Manchester City are already looking ahead to the next Premier league season, following a disappointing campaign for large parts. There is no doubting that Liverpool have been very impressive this season, but the gulf in points between the two sides, shows how inconsistent City have been.
Since returning from the break, City have continued this inconsistent form. They were producing some stunning football, that included a 3-0 victory over Arsenal and a 5-0 victory over Burnley. City then followed this up by being beaten by Chelsea, which meant Liverpool won the title for the first time in 30 years. Two matches later and City took on the now champions at the Etihad, and were looking to send a message ahead of next season. On top of this, Liverpool had beaten them 3-1 earlier this season at Anfield.
City did send a message and produced a stunning and dominant performance to win 4-0 on the night. This has now led to a large number of sports bets from punters all around the world , especially on the outright market for the title next season. Given that The City Group also own the New York City franchise, City’s progress attracts keen attention from American Punters, many of whom are looking for legal sites to engage in their betting activity. There is little surprise that they will be looking to bounce back from this inconsistent campaign and win a third title within the last four seasons. City were also well supported on the night to beat Liverpool, and went 1-0 up after just 25 minutes, following a penalty converted from Kevin De Bruyne. Ten minutes later and Sterling made it 2-0, before the fast improving Phil Foden put City 3-0 up going into the break. The second half proved to be a similar story, with City dominating for large spells. Sterling again was a major danger and a converted shot was put into the Liverpool net, following an own goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. That proved to be the final goal of the game, with Mahrez getting a late goal overturned for being offside.
That was a very one-sided affair and will give City some real confidence that they can win back the title next year. But following such a positive result, City followed this up with a 1-0 defeat away at Southampton. That is following manager Pep Guardiola deciding to rest six players from the side who produced the incredible performance against Liverpool. That included star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne who was initially rested. City were much the better side on the day but failed to score, something they rarely fail to do. The different was a spectacular strike from Che Adams, which was also his first goal for Southampton. The result was yet another clear example of City’s inconsistency this season, which Pep will clearly be looking at ahead of the title chase next season.
The fact that City have lost nine Premier league games this season, is why the title is not coming back to the Etihad again. This in comparison to Liverpool’s two, with one of these defeats coming against City recently. When winning the title last season, City finished with just four defeats from their 38 matches played, and just two defeats the year previous in that record breaking season. These seasons saw them pick up 100 points and then 98. This in comparison to this year, where they can pick up 81 points if they win all remaining games. It shows they have clearly dropped off this season, and will now be looking to regain that hunger and properly challenge Liverpool next season.
The main aim for City will now be to finish the season strong and look at winning the Champions league, as they remain the favourites to go on and land the title for the first time.