A lot is at stake this Premier League season, and the race to the top is going to go right down to the wire. So far, eight teams have held the top spot in the league and City have just become the 9th team to sit atop the League Table. Manchester City’s recent form has been the best in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Pep Guardiola’s men have hit the form at the right time and 2021 could not have begun any better for the Sky Blues. We take a look at red-hot Manchester City’s near perfect run of recent performances and what this means for the title race.
Gundogan’s Rich Vein of Form
The turn of the new decade and a new year has also brought new fortunes for City. With Ilkay Gundogan deciding to join the party, the Citizens have achieved an unbeaten run in the league so far this year. The German international has scored 9 goals in 9 PL games this calendar year and was adjudged the Premier League Player of the Month Award for January. Gundogan has a total 11 League goals this season, which is his best ever return in a season, and his contributions have made a huge impact in tipping the scale in favour of Man City. His brilliant display in City’s midfield masterclass along with important goals make him the real MVP in 2021. His place in the side is irreplaceable at the moment and City will hope he can add to his tally every week.
The Resolute Defence of Pep’s Men
Barring a late, late goal conceded to Chelsea in the first match of the year on the 3rd of January, Manchester City’s defence has been rock-solid to say the least. Ederson Moraes has enjoyed 8 clean sheets in his last 12 games, 5 of which have come in January 2021 alone. The key players responsible for Man City’s water-tight defence have been new signing Ruben Dias – the young Portuguese centre-back – and City’s comeback man John Stones, who has put in tireless shifts week in, week out and looks almost unbeatable. As it is popularly known in the footballing world, goals win you matches but your defence wins you the League, City is playing the long, patient game and are back to their best.
City’s Domestic Performances
2021 brought with it the addition of one other important competition to the mix – the FA Cup. The