Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has dominated the Premier League, winning all but three of his previous nine campaigns. In that time, he has amassed an incredible average of 2.35 points per game, the best in Premier League history. His win percentage of 74.2% is unmatched, and in his first 250 league games, Pep oversaw 184 victories.
City under Pep have not only conceded the fewest goals in that period but also hold the record as the only Premier League team to reach 100 points in a season. He has transformed and elevated players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, Rodri, and Erling Haaland. The results speak for themselves: a historic treble in 2023, four league titles in a row from 2020/21 to 2023/24, and a place as the most successful current Premier League manager.
A Season of Setbacks
But last season was different. By City’s lofty standards, finishing third was disappointing. The campaign was riddled with injuries and inconsistency. A strong start faded quickly with long-term absences for Rodri and John Stones. In Europe, they crashed out to a Real Madrid side that was far from its best, and in the FA Cup final they were stunned by Crystal Palace.
Despite ending the season strongly in the league, City never quite looked themselves. For once, the aura of inevitability around Guardiola’s men seemed to fade.
Transition and Renewal
Pep’s future was also a major talking point. Would he extend his stay or call time on his City journey? His decision to remain gave his squad a timely boost. Yet, Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot seized control.
While many predicted Arsenal would finally take the crown, it was Liverpool who stormed to their 20th league title, equalling Manchester United’s long-standing record. Slot’s side swept aside their rivals with authority, leaving City to regroup.
The summer saw key departures: Jack Grealish to Everton on loan, Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli, Kyle Walker to Burnley, and James McAtee to Nottingham Forest. In their place came fresh energy: Tijjani Reijnders from Milan, Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves, Rayan Cherki from Lyon, Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea, and James Trafford from Burnley. With Haaland, the Premier League’s deadliest striker, still leading the line, and key players like Rodri, Stones, and Dias returning, City have quietly rebuilt.
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Written Off Too Soon?
So why are many ruling City out of the title race? Most pundits place them behind Liverpool and Arsenal, citing last season’s struggles. But is that really fair?
Despite their stumbles, Haaland still finished among the top scorers. City conceded only 44 goals, scored 72, and lost just once in their final 11 league games. That strong finish built momentum for this campaign, already underlined by a 4-0 opening win against Wolves, with Haaland scoring twice and new signings Reijnders and Cherki making dream debuts.
Yes, defensive instability remains a concern, especially when Rodri is absent. His influence cannot be overstated: before his injury, he had played 59 straight games without defeat. Guardiola has always relied not on sheer defensive talent but on possession dominance, pressing, and positional mastery to control games. If City rediscover that rhythm, then writing them off is not just premature, it’s foolish.
The Road Ahead
City have won four of the last five titles. They know what it takes. With Guardiola still at the helm, a refreshed squad, and their key players back fit, another title push is not just possible, it feels inevitable.
