Wensdi Gossip

by David Clayton@dclayton_MCFC

'De Bruyne is mesmerising' says Neville

Kevin De Bruyne’s blistering start to the new season takes up plenty of column inches this morning with pundits and journalists alike predicting a stellar campaign from the Belgian.

There’s also a bizarre VAR claim and a tribute to Pep from a Bayern Munich legend.
So, without further delay, let’s begin Wednesday’s media trawl…

Opinion
Daily Star: ‘’De Bruyne is mesmerising’ says Neville
The midfielder assisted both City goals with two brilliant crosses to cut open the Spurs defence, and Neville compared the passes to the likes of David Beckham and Steven Gerrard in their pomp.
“[City] will do [get better] if he stays fit," Neville said on Sky Sports.

“I like watching tactical games, I like watching close games, I’ve never been really sort of one would get overawed or sort of get carried away by watching an individual.
“He mesmerises me, De Bruyne. He mesmerises me watching him.
“He is the type of player I just think is so good, he’s world class like you wouldn’t believe.
“They missed him last season. On Saturday, for that first hour, it was stunning really.
Continuing the theme…
Stats
MEN: De Bruyne heading for best yet
Joe Bray: “After an injury-hit campaign limited Kevin de Bruyne to just 19 league appearances last season, the Manchester City play-maker is a man on a mission this term.
“De Bruyne has starred in both of City's first two Premier League games this season, registering three assists to already better his total of two from 2018/19.
“Against Tottenham at the weekend, De Bruyne's movement down the inside right channel was a constant threat to one of the better Premier League defences, and he was rewarded with two fine assists for both of City's goals in the 2-2 draw.
“And while De Bruyne will have joined his teammates in their disappointment at dropping points against Spurs - as well as his disbelief at another controversial VAR decision - he may take consolation at reaching an impressive Premier League record.
“That is because De Bruyne now has 50 Premier League assists in just 122 appearances according to statistics website Transfermarkt - an average of one assist every 2.4 games. When his 23 league goals are included, he plays an active role in a goal every 1.4 appearances in the Premier League.

Player quotes
Goal: ‘Pep the greatest’ says Robben
Chris Burton: “Robben, who spent time with Chelsea and Real Madrid before heading to Germany in 2009 for a 10-year spell, got the chance to work with some of the finest tactical brains in the business.
“Asked who would sit at the top of that list, a man with 96 caps for the Netherlands said: ‘That's difficult, of course. But if you ask me who was the best, I say Pep Guardiola. I enjoyed it most with him. Football-wise, he is simply brilliant.
‘When Pep came, I was already 30 years old. You're just trying to stay constant and not get any worse. But under him I got better again. I suddenly played in different positions where I never thought that I would play. He was the best.’

And finally…
Express: Brexit, VAR and Ollie
Daniel Blackham: Gabriel Jesus’ last-minute winning goal for Manchester City against Tottenham was ruled out by VAR, but Ian Holloway has bizarrely blamed the EU for the decision.
“Manchester City ended up drawing 2-2 with Tottenham at the Etihad after the VAR decision.
“Jesus thought he had won the match for the hosts with one of the final kicks of the game, however.
“After latching onto a loose ball after a corner, the Brazilian hammered the ball home into the bottom corner.
“The goal was chalked off, however, after the video assistant referee judged that Aymeric Laporte had handled the ball.

“Under new International FA Board rules, a goal can be disallowed if a player handles the ball in any way - even if it is accidental.
“The decision was met with heavy criticism, not just from City fans, but by those who believe VAR is ruining the Premier League.
“But speaking on The Debate, Holloway opted to blame the EU for the decision.
‘For me it doesn't make sense, the handball rule,’ he said. “If it's not handball for both, how can you assess that?
‘And to be fair, is that clear and obvious? They forgot the most important thing of all.
‘Their job is to not re-referee the game but to be clear and obvious, so I don't think that's our boys making up that new change of law.
‘I think that's people telling us what we need to do with our game, now they should stop doing that. you cannot have someone telling us how to do our own game.’
That’s all for today. More of the same tomorrow…