Man City at risk of losing an advantage over the three PL clubs
When you have Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, and the rest of Manchester City’s exceptional talent, you will be Premier League title favorites. This is especially true after completing a historic treble.
However, City are currently weaker than the team that won the Champions League in Istanbul, while all other teams are growing stronger. We won’t know how Guardiola’s squad performs without influential commander Ilkay Gundogan until the season begins, but the Blues are currently unquestionably worse off without him.
In recent years, numerous legends have retired, but unlike Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho, and David Silva, Ilkay Gundogan is not in decline and is instead playing the greatest football of his career. He was a crucial member of the team that won the treble, and it will be difficult to replace him.
Mateo Kovacic has been brought in to bolster the midfield, and while he is a very capable player in the same dynamic mold with numerous trophies, he is not as excellent as Ilkay Gundogan or as ingrained in Pep Guardiola’s system. The futures of Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Aymeric Laporte, and Joo Cancelo are also uncertain.
City was unable to acquire Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice to enhance and revitalize the midfield, and other transfer activity has ceased. Josko Gvardiol, the center-back for RB Leipzig, is the primary target, but there does not appear to have been much progress in recent weeks.
City is still an incredible team with incredible players, but while their roster has gotten weaker, their league competitors have gotten stronger. There is still a large gap between the finest and the rest, but it is beginning to narrow, and City are in danger of losing their advantage over their competitors.
The most prominent example is Arsenal. The Gunners commanded the title race for the majority of the 2016–17 campaign until Manchester City entered juggernaut mode and passed them. However, the team was unaccustomed to such constraints, having previously finished in fifth place, and should benefit from the experience.
Arsenal have vastly improved by beating City to the signing of Rice, who should add more drive and quality to the midst of the field. Jurrien Timber appears to be an intelligent and versatile addition to the defense, whereas Kai Havertz is a bit of an unknown.
The German has undeniable talent and defeated City in the Champions League final, but it is unclear what his best position is or if he will be worth £65 million. However, if Mikel Arteta can bring out his best, they will have another intriguing attacker. Arsenal is doing everything possible to ensure that last season was not an anomaly.
Manchester United is also improving. They have been unable to dispose off a significant amount of deadwood, but David de Gea’s departure is significant.
Erik ten Hag’s team was held back by the goalkeeper’s difficulties with the ball, but Andre Onana’s probable replacement has no such issues. United’s attack and defense should be transformed by a modern goalkeeper who can press high, is secure with the ball, and has excellent distribution.
Mason Mount also adds more energy and dynamism to the midfield, but a striker is still desperately required. United’s tenure under Ten Hag has gotten off to a strong start, and the Dutchman appears to be implementing his plans further.
Last season’s top four was rounded out by Newcastle United, who will seek to improve but may struggle with the addition of European matches. With the inclusion of Sandro Tonali, the team has improved, and there is likely to be additional transfer activity.
Liverpool and Chelsea both endured dreadful seasons last year but have been working to return to their desired positions. The emergence of Saudi Arabia as a convenient dumping ground for costly, unwanted players has been a boon for both clubs, as numerous aging or underperforming stars have left.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been added to Jurgen Klopp’s midfield in an effort to revolutionize it. Chelsea’s bloated roster now includes superstar Christopher Nkunku, striker Nicolas Jackson, and highly regarded central defender Levi Colwill, who had a fruitful stint at Brighton.
If additional additions aren’t made before the transfer window closes, City may find it more difficult than ever to reclaim their title. However, they should remain favorites and remain confident in their chances.
Man City at risk of losing an advantage over the three PL clubs