Pep Guardiola's men couldn't have begun their drive for a record-breaking fifth consecutive Premier League title in any better manner. This head coach’s genius has taken the EPL by storm, and the champions have become almost invincible after ruling the English top flight for several years.
Three wins in three matches have been achieved, and with this result, the team's performance shows the fans and the rest of the world what should be expected in the 2024-2025 season.
Starting with the flying rainbow start has been City's masterclass of football, a rude awakening to every competitor team that they are not relenting.
The big question on everyone's mind is: Can Manchester City maintain this momentum, or is another surprise waiting for them in the title race?
Haaland’s Hat-Trick Heroics
If there is one name that critics and supporters cannot disregard, it is Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has not wasted time to make the Premier League see why he is rated among the best around the globe.
Scoring seven goals in three games, Haaland’s impact on Manchester City’s games can’t be disputed. His display against Ipswich Town was energising as he scored a beautiful hat trick.
During that match against Ipswich, fans witnessed another perfect, ruthless performance from Haaland as he scored on a penalty, a header from Kevin De Bruyne’s accurate cross, and an excellent long-range shot.
What has been quite noticeable concerning Haaland is that he is not waiting around to get his scoring started. Unlike other strikers who typically begin a season slowly, the Norwegian has said he is ready to break records and isn’t hesitating to make his presence felt on the pitch.
Haaland was at it again in the match against West Ham, scoring another hat trick in City’s comfortable win. By scoring three goals apiece in two of the team’s first three games, he equals a record set by Paul Jewell in 1994-95, which is leading many bookmakers to change their odds of the possibility of Manchester City lifting the Premier League trophy.
A look at the early-season statistics shows that Haaland was a catalyst for the team’s overall performance, not only in terms of goals scored. He creates room for his teammates when he is on the pitch, making City’s overall attack even more of a threat.
As expected, he remains the pivot of Guardiola’s strategies, and as Kevin De Bruyne or Bernardo Silva focus on how to get the ball to him, Haaland will continue to serve as the hub.
Tactical Brilliance from Guardiola
Tactical fluidity has also become synonymous with Manchester City under Guardiola because the Spanish manager endows his team with this ability.
Regardless of the ground, City outplays all its opponents regarding ball control, game tempo, and the ability to create goal-scoring opportunities, even against the most rigid defensive formations.
Guardiola has a strong collection of players he can utilise during any match, something that is hard to come by for most of the teams that compete in the Premier League. The opening matches of the season have perfectly illustrated this.
City was patient and clinical in its 2-0 win against Chelsea. The opening goal from Haaland, coming off an assist from Silva, put City in a commanding position.
After that, City showed how they could control the game and dictate the pace, maintaining the possession of the ball with more confidence and finesse. This showed supporters and future opponents exactly how City can manage games very calculatedly, putting them above the rest.
Even when the team’s major players fail to perform, they do not betray the team’s overall tactics. Mateo Kovacic signed from Chelsea and has immediately become impregnable in the midfield. He drops deep, ensuring that other inventive individuals like De Bruyne and Silva can occupy forward positions?.
Eyes on the Prize: Premier League Rivals
That Manchester City started well and won its first three games should not overshadow the fact that the English Premier League is a long race. Still, it serves as a promising beginning to an extremely long trip, and the competition is stiff.
Newcastle United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and even Brighton have all started the new season strongly, as well. Thus, although City is now the clear favourite, they can’t afford to overestimate their chances for success. Arsenal, which finished second last season, have made some transfers in the off-season and expects to be challenging Manchester City.
Liverpool experienced an up-and-down 2023-2024 season, but they will also likely fancy their chances of again becoming the kings of the Premiership.
Aiming for European Glory
The Premier League is crucial for Manchester City. However, the team aims higher than the domestic championship. After tasting Champions League success in 2023, they will continue to seek other club trophies, as well.
Guardiola has been vocal about his ambitions to make City a powerhouse in Europe, which means this season is another chance to achieve this. Man City has a strong squad that can do well in several tournaments. Hence, the team is well-placed to compete in the Premier League and Champions League.
Nevertheless, balancing the two competitions is always complex, as Guardiola manages the squad and makes tactical changes on the pitch.
The Sky's the Limit for Manchester City
The beginning of the 2024-2025 season has been quite brilliant for Manchester City. From Haaland's goal fest to Guardiola's brilliance, everything fits into the wheelhouse of the defending champions.
However, the real test will continue with each upcoming match as the team puts their theoretical guidance into practice. City must continue to step it up to sustain their dominance in the coming fixtures as they deal with tough matches, some injuries to deal with, and overall Champions League obligations.
Observers and supporters will have to wait to see whether Manchester City will maintain the pace required to secure another Premier League crown.
One thing is sure: With these kinds of players and a manager like Guardiola, the sky is the limit for Manchester City, and they’re ready to take on all challengers from England to Europe's biggest football stage.