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 three FA Cup match-ups that Manchester City had against teams from the lower divisions were easy victories for Pep’s men. They have now moved to the quarterfinals of the world’s oldest football tournament and face Everton on the 20th of March. City’s EFL Cup run, on the other hand, is turning out to be another successful one, the fourth year running. Three-time winners and defending EFL Cup Champions defeated arch–rivals Manchester United on their home turf in a semi-final derby to reach a record 4th consecutive League Cup Final. They will face Tottenham Hotspur in April vying for another EFL Cup to add to their tally.
Table-Toppers
After months of trailing other teams and suffering unexpected losses while coping with the injuries of key players, Manchester City can be proud of achieving what they set out to conquer. After 27 games, Guardiola’s men are on 65 points and they deservedly sit on top of the table. They are now a whopping 14 points clear at the top and set the tempo for the rest of the season. With a huge pile-up of fixtures in the next few months and being active in all 4 competitions, Pep Guardiola will be wary of rotating his players and retaining the top spot to help win City’s 5th League title.
QNET’s Support for Man City
Ever since becoming Manchester City’s official direct selling partners, QNET has stood with the club through thick and thin. At QNET, Manchester City can find their biggest fans and supporters. We have our fingers crossed and wait with bated breath to see City lift the Premier League trophy again. This could also be the season where City break their Champions League jinx and succeed at Europe as well. QNET joined hands with Manchester City in 2014 and are contracted to be their direct selling partners until 2024. Our fruitful partnership with City has been mutually beneficial with shared values of fair play and a never-give-up attitude. From becoming sleeve sponsors for the Manchester City Women’s team to launching special edition QNETCity Champions watches, the ride so far has been thrilling. Watching Man City play every week is a privilege and an honour that we enjoy and we at QNET hope City’s form and fortune keep getting better in the months to come.
