In Manchester, Guardiola is clinical offensively, but a bit weak defensively. Mourinho is ruthless offensively and strong defensively.
After a summer spending spree, the two Manchester clubs–Manchester United and Manchester City–have started the season strongly. They look like they’re ready to take the Premier League title back to Manchester.
Courtesy: Daily Mail
Both teams have earned sixteen points from six games, and their performances have shown a real statement of intent. Chelsea can’t be ruled out, though. That team has bounced back from a disappointing start against Burnley to pick up vital points. Tottenham is knocking at the door, too.
The big clubs are getting value for their money. Lukaku and Morata have justified why clubs paid big money to get them. Lukaku has scored in every Premier League game, the latest was his winning goal against Southampton. He scored on a powerful header from Ashley Young’s cross. The Saint’s keeper almost denied him, but the Belgium striker pounced on the follow-up. Morata is in fantastic goal-scoring form. His hat-trick against Stoke City shows why he’s a perfect fit to replace Diego Costa.
All in all, Manchester City’s forward line looks devastating. The partnership of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus is becoming too hot for teams to handle. And Tottenham has shown consistency over the last three seasons. Harry Kane and Dele Alli continue from where they stopped last season–demolishing teams, especially away from home. Alexandre Lacazette is not out in this goal feast, either, as his awareness in the box is nothing short of fantastic. The French forward has proven to be an upgrade to Arsenal’s attacking line.
Courtesy: Daily Mail
It will be interesting to see which Manchester club has the better chance of winning the title. Manchester City is playing magnificently–with style and swagger. Pep Guardiola seems to have gotten his team to play his kind of football. They look unstoppable going forward, but there are still concerns about their defending. Teams can easily get chances against them. Crystal Palace, despite losing 5-0 at Etihad, had glorious chances to open the scoreline, but lacked the killer instinct to punish City. I see Manchester City dropping more points than United–unless, that is, City addresses its defensive vulnerability.
On the other hand, Jose Mourinho has his side winning ugly this season. The 1-0 win against the Saints is a typical example of how to win games without playing well. When United goes in front, Mourinho makes it difficult for the opposition to get back in the game. Teams are left wondering how to unlock Mourinho’s solid defense.
That’s the thing that makes Mourinho stand out from other managers: his desire to see out games when he’s in front. He keeps his defensive shape intact and never commits more bodies forward. I’m not sure there’s a manager better than Mourinho at winning when he’s ahead. Results in big finals prove that.
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Titles can be won depending on the tactical approach and qualities of a team. Keeping a solid defensive shape with a bit of caution going forward is one approach. Going all out for goals–with little emphasis on defending–is another. But the former seems to be a more assuring route. Guardiola is clinical offensively, but a bit weak defensively. Mourinho is ruthless offensively and strong defensively.
In my opinion, the title this year will most likely head to Manchester. I think the Red Devils have a slight edge over City.
