Weekly Newsletter – Manchester City v Liverpool
5 – Manchester City have lost five different games in which they’ve led in all competitions this season, as many as they did in 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 combined. Fumbled. #MCIRMA pic.twitter.com/pBjpqp4PMA
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 11, 2025
The stat from Opta highlights the fragility of City now with Pep’s side winning just eight of their previous twenty-four matches.
This group is far from the side that won the previous four Premier League titles in a row, amassing 100 points, and won a domestic treble too.
Alas, there is still a world-class manager at the helm of one of the costliest squads in the Premier League. Their January signings made up 44% of the Premier League January spend. Khusanov, Reis, Nico Gonzalez, and Omar Marmoush are overall providing the sky blues with the spark this team needs to challenge again.
Despite the aggression and youthfulness of the Khusanov which will only improve as the young Uzbekistani footballer who has amassed 61 first team appearances with 35 coming in the Uzbekistan Super League. Keenly awaits the guidance young centre backs often need when sat along established players the likes of Ruben Dias, and John Stones.
Both of which have been in and out of the squad, hence why we are seeing City’s issue shine, a lack of confidence and nouse in playing the ball has meant they are conceding in these 10-minute bracket causing their recent downfalls against the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid, and notably Feyenoord.
Against Newcastle their backline averaged an age of 23.25. While the midfield which often struggles with the high intensity of some teams had added youth with the inclusion Premier League debutant Nico Gonzalez. who had a strong start in the English topflight, coming against a strong and aggressive Newcastle United. The Spaniard made 100 passes and won all his ground duels. (3/3)
Guardiola’s compared him with his fellow countryman Rodri “He reminds me of a mini-Rodri. It’s a big compliment, but I have the feeling for his presence, to help us in the duels. Of course, he is miles away from Rodri, Rodri is the best, but we all have the feeling he is going to help us this season.”
While on the attacking side Omar Marmoush is easing the goal scoring burden off Haaland, quickly becoming City’s 6th top goal scorer. The versatile Egyptian wreaked havoc against Howe’s side scoring a 14-minute hattrick. This confidence boost could not have come at a better time with the side looking ahead to Champions League tie in Madrid who currently are 2-3 down. While Liverpool is on the horizon.
Most empires last 250 years but seemingly City has seemingly lasted only 8 years, winning 7 of the last 8 titles. 61% of Premier League titles since the takeover.
The next two games will define not only this season but the seasons ahead. The last serial champions league winners and the team that broke up the City Premier League monopoly. City will want to make the statement they are still the Premier League Champions.
Time will tell whether Liverpool and Slot and his side will be in the position to replace Guardiola’s side in seasons to come. But for now, the ribbons on the Premier League remain sky blue.
Circuit is the largest authorised reseller of football hospitality, we can offer exclusive access to a number of unique across the Premier League Games, including all-inclusive fine dining hospitality and casual sports bar experiences. If you want to take your place to watch your team throughout the season, the full details are available at www.vipfootballhospitality.com or you can give us a call on 01454 201210 and we’ll find the best option for you and your group.
