Lyon beats PSG 2-1, gives Lens renewed hope in Ligue 1 title race Brazil forward Endrick scored one goal and created another as Lyon won 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to go third in Ligue 1 and boost its chances of Champions League qualification.PSG’s fifth league defeat of the season left it one point ahead of second-placed Lens, with PSG having a game in hand. But PSG still has to travel to Lens in May, after the league postponed their game on April 11 due to PSG’s involvement in the Champions League.Coach Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon leads fourth-placed Lille on goal difference with the top three gaining direct entry to the Champions League and the side in fourth entering qualifying.Endrick responds in styleFonseca recently criticised Endrick following some mediocre performances and benched him against Lorient last weekend. Endrick came on and played a part in both goals in a 2-0 win.He gave Lyon the lead on Sunday in the sixth minute. The livewire 19-year-old made a clever run behind the PSG defence to meet Afonso Moreira’s pass and score with a crisp shot past goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.Lyon hit PSG with a classic counterattack in the 18th as Endrick sent Moreira clean through from halfway and the 21-year-old Portuguese forward hit a low shot into the left corner.PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos had a penalty saved by Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif in the 33rd. Moments later PSG midfielder Vitinha limped off with a right ankle injury.Safonov kept out a curler from Moreira in the second half.Moreira was outstanding cutting in from the left flank and pushed his case for a first callup to the Portugal side. PSG midfielder Fabián Ruiz came on late in the game for his first appearance in three months following a knee injury.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pulled a goal back four minutes into stoppage time with a curler from 20 meters out, but Lyon was a worthy winner and PSG coach Luis Enrique hugged Fonseca.Monaco draws with Auxerre; Metz slids closer to relegationBalogun’s run American forward Folarin Balogun scored for the eighth straight league game as Monaco rallied to draw 2-2 with Auxerre.Seventh-placed Monaco is one of several sides chasing a Champions League place next season.Balogun equalised with a penalty in the 59th after being knocked over by goalkeeper Donovan Léon. Former Barcelona midfielder Ansu Fati got Monaco’s other goal with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area three minutes earlier.Midfielder Kévin Danois and striker Lassine Sinayoko had put Auxerre 2-0 up.Monaco is three points behind fifth-placed Rennes, which won 3-0 at Strasbourg, and two behind Marseille in sixth. Marseille lost 2-0 at Lorient on Saturday, prompting a scathing attack on the players from the club’s sporting director.Auxerre is in 16th place, the relegation-promotion playoff spot against the side finishing third in Ligue 2.Lepaul scores again Esteban Lepaul opened the scoring for Rennes and moved top of the Ligue 1 charts with 17 goals.Lepaul’s headed flick on set up striker Breel Embolo for 2-0 and Jordan’s Mousa Al-Tamari netted the third as Rennes won its seventh match in nine games.Rock-bottom Metz slid closer to relegation after losing 3-1 at home to Paris FC and 17th-placed Nantes conceded deep into stoppage time in a 1-1 home draw with Brest.In Friday’s game, Lens rallied from 2-0 down to beat Toulouse 3-2Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Lyon #beats #PSG #Lens #renewed #hope #Ligue #title #race

Lyon beats PSG 2-1, gives Lens renewed hope in Ligue 1 title race
Brazil forward Endrick scored one goal and created another as Lyon won 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to go third in Ligue 1 and boost its chances of Champions League qualification.
PSG’s fifth league defeat of the season left it one point ahead of second-placed Lens, with PSG having a game in hand. But PSG still has to travel to Lens in May, after the league postponed their game on April 11 due to PSG’s involvement in the Champions League.
Coach Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon leads fourth-placed Lille on goal difference with the top three gaining direct entry to the Champions League and the side in fourth entering qualifying.
Endrick responds in style
Fonseca recently criticised Endrick following some mediocre performances and benched him against Lorient last weekend. Endrick came on and played a part in both goals in a 2-0 win.
He gave Lyon the lead on Sunday in the sixth minute. The livewire 19-year-old made a clever run behind the PSG defence to meet Afonso Moreira’s pass and score with a crisp shot past goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.
Lyon hit PSG with a classic counterattack in the 18th as Endrick sent Moreira clean through from halfway and the 21-year-old Portuguese forward hit a low shot into the left corner.
PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos had a penalty saved by Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif in the 33rd. Moments later PSG midfielder Vitinha limped off with a right ankle injury.
Safonov kept out a curler from Moreira in the second half.
Moreira was outstanding cutting in from the left flank and pushed his case for a first callup to the Portugal side. PSG midfielder Fabián Ruiz came on late in the game for his first appearance in three months following a knee injury.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pulled a goal back four minutes into stoppage time with a curler from 20 meters out, but Lyon was a worthy winner and PSG coach Luis Enrique hugged Fonseca.
Monaco draws with Auxerre; Metz slids closer to relegation
Balogun’s run American forward Folarin Balogun scored for the eighth straight league game as Monaco rallied to draw 2-2 with Auxerre.
Seventh-placed Monaco is one of several sides chasing a Champions League place next season.
Balogun equalised with a penalty in the 59th after being knocked over by goalkeeper Donovan Léon. Former Barcelona midfielder Ansu Fati got Monaco’s other goal with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area three minutes earlier.
Midfielder Kévin Danois and striker Lassine Sinayoko had put Auxerre 2-0 up.
Monaco is three points behind fifth-placed Rennes, which won 3-0 at Strasbourg, and two behind Marseille in sixth. Marseille lost 2-0 at Lorient on Saturday, prompting a scathing attack on the players from the club’s sporting director.
Auxerre is in 16th place, the relegation-promotion playoff spot against the side finishing third in Ligue 2.
Lepaul scores again Esteban Lepaul opened the scoring for Rennes and moved top of the Ligue 1 charts with 17 goals.
Lepaul’s headed flick on set up striker Breel Embolo for 2-0 and Jordan’s Mousa Al-Tamari netted the third as Rennes won its seventh match in nine games.
Rock-bottom Metz slid closer to relegation after losing 3-1 at home to Paris FC and 17th-placed Nantes conceded deep into stoppage time in a 1-1 home draw with Brest.
In Friday’s game, Lens rallied from 2-0 down to beat Toulouse 3-2
Published on Apr 20, 2026
#Lyon #beats #PSG #Lens #renewed #hope #Ligue #title #race

Sports news ligue 1 latest, ligue 1 latest updates, lyon vs psg, lyon vs psg highlights, paris saint germain vs lyon, psg vs lyon highlights, psg vs lyon latest, psg vs lyon ligue 1 highlights April 20, 2026

Brazil forward Endrick scored one goal and created another as Lyon won 2-1 against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to go third in Ligue 1 and boost its chances of Champions League qualification.

PSG’s fifth league defeat of the season left it one point ahead of second-placed Lens, with PSG having a game in hand. But PSG still has to travel to Lens in May, after the league postponed their game on April 11 due to PSG’s involvement in the Champions League.

Coach Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon leads fourth-placed Lille on goal difference with the top three gaining direct entry to the Champions League and the side in fourth entering qualifying.

Endrick responds in style

Fonseca recently criticised Endrick following some mediocre performances and benched him against Lorient last weekend. Endrick came on and played a part in both goals in a 2-0 win.

He gave Lyon the lead on Sunday in the sixth minute. The livewire 19-year-old made a clever run behind the PSG defence to meet Afonso Moreira’s pass and score with a crisp shot past goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.

Lyon hit PSG with a classic counterattack in the 18th as Endrick sent Moreira clean through from halfway and the 21-year-old Portuguese forward hit a low shot into the left corner.

PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos had a penalty saved by Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif in the 33rd. Moments later PSG midfielder Vitinha limped off with a right ankle injury.

Safonov kept out a curler from Moreira in the second half.

Moreira was outstanding cutting in from the left flank and pushed his case for a first callup to the Portugal side. PSG midfielder Fabián Ruiz came on late in the game for his first appearance in three months following a knee injury.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pulled a goal back four minutes into stoppage time with a curler from 20 meters out, but Lyon was a worthy winner and PSG coach Luis Enrique hugged Fonseca.

Monaco draws with Auxerre; Metz slids closer to relegation

Balogun’s run American forward Folarin Balogun scored for the eighth straight league game as Monaco rallied to draw 2-2 with Auxerre.

Seventh-placed Monaco is one of several sides chasing a Champions League place next season.

Balogun equalised with a penalty in the 59th after being knocked over by goalkeeper Donovan Léon. Former Barcelona midfielder Ansu Fati got Monaco’s other goal with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area three minutes earlier.

Midfielder Kévin Danois and striker Lassine Sinayoko had put Auxerre 2-0 up.

Monaco is three points behind fifth-placed Rennes, which won 3-0 at Strasbourg, and two behind Marseille in sixth. Marseille lost 2-0 at Lorient on Saturday, prompting a scathing attack on the players from the club’s sporting director.

Auxerre is in 16th place, the relegation-promotion playoff spot against the side finishing third in Ligue 2.

Lepaul scores again Esteban Lepaul opened the scoring for Rennes and moved top of the Ligue 1 charts with 17 goals.

Lepaul’s headed flick on set up striker Breel Embolo for 2-0 and Jordan’s Mousa Al-Tamari netted the third as Rennes won its seventh match in nine games.

Rock-bottom Metz slid closer to relegation after losing 3-1 at home to Paris FC and 17th-placed Nantes conceded deep into stoppage time in a 1-1 home draw with Brest.

In Friday’s game, Lens rallied from 2-0 down to beat Toulouse 3-2

Published on Apr 20, 2026

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Deadspin | Hector Herrera, Dynamo deal another shutout loss to Orlando City <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28762984.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28762984.jpg" alt="MLS: Houston Dynamo FC at Orlando City" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 18, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Dynamo FC midfielder Guilherme Santos (20) dribbles the ball against Orlando City SC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Hector Herrera’s goal in the 75th minute broke a scoreless stalemate and lifted the Houston Dynamo to a 1-0 victory over host Orlando City SC on Saturday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Herrera’s first goal of the season gave Houston (3-4-0, 9 points) its second consecutive victory across all competitions but snapped a three-match losing streak in MLS play. The Dynamo won their first game ever at Orlando, their first road win this season and secured three vital points as they try to avoid falling out of contention early.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>It was Houston’s first shutout win in league play since Sept. 20, 2025, against Portland.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Orlando City (1-6-1, 4 points) is winless in its past four league games and has scored only one goal over that span. The Lions were blanked for the fourth time this season.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Herrera kicked home a rebound after a shot by Ezequiel Ponce was blocked by Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. The scoring chance was created by a great advance downfield by Lawrence Ennali, who split Orlando’s defenders and put a close-range shot on goal that Crepeau also deflected.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Dynamo goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer entered the game after halftime in relief of starter Jonathan Bond and made a huge save in the second half to keep the game scoreless.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>In the 66th minute, Orlando’s Braian Ojeda fired a corner kick in front of the goal that almost found the mark. Iago Teodoro’s attempt was blocked. Martin Ojeda then had another putback attempt blocked by a Dynamo defender to keep the game scoreless.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Orlando City’s other great chance came just before halftime when Tyrese Spicer delivered a long, accurate cross that traveled right in front of Bond. Tiago came sliding in and fired the ball quickly, but it hit the crossbar and ricocheted away.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>It was one of multiple chances before the half for Orlando that didn’t find the mark.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Houston had only one official shot on target in the first half but ended up with a 6-3 edge in that department by game’s end and outshot Orlando 19-17. Crepeau finished with four saves while Bond and Maurer combined for three saves.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Hector #Herrera #Dynamo #deal #shutout #loss #Orlando #City

Deadspin | Victor Wembanyama makes history as Spurs outlast Blazers in Game 1 Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket between Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) and center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as the host San Antonio Spurs used a third-quarter run to create separation in a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series. The Spurs took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game 2 on Tuesday in the Alamo City before switching to Portland for games 3 and 4. San Antonio, the second seed in the West, led by 10 points at halftime and by 15 after three quarters before all but cementing the win by scoring the first six points of the fourth quarter to go up 93-72. The seventh-seeded Trail Blazers clawed their way back to within 11 points via a 13-3 run capped by Deni Avdija’s dunk with 4:27 to play but San Antonio held strong down the stretch, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10 Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points. The Spurs jumped to the front in the game’s early moments, building a nine-point lead on Fox’s stepback 3-pointer at the 2:35 mark of the first quarter and jumping out to a 30-21 advantage after 12 minutes of play. San Antonio stoked the margin to 50-34 when Kornet threw down an alley-oop dunk from Castle with 5:24 to play in the second quarter. Avdija’s three-point play with 2:28 left culled the deficit to seven points before Wembanyama poured in a layup and then a 3-pointer on back-to-back possessions to push the lead back to a dozen points. The Spurs led 59-49 at the break. Wembanyama, who broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record for points in a playoff debut, led all first-half scorers with 21 points. Avdija paced the Trail Blazers with 19 points over the opening two periods. The Trail Blazers reeled off the first eight points of the third quarter and had four chances to tie the game or go in front but committed three turnovers and missed a shot over that stretch. San Antonio regained its stride and built the lead to a game-high 17 points on Julian Champagnie’s 3-pointer with 53.1 seconds to play in the period before settling for an 87-72 lead heading into the final 12 minutes. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Victor #Wembanyama #history #Spurs #outlast #Blazers #Game

#Deadspin #Victor #Wembanyama #history #Spurs #outlast #Blazers #Game">

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Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket between Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) and center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as the host San Antonio Spurs used a third-quarter run to create separation in a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series.

The Spurs took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game 2 on Tuesday in the Alamo City before switching to Portland for games 3 and 4.

San Antonio, the second seed in the West, led by 10 points at halftime and by 15 after three quarters before all but cementing the win by scoring the first six points of the fourth quarter to go up 93-72.

The seventh-seeded Trail Blazers clawed their way back to within 11 points via a 13-3 run capped by Deni Avdija’s dunk with 4:27 to play but San Antonio held strong down the stretch,

Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10

Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.

The Spurs jumped to the front in the game’s early moments, building a nine-point lead on Fox’s stepback 3-pointer at the 2:35 mark of the first quarter and jumping out to a 30-21 advantage after 12 minutes of play.

San Antonio stoked the margin to 50-34 when Kornet threw down an alley-oop dunk from Castle with 5:24 to play in the second quarter. Avdija’s three-point play with 2:28 left culled the deficit to seven points before Wembanyama poured in a layup and then a 3-pointer on back-to-back possessions to push the lead back to a dozen points. The Spurs led 59-49 at the break.

Wembanyama, who broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record for points in a playoff debut, led all first-half scorers with 21 points. Avdija paced the Trail Blazers with 19 points over the opening two periods.

The Trail Blazers reeled off the first eight points of the third quarter and had four chances to tie the game or go in front but committed three turnovers and missed a shot over that stretch. San Antonio regained its stride and built the lead to a game-high 17 points on Julian Champagnie’s 3-pointer with 53.1 seconds to play in the period before settling for an 87-72 lead heading into the final 12 minutes.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Victor #Wembanyama #history #Spurs #outlast #Blazers #Game">Deadspin | Victor Wembanyama makes history as Spurs outlast Blazers in Game 1

Apr 19, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) drives to the basket between Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) and center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama hit for 35 points in his postseason debut as the host San Antonio Spurs used a third-quarter run to create separation in a 111-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series.

The Spurs took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series with Game 2 on Tuesday in the Alamo City before switching to Portland for games 3 and 4.

San Antonio, the second seed in the West, led by 10 points at halftime and by 15 after three quarters before all but cementing the win by scoring the first six points of the fourth quarter to go up 93-72.

The seventh-seeded Trail Blazers clawed their way back to within 11 points via a 13-3 run capped by Deni Avdija’s dunk with 4:27 to play but San Antonio held strong down the stretch,

Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox added 17 points apiece for the Spurs, with Devin Vassell scoring 15 and Luke Kornet hitting for 10

Avdija racked up 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson scored 18, Robert Williams III had 11, Shaedon Sharpe hit for 10 and Jrue Holiday distributed 11 assists along with nine points.

The Spurs jumped to the front in the game’s early moments, building a nine-point lead on Fox’s stepback 3-pointer at the 2:35 mark of the first quarter and jumping out to a 30-21 advantage after 12 minutes of play.

San Antonio stoked the margin to 50-34 when Kornet threw down an alley-oop dunk from Castle with 5:24 to play in the second quarter. Avdija’s three-point play with 2:28 left culled the deficit to seven points before Wembanyama poured in a layup and then a 3-pointer on back-to-back possessions to push the lead back to a dozen points. The Spurs led 59-49 at the break.

Wembanyama, who broke Tim Duncan’s franchise record for points in a playoff debut, led all first-half scorers with 21 points. Avdija paced the Trail Blazers with 19 points over the opening two periods.

The Trail Blazers reeled off the first eight points of the third quarter and had four chances to tie the game or go in front but committed three turnovers and missed a shot over that stretch. San Antonio regained its stride and built the lead to a game-high 17 points on Julian Champagnie’s 3-pointer with 53.1 seconds to play in the period before settling for an 87-72 lead heading into the final 12 minutes.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Victor #Wembanyama #history #Spurs #outlast #Blazers #Game

Guardiola says Arsenal still in control, but victory gives Manchester City hope Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant ArtetaHe described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”Haaland embraced the chaos“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.” In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.
| Photo Credit:
AP

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.Published on Apr 20, 2026 #Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope — In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP

#Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope">

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Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.
Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.
Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.
“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.
“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.
“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”
Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.
ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant Arteta
He described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.
“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”
The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”
In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.
A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.
“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”
Haaland embraced the chaos
“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.”
In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP
In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP
Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.
“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.
Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.
“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”
City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.
Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope">Guardiola says Arsenal still in control, but victory gives Manchester City hope

Pep Guardiola patrolled the touchline in Sunday’s pivotal 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal virtually heading, shooting and throwing his body at seemingly every ball, but when it was over, the City manager reduced the night to a single ‌word: hope.

Guardiola’s prized poacher Erling Haaland struck the second-half winner in a victory that slashed the gap at the top of the table to ⁠three points, with City having a game in hand.

Guardiola, who was wildly animated all night, scoffed when asked if he enjoyed the game.

“Enjoying I don’t think is the right word,” the Spaniard said. “It’s ‌fine. Hope, that game gave us hope. That’s all.

“I said to the guys after the game, enjoy the moment, but don’t lose the focus right ‌now. We are there, but the reality is who is the top of the ‌league? ⁠We are not,” Guardiola added.

“Goal difference (if the two teams finish even on ⁠points), who is better? They are. But of course, we’ve got hope, to still extend the chance to fight and to live.”

Guardiola has made a habit of breaking Arsenal’s hearts, his Manchester City sides stalking them through spring before unleashing relentless late-season surges ‌that turn belief into dread and title races into familiar blue victories.

ALSO READ | Premier League title race starts now, says defiant Arteta

He described Sunday’s bruising contest as worthy of the title race, praising Arsenal’s resilience and physical edge.

“People say they don’t have momentum,” he said. “When you see them play and compete in ‌duels, long balls, second balls and set pieces, they are an extraordinary team. Otherwise you cannot be top of the league all season.”

The City manager called the clash “the best advert worldwide and for England.”

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.

A tussle with ‌Gabriel left Haaland’s shirt badly torn and he tossed it into the crowd.

“I would not like to be Erling Haaland and battle with William Saliba and Gabriel,” Guardiola said with a smile. “To be honest, I prefer to read a book.”

Haaland embraced the chaos

“I think it’s always like this, a lot of fighting,” the 25-year-old Norwegian said. “It’s up to others to decide if I won that battle or not. I scored the goal, so I ‌won the battle in that moment. It was decisive, and we win.”

In the heart of ⁠the storm was Haaland, back scoring in the league for the first time in two months and locked in a ferocious duel with Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Gabriel. | Photo Credit: AP

Guardiola said the striker’s mid-season scoring drought reflected the toll of a relentless campaign.

“A guy so big, playing every three days during November, December, January, February, to sustain that with his ⁠body, it’s not easy,” he said.

Guardiola ended the night by saluting captain Bernardo Silva, who will ⁠leave at season’s end after nine years at City.

“If I talk a lot one day I cry,” Guardiola said. “So I just say thank you from the ‌deep of my heart. When we write ‘the legend,’ it has to be in capital letters. He’s a special, special player.”

City will draw level on points with Arsenal, and dislodge them from the top of the table, with a victory at 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#Guardiola #Arsenal #control #victory #Manchester #City #hope

Deadspin | Knights rally in Game 1, spoiling Mammoth’s playoff debut Apr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) checks Utah Mammoth defenseman Ian Cole (28) during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Nic Dowd scored the go-ahead goal 7:20 into the third period and Carter Hart made 31 saves as the Vegas Golden Knights rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series on Sunday night in Las Vegas. Colton Sissons had a goal and an assist, Noah Hanifin had two assists and Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev also scored goals for Vegas, which improved to 8-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Game 2 is Tuesday night in Las Vegas. Logan Cooley and Kevin Stenlund each scored goals for Utah, which was playing its first playoff game in franchise history. Karel Vejmelka finished with 27 saves. Pacific Division champion Vegas had the first good scoring chance during a physical first period that featured more than 30 hits, several scrums and 10 penalty minutes when Stone blasted a slap shot from inside the blue line that caromed off the right post. Utah took a 1-0 lead just before the end of the period when former Golden Knight Nate Schmidt rifled a cross-ice pass to Cooley, who one-timed a shot from the middle of the right circle inside the right post for his first career playoff goal. Vegas tied it 3:44 into the second period when Sissons tapped in Cole Smith’s no-look backhand pass into the blue paint. The Mammoth regained the lead just 1:23 later. Stenlund fired a shot from along the right boards that Hart knocked away with his stick into defenseman Kaedan Korczak skating by the left side of the crease. The puck then ricocheted off Korczak and into the net to give the Mammoth a 2-1 lead. The Golden Knights tied it at 2-all at the 5:33 mark of the third period on a power-play goal by Stone, who roofed a rebound of a Tomas Hertl shot into an open net on the backdoor. It was Stone’s 37th career playoff goal with Vegas, breaking a tie with Jonathan Marchessault for most in team history. Dowd gave the Golden Knights their first lead when he deflected Noah Hanifin’s shot from the left point past Vejmelka’s glove side. Utah pulled Vejmelka for an extra attacker with 1:45 to go, and Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter before Vejmelka fully left the ice. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Knights #rally #Game #spoiling #Mammoths #playoff #debut

#Deadspin #Knights #rally #Game #spoiling #Mammoths #playoff #debut">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) checks Utah Mammoth defenseman Ian Cole (28) during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Nic Dowd scored the go-ahead goal 7:20 into the third period and Carter Hart made 31 saves as the Vegas Golden Knights rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series on Sunday night in Las Vegas.

Colton Sissons had a goal and an assist, Noah Hanifin had two assists and Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev also scored goals for Vegas, which improved to 8-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Game 2 is Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

Logan Cooley and Kevin Stenlund each scored goals for Utah, which was playing its first playoff game in franchise history. Karel Vejmelka finished with 27 saves.

Pacific Division champion Vegas had the first good scoring chance during a physical first period that featured more than 30 hits, several scrums and 10 penalty minutes when Stone blasted a slap shot from inside the blue line that caromed off the right post.

Utah took a 1-0 lead just before the end of the period when former Golden Knight Nate Schmidt rifled a cross-ice pass to Cooley, who one-timed a shot from the middle of the right circle inside the right post for his first career playoff goal.

Vegas tied it 3:44 into the second period when Sissons tapped in Cole Smith’s no-look backhand pass into the blue paint.

The Mammoth regained the lead just 1:23 later. Stenlund fired a shot from along the right boards that Hart knocked away with his stick into defenseman Kaedan Korczak skating by the left side of the crease. The puck then ricocheted off Korczak and into the net to give the Mammoth a 2-1 lead.

The Golden Knights tied it at 2-all at the 5:33 mark of the third period on a power-play goal by Stone, who roofed a rebound of a Tomas Hertl shot into an open net on the backdoor. It was Stone’s 37th career playoff goal with Vegas, breaking a tie with Jonathan Marchessault for most in team history.

Dowd gave the Golden Knights their first lead when he deflected Noah Hanifin’s shot from the left point past Vejmelka’s glove side.

Utah pulled Vejmelka for an extra attacker with 1:45 to go, and Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter before Vejmelka fully left the ice.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Knights #rally #Game #spoiling #Mammoths #playoff #debut">Deadspin | Knights rally in Game 1, spoiling Mammoth’s playoff debut

Apr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) checks Utah Mammoth defenseman Ian Cole (28) during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Nic Dowd scored the go-ahead goal 7:20 into the third period and Carter Hart made 31 saves as the Vegas Golden Knights rallied for a 4-2 victory over the Utah Mammoth in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series on Sunday night in Las Vegas.

Colton Sissons had a goal and an assist, Noah Hanifin had two assists and Mark Stone and Ivan Barbashev also scored goals for Vegas, which improved to 8-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach. Game 2 is Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

Logan Cooley and Kevin Stenlund each scored goals for Utah, which was playing its first playoff game in franchise history. Karel Vejmelka finished with 27 saves.

Pacific Division champion Vegas had the first good scoring chance during a physical first period that featured more than 30 hits, several scrums and 10 penalty minutes when Stone blasted a slap shot from inside the blue line that caromed off the right post.

Utah took a 1-0 lead just before the end of the period when former Golden Knight Nate Schmidt rifled a cross-ice pass to Cooley, who one-timed a shot from the middle of the right circle inside the right post for his first career playoff goal.

Vegas tied it 3:44 into the second period when Sissons tapped in Cole Smith’s no-look backhand pass into the blue paint.

The Mammoth regained the lead just 1:23 later. Stenlund fired a shot from along the right boards that Hart knocked away with his stick into defenseman Kaedan Korczak skating by the left side of the crease. The puck then ricocheted off Korczak and into the net to give the Mammoth a 2-1 lead.

The Golden Knights tied it at 2-all at the 5:33 mark of the third period on a power-play goal by Stone, who roofed a rebound of a Tomas Hertl shot into an open net on the backdoor. It was Stone’s 37th career playoff goal with Vegas, breaking a tie with Jonathan Marchessault for most in team history.

Dowd gave the Golden Knights their first lead when he deflected Noah Hanifin’s shot from the left point past Vejmelka’s glove side.

Utah pulled Vejmelka for an extra attacker with 1:45 to go, and Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter before Vejmelka fully left the ice.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Knights #rally #Game #spoiling #Mammoths #playoff #debut

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