Back Manchester City for Premier League glory this season
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City came unstuck against Tottenham Hotspur in their most recent domestic encounter but it has still been a fantastic start to the campaign for the Blues.City remain one point clear of Mauricio Pochettino’s men and Guardiola will be looking to push on and build a commanding advantage after the second international break this season.
On paper, the Blues are quite clearly the strongest side in the Premier League with a squad rivalled only by that of arch-rivals Manchester United. The four-time English title winners are hungry for more success and many believe that Guardiola is the man to build a dynasty era during his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.
While his original contract is just three years, City fans will be hoping that the Spaniard wants to extend his spell at the club – especially if they continue to dominate on a weekly basis.
After seven matches, Pep’s men have scored 18 goals; tied with Liverpool for most goals in the Premier League this season. Their attacking prowess is clear for all to see, with the likes
of Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva and Raheem Sterling creating plenty of chances for the lethal Sergio Aguero and rising star Kelechi Iheanacho upfront.
City’s stars have adapted quickly to Guardiola’s demanding style of football but they can still improve; and the rest of the top flight will be waiting with bated breath for the Blues to click into top gear.
Because when that happens, that will be it – City will shoot off into the sunset and coast to the Premier League title. It might not happen this season, or even next season, but a storm is coming at the Etihad Stadium and it is going to be biblical. As of October 11th, the Blues are 10/11 to win the title in Betway’s sports betting odds and their short price is largely down to their incredible start to the campaign.
Defensively, City aren’t quite as effective and many players are still trying to buy into Pep’s intricate regime. He has attempted to transform Aleksandar Kolorov into a makeshift centre-half but the Serbia international is much more comfortable at left back. But even then, Kolarov is potentially a weak link.
The City full-back scored an own goal in the defeat to Spurs and was arguably at fault for their second goal; and Pep won’t stand for individual mistakes – he never has. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Blues move for a full-back in the January transfer window.
Our ratings after City's first defeat under Pep #mcfc https://t.co/D55eDzGALp
— Manchester City News (@ManCityMEN) October 2, 2016
However, Guardiola has placed more emphasis on the midfield battle than anything else during his time in England’s top flight. In fact, the Spaniard has claimed that City would romp to the title if he had three Fernandinhos – and that is testament to how well the Brazil international has started the season.
If the Blues maestro can maintain his form throughout the campaign, City will finally have a consistent, reliable presence in front of the back four and he can even slot in alongside either John Stones or Nicolas Otamendi if needed.
Given time, Pep’s City could dominate the European landscape too but the Premier League crown has to remain their main objective this season. Whether you like them or not, you have to admire Guardiola’s sleek style of football and City will be incredibly entertaining to watch as they hunt down a fifth top flight title.
On current form, it is difficult to look past the current Premier League leaders.