In the build-up to their highly anticipated clash against Chelsea on February 17, Manchester City faced an intense battle that extended beyond the ninety-five minutes on the Etihad Stadium pitch. Despite the thrilling 1-1 draw, a noteworthy incident occurred in the tunnel prior to kickoff, when Ederson Moraes, the starting goalkeeper for City, did not extend a handshake to Cole Palmer.
Palmer, who had returned to the Etihad after a £42 million move to Chelsea earlier in the season, received warm greetings from most City players. Quick cuddles were exchanged with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, but Ederson’s lack of handshake raised eyebrows. However, it was revealed that Ederson’s failure to acknowledge Palmer was not intentional. As the first player to walk through the tunnel, Ederson turned in the direction of the City players after the initial one had passed, resulting in a missed recognition of Palmer, his former teammate.
The tension in the tunnel did not overshadow Palmer’s impactful season with Chelsea, where he emerged as a key contributor with ten goals and six assists in the Premier League. Despite City’s opportunity to secure victory in the match, they were unable to breach Chelsea’s defense for a second goal, leaving them trailing league leaders Liverpool by four points with one game remaining.
Away from the football pitch, the story of 17-year-old Luke Littler captured the hearts of fans. Following his stunning performance at the World Darts Championship at the age of 16, where he reached the final but lost to Luke Humphries, Littler continues to excel in the Premier League. Fans can now show their support by purchasing his playing shirt.
Littler is set to compete in a mini-tournament every Thursday against top dart players, including Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, and Peter Wright, leading up to the final in May. Despite his young age, Littler’s remarkable journey has become a source of inspiration, making him a rising star in the world of darts.
