KEVIN HEAVEN IN CITY STROLL NEWCASTLE 0 MAN CITY 2
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WATFORD’S lockdown breakers face being out for the rest of the season. Furious boss Nigel Pearson axed Andre Gray, Nathaniel Chalobah and Domingos Quina for yesterday’s crucial game against Southampton after they were caught partying at Gray’s mansion on Friday night.
The 3-1 defeat at Vicarage Road is a massive blow to the club’s survival hopes. Hornets boss Pearson (inset) said: “We have taken players out of the squad for health and safety reasons. Until I know all
BIRTHDAY boy Kevin De Bruyne led Pep Guardiola’s side into the last four of the FA Cup and set up the possibility of an all-manchester final.
The Belgian, 29 yesterday, scored from the spot in the first half as City eased past Newcastle to book a semi-final date with Arsenal.
It means City could face United in the final at Wembley on August 1.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men take on Chelsea in the other semi, also at Wembley in three weeks.
Raheem Sterling added a second for City after Dwight Gayle missed a sitter.
De Bruyne said: “We started really well, were sharp and put them under
facts, I’m not making any further comment on that situation.”
Both Pearson and the cub have taken a dim view of Gray hosting a birthday bash with his fiance, Little Mix singer Leigh-anne Pinnock (inset), for up to 20 people before a big game.
Jan Bednarek’s own goal could not cancel out a brace from Danny Ings, and a free-kick from James Ward-prowse.
Watford remain a point above the drop zone, with just one point from nine since the restart.
Pearson said: “You can’t concede goals, like we have, give gifts to the opponents.
“We are fighting for our lives. We have to go back to showing a cohesion as a group of people.” LEICESTER boss Brendan Rodgers is confident they will not be affected by a possible coronavirus spike in the city.
He said: “You’re always concerned but we’re protected so that gives you the confidence to continue your work.”