Mixed news for Man City as Bazunu’s heroics go viral, but major injury concern surfaces before Everton

 

A pair of altogether contrasting developments were forthcoming for Premier League giants Manchester City on Sunday evening.

Brilliant Bazunu

First up came a viral moment on the part of teenage sensation Gavin Bazunu.

Bazunu, currently out on loan away from the blue half of Manchester with Portsmouth, was back in action on the international stage, lining out between the posts for the Republic of Ireland versus Luxembourg.

Stephen Kenny’s side, for their part, went on to secure a comprehensive 3-0 victory, to finish out their World Cup qualifying campaign on a high.

It was not the nation’s goalscorers on the night, however, who in fact went on to steal the headlines.

Instead, this honour was reserved for the aforementioned Bazunu, who, amid another fine performance in Ireland’s colours, pulled off a save which has since been widely described as nothing short of breathtaking:

Another angle of that Bazunu save, it gets better with every watch 😅#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #LUXIRLpic.twitter.com/mP73YqQgim

— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) November 14, 2021

Silva sidelined?

As alluded to above, however, on the flip side of things came an altogether concerning blow for Premier League champions City.

Portugal were also in action in Group A on Sunday night, welcoming Serbia to Lisbon for a crunch final day World Cup qualifier.

Owing to a last-gasp Aleksandar Mitrovic header, Fernando Santos’ men were ultimately put to the sword by two goals to one, meaning A Selecao will be forced to navigate the playoffs in their efforts to secure a place at the Qatar 2022 showpiece.

And adding to the woes of the no doubt crestfallen hosts at the Estadio da Luz came an additional blow on the personnel front.

Just beyond the hour mark, in something of a shock, Bernardo Silva was hooked from proceedings, making way for Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes for the final half-hour.

Speaking post-match, though, Santos went on to reveal that this came owing to a request on the part of Silva himself, hinting at an altogether likely injury problem:

🗣 | Fernando Santos on Bernardo Silva substitution:

“He asked to be subbed off.”

[@rtppt] pic.twitter.com/BZeOXh5Ohe

— City Chief (@City_Chief) November 14, 2021

 

Phil Foden names his most memorable Manchester City moment & outlines goal for the season

One man singled out as to blame as fans forced to face up to possible World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo