Fernández's emergency start
You won 1–0 against Coventry City on Saturday, but the team sheet was not the one Maresca had planned. Nico O'Reilly pulled out with a back problem before kickoff, and Enzo Fernández, who only arrived two days ago, was thrown into the starting eleven (2).
Maresca did not hide it. "The reason Enzo was not supposed to start was that he only arrived two days ago. I know how frustrating the last three weeks have been for him. He was supposed to play some minutes, but ended up starting, and I thought he was quite good" (2).
Fernández took his chance. A win, a clean sheet, and a manager who sounds pleased with what he got from a player he did not plan to start.
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Bradbury hits a debut hat-trick against you
Louie Bradbury walked out the Manchester United academy on deadline day and walked straight into a moment. His first match for Stoke City's U18s was against City's U18s, and he scored a hat-trick in an 8–5 Stoke win on Saturday (1).
City did not let him go quietly, though. Academy director Jack Higgins on the club's own striking depth: "We are delighted to bring Louie to the club, adding to the crop of exciting strikers we have within the U18s and U21s" (1).
Neto linked for January
Chelsea have set Pedro Neto's price at 70–80 million euros, and both Arsenal and City are reportedly watching him ahead of the winter window (3).
Nothing is agreed. But if City want another wide option in January, this is the number Chelsea will ask for (3).
Froholdt out under concussion protocol
Froholdt will miss the City match under FIFA's concussion protocol and is now doubtful for Casa Pia, with a possible return against Benfica (4).
Fan-reaktioner
Fans are split between nostalgia and debate. One thread dug up Kompany's title-winning goal from 2018/19, while another picked apart a handball shout in the Coventry match that never got a penalty. Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky and Angela White were both spotted at the Etihad. Read the handball debate here
