Manchester City are sailing towards a fifth Premier League title, their 2-0 win over Leicester on the weekend means they are just eleven points away from holding the trophy again. But not only that, they have a chance to claim three more silverware come the end of the season. We look at City's chance to make a memorable quadruple season.
City's perch on the top of the table with 71 points and well ahead of second-placed Manchester United speaks a lot about their stunning campaign. However, all wasn't so good at the beginning of the 2020/21 campaign. As most clubs suffered from shorter preseason due to pandemic and irregular training times in the early months of the campaign, City got ruined by the same with a lackluster defense. They dwell in the bottom half of the table, struggling to put up any consistency in their play.
But the club that spends so much in transfer windows knew a solution and brought in a potential-based center back in Ruben Dias. With a great man-management Pep also revived John Stones and his faith changed overnight. The defender was so close to leaving Etihad instead he became a mainstay with Dias in the backline. A similar story like Raheem Sterling.
Next Pep had to tweak the system making a more pragmatic approach to the game. He also diluted the need for a striker each game and quite efficiently pulled out the false number nine role. That was a reversal of City's fortunes this season. They didn't lose their entertaining play but did it with more solidity. Gundogan excelled in Mazella's role with full-backs tucking into the midfield in a unique style of play. Altogether, Manchester City have won 26 of their last 27 games in all competitions an eye-catching record.
Premier League
As mentioned earlier, Manchester City are all but confirmed to lift this season's Premier League title. It will be their third honor in five years with another highest point tally in the mix. The title could be won on May 8th against Chelsea at home, provided their rivals Manchester United win every game until that game-week. Hence, with the league in the bag comfortably Pep's men will be keen on other competitions they are in.
Carabao Cup
City are in yet another Carabao Cup final, having won it in the previous three seasons and five times since 2013/14. They face Jose Mourinho's Tottenham this time on April 25 in Wembley, possibly in front of fans in the stadium. Winning this silverware won't be so difficult ask because of Tottenham's lackluster form this season. With all due respect to the Spurs, they are a top side but at the moment City looks to be more agile to secure the cup for the fourth time. It will be a major disappointment if they don't do so.
FA Cup
The third domestic competition City are in is the FA Cup. The Cityzens are drawn with Chelsea in the semifinal which promises to be a cracker. The Blues are having a terrific season under Thomas Tuchel. Defensively lenient and with a free-flowing attack, they are a team proven to be hard to break down. Also next to Klopp and Mourinho, Tuchel is the manager that is more likely to challenge Pep's tactical nous. So, it will be quite a battle to watch on April 17th.
If City overcomes Chelsea's challenge, they meet either Leicester or Southampton for the final on May 15th. Both oppositions are dangerous and shouldn't be taken lightly. Brendan Rodgers's Foxes have shown their capability of brushing shoulders with the top sides in the league and cup competition. So are the Saints. Despite being quite off from their usual best, Southampton poses a lot of threat than meets the eye. Thus, City needs to be their absolute best to win this one.
UEFA Champions League
The major one. All of the aforementioned trophies don't matter much if City doesn't get the prize they crave for so many seasons. Domestically they have been acute all these seasons but it is the European glory that is still undone. Losing concentration on the biggest stage and in crucial moments has cost them hugely, defensive mishap being the primary factor. Now the squad looking more stable in every position and a more composite nature to their way of playing, this could be their season.
City are facing Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals stage of the competition. This is the stage that they have been knocked out for seasons only able to reach the semifinals back in the 2015/16 campaign. Although Dortmund are struggling this season, they have nothing to lose and will go for it. City needs to be careful in such a tie. Taking Dortmund lightly is a mistake.
If they progress, they will play the winners of PSG or Bayern in the semis. Both have Champions League final experience and are mammoth teams to beat. Domestic form doesn't matter here for sure. They will face either of Liverpool/Real Madrid or Chelsea/Porto in the finals on 30th May if they are able to hold their nerves in the crucial moment given the vulnerability of the competition. Winning this competition over others, having the Premier League secured, will make them best of best.
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