After a disappointing end to the 2015/16 Premier League season, Manchester City fans will be hoping for big things under new boss, Pep Guardiola.
After bringing in arguably the most sought-after manager in world football, Manchester City are looking to achieve big things under Pep Guardiola this season. But the Premier League hasn’t proved to be plain sailing for the Spaniard, as he looks to implement his style of play on his new side.
Former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini
Finding themselves in the unusual situation of chasing Leicester City for the Premier League title, Manchester City’s 15/16 hit a stumbling block in February, as the blues lost three games in a row at the hands of Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
Manchester City’s Wilfried Bony looks dejected
The title had seemingly slipped from City’s hands, as the Blues continued to falter in the big games against their rivals. Losing 1-0 to their arch-enemy, Manchester United, forced Manchester City arguably straight out of the title race, and into a battle for a top 4 spot.
Manchester City’s David Silva in action with Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian
Bringing the month of May to an end with a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and a 1-1 draw with Swansea City, Manchester City waved goodbye to “Charming Man” Manuel Pellegrini, as the club looked to make a change over the summer. Pellegrini had been well liked by Manchester City fans, but the club felt they needed someone else to come in to take them to the next level.
Manchester City fans hold up banners for manager Manuel Pellegrini and Sergio Aguero
With Pep Guardiola now at the helm, Manchester City fans were resoundingly positive going into the 16/17 Premier League season. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager brought with him a reputation of world class football, and Manchester City fans were excited to see what the Spaniard could do with their talented squad of players.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is presented to the fans
Moving quickly to bring in players more suited to his style of play, Manchester City added goalkeeper Claudio Bravo and Everton defender John Stones to improve the defence.
Manchester City’s John Stones during training
As many expected, Manchester City made a great start to their Premier League campaign in August. After a 2-1 opening day win against Sunderland, Manchester City went on to beat Stoke City 1-4, and West Ham 3-1, thanks to goals from a rejuvenated Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho.
Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling in action with West Ham’s Adrian before scoring their third goal
September would see Manchester City go completely unbeaten, but October would prove to be more tricky. Opposition teams were starting to notices problems with the Manchester City defence, and suddenly the blues found themselves conceding far too many goals. A 4-0 defeat to Pep’s former club, FC Barcelona, as well as a 2-0 away defeat to Spurs, highlighted Manchester City’s defensive fragility.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks dejected after Tottenham Hotspur’s second goal
However, at the beginning of November, Manchester City would make a miraculous comeback, pulling off perhaps one of the best nights in the club’s recent history, beating Barcelona 3-1 at home thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne.
Despite their problems at the back, Manchester City continue to remind everyone that they are a real force to be reckoned with going forward, giving Manchester City fans hope that they can go on to achieve serious silverware in 2017.
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring their third goal against Barcelona with team mates
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