How has Manchester City’s season gone so far?
Start to the season – 5/10
With Pep Guardiola coming in and nearly £200 million spent during pre-season, City were many people’s favourites to walk the Premier League. After winning each of their opening six matches they looked to be shoo-ins and although there are 60 points still to play for, to be 10 points behind Chelsea is somewhat unsatisfactory.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Performance of the manager – 5/10
Things have not been as straightforward as the Spaniard would have liked and many of his signings – notably Claudio Bravo and John Stones – have struggled to deliver. However, this remains a work in progress and if there is anyone capable of turning City into an all-conquering force it is Guardiola.
Team performance of the season so far – Barcelona (H)
Arguably the best side in Europe were beaten at their own game at the Etihad in November, as City underlined their potential to one day usurp the Catalan giants. Messi & Co. were no match for Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin de Bruyne that day. Sadly, that sort of display has seldom been seen since.
Star player – Fernandinho
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson in action with Manchester City’s Fernandinho
While some of the more glamourous names beside him have struggled to find consistency, the Brazilian has remained at the top of his game throughout. Anyone would think he’s out of contract next summer. City would be wise to pull their finger out.
Where to strengthen in January – Defence, defence and more defence
Guardiola’s men may have scored one more goal than leaders Chelsea this season, but they have shipped nine more at the other end. Vincent Kompany’s injury problems have continued, which has often seen Bacary Sagna and Aleksandar Kolarov deployed as awkward centre-backs. Without the correct partner beside him Stones is in danger of regressing. Speaking of Sagna and Kolarov, none of City’s four full-backs are getting any younger and this position could also do with upgrading.
Likelihood of strengthening in January – 7/10
You sense that Guardiola is far from satisfied with his current options and with money no issue, new additions are likely as long as they are A) available and B) better than what he has already (which should be the case if it’s defenders he’s after).
Challenges ahead – Defence (again)
City’s back five has been a major Achilles heel and perhaps the sole reason they are currently lagging behind in the title race. Sort this and there are few teams capable of stopping them.
Predicted end of season position – Second
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