Why it’s folly to write off Manchester City’s title chances after last season’s blip

While much of the speculation ahead of this weekend’s kick-off of the English Premier League has focused on champions Liverpool’s title defence and their massive spending spree, there has been little attention on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Most analysts seem to have written off the Citizens as title contenders, but given their recent history, that would be premature. City have won six Premier League titles since the Spaniard took over, including four successive wins from 2020 to 2024 — a first in the history of the EPL.

The last time they surrendered the championship to the Reds, in the 2019/20 season, they bounced back emphatically to reclaim the title.

It seems strange, then, that last season’s runners-up Arsenal and Chelsea, who finished fourth, are more frequently listed among Liverpool’s strongest potential title rivals — despite City finishing above Chelsea last season and just three points behind the Gunners.

Chelsea are trading on their heroics at the Fifa Club World Cup, a competition where Pep’s charges did not exactly cover themselves in glory. Arsenal are strongly tipped to finally shed their bridesmaids tag, with the addition of star striker Viktor Gyökeres seen as the missing piece of their puzzle. They have also strengthened in midfield and defence.

The verdict from the independent commission on City’s more than 100 financial charges is still pending, and that may be clouding people’s judgement.

Guardiola has seemingly been unhindered in the transfer market, with a host of quality signings including midfielder Tijjani Reinders from AC Milan, Wolves left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri, winger Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyon, and Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford, as part of a long-overdue refresh of an ageing squad.

Among the high-profile exits was that of midfield icon Kevin De Bruyne, a key component of Pep’s remarkable title run. His departure left a huge hole in Pep’s team that may require both Reinders and Cherki to fill.

The Etihad side still boasts plenty of quality players throughout the squad, including defensive midfield lynchpin Rodri. In fact, it was the Spanish ace’s absence that was blamed for last season’s woes. A fit and firing Rodri is still arguably among the best in his position in the world, and City fans will be hoping that his current injury absence will not be as damaging.

Then there is Erling Haaland, who has taken the Premier League by storm with his goalscoring numbers since arriving in 2022. The lethal Norwegian striker, who has two Golden Boots already for the club, had a below-par last season by his lofty standards.

He still finished on 22 league goals and will no doubt be fired up again to prove himself this campaign against a number of new rivals and old foes like Liverpool’s Mo Salah, who was top scorer last season.

Fellow forward Omar Marmoush also offers the perfect foil to Haaland, but Brazilian winger Savinho is said to be on his way out. Attacking midfielder Phil Foden will also have a point to prove at the Etihad after failing to reach the heights of previous campaigns.

The arrival of Aït-Nouri has added defensive and attacking quality to a City backline boasting standout Josko Gvardiol among other established stars. The Frenchman fitted seamlessly into the City squad at the Club World Cup in the US.

City also seem determined to hold on to their young stars and build for the future, having rejected bids for James McAtee and Argentine wonderkid Claudio Echeverri in this transfer window.

If you add Pep’s proven drive and tactical genius to the exciting blend of upcoming talent and established stars, as well as his ability to evolve his team’s playing style, you have the makings of another potential title-winning campaign. Just like Liverpool’s win last year, it would be one few would have seen coming.