Casting our minds back to last year’s August, we found ourselves at the opening of the Premier League on a sunny Friday in Lancashire. The clash was between Burnley and Manchester City. There was much to discuss – Vincent Kompany preparing to manage against his former team, Burnley stepping into the big leagues after a 101-point promotion, and City on a winning streak, after three consecutive league victories. The excitement was palpable in the air.
Just three minutes in, Erling Haaland secured the first goal. It seems to echo Mike Tyson’s famous quote – you might have several narratives until City knocks you out. The first half saw another goal from Haaland and one from Rodri in the second, making up the first three of the whopping 91 points that thereafter lead to the fourth consecutive league victory for City. It was a strategy well executed.
Gone are the days when City was referred to in less flattering terms. Today, Guardiola’s team is a force to be reckoned with. The team’s first setback came only in their third match, and even after an initial shaky start, they remained undefeated post a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in December. Even their Champions League journey ended not in defeat, but a penalty shoot-out.
[Manchester City marks a record with a fourth consecutive Premier League win]
As we look ahead to the match against Manchester United at Wembley, the odds favour City clinching both the league and the cup once again. Can we anticipate another quick goal from Haaland like last year’s 12-second stunner from Ilkay Gundogan? While Bruno Fernandes managed to balance out with an equaliser, Gundogan compensated with a second goal, securing City a 60% possession rate and drawing them closer to a treble victory. Nearing the end, Guardiola introduced Phil Foden to the field and Erik ten Hag brought in Wout Weghorst.
City confirmed their treble a week later in a final against Internazionale held in Istanbul. The prowess of the team as a whole, along with Guardiola’s tactical brilliance, weren’t lost on anyone.
Despite Manchester City’s impressive victory over West Ham last Sunday, which saw Phil Foden secure an early lead, a sense of apathy shrouded the stands. Interestingly, Richard Masters, the Premier League’s leading man, was conspicuously absent, possibly in apprehension of the pending 115 allegations and their potential repercussions.
Undeterred by the lacklusterness, Manchester City, emblematic of its potent Abu Dhabi owners, reveled in their smashing victory. This triumph wasn’t just the fourth consecutive league win; it marked their sixth success in seven seasons. With the trend suggesting their likely score of seven from eight by next year, the owners will smugly enjoy their monopoly, a concept quite synonymous with autocratic states.
However, Manchester City seems to overlook sport’s inherent competitive nature that relishes diverse challenges and competitors. Contrarily, clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, despite their grandeur, add to the vibrancy of the game. Real Madrid recently secured their fourth La Liga title in eight seasons, and with Kylian Mbappe joining them, they are prepped for a fifth next term. Similarly, Bayern’s Bundesliga loss, the first in a decade, rendered Bayer Leverkusen’s ascendency all the more exciting to neutral supporters.
The sentiment towards City, nevertheless, is cold. The widespread discontent stems from their relentless dominance, backed by external wealth rather than talent alone. As Monday’s headline in London’s i newspaper read – “91 points; 96 goals; 4 league titles in a row; 115 outstanding charges,” – there is growing disillusionment even within Manchester’s east side. Their formidable team evokes indifference rather than awe, marking a curious discord in the world of football.
Undoubtedly, Guardiola plays a pivotal role – his abilities are worth more than the mere two-point gap separating Arsenal from City – however, being able to afford his immense salary coupled with frequent bonuses accompanying consistent success is a prerequisite. Luckily, City has the capacity, albeit how they balance their books will come under scrutiny until the 115 allegations are publicly clarified.
Following the first reduction of 10 points for Everton in late November, Guardiola stated: “I’m aware that there are individuals who desire City to be convicted. I acknowledge it, I sense it. However, have patience. It feels like we’re already being judged as if we’ve endured punishment. However, currently, we’re presumed innocent until guilt is substantiated.”
The day witnessed Guardiola issue a surprising statement that he would more likely continue with City if they find themselves in League One as opposed to winning the Champions League.
It appears improbable, but City’s current status – evident on the field, ambiguous off the field – tilts perspectives. How, for instance, should we perceive these players, presently and forthcoming?
Take into account Bernardo Silva, a player any club would love to have. There have been instances this season where it appears almost unfortunate that he represents Man City, despite the likelihood of such a conclusion appearing odd given Bernardo’s six Premier League titles, besides two FA Cups and a Champions League.
Contemplating his array of medals and significant weekly contributions, if he was part of another team, he would receive much more accolades. Whether it’s Rodri, Foden, or Haaland – each match sees his teammates seizing the spotlight. Reflect on the Newcastle 2-3 City match in January where Bernardo scores an exquisite backheel kick; Kevin de Bruyne then netted a goal with razor-sharp accuracy through the legs of Fabian Schar and provided Oscar Bobb with a potential goal of the season.
Silva’s unique talents? It gets overlooked in the justifiable hurry to acknowledge the achievements of others.
And then, during the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid at the Bernabéu, he successfully lands a free kick from 25 yards in just the second minute that manages to outsmart Andriy Lunin and the rest of Europe – truly, a stroke of brilliance.
However, the initial leg saw five other goals and Bernardo’s missed penalty during the second leg’s shoot-out will likely remain a vivid memory for many. But what a remarkable athlete he is. Now, we’re at the FA Cup Final, once the jewel in the crown of the season. Undoubtedly, Manchester City’s superb team will sweep a considerably delicate Manchester United off their feet. A 19th significant title since 2011 beckons and we remain in awe of City’s prowess.