I thought Manchester United was the team to end City’s unbeaten run. It could be a different story when City plays Tottenham.
Manchester City’s style of football has improved since Guardiola arrived on the scene — so much so that team identity has been restored. ManCity has accumulated 49 points in 17 games in the Premier League, a tremendous accomplishment and significant upgrade from last year.
But I must say that one thing baffles me. None of the title rivals has gained at least one point from games they’ve played against City.
That may say that Guardiola’s side is unbeatable. But I think a better explanation is that big teams haven’t done enough to stop City’s winning streak.
It’s certainly fair to say that City deserves the position it occupies in the league table. Yet, City’s 16 victories in 17 games have raised questions about the title credentials of the other Big Four.
For sure, I was impressed with the performance of away teams in City’s games against Southampton and West Ham at the Etihad. Both teams made it difficult for Guardiola’s side; the defensive organization was solid and the break on the counter was exceptionally good.
But what really impressed me was that players on both of those teams fought for every ball in the midfield and they won most of those battles. Unfortunately, Southampton and West Ham lack quality to persist in games. City’s late goals were enough to secure the maximum points.
Spurs is the next big club to face City at the Etihad. It will be interesting to see whether Pochettino’s side will unleash a positive tactical template to stop City from extending its winning streak.
I think Spurs looks like the team to end City’s unbeaten run.
But I also know that Guardiola recognizes that his side is a bit vulnerable defensively. Consequently, he has adopted a tactical blueprint to ensure that his team retains possession for the greater part of the game. That tactic also includes restricting teams in their own half.
By constantly pressing in the opposition half with the fullbacks moving into the midfield positions–and with the wingers operating on their traditional flanks–Guardiola’s side is both entertaining and difficult to beat.
However, let’s face it. I thought Manchester United was the team that had the quality and mentality to end City’s unbeaten run. That didn’t happen. When the two teams met at Old Trafford last weekend I thought Mourinho’s side was disappointing from a tactical point of view.
United resorted to long-ball tactics, rather than keeping the ball on the ground to exploit spaces behind the center backs. United had the pace to hit City on the break, but they were really poor in possession and far from convincing in their play.
Courtesy: Dailey Express
With the game under control, City forced United into mistakes and that resulted in two goals from set pieces. Although Mourinho claimed that Manchester City was a bit lucky, I don’t think United was good enough to exploit City’s weaknesses. That made City dominant in all departments.
One thing is certain, though: the playing principle Guardiola adopted at Barcelona and Bayern is working in England. But it’s also clear that players are beginning to show signs of fatigue. It’s the season’s midway point, after all. That means City players will be put to test in terms of mentality and desire to maintain momentum.
While City is booming in confidence at the moment–looking to win its first Premier League title under Guardiola–the big question is whether they can remain unbeaten.
I don’t think that is likely.
