198 points in two seasons, record goals scored in a single league campaign, first-ever Premier League side to achieve 100 points in a season, most consecutive wins, Manchester City during the past two seasons have accomplished some breathtaking achievements. However, this season, City had a campaign to forget, finishing 18 points behind Liverpool, displaying some terrible performances along the way. But how did Pep Guardiola’s side slip down so much after two glorious seasons?
Can Pep Guardiola take City back to the top of the Premier League?
City’s glorious two seasons
During 2017-19, Manchester City provided some scintillating football along with some astonishing results. Pep Guardiola proved his doubters wrong by securing back to back Premier League titles, something which hadn’t been achieved since 2009. The Cityzens displayed breathtaking football along with loads of glories and achievements. Back to back Premier Leagues, a domestic treble, Guardiola’s men achieved it all. Though a Champions League glory eluded them their domestic success more than made up for it.
Problems arise
City’s failures this season have been a result of an amalgamation of problems. Starting from the defense the absence of Aymeric Laporte due to injury for the majority of the season and the departure of Vincent Kompany at the start of the season has cost the Mancunian club dearly. This left City with error-prone John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi along with a young Eric Garcia as the only natural centre-back options. As a result, Guardiola was forced to play Fernandinho at the back taking away the quality he provided in the centre of midfield.
The frequent absence of first-choice striker Sergio Aguero due to injuries and lack of efficiency from Gabriel Jesus resulted in goals drying up for Pep Guardiola. Jesus ranked first in the big chances missed list in the Premier League with 24 showing how wasteful he was in the final third. Though it may not be quite important as the other problems the absence of Leroy Sane who was an integral part of the back to back titles, surely affected City in the offensive part of the game.
City’s woes were further worsened by a sensational Liverpool side that dropped just 15 points the whole season and City just could not live up with the brilliance of the Merseyside club. Kevin De Bruyne’s season was one of the few positive points to take out from this disappointing campaign with the Belgian bagging 33 goals and assists in just 34 league appearances.
Looking forward
City undoubtedly would be looking at a Champions League glory this season having already beaten Real Madrid to advance to the quarter-finals. However, with the quality that Manchester City have you would expect them to challenge for the Premier League title each season. Guardiola has already started the rebuild mission, securing signings of Ferran Torres from Valencia and Nathan Ake from Bournemouth. Pep surely will have another one or two reinforcements in his mind to get City back at the top of the Premier League.
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