Manchester City have been the standard in the Premier League ever since Pep Guardiola won his first title with the Citizens in 2018.
It has been difficult for other opponents to keep up pace with City and Afrosport reviews how they took charge of the 2023-24 season.
Overall Review
For the first time since Guardiola arrived in England, the quest for the Premier League title was a three-horse race rather than the two-horse race between Manchester City and Liverpool.
This time, Arsenal were in the mix and improved on their form from last season when they surrended a lead of more than eight points.
This time around City, Liverpool and Arsenal were neck and neck for much of the season but when it came to which team would blank, the Reds did first followed by the Gunners.
City have remained unshakable by their usual high standards and are now on their way towards a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Unsung Hero
Josko Gvardiol
The Croatian was signed for a reported €90 million from RB Leipzig last summer which made him the most expensive defender in football history.
The hefty fee did not translate to Gvardiol instantly blending with the team. Guardiola playing him as a left-back brought some initial struggles but the Catalan tactician never lost faith in the 2022 FIFA World Cup bronze medalist which allowed him to eventually blossom.
Gvardiol became a very important part of City’s run in to the title, not only displaying his defensive abilities but offensive traits as well, having a hand in five goals (four goals, one assist) in the space of five games.
Manager
Pep Guardiola
The 53-year-old has continued to show that he is a class apart from the rest of the managers in the Premier League and it has translated into Man City’s dominance since he arrived.
The intricate way he sets his team to play opponents makes it a difficulty for opposition to stop, meaning City will always be ahead of others.
Even in the midst of the allegations of breaching 115 Financial Fair Play Rules, Guardiola has instilled confidence in his team and one wonders how long the men in sky blue will continue to dominate the English top flight.
Possible areas for reinforcement
Manchester City have lacked natural wingers having seen the likes of Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus depart the club.
Guardiola has had to use players that are not natural wingers such as Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva to play out wide.
Though it has worked out well for him, who knows if the decision might come back to bite him some day. However, knowing that Pep is always a step ahead of others, he might not need the services of a natural winger and will be confident in his squad he has.
Tactical selection options
Start one: Erling Haaland
Bench one: Julian Alvarez
Sell one: Jeremy Doku
