle for us. They beat us at Carrow Road and even though they are relegated, I know they'll want to play a good game and be a good opponent.
"We need to keep in the same condition and the way we play and remain focused.
"When we couldn't in the league in the end, we were focused on playing the games in the FA Cup and Champions League.
"We have to be focused and mentally prepared, which will help us to prepare for the game (against Real Madrid).
Michael Brown on David Silva ๐ฌ
"He's had a remarkable career.
"He has such style and grace, and he sets great example.
"I'm delighted to be here to see him grace the pitch.
"It's a really strong City side. We're all looking froward to the Read Madrid game.
"Is Pep Guardiola showing his hand a little bit? Is this what we might see (against Real) with there being just one change?
"It will be interesting to see how the formations work. We're planning ahead for that game."
Norwich team ๐ก
Club Journalist Neil Leigh ๐
"David Silva returns to the City lineup against Norwich this afternoon for what will be his final Premier League appearance for the Club.
"Silvaโs return, in place of Bernardo Silva, is the only change made by manager Pep Guardiola from the side which beat Watford 4-0 at Vicarage Road last Tuesday.
"The City boss has named a strong side against the relegated Canaries, with Kyle Walker, Eric Garcia, Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo all retaining their place in defence.
"Silva leads the team with Rodrigo and Kevin De Bruyne also in midfield whilst Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus are also named in the starting XI."
๐ฃ CITY TEAM NEWS ๐ฃ
Raheem Sterling's sparkling 2019/20 ๐
๐ฅ Top scorer for his Club for the first time in his career
๐ฅ Scored more goals than ever before - 29 times in all competitions
๐ฅ Four more goals than his previous highest tally of 25 in 2018/19
๐ฅ Career best 19 Premier League goals
๐ฅ Nine goals in 10 appearances since the season restart
๐ฅ Goal every 130 minutes across all competitions - 15 minutes fewer than previous best of 155 in 2017/18
๐ฅ Goal every 135 minutes and 86 minutes in the Premier League and Champions League respectively โ best rate in both competitions
Pep Guardiola, summarising David Silva's career ๐ฌ
โExtraordinary.
โThe amount of games, the huge quality in the games he played, the titles he helped win...
"Heโs alongside five or six others who made this Club what it is now.
โAnd this Club will always be grateful.โ
"You don't need pace when you've got skill." ๐ฌ
That line of commentary is a motto I repeat to myself in the changing room before every Sunday league game... until kick-off when I realise I also lack skill.
Throwback to *THAT* clash with the Canaries in 2002... Eyal Berkovic's second goal is still up there with the best I've seen live! ๐คฉ
Match programme ๐
Imagine it... Merlins everywhere! ๐ซ
Final day festivities ๐ฅณ
On the last home game of every season, my dad and I used to go to the game in fancy dress. Anyone else...?
I remember going to Maine Road dressed as Ronaldo (the Brazilian one, of course - complete with bald head!), and I was 'City Girl' (a superheroine with a City flag as a cape!) for the QPR game.
For that horrendous game against Middlesbrough (when we needed to win to secure a European place and fluffed it with Robbie Fowler's missed injury-time penalty), I'd even made a Thomas Cook boarding pass and tied it to my hat. (Don't ask).
Today, I imagine there'd have been a fair few magicians in the stand.
๐๐๐
Things to keep your ๐ on...
๐น Kevin De Bruyne needs two assists to break Thierry Henry's record (21)
๐น Raheem Sterling is currently on 98 City goals
๐น Ederson is level with Nick Pope on 15 clean sheets for the Golden Glove
๐น We have scored 97 league goals this season
๐ No such thing as dead rubber!
We're Not Really Here ๐
Chloe Kelly and Michael Brown are the guests for today's live matchday show, Weโre Not Really Here, providing the benefit of their knowledge and expertise!
England international Kelly is the Clubโs newest signing, having arrived from Everton at the start of July and she will be in the studio at the Etihad Stadium alongside former midfielder Brown, who has featured regularly on the show.
City Square favourites Hugh Ferris and Natalie Paweleck will be in the presenting chairs as we build up to the game from 3pm BST with the focus on all things City.
The show returns at half-time for a brief roundup on the opening 45 minutes and then, five minutes after full-time, weโll be live for half an hour of post-match reaction, when our guests will dissect the game and respond to the fansโ questions and polls.
Time permitting, we will also hear a playerโs reaction and from Guardiolaโs post-match press conference.
It's matchday! โฝ
A very good afternoon.
Today marks the final Premier League game of the 2019/20 campaign, as City host Norwich at the Etihad Stadium.
As always, all final day games share the same kick-off time - 4pm BST - and we'll have all of the pre-match build-up, live coverage and post-match reaction right here on the Matchday Centre and on ManCity.com.
Of course, although there may not be much riding on today's fixture for either side with second place cemented for City and Norwich already relegated, today will see the footballing legend that is David Silva step onto the hallowed turf in Premier League competition for the final time.
Love and well wishes for El Mago have been pouring in throughout the weekend (and please do get in touch using #WNRH on social media) but we're saving our tributes for the when he dons the sky blue for the very last time in the Champions League... hopefully, after he's lifted the trophy!
Share your best Silva moments with us and let us know your thoughts ahead of today's game. How will we approach it? Who will play? Will Kevin De Bruyne break the Premier League assist record? Will Ederson win the Golden Glove? We'll soon find out...
So many beautiful moments
More Silva love
Smiths lyrics and the GOAT = good tweet ๐
Pep on today's game
โIt's the last game at home. We want to win and we want to prepare the right way for Real Madrid.
โWe need to see how the players are ready for Madrid.
"I know them quite well but this game against Norwich and the way they train this week, we are going to pay attention to how prepared they are for Madrid.
"Every day will be an exam for me to see who is ready to play the game.
โAgainst Arsenal we were not ready. Against Watford [we were] a little bit better. But still, we need to improve.โ
Early Norwich team news
Emiliano Buendia and Josip Drmic both miss this game through suspension following their red cards against Burnley last Saturday.
Sam Byram, Grant Hanley, Timm Klose, Moritz Leitner and Alex Tettey are also out.
Milestones beckon for Raheem
Sterling needs one goal to become the first Englishman to score 20 times in a top-flight campaign for City since Brian Kidd's 21 goals in 1976-77. Sterling is two short of 100 goals in all competitions for City.
Hands up if you remember this moment of pure class!
In-form Foden
Our Phil in training yesterday. What a star.
A set of absolute beauties ๐
Other games that day
As it stood