This morning’s Media Watch brings us reaction to those games, including a possible hint at City’s summer transfer activity, plus a notable compliment from an opposition skipper.
First to the Guardian, whose match reporter at the London Stadium Dominic Fifield was particularly impressed with City’s third goal from Gabriel Jesus.
He wrote: “The most majestic of the visitors’ rewards was their third, scored by Gabriel Jesus early in the second half, the striker initially supplying a wonderfully weighted and incisive pass that sent Sterling scurrying beyond Cresswell and into the penalty area.
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“Just as impressive was the winger’s clarity of thought as he contemplated his centre while West Ham flooded their penalty area. In darted Jesus, unnoticed, to collect with a glorious first touch, disorienting Pablo Zabaleta in the process, and then beat Adrián from close range.”
The Daily Mail’s Matt Lawton echoed the praise, reporting: “The pursuit of history and Premier League records for points and goals, Guardiola explained afterwards, are motivation enough for this irrepressible City side. And, eight minutes into the second half, an exquisite one-two between Gabriel Jesus and Sterling made it 3-1.
“In scoring his 16th goal of the season, Jesus excelled, first with the ball that sent Sterling racing down the right flank and then the touch, skill and finish to control his colleague’s delivery before guiding his finish beyond the advancing Adrian.”
A few papers latched onto a post-match comment from City boss Pep Guardiola concerning summer squad considerations.
“Don’t worry, we are going to spend a lot of money next season as well - maybe £1 billion or something,” he joked in quotes carried by ESPN.
“It’s the same question with Chelsea four years ago, when they were not good the next season. Next season everyone starts with zero points. We need something.
“We need to touch something, the team. Maybe one. Maybe two. No more than that, for next year.”
Over in France City fought valiantly against Lyon in the UCWL but ultimately exited the competition.
The BBC report read: “A brilliant volley from former City player Lucy Bronze opened the scoring for the French side after 17 minutes at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
“The hosts dominated proceedings and almost doubled their lead when Amandine Henry hit the post from range.
“City failed to threaten in the second half as they lost a last-four tie to Lyon for the second consecutive season.”
The MEN highlighted goalkeeper Karen Bardsley’s performance on a difficult afternoon for Nick Cushing’s side.
“Lyon could have had more goals,” they reported, “but a number of good saves from City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley ensured the match remained 1-0 at the break.
“City were marginally better in the second half, but it took them until the 58th minute to register their first shot of the game when Jill Scott fired an effort over the crossbar.”
We’ll sign off Monday’s media watch with a word from the aptly-named Mark Noble, the West Ham skipper who was gracious after his side’s defeat.
“Congratulations to City, their players, their staff and their manager because they are champions and they are by far the best team in this league.”
That’s all for this morning, we’ll be here again tomorrow with all the latest from the back pages...
