Manchester City Seeks A Fifth Consecutive Premier League Title

Approaching the Premier League opening weekend, supporters of Premier League teams are eagerly watching for transfer news which can yet transform their clubs’ fortunes. The transfer window closes on August 30th and could still  make a difference but to date little has transpired to indicate any major shift in the top of the Premier League table. Manchester City has won the league the last four years, much to the chagrin of an Arsenal team under Manager Mikel Arteta which has run second the past two years. Arsenal, like third place finisher Liverpool, has been fairly quiet on the transfer front, adding defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bolgna.

Without major upgrades by other contenders, perhaps the best hope for Manchester City’s opponents is that the defending champions will just become bored with all their success and let their guard down after having booked four consecutive Premier League championships. Of course, the league could also act on the outstanding 115 financial violations alleged against the wealthy Manchester club and drop them down the table with points penalties. Then again, the victory in Saturday’s Community shield could prove the jinx which derails the title run. Entering Saturday’s match with Manchester United, Manchester City had begun the last three seasons with a loss in the Community Shield. Each of those seasons ended with a Premier League title. Saturday’s victory in penalty kicks versus the Red Devils ended that three-year run of losses in the Community Shield for Manchester City. The superstitious might see that streak breaking victory, worthy of celebration in the moment, as being ominous for another successful season ending result.

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, however, Manchester City will again be favored to be Premier League champions for a fifth consecutive year. They will be so despite the loss of forward Julian Alavarez. The Argentine forward, who played the fifth most Premier League minutes of any City player last  season, has moved on to Atletico Madrid after growing frustrated with a second banana role whereby he would sit in favor of other Manchester City stars when titles and cups were on the line. The Alvarez departure leaves Gardiola without a like to like Number Nine replacement when Haaland is not on the pitch.

Plan B options potentially include the use of Phil Foden or rising youngster Oscar Bobb in a false nine role. Bobb assisted on Bernardo Silva’s goal on Sunday in the Community Shield and is currently bidding for a starting spot on the right wing after a strong preseason and impressive flashes in a substitute role last season. Bobb’s potential had been identified as a key factor in the Manchester City decision last summer to let Cole Palmer move on to a starring role at Chelsea. Bobb will compete with Savinho, a 20-year-old Brazilian signed this summer, and Bernardo Silva for time on City’s right side. Sliva will also see time in midfield. Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish battle for the starting job at left wing. Grealish will be particularly motivated after his underwhelming 2023/24 season saw him miss out on England’s European Championship campaign. As with Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden can also play on the wing but should see most of his minutes in midfield where he is most effective inside. Foden, still recuperating from his run with England in the Euros, was the second leading scorer on the club behind Haaland last season. It was Foden’s best league season to date as the 24-year-old blossomed to full bloom stardom, realizing his long known potential. Manchester City’s star-studded midfield also includes world class performers Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri. Rodri’s holding midfield position, however, could be an area where the champions could use more depth as there is no clear backup for the Spanish Ballon d’Or candidate. Kalvin Philips has been a bust after his signing two seasons ago and did not see the pitch on Saturday. Instead, it was Nico O’Reilly holding down the position versus Manchester United. Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis, neither holding midfielders by trade, are other options option should someone need to step in for Rodri. Lewis started at right back on Saturday and is entering his third season with the senior team at only nineteen years old. Lewis was critical to Man City’s crucial draw with Arsenal last May when he filled in for an injured Nathan Ake. The youngster is particularly adept at fulfilling the inverted fullback role that Guardiola favors.

The legendary manager is blessed with depth and versatility in his backline. Manuel Akanji lined up at center back next to Ruben Dias at center back versus Manchester United. John Stones will now be rejoining the club after his post Euros break. The increasingly dependable Nathan Ake can play at center back or at left back where he spelled Josh Gvardiol on Saturday. With Kenny Walker also on granted leave, Lewis has had the opportunity to improve his case for minutes in the competitive Manchester City pecking order. Goalkeeping is yet another area of strength for the champions. It had looked for much of the early summer that goalkeeper Ederson might be leaving the club for Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian was not only between the sticks against Manchester United on Saturday but also scored one of the club’s penalty kicks. Should Ederson depart or be injured as happened last season, Stefan Ortega has proven more than capable of title winning form.

Manchester City begins its title defense Saturday against Chelsea, a club as chaotic as Manchester City is coldly efficient. The Citizens may yet choose to use some of the Alvarez profits to reinforce behind Haaland and Rodri. If not, the innovative Guardiola is more than capable of working with the ingredients he currently has to craft a workable solution should the need arise. Even if not dipping into the transfer pool, Manchester City, winners of four consecutive titles, must be favored to win a fifth. With both Keven De Bruyne and Guardiola potentially entering a final season for the Citizens, sufficient motivation should exist for the Citizens to leverage their powerful roster for what could be one last dance.