Craig Hope argues that Manchester City's current team is 'done' because key players like Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden are past their peak, and the team hasn't refreshed with strong enough replacements. He also points out that Pep Guardiola has been 'sleeping on the job,' failing to address these issues effectively.
If Liverpool wins their upcoming match against Manchester City, they will be 11 points clear of City. Craig Hope believes this would effectively end City's title challenge for the season, as the gap would be too significant to overcome, especially given City's current struggles.
Erling Haaland has been criticized for being a 'flat track bully,' scoring primarily against weaker teams and not delivering in crucial moments. Some fans and analysts argue that he lacks the ability to single-handedly change games when the team is struggling, unlike players like Sergio Aguero.
Jude Bellingham expressed feeling 'mistreated' during the Euros, believing he was unfairly criticized and made a scapegoat despite his contributions. He mentioned losing his smile and feeling sorry for himself, which he attributes to the harsh media coverage and perceived lack of support.
Craig Hope believes Jude Bellingham has developed a 'victim complex' regarding the media, fueled by a pre-existing mistrust instilled by those around him. Hope argues that the media has been largely positive towards Bellingham and that his poor performances, not media bias, led to criticism during the Euros.
Craig Hope believes West Ham's recent win over Newcastle was more due to Newcastle's poor performance than West Ham's strength. He predicts an away victory for Arsenal, especially with the return of Martin Odegaard, whom he considers one of the best midfielders in Europe.
Craig Hope views Martin Odegaard as a key player for Arsenal because of his ability to impact games positively and his evolution into a team leader. Odegaard's return has coincided with Arsenal's recent revival, and Hope believes his presence will be crucial in their upcoming match against West Ham.
Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for your Weekend Preview edition.
In this episode, Ian Ladyman is joined by Mail Sport's North East Football Correspondent, Craig Hope.
The pair begin by delving into the upcoming Premier game between Liverpool and Manchester City, analysing the implications for both teams, with Craig boldly suggesting that Manchester City's current group of players is 'done' and that Pep Guardiola has been sleeping on the job over the last few months. What do you reckon? Do they have what it takes to turn this around?
The conversation also touches on Erling Haaland's performance critiques and Jude Bellingham's media perception.
Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Craig Hope
Producer: Henry Williams
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