Last years title win by Manchester City was phenomenal. 100 points, 32 wins, 106 goals and countless other records broken. Guardiola’s men this year will be looking to make it back to back title wins for the first time in their history. Can City’s title defence prevail over their challengers?
Assessing the Credentials of City’s Title Defence
In the other top European leagues, teams have dominated the divisions. Juventus have won the last seven Serie A titles. Bayern have won the last six Bundesliga titles. PSG have won five out of the last six Ligue 1 titles.
Under Pep, City now have the chance to dominate the Premier League. The last side to win the Premier League back to back was Manchester United when they won three consecutively under Sir Alex Ferguson. This current City team is better than that Manchester United one, and with Guardiola in charge City can do the same.
Everyone knows the quality City have. From Goalkeeper through to striker, City have world-class players in every position. They could have easily filled every spot in the team of the year last season. Their quality is the reason why they are currently favourites for the title.
However, the likelihood is that City won’t win the league by 19 points this year. It will be much more competitive this season, as Liverpool are much improved after years of spending.
The Threat of Liverpool
Before the start of the season, Liverpool were predicted to be the only side to contend with City’s title defence. The prediction is proving to be correct, as Liverpool currently sit top with four wins from four, conceding just the one goal. The Reds have slowly and steadily built a world-class side, one that finished Champions League runners-up.
The Reds front three is what catches the eye, and the trio have started well again this year. Combined they have scored seven for Liverpool; showing that their form is likely to continue.
What is more eye-catching about Liverpool is their defence. The expensive signing of Virgil Van Dijk is looking to have paid off. Van Dijk has had time to be embedded into the heart of the defence and now commands the back line. So far this season Van Dijk has been involved in 17 aerial duels and 22 clearances. Jurgen Klopp recognises the importance of a good defence, saying “Not conceding wins you Championships”.
City’s Key Players
It would be easy to say that the likes of Aguero, De Bruyne and Sterling are key players to City’s title defence. While they are, the likes of Benjamin Mendy go unnoticed. Mendy is definitely key to how Manchester City play.
Benjamin Mendy has started life in his second season well. The attacking full-back spends much of his time in the opposing half, proven by his four assists in four games. His Licence to go forward means Kyle Walker is not going forward as much. A tactical ploy by Guardiola that so far has worked out. However, against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool Guardiola may choose to change his tactics.
David Silva is another player who is vital to City. When he is on the pitch, much of City’s play goes through him, shown by his 75 assists in his time at City (one in three of team’s total). Due to his age though, he now takes a slightly deeper role now but is still City’s midfield talisman.
What Could Cause City to Slip?
There is no question that last year City had it way to easy last season; almost everything when to plan. However, there is more that could go wrong for City’s title defence; more that could cost them the title.
Firstly, injuries and tiredness could cost them. Kevin De Bruyne is currently out for three months with an injury. Manchester City should cope without him as the likes of Bernardo and David Silva are quality replacements.
However, City will be hoping Ederson does not pick up an injury as second-string ‘keeper Claudio Bravo is already injured. Guardiola currently has youngster Arijanet Muric waiting in the wings if Ederson does pick up an injury; Guardiola will be hoping that isn’t the case.
Tiredness could also play a factor. As most of the City squad was involved in the World Cup, they were not able to get their usual holiday break. Subsequently, many of them were not involved in pre-season. As the season goes on, fatigue may begin to show.
Targeting the Champions League may distract City from the league. Manchester City are yet to win the Champions League and are currently favourites to do so. City are more than capable of winning both, but they must not let their European form get in the way of trying to win the league.
City must also not slip up to Liverpool. Liverpool beat City three times last year, once in the League and twice in the Champions League. Liverpool know how to get under City’s skin and create fear within them.
City also fear going to Anfield, as they have not won there since 2003. The Cityzens travel to Anfield on the 7th October, a key date for your diaries.
Will City be Stopped?
It is possible they can be, but the Premier League will still remain at the Etihad for another year come May. City have the quality, the strength in deep and the best manager in the world to help them win the league. If another team does beat them to the league, they would have done something incredible.
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