Archive September 25, 2025

When the visiting Manchester City fans at Huddersfield sang the names of Yaya and Kolo Toure among their regular repertoire of songs for former players, they might not have anticipated a second pair of brothers playing on the same pitch in Yorkshire soon afterwards.

However, the manager turned his back on the bench and beckoned forward brothers Reigan and Jaden Heskey, both of whom were the sons of ex-England striker Emile, after their League One opponents in the Carabao Cup went 2-0 up.

Fans got to see his sons making their first-team debuts for the club after being given their instructions from a bench that included Kolo Toure, who is now a member of City’s backroom staff, and 10 years after dad Emile’s final EFL Cup appearance.

Guardiola stated that the academy made six starting XI players today.

The Heskey brothers “come on two more times.” I believe their parents will be incredibly proud of their children. That is really cool.

Reigan is referred to as a “tricky, clinical winger” on the City website, and at age 17 he is the younger brother, Jaden being viewed as a “mature, hard-working” box-to-box midfielder.

Both of City’s academy teams have a regular roster, with Jaden frequently sporting the captain’s armband during Premier League 2 contests. He scored in the City City 4-0 win over Leeds to win the FA Youth Cup in 2024.

Heskey claimed in August that “they’re similar to me.” They both have excellent athleticism.

The youngster moves very quickly. The more senior one is a little bit like me.

They both share similar characteristics, according to the statement.

Phil Foden, perhaps City’s most decorated young graduate of recent years, was the one who once more caught the eye.

The midfielder claimed last year that his struggles stemmed from an injury and off-field issues, which caused him to play 20 games without scoring.

However, the 25-year-old appears to be returning to the form he did in 2024 when he won the Player of the Year and the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards.

Foden played a key role in Wednesday’s win at Accu Stadium, contributing two goals and two assists in five games this season.

Guardiola claimed that “we have already seen Phil in our recent games against Arsenal, Napoli, and [Manchester United], he was really good.

Every player realizes their potential when a team plays better, but not just today.

He perfectly plays in the pockets, but he also gives you something special when he plays a little free.

Foden looked unmatched on the field despite being League One opponent.

He exchanged passes with another debutant, Divine Mukasa, and drilled in an unerring finish that matched his trademarks against the Terriers.

The 25-year-old was determined to showcase his talents by conducting the play by spraying the ball around team-mates as he played his fourth game in 11 days.

Savinho scored the winning goal in the second half to advance to the fourth round of the competition, where City will face Swansea in the championship. He demonstrated excellent awareness when he laid the ball off.

Former England international Sue Smith remarked on BBC Radio 5 Live that “Phil Foden was instrumental in everything Manchester City did.”

“It’s great to see him playing this level again. He had a difficult last season due to injuries and other issues, but when he was at his best, he was unstoppable.

Rico Lewis, a teammate, claimed Foden’s success on the pitch is being attributed to his happiness.

“Everyone has seen how talented he is,” Lewis said. He has his confidence back, and the goals come along with it, he says.

He simply needs to keep doing what he is doing, and that includes being happy because he does so well.

Before the international break, Foden will be hoping to impress more and earn a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad by hosting Burnley on Saturday, followed by trips to Monaco and Brentford.

Foden has 45 caps for the Three Lions, with the final one coming against Latvia in March.

For the first time since December 19th, 2023, England midfielder Kalvin Phillips was wearing a City shirt for the first time at the Club World Cup, which Guardiola described as a “good moment.”

On Wednesday, Phillips became the second-generation father of Ari, taking the family on a trip to Huddersfield from London.

“We are where we are. This is a good point for this group of players.”

Brendan Rodgers’ immediate post-match reaction to Celtic’s Europa League opening draw away to Red Star Belgrade is arguably a sign of their new norm.

Twelve months ago, on the eve of their Champions League curtain raiser against Slovan Bratislava, the manager said he was “in the best place I’ve been” at the club.

After a painful play-off defeat to Kairat Almaty ended hopes of participating in the elite competition again this season, the Scottish champions – after much criticism – were consigned to the Europa League.

Their return to the second-tier competition was initially an impotent one, but the introduction of goalscorer Kelechi Iheanacho ignited their play and provided what Rodgers called “a great platform” of a first point.

Had this draw in the raucous Marakana been in the Champions League, the praise may have been piling in.

But while Celtic were enduring their calamity in Almaty, Red Star were left red-faced by Cypriot champions Pafos in the play-off.

Both sets of supporters had been were sick at their respective sides’ exits, and the disgruntled fans of former European champions Red Star made it known with the swathes of empty seats around the ground.

Still, though, signs outside the stadium read ‘Welcome to Hellgrade’. And it’s far from said in jest.

However, teenage right-back Colby Donovan was not daunted, while winger Sebastian Tounekti still pulled out his tricks on his European bow for the Scottish champions.

Those two were the only fresh faces from the side who were knocked out in Kazakhstan, and though they were in different competitions, a strong case could be made this was the trickier trip.

A notable difference from Almaty was Rodgers’ ability to call on natural number nine in Iheanacho.

There was little fanfare from the stands when the free agent arrived at Parkhead, but he proved his worth in Belgrade by offering Celtic a focal point and Rodgers an option.

Rodgers said he “could have made a couple of changes” but ultimately, he only opted to call on one.

A further four from the bench followed throughout the second half, but none matched the impact of the Nigeria international.

Rodgers can only play the cards he’s dealt, which don’t include replacements for stars of Champions League campaigns gone by in Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn and Jota.

The former left in January, the latter is a long-term injury lay-off after returning to Celtic, while Kuhn was destined to depart – in no small part due to his star rising on the biggest of stages – yet still Celtic failed to fill the gaps.

Which is why Rodgers said he was left feeling “empty” after a scant summer of transfer activity and why supporters have been protesting in recent weeks.

There’s plenty heat swirling around the club from the stands, and that was before they touched down in the Serbian capital.

Hence Rodgers’ call for “realism” when analysing the result against the backdrop of a spell of three years in the Champions League now at an end.

“I think that we are where we are and I think that tonight is a good point,” the Northern Irishman told TNT Sports.

“You’re probably not going to go win all eight games, so I think there’s a bit of realism needed to it.

“This is a good point for this squad of players and for us coming here.

Walter: Good result away in a difficult place. Celtic can build on this.

Bez: Fantastic point away from home against a very well organised team.

Joe: The squad is stale and weak in ideas. They are devoid of energy and confidence.

Mark: Would have taken the draw beforehand but the chances we had were gilt-edged. Iheanacho could have had a hat-trick.

Jim: Fair result. Good contest but both sides lacked quality.

Robbie: Embarrassing for Celtic and Scottish football as a whole. If Celtic are the best we have, we’re way off the pace. Can’t believe people thought they gave account of themselves tonight.

Johnny: Same old Celtic and same old European campaign. Advancing beyond the group stage seems unlikely.