×
Deadspin | Rangers break out for big ninth inning, split series with A’s Apr 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) hits a RBI sacrifice fly against the Athletics during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Joc Pederson stroked the tiebreaking single in a four-run ninth inning as the Texas Rangers notched a 9-6 victory over the Athletics on Thursday afternoon in West Sacramento, Calif. Josh Jung smacked a two-run homer among his three hits and Ezequiel Duran had two hits and two RBIs as the Rangers earned a split of the four-game series with their American League West rivals. Nick Kurtz’s three-run double in the bottom of the eighth gave the Athletics the lead before Texas sent nine batters to plate in the ninth. Duran added a two-run single in the inning. Jacob Wilson had a two-run single for the Athletics while Shea Langeliers reached base five times on two hits and three walks. Lawrence Butler, Carlos Cortes, Kurtz and Wilson also had two hits for the A’s. Cal Quantrill (1-0) pitched the bottom of the ninth and was credited with the victory for Texas. The Rangers took a 5-3 lead in the seventh when Jung hit a seemingly harmless fly to the opposite field in right, but on a day with fierce winds blowing, the ball carried just over the short wall. The A’s got two breaks while scoring three times in the bottom of eighth. Duran lost Butler’s pop-up in the sun for an infield single, and the bases were later loaded with two outs when Jacob Latz entered to face Kurtz. Kurtz hit a shallow pop fly to left that blew toward the line and fell in front of Wyatt Langford. The double cleared the bases to give the A’s a 6-5 edge. In the ninth, Burger and Jung singled off Justin Sterner (0-2) to start the inning. Kyle Higashioka bunted, Sterner fielded it and threw high to third and Burger scored to tie the game. Pederson followed with a single to center to give Texas a 7-6 lead before Duran made it a three-run margin. Jacob Lopez allowed two runs and three hits over five innings for the Athletics. He struck out five and walked four. Jack Leiter gave up three runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings for the Rangers. He struck out three and walked three. The A’s scored three runs in the fifth to take a 3-2 lead. Wilson dropped a two-run single to right to tie the score. He then stole second and scored on Cortes’ run-scoring single to right. Texas tied the score at 3 in the sixth when Pederson drew a one-out, pinch-hit walk and scored on a two-out double by Josh Smith. Texas struck in the third when Duran hit a one-out double to left and scored on Brandon Nimmo’s single. The Rangers made it 2-0 in the fifth when Lopez walked the bases full with one out before Burger’s sacrifice fly scored Duran. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #break #big #ninth #inning #split #series

Deadspin | Rangers break out for big ninth inning, split series with A’s
Deadspin | Rangers break out for big ninth inning, split series with A’s Apr 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) hits a RBI sacrifice fly against the Athletics during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Joc Pederson stroked the tiebreaking single in a four-run ninth inning as the Texas Rangers notched a 9-6 victory over the Athletics on Thursday afternoon in West Sacramento, Calif. Josh Jung smacked a two-run homer among his three hits and Ezequiel Duran had two hits and two RBIs as the Rangers earned a split of the four-game series with their American League West rivals. Nick Kurtz’s three-run double in the bottom of the eighth gave the Athletics the lead before Texas sent nine batters to plate in the ninth. Duran added a two-run single in the inning. Jacob Wilson had a two-run single for the Athletics while Shea Langeliers reached base five times on two hits and three walks. Lawrence Butler, Carlos Cortes, Kurtz and Wilson also had two hits for the A’s. Cal Quantrill (1-0) pitched the bottom of the ninth and was credited with the victory for Texas. The Rangers took a 5-3 lead in the seventh when Jung hit a seemingly harmless fly to the opposite field in right, but on a day with fierce winds blowing, the ball carried just over the short wall. The A’s got two breaks while scoring three times in the bottom of eighth. Duran lost Butler’s pop-up in the sun for an infield single, and the bases were later loaded with two outs when Jacob Latz entered to face Kurtz. Kurtz hit a shallow pop fly to left that blew toward the line and fell in front of Wyatt Langford. The double cleared the bases to give the A’s a 6-5 edge. In the ninth, Burger and Jung singled off Justin Sterner (0-2) to start the inning. Kyle Higashioka bunted, Sterner fielded it and threw high to third and Burger scored to tie the game. Pederson followed with a single to center to give Texas a 7-6 lead before Duran made it a three-run margin. Jacob Lopez allowed two runs and three hits over five innings for the Athletics. He struck out five and walked four. Jack Leiter gave up three runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings for the Rangers. He struck out three and walked three. The A’s scored three runs in the fifth to take a 3-2 lead. Wilson dropped a two-run single to right to tie the score. He then stole second and scored on Cortes’ run-scoring single to right. Texas tied the score at 3 in the sixth when Pederson drew a one-out, pinch-hit walk and scored on a two-out double by Josh Smith. Texas struck in the third when Duran hit a one-out double to left and scored on Brandon Nimmo’s single. The Rangers made it 2-0 in the fifth when Lopez walked the bases full with one out before Burger’s sacrifice fly scored Duran. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #break #big #ninth #inning #split #seriesApr 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) hits a RBI sacrifice fly against the Athletics during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Joc Pederson stroked the tiebreaking single in a four-run ninth inning as the Texas Rangers notched a 9-6 victory over the Athletics on Thursday afternoon in West Sacramento, Calif.

Josh Jung smacked a two-run homer among his three hits and Ezequiel Duran had two hits and two RBIs as the Rangers earned a split of the four-game series with their American League West rivals.

Nick Kurtz’s three-run double in the bottom of the eighth gave the Athletics the lead before Texas sent nine batters to plate in the ninth. Duran added a two-run single in the inning.

Jacob Wilson had a two-run single for the Athletics while Shea Langeliers reached base five times on two hits and three walks. Lawrence Butler, Carlos Cortes, Kurtz and Wilson also had two hits for the A’s.

Cal Quantrill (1-0) pitched the bottom of the ninth and was credited with the victory for Texas.

The Rangers took a 5-3 lead in the seventh when Jung hit a seemingly harmless fly to the opposite field in right, but on a day with fierce winds blowing, the ball carried just over the short wall.

The A’s got two breaks while scoring three times in the bottom of eighth. Duran lost Butler’s pop-up in the sun for an infield single, and the bases were later loaded with two outs when Jacob Latz entered to face Kurtz.

Kurtz hit a shallow pop fly to left that blew toward the line and fell in front of Wyatt Langford. The double cleared the bases to give the A’s a 6-5 edge.


In the ninth, Burger and Jung singled off Justin Sterner (0-2) to start the inning. Kyle Higashioka bunted, Sterner fielded it and threw high to third and Burger scored to tie the game.

Pederson followed with a single to center to give Texas a 7-6 lead before Duran made it a three-run margin.

Jacob Lopez allowed two runs and three hits over five innings for the Athletics. He struck out five and walked four.

Jack Leiter gave up three runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings for the Rangers. He struck out three and walked three.

The A’s scored three runs in the fifth to take a 3-2 lead. Wilson dropped a two-run single to right to tie the score. He then stole second and scored on Cortes’ run-scoring single to right.

Texas tied the score at 3 in the sixth when Pederson drew a one-out, pinch-hit walk and scored on a two-out double by Josh Smith.

Texas struck in the third when Duran hit a one-out double to left and scored on Brandon Nimmo’s single.

The Rangers made it 2-0 in the fifth when Lopez walked the bases full with one out before Burger’s sacrifice fly scored Duran.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #break #big #ninth #inning #split #series

Sports news

Apr 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) hits a RBI sacrifice fly against the Athletics during the fifth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Joc Pederson stroked the tiebreaking single in a four-run ninth inning as the Texas Rangers notched a 9-6 victory over the Athletics on Thursday afternoon in West Sacramento, Calif.

Josh Jung smacked a two-run homer among his three hits and Ezequiel Duran had two hits and two RBIs as the Rangers earned a split of the four-game series with their American League West rivals.

Nick Kurtz’s three-run double in the bottom of the eighth gave the Athletics the lead before Texas sent nine batters to plate in the ninth. Duran added a two-run single in the inning.

Jacob Wilson had a two-run single for the Athletics while Shea Langeliers reached base five times on two hits and three walks. Lawrence Butler, Carlos Cortes, Kurtz and Wilson also had two hits for the A’s.

Cal Quantrill (1-0) pitched the bottom of the ninth and was credited with the victory for Texas.

The Rangers took a 5-3 lead in the seventh when Jung hit a seemingly harmless fly to the opposite field in right, but on a day with fierce winds blowing, the ball carried just over the short wall.

The A’s got two breaks while scoring three times in the bottom of eighth. Duran lost Butler’s pop-up in the sun for an infield single, and the bases were later loaded with two outs when Jacob Latz entered to face Kurtz.

Kurtz hit a shallow pop fly to left that blew toward the line and fell in front of Wyatt Langford. The double cleared the bases to give the A’s a 6-5 edge.

In the ninth, Burger and Jung singled off Justin Sterner (0-2) to start the inning. Kyle Higashioka bunted, Sterner fielded it and threw high to third and Burger scored to tie the game.

Pederson followed with a single to center to give Texas a 7-6 lead before Duran made it a three-run margin.

Jacob Lopez allowed two runs and three hits over five innings for the Athletics. He struck out five and walked four.

Jack Leiter gave up three runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings for the Rangers. He struck out three and walked three.

The A’s scored three runs in the fifth to take a 3-2 lead. Wilson dropped a two-run single to right to tie the score. He then stole second and scored on Cortes’ run-scoring single to right.

Texas tied the score at 3 in the sixth when Pederson drew a one-out, pinch-hit walk and scored on a two-out double by Josh Smith.

Texas struck in the third when Duran hit a one-out double to left and scored on Brandon Nimmo’s single.

The Rangers made it 2-0 in the fifth when Lopez walked the bases full with one out before Burger’s sacrifice fly scored Duran.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Rangers #break #big #ninth #inning #split #series

Previous post

Barcelona Open 2026: Arthur Fils defeats Lorenzo Musetti to reach semis <div id="content-body-70875215" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Arthur Fils defeated second seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-4 on Friday to reach the Barcelona Open semifinals.</p><p>In the semifinal, young Frenchman Fils, ranked 30th, will take on in-form Spaniard Rafael Jodar, who beat Cameron Norrie.</p><p>Clay expert Musetti survived two break points in the eighth game of the first set, but the 21-year-old Fils took his third to claim a 5-3 lead and then served out.</p><p>Fils, who came back from an eight-month injury absence in February, has been in strong form, finishing as runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in Doha.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/marketa-vondrousova-doping-control-incident-ban-risk-tennis-news/article70875121.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Vondrousova risks four-year ban for shutting door on doping officer</a></b></p><p>He wrapped up the second set of the quarterfinal clash with a break in the ninth game and then finished by winning to love on his serve.</p><p>“I was happy with the performance today, pretty solid throughout. With Lorenzo, it is always very tough because he can change the rhythm,” said Fils.</p><p>Earlier, fifth seed Andrey Rublev eased to a 6-4, 6-3 win over Tomas Machac, and he will face qualifier Hamad Medjedovic, who ousted Alex de Minaur earlier in the week, after he defeated Nuno Borges 7-6 (8/6), 6-2.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #Barcelona #Open #Arthur #Fils #defeats #Lorenzo #Musetti #reach #semis

Next post

7 Rare First-Edition Books That Are Worth a Fortune

Related Posts

Deadspin | Padres’ sale to Chelsea owner on deck for record .9 billion A general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record .9 billion. According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal. If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for .42 billion in 2020. Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team. Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was .1 billion. Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss. Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billionA general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record $3.9 billion.

According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal.

If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for $2.42 billion in 2020.

Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team.


Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was $3.1 billion.

Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss.

Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.

The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billion">Deadspin | Padres’ sale to Chelsea owner on deck for record .9 billion A general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record .9 billion. According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal. If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for .42 billion in 2020. Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team. Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was .1 billion. Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss. Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billion

Deadspin | Dynamo sign Mattheo Dimareli, 16, as homegrown player Mar 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; General view of balls on the field at Shell Energy Stadium before the match between the Houston Dynamo FC and the Austin FC. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Dynamo signed 16-year-old Houston native Mattheo Dimareli as a homegrown player on Friday. The Dynamo Academy product signed an MLS Next Pro contract through June 2027 and will join the first team on an MLS contract in July 2027. The forward’s deal is guaranteed through 2027-28 with options in each of the following three seasons through 2030-31. Dimareli has played in 48 games for Dynamo 2 over the past three seasons, recording seven goals and six assists. “Mattheo is a promising young attacker who has made an impact in our organization and at the international level with U.S. and Mexico,” Dynamo president of soccer Pat Onstad said. “Our goal is, and will always be, to provide unique, high-level opportunities to the young players in our Club, and Mattheo has made the most of those opportunities, advancing through our pathway system and leaving a strong mark with the first team during training sessions and this year’s preseason.” Internationally, Dimareli is eligible to represent the U.S., Mexico, Greece or Albania. He has represented the U.S. and Mexico at the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dynamo #sign #Mattheo #Dimareli #homegrown #playerMar 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; General view of balls on the field at Shell Energy Stadium before the match between the Houston Dynamo FC and the Austin FC. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Dynamo signed 16-year-old Houston native Mattheo Dimareli as a homegrown player on Friday.

The Dynamo Academy product signed an MLS Next Pro contract through June 2027 and will join the first team on an MLS contract in July 2027. The forward’s deal is guaranteed through 2027-28 with options in each of the following three seasons through 2030-31.


Dimareli has played in 48 games for Dynamo 2 over the past three seasons, recording seven goals and six assists.

“Mattheo is a promising young attacker who has made an impact in our organization and at the international level with U.S. and Mexico,” Dynamo president of soccer Pat Onstad said. “Our goal is, and will always be, to provide unique, high-level opportunities to the young players in our Club, and Mattheo has made the most of those opportunities, advancing through our pathway system and leaving a strong mark with the first team during training sessions and this year’s preseason.”

Internationally, Dimareli is eligible to represent the U.S., Mexico, Greece or Albania. He has represented the U.S. and Mexico at the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dynamo #sign #Mattheo #Dimareli #homegrown #player">Deadspin | Dynamo sign Mattheo Dimareli, 16, as homegrown player Mar 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; General view of balls on the field at Shell Energy Stadium before the match between the Houston Dynamo FC and the Austin FC. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Dynamo signed 16-year-old Houston native Mattheo Dimareli as a homegrown player on Friday. The Dynamo Academy product signed an MLS Next Pro contract through June 2027 and will join the first team on an MLS contract in July 2027. The forward’s deal is guaranteed through 2027-28 with options in each of the following three seasons through 2030-31. Dimareli has played in 48 games for Dynamo 2 over the past three seasons, recording seven goals and six assists. “Mattheo is a promising young attacker who has made an impact in our organization and at the international level with U.S. and Mexico,” Dynamo president of soccer Pat Onstad said. “Our goal is, and will always be, to provide unique, high-level opportunities to the young players in our Club, and Mattheo has made the most of those opportunities, advancing through our pathway system and leaving a strong mark with the first team during training sessions and this year’s preseason.” Internationally, Dimareli is eligible to represent the U.S., Mexico, Greece or Albania. He has represented the U.S. and Mexico at the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dynamo #sign #Mattheo #Dimareli #homegrown #player

Pep Guardiola said an Arsenal victory at Manchester City on Sunday would end the Premier League 2025-26 title race, but that his side would have a lot more work to do even if it beats the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s men hold a six point lead at the top of the table, but City has home advantage and a game in hand on the leader.

Should Guardiola’s side win the battle between the top two and at struggling Burnley on Wednesday, it would go top for the first time in months.

Aiming to win a first league title in 22 years, Arsenal appears to have hit the wall in recent weeks. Defeat to City in the League Cup final last month has sparked a run of just one win in five games in all competitions.

However, Guardiola is wary of the challenge facing his side in the coming weeks with tricky visits to Everton and Bournemouth in the run-in.

“If we lose, yeah, it’s over,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t win (against) Bournemouth, we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, given our calendar (run-in) especially,” he added.

Arsenal has also faced the extra strain of edging past Sporting Lisbon to reach the Champions League semifinals in midweek, while City has had seven days to prepare.

ALSO READ | Howe provides Guimaraes update ahead of Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Premier League clash

Arteta hailed his players’ effort in becoming the only English side to make the final four despite a brutal schedule across four competitions.

Guardiola insisted Arsenal has shown itself to be the best team in England until now and warned his players about being “distracted” by the focus on the title race.

“They have been the best so far but we want to challenge them,” added Guardiola.

“I said today to the players, ‘it is just a football game’ and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do in all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal,” he added.

However, City striker Erling Haaland has described the clash as “like a final” for the title.

“It’s a massive game without a doubt. We all know the importance of this game. It’s like a final,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

“It’s probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game. These are the games you want to play and these are the moments you want to be in,” he noted.

Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly, who scored both goals in the League Cup final, is fit despite coming off injured in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea.

Captain Ruben Dias, though, remains sidelined.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Manchester #City #loses #Pep #Guardiola #ahead #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #showdown">If Manchester City loses, ‘it’s over’, says Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal Premier League title showdown Pep Guardiola said an Arsenal victory at Manchester City on Sunday would end the Premier League 2025-26 title race, but that his side would have a lot more work to do even if it beats the Gunners.Mikel Arteta’s men hold a six point lead at the top of the table, but City has home advantage and a game in hand on the leader.Should Guardiola’s side win the battle between the top two and at struggling Burnley on Wednesday, it would go top for the first time in months.Aiming to win a first league title in 22 years, Arsenal appears to have hit the wall in recent weeks. Defeat to City in the League Cup final last month has sparked a run of just one win in five games in all competitions.However, Guardiola is wary of the challenge facing his side in the coming weeks with tricky visits to Everton and Bournemouth in the run-in.“If we lose, yeah, it’s over,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.“But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t win (against) Bournemouth, we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, given our calendar (run-in) especially,” he added.Arsenal has also faced the extra strain of edging past Sporting Lisbon to reach the Champions League semifinals in midweek, while City has had seven days to prepare.ALSO READ | Howe provides Guimaraes update ahead of Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Premier League clashArteta hailed his players’ effort in becoming the only English side to make the final four despite a brutal schedule across four competitions.Guardiola insisted Arsenal has shown itself to be the best team in England until now and warned his players about being “distracted” by the focus on the title race.“They have been the best so far but we want to challenge them,” added Guardiola.“I said today to the players, ‘it is just a football game’ and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do in all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal,” he added.However, City striker Erling Haaland has described the clash as “like a final” for the title.“It’s a massive game without a doubt. We all know the importance of this game. It’s like a final,” Haaland told Sky Sports.“It’s probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game. These are the games you want to play and these are the moments you want to be in,” he noted.Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly, who scored both goals in the League Cup final, is fit despite coming off injured in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea.Captain Ruben Dias, though, remains sidelined.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Manchester #City #loses #Pep #Guardiola #ahead #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #showdown

Howe provides Guimaraes update ahead of Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Premier League clash

Arteta hailed his players’ effort in becoming the only English side to make the final four despite a brutal schedule across four competitions.

Guardiola insisted Arsenal has shown itself to be the best team in England until now and warned his players about being “distracted” by the focus on the title race.

“They have been the best so far but we want to challenge them,” added Guardiola.

“I said today to the players, ‘it is just a football game’ and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do in all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal,” he added.

However, City striker Erling Haaland has described the clash as “like a final” for the title.

“It’s a massive game without a doubt. We all know the importance of this game. It’s like a final,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

“It’s probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game. These are the games you want to play and these are the moments you want to be in,” he noted.

Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly, who scored both goals in the League Cup final, is fit despite coming off injured in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea.

Captain Ruben Dias, though, remains sidelined.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Manchester #City #loses #Pep #Guardiola #ahead #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #showdown">If Manchester City loses, ‘it’s over’, says Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal Premier League title showdown

Pep Guardiola said an Arsenal victory at Manchester City on Sunday would end the Premier League 2025-26 title race, but that his side would have a lot more work to do even if it beats the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s men hold a six point lead at the top of the table, but City has home advantage and a game in hand on the leader.

Should Guardiola’s side win the battle between the top two and at struggling Burnley on Wednesday, it would go top for the first time in months.

Aiming to win a first league title in 22 years, Arsenal appears to have hit the wall in recent weeks. Defeat to City in the League Cup final last month has sparked a run of just one win in five games in all competitions.

However, Guardiola is wary of the challenge facing his side in the coming weeks with tricky visits to Everton and Bournemouth in the run-in.

“If we lose, yeah, it’s over,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t win (against) Bournemouth, we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, given our calendar (run-in) especially,” he added.

Arsenal has also faced the extra strain of edging past Sporting Lisbon to reach the Champions League semifinals in midweek, while City has had seven days to prepare.

ALSO READ | Howe provides Guimaraes update ahead of Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Premier League clash

Arteta hailed his players’ effort in becoming the only English side to make the final four despite a brutal schedule across four competitions.

Guardiola insisted Arsenal has shown itself to be the best team in England until now and warned his players about being “distracted” by the focus on the title race.

“They have been the best so far but we want to challenge them,” added Guardiola.

“I said today to the players, ‘it is just a football game’ and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do in all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal,” he added.

However, City striker Erling Haaland has described the clash as “like a final” for the title.

“It’s a massive game without a doubt. We all know the importance of this game. It’s like a final,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

“It’s probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game. These are the games you want to play and these are the moments you want to be in,” he noted.

Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly, who scored both goals in the League Cup final, is fit despite coming off injured in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea.

Captain Ruben Dias, though, remains sidelined.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Manchester #City #loses #Pep #Guardiola #ahead #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #showdown

Post Comment