Category News

‘It’s a long, long time since we played like that’ – are Man City back?

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter at Camping World Stadium, Orlando
  • 37 Comments

The Club World Cup may have had a lukewarm reception in some parts during the group stages, but Manchester City did their best to kindle interest with a statement victory over Juventus on Thursday.

City’s sizzling performance in the sweltering heat of Orlando ensured the 5-2 hammering of their Italian opponents made it a flawless record in Group G, allowing them to finish top of the standings.

Pep Guardiola’s men dominated the contest from start to finish, brushing off a downpour during the first half to lay down a marker in this tournament.

The Spaniard has maintained this competition is the start of the new season rather than the continuation of the previous disappointing one and was suitably impressed by what he saw from his players.

“I liked the way we did it,” Guardiola told Dazn. “It has been a long, long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed and we are happy to beat a top side.

City ‘shook the tournament’ with performance

For the first time in eight seasons, City finished last term without a major trophy and ended third in the Premier League after having won an unprecedented four titles in a row.

But on Thursday, with 76% possession, 24 shots to five and 738 passes to 219, City took apart the 36-time Serie A champions with a performance that will make the remaining teams sit up and take notice.

City needed to win to come top and made no mistake, avoiding the half of the draw which contains Paris-St Germain and Bayern Munich.

They may come up against Real Madrid in the last 16 if Xabi Alonso’s side are beaten by Salzburg later on.

“I think City have shook the tournament tonight,” said the club’s former goalkeeper Shay Given. “People will step up and think ‘wow these [players] are the real deal again.

“I think they are going to bounce back and bounce back strong.”

Guardiola added: “We were so aggressive without the ball. Ederson made incredible long balls to Erling [Haaland]. The most important thing today is we can feel it again.

“The players felt we can compete in that way. Last season it couldn’t happen for one reason: we didn’t have players. Since day one we’ve made a step up in the rhythm and training is unbelievable.

‘One of the best in the world’ – Rodri returns

RodriBBC Sport

Juve will have taken a psychological knock even before kick-off, seeing the name of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri on the team sheet – it was the 29-year-old’s first start since sustaining a serious knee injury against Arsenal nine months ago.

The Spaniard managed 65 minutes and showed why he is so integral to this City team, displaying his assuredness in the middle of the park with a metronomic performance, completing a total of 67 passes.

By the time he left the pitch, only defender Ruben Dias (84) had more touches on the ball than Rodri’s 79, highlighting the importance of controlling the game.

“Everyone knows how important is Rodri,” said Guardiola. “He is one of the best players in the world. I am happy he had a good 60 minutes and he can help us a lot.

“Last season we couldn’t do it for the injuries. This season we can have players fit and try to perform similar to today.”

Guardiola said a lengthy injury list derailed last season but against Juve he had an almost entirely fit squad to select from, barring the injured Claudio Echeverri.

Jeremy Doku, Savinho and Phil Foden were all on the scoresheet as City racked up 13 goals in their three group stage games.

“The forward play and the goals Man City score is fantastic,” said Given. “When they won the title four times in a row we thought these guys were robots.

“Even Pep mentions ‘we have got our mojo back’. We have got the Man City back, which we all thought was automatic.

Guardiola’s admiration for Haaland

The match also saw Haaland notch a landmark strike, with the 300th top level goal for club and country.

The 24-year-old spent a spell on the sidelines last season through injury, but has now netted five goals in his past six games.

In total, he has scored 258 times for the clubs he has played for – plus 42 for Norway.

“Congratulations on 300 goals,” said Guardiola, who has won all 11 games as manager in the competition. “At 24 years old, it is a good run.

“His manager was an incredible footballer – he scored 11 goals in 11 years. Imagine that situation so I admire him a lot and happy for him.”

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Despite Haaland’s recent impressive goalscoring run, he actually started Thursday’s game on the bench.

It goes to show just how potent City, aided with £100m worth of new signings prior to the tournament, are becoming again.

The Team Selector cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable JavaScript or try another browser.

Pick your Manchester City XI

Choose your starting XI for Manchester City.

Related topics

  • Manchester City
  • Juventus
  • Football

‘It’s a long, long time since we played like that’ – are Man City back?

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter at Camping World Stadium, Orlando
  • 36 Comments

The Club World Cup may have had a lukewarm reception in some parts during the group stages, but Manchester City did their best to kindle interest with a statement victory over Juventus on Thursday.

City’s sizzling performance in the sweltering heat of Orlando ensured the 5-2 hammering of their Italian opponents made it a flawless record in Group G, allowing them to finish top of the standings.

Pep Guardiola’s men dominated the contest from start to finish, brushing off a downpour during the first half to lay down a marker in this tournament.

The Spaniard has maintained this competition is the start of the new season rather than the continuation of the previous disappointing one and was suitably impressed by what he saw from his players.

“I liked the way we did it,” Guardiola told Dazn. “It has been a long, long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed and we are happy to beat a top side.

City ‘shook the tournament’ with performance

For the first time in eight seasons, City finished last term without a major trophy and ended third in the Premier League after having won an unprecedented four titles in a row.

But on Thursday, with 76% possession, 24 shots to five and 738 passes to 219, City took apart the 36-time Serie A champions with a performance that will make the remaining teams sit up and take notice.

City needed to win to come top and made no mistake, avoiding the half of the draw which contains Paris-St Germain and Bayern Munich.

They may come up against Real Madrid in the last 16 if Xabi Alonso’s side are beaten by Salzburg later on.

“I think City have shook the tournament tonight,” said the club’s former goalkeeper Shay Given. “People will step up and think ‘wow these [players] are the real deal again.

“I think they are going to bounce back and bounce back strong.”

Guardiola added: “We were so aggressive without the ball. Ederson made incredible long balls to Erling [Haaland]. The most important thing today is we can feel it again.

“The players felt we can compete in that way. Last season it couldn’t happen for one reason: we didn’t have players. Since day one we’ve made a step up in the rhythm and training is unbelievable.

‘One of the best in the world’ – Rodri returns

RodriBBC Sport

Juve will have taken a psychological knock even before kick-off, seeing the name of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri on the team sheet – it was the 29-year-old’s first start since sustaining a serious knee injury against Arsenal nine months ago.

The Spaniard managed 65 minutes and showed why he is so integral to this City team, displaying his assuredness in the middle of the park with a metronomic performance, completing a total of 67 passes.

By the time he left the pitch, only defender Ruben Dias (84) had more touches on the ball than Rodri’s 79, highlighting the importance of controlling the game.

“Everyone knows how important is Rodri,” said Guardiola. “He is one of the best players in the world. I am happy he had a good 60 minutes and he can help us a lot.

“Last season we couldn’t do it for the injuries. This season we can have players fit and try to perform similar to today.”

Guardiola said a lengthy injury list derailed last season but against Juve he had an almost entirely fit squad to select from, barring the injured Claudio Echeverri.

Jeremy Doku, Savinho and Phil Foden were all on the scoresheet as City racked up 13 goals in their three group stage games.

“The forward play and the goals Man City score is fantastic,” said Given. “When they won the title four times in a row we thought these guys were robots.

“Even Pep mentions ‘we have got our mojo back’. We have got the Man City back, which we all thought was automatic.

Guardiola’s admiration for Haaland

The match also saw Haaland notch a landmark strike, with the 300th top level goal for club and country.

The 24-year-old spent a spell on the sidelines last season through injury, but has now netted five goals in his past six games.

In total, he has scored 258 times for the clubs he has played for – plus 42 for Norway.

“Congratulations on 300 goals,” said Guardiola, who has won all 11 games as manager in the competition. “At 24 years old, it is a good run.

“His manager was an incredible footballer – he scored 11 goals in 11 years. Imagine that situation so I admire him a lot and happy for him.”

What information do we collect from this quiz?

Despite Haaland’s recent impressive goalscoring run, he actually started Thursday’s game on the bench.

It goes to show just how potent City, aided with £100m worth of new signings prior to the tournament, are becoming again.

The Team Selector cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable JavaScript or try another browser.

Pick your Manchester City XI

Choose your starting XI for Manchester City.

Related topics

  • Manchester City
  • Juventus
  • Football

BBC viewers ‘in tears’ as John Hunt breaks down in first interview since triple murder

By in Entertainment News, News

BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his surviving daughter Amy appeared on the BBC Two show to discuss the lives of their late family members and the lead up to their tragic deaths

John Hunt appeared alongside Amy in his first interview since the death of his wife and two other daughters(Image: BBC)

BBC viewers were left in floods of tears just minutes into John Hunt’s heart-wrenching first interview since the devastating loss of his wife and two daughters.

The BBC racing commentator, alongside his daughter Amy, opened up to Victoria Derbyshire about the cherished memories of their family and the harrowing events leading to their untimely deaths.

Kyle Clifford, 26, brutally took the lives of his former partner Louise, aged 25, her sister Hannah Hunt, 28, and their mother Carol Hunt, 61. In the emotional interview, Victoria, aged 56, revealed how Louise had sent Clifford a text the day after they split, thanking him for their time together and expressing hope for no hard feelings.

John spoke with pride about his youngest daughter’s maturity in handling the breakup, saying: “It was textbook from Louise. She dealt with it perfectly.”

READ MORE: Question Time sees woman share 10-year health battle in debate on ‘failing’ NHS

Smirking Kyle Clifford destroyed the family
Smirking Kyle Clifford destroyed the family(Image: PA)
Article continues below

He then shared a poignant TikTok video that Louise had posted following the end of her relationship with Clifford. John recounted: “It starts off with the question ‘Don’t you feel embarrassed for sticking around that long? Embarrassed? My heart is the best part about me. And who I am as a person.”

Overcome with emotion, John paused to gather himself before continuing, “It goes on to say, I will never be embarrassed for loving someone with everything in me because that is how I would want someone to love me. Yes it didn’t work out but I don’t regret loving him and how hard I loved”, reports the Express.

The BBC star’s voice broke as he expressed: “I’m proud of myself for realising that love is always worth giving when it may not be received. I truly think they needed that love a lot more than I did at that time and maybe this will be the reason they never treat a person like that.”

Struggling to hold back tears, he continued: “So no I don’t feel embarrassed about loving someone deeply and wholeheartedly.” Concluding with pride, he remarked: “And as you can tell from my reaction now. They weren’t Louise’s words but they could well have been. And I’m so proud of her for living like that and loving like that.”

This poignant admission moved viewers deeply, as one commented on social media: “His voice breaking actually is so sad! I’m amazed at how strong they both are to be able to sit and even talk about this.”

Brave John Hunt says he spotted signs something wasn't right
Brave John Hunt says he spotted signs something wasn’t right (Image: BBC)

One found the segment difficult, describing it as a “very hard watch” accompanied by crying emojis, while another marveled: “I’m both baffled and in awe of how together these two are. It’s extraordinary. I wouldn’t be able to function ever again! !” A fellow viewer shared their admiration: “John & Amy Hunt are two amazing human beings. They deserve all the love and luck in the world after what they’ve been through.”

A fifth chimed in with praise, “In awe of how well John Hunt and his daughter Amy are coping and conducting themselves – especially given the extreme trauma and grief they’ve lived through.

John Hunt says before the murders, his family's lives were awash with happiness
John Hunt says before the murders, his family’s lives were awash with happiness(Image: Hunt Family/BBC News)

Shortly into his candid interview, John sought to dispel several fallacies spread about his daughter in the press. One media source alleged: “Kyle Clifford tried to ban Louise from wearing makeup, attempted to control the way she dressed, refused to let her go out without him and did not want her to socialise with any male friends.”

In response, John retorted: “Extraordinary, off the scale inaccurate. That bears no representation of Louise’s existence with Kyle, I would say at any stage, let alone so early.” Amy chimed in: “I think she would be aghast by that portrayal.”

Article continues below

BBC viewers ‘in tears’ as John Hunt breaks down in first interview since triple murder

By in Entertainment News, News

BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his surviving daughter Amy appeared on the BBC Two show to discuss the lives of their late family members and the lead up to their tragic deaths

John Hunt appeared alongside Amy in his first interview since the death of his wife and two other daughters(Image: BBC)

BBC viewers were left in floods of tears just minutes into John Hunt’s heart-wrenching first interview since the devastating loss of his wife and two daughters.

The BBC racing commentator, alongside his daughter Amy, opened up to Victoria Derbyshire about the cherished memories of their family and the harrowing events leading to their untimely deaths.

Kyle Clifford, 26, brutally took the lives of his former partner Louise, aged 25, her sister Hannah Hunt, 28, and their mother Carol Hunt, 61. In the emotional interview, Victoria, aged 56, revealed how Louise had sent Clifford a text the day after they split, thanking him for their time together and expressing hope for no hard feelings.

John spoke with pride about his youngest daughter’s maturity in handling the breakup, saying: “It was textbook from Louise. She dealt with it perfectly.”

READ MORE: Question Time sees woman share 10-year health battle in debate on ‘failing’ NHS

Smirking Kyle Clifford destroyed the family
Smirking Kyle Clifford destroyed the family(Image: PA)
Article continues below

He then shared a poignant TikTok video that Louise had posted following the end of her relationship with Clifford. John recounted: “It starts off with the question ‘Don’t you feel embarrassed for sticking around that long? Embarrassed? My heart is the best part about me. And who I am as a person.”

Overcome with emotion, John paused to gather himself before continuing, “It goes on to say, I will never be embarrassed for loving someone with everything in me because that is how I would want someone to love me. Yes it didn’t work out but I don’t regret loving him and how hard I loved”, reports the Express.

The BBC star’s voice broke as he expressed: “I’m proud of myself for realising that love is always worth giving when it may not be received. I truly think they needed that love a lot more than I did at that time and maybe this will be the reason they never treat a person like that.”

Struggling to hold back tears, he continued: “So no I don’t feel embarrassed about loving someone deeply and wholeheartedly.” Concluding with pride, he remarked: “And as you can tell from my reaction now. They weren’t Louise’s words but they could well have been. And I’m so proud of her for living like that and loving like that.”

This poignant admission moved viewers deeply, as one commented on social media: “His voice breaking actually is so sad! I’m amazed at how strong they both are to be able to sit and even talk about this.”

Brave John Hunt says he spotted signs something wasn't right
Brave John Hunt says he spotted signs something wasn’t right (Image: BBC)

One found the segment difficult, describing it as a “very hard watch” accompanied by crying emojis, while another marveled: “I’m both baffled and in awe of how together these two are. It’s extraordinary. I wouldn’t be able to function ever again! !” A fellow viewer shared their admiration: “John & Amy Hunt are two amazing human beings. They deserve all the love and luck in the world after what they’ve been through.”

A fifth chimed in with praise, “In awe of how well John Hunt and his daughter Amy are coping and conducting themselves – especially given the extreme trauma and grief they’ve lived through.

John Hunt says before the murders, his family's lives were awash with happiness
John Hunt says before the murders, his family’s lives were awash with happiness(Image: Hunt Family/BBC News)

Shortly into his candid interview, John sought to dispel several fallacies spread about his daughter in the press. One media source alleged: “Kyle Clifford tried to ban Louise from wearing makeup, attempted to control the way she dressed, refused to let her go out without him and did not want her to socialise with any male friends.”

In response, John retorted: “Extraordinary, off the scale inaccurate. That bears no representation of Louise’s existence with Kyle, I would say at any stage, let alone so early.” Amy chimed in: “I think she would be aghast by that portrayal.”

Article continues below

Head and Webster dig in to slow West Indies charge

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Mantej Mann
BBC Sport Journalist

First Test, Bridgetown (day two of five)

Australia: 180 (Head 59, Khawaja 47; Seales 5-60) and 92-4 (Webster 19*; S Joseph 1-15)

West Indies: 190 (Hope 48, Chase 44; Starc 3-65)

Australia lead by 82 runs

Australia ground out an 82-run lead with six wickets remaining in their second innings after another dramatic day in the first Test against West Indies in Bridgetown.

The tourists, having posted just 180 on Wednesday, trailed by 10 runs when West Indies made 190 in their first innings.

There then looked to be trouble for Australia when they lost early wickets batting second time around and stumbled to 65-4, before the fifth-wicket pair of Travis Head and Beau Webster steered the team to stumps at the end of day two.

Head faced 37 balls for his 13 not out, while Webster scored more briskly, reaching 19 in just 24 deliveries, as they crucially stayed together for eight testing overs.

Australia will begin day three on 92-4, looking for Head and Webster to propel them towards a healthy lead.

After 14 wickets fell on day one, hosts West Indies resumed their first innings on 57-4 at the start of Thursday’s play and soon lost Brandon King, bowled by Josh Hazlewood for 26.

Wicketkeeper Shai Hope joined captain Roston Chase in the middle and the pair put on 67 before the latter was controversially given out lbw to Pat Cummins for 44 despite appearing to possibly edge the ball on to his pads.

Mitchell Starc, who was arguably the pick of the Australia bowlers in taking 3-65 in West Indies’ first innings, predicted the match would continue to follow a familiar pattern.

He said of West Indies’ effort with the bat: “They had a partnership in the middle and played pretty well, but the bowlers have been in the game and no doubt it will be the same tomorrow.

“There were a couple that stayed low and a couple that popped up. It will be interesting to see how it changes on Friday.”

Asked about the controversial dismissal of Chase, Starc added: “We can only ask the questions and then it goes to the officials. One of those went against us and a couple went against the West Indies.

Related topics

  • West Indies
  • Australia
  • Cricket

Orlando Bloom flies solo at Jeff Bezos’ wedding celebrations after ‘split’ from Katy Perry

By in Entertainment News, News

Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom has been seen in Venice, without Katy Perry, whilst reportedly in the city for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations

Sam Huntley Senior Showbiz & TV Reporter and Joel Leaver Showbiz Reporter

Orlando Bloom was spotted getting into a taxi boat in Venice earlier whilst in the city for a wedding(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Actor Orlando Bloom has been seen ‘flying solo’ at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding celebrations in Italy this week. It comes amid ongoing rumours that the Lord of the Rings star has separated from his own fiancée Katy Perry.

Orlando, 48, has reportedly split from Katy, 40, after nine years together. There has been much speculation over their relationship in recent weeks, including over the prospect of “make or break talks” in the future. The pair, who share four-year-old daughter Daisy, have not confirmed the rumoured split.

Now, ahead of Jeff and Lauren’s nuptials, Orlando was spotted getting into a water taxi whilst leaving the Gritti Palace Hotel in Venice with other guests. He’s said to have been on his way to a pre-wedding reception today.

Photos show Orlando dressed in a white shirt and beige trousers for the occasion. He’s seen giving a “peace” sign to onlookers at one point while getting into the boat.

Orlando Bloom in a white shirt boarding a taxi boat in Venice.
Orlando Bloom was seen getting into a taxi boat in Venice earlier whilst in the city for a wedding(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

He’s among the celebrities thought to be attending the lavish three-day celebration of the couple in Venice, which kicked off on Thursday. Other rumoured guests include Mick Jagger, Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio, as reported by the Daily Star.

Article continues below

His solo appearance comes following reports that he is “now a single man,” with there speculation that he could make his “debut” at the wedding. A source told TMZ: “He’s the life of the party and he’s gonna hit the dance floor hard!”

Orlando Bloom in a white shirt and beige trousers boarding a taxi boat in Venice.
He’s among the rumoured guests for wedding celebrations between Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez this week(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to US Weekly, a source said: “Katy and Orlando have split but are amicable.” They added that the split is “not contentious” at the moment and said that Katy – who had been onboard Bezos’ Blue Origin space flight in April – is “upset”.

The source said: “Katy is of course upset but is relieved to not have to go through another divorce, as that was the worst time in her life.” It’s further claimed by the source that the split was “a long time coming,” with things said to have been “tense” between them for months.

Katy Perry, in a silver dress, and Orlando Bloom, in a black suit, on a red carpet in 2025.
Orlando’s apparent solo attendance at the celebrations come amid rumours that he has split from Katy Perry(Image: Variety via Getty Images)

Bezos’ extravagant wedding plans have reportedly been derailed as local protestors disrupted the city. He’s said to have been compelled to change his wedding venue after residents of threatened to fill the historic canals with inflatable crocodiles.

It’s been reported that guests were originally set to celebrate at the 16th-century Scuola Grande della Misericordia. The 61 year old billionaire is now thought to have opted for the Arsenale, considered a more secure location away from the city centre, instead.

The guest list for Bezos and Sánchez’s wedding is rumoured to include stars like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Salma Hayek Pinault, Sir Elton John, and Lady Gaga. Sánchez, meanwhile, is said to be organising her nuptials like “every other bride” and teased on the Today show last year: “I have to say, I do have a Pinterest.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Article continues below

READ MORE: Olivia Attwood’s new jewellery collection includes £65 Wimbledon-ready tennis bracelet