The 2013/14 season was an objectively successful one for Manchester City. From a title race that came right down to the wire, with Liverpool (and Steven Gerrard) letting it slip away from them in the final weeks, City emerged as champions, beating West Ham 2-0 on the final day of the season. As such, the Champions of England came into the 2014/15 campaign with extremely high expectations.
In preparation for their title defence, City shored up their back end and midfield, by adding Fernando, Eliaquim Mangala and Bacary Sagna, as well as Frank Lampard on loan from sister club New York City FC. Out the door were Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell and Gareth Barry, among others (as well as Alvaro Negredo on loan to Valencia). Overall, however, City certainly added more than they gave up.
City’s start to the season was decent, given a very difficult run of fixtures to begin with. They were unbeaten in three matches against Liverpool, Arsenal and title favourites Chelsea (although they drew the latter two). There was also a hiccough early on, where City lost 1-0 at home to Stoke, on a second half goal from Mame Biram Diouf. Nevertheless, City have recovered from a relatively slow start, and now find themselves in second place, three points back of Chelsea and five clear of Man United in third, with a total of 36 points.
So, Man City certainly haven’t been perfect so far. There have been some suspect defeats, at West Ham and at home to Newcastle in the Capital One Cup. There have also been close shaves, such as the Manchester Derby, when the Sky Blues looked shaky against a United team on ten men for most of the match. But there have also been impressive victories, such as their 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Overall, City are performing well, especially recently (they’ve won their last seven, across all competitions). They also managed to progress out of the group stage of the Champions League, despite being unable to beat CSKA Moscow, or win any away games (unfortunately for City, they’ve drawn Barcelona in the Round of 16).
Of the new signings, both Bacary Sagna and Eliaquim Mangala have adjusted well to City’s lineup. Mangala has been very aggressive in defence, making many key tackles – although he is reckless at times, and has cost his team for his poor discipline (he was sent off against Southampton, and has been cautioned on two other occasions). Sagna, on the other hand, while not one to dive into tackles, has shown impressive composure in the back line, maintaining a high pass success rate (about 82%). His distribution is strong, and he is demonstrating his ability to step into whatever defensive role is required of him – although Sagna doesn’t appear to offer any value to his team in attack.
Fernando has, similarly to Sagna, been a strong passer down the centre of the park. His 90% pass success rate is the best on the team. He has been a commanding influence in City’s midfield, and he has been able to contribute more going forward than Sagna. Frank Lampard, however, has had only limited success in his attempt at revitalising his career. Despite popping in 6 goals, he is showing his age and inability to keep up with younger, faster players. There is certainly something to be said for the experience he brings, especially in City’s Champions League campaign, however it’s likely he’ll fit in better in New York (despite rumours that he’s in negotiations to extend his stay at the Etihad).
As a team, City have looked good. They average 59% possession, and have an impressive goal difference of 19. Striker Sergio Aguero has been dynamite as usual, scoring 19 goals in his 21 appearances among the Premier League and Champions League. He’s won five Man of the Match awards. Overall, the Citizens have vastly improved their defence from last season. They’ve allowed just 14 goals, only one more than Chelsea (and Southampton). City also likely have the strongest bench in the Premier League, with well over ten capable starters. That’s been an asset, with midweek Champions League games against a very tough group, and Manuel Pellegrini has not hesitated to rotate his squad. City have also been an attacking menace, with an incredibly talented front end demonstrating an ability to create many chances. They take the most shots per game in the Premier League, averaging 17.4
City are in good form right now (on an eight-game unbeaten streak), and are certainly showing progress. They must maintain their dangerous attack, and continue to be strong in defence, in order to remain in the title race. Chelsea look like a juggernaut, and City are in danger of falling out of contention if they do not keep pressure on the leaders. Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against the English side in the Champions League, up against Spanish giants Barcelona. Of course, it will be close, and City could pull it off, but it’s difficult to bet against Barca at Nou Camp. The Citizens kick off their FA Cup campaign in January, when they’ll host Sheffield Wednesday. That’s a competition City are likely hungry to win, having been knocked out of it twice in a row by Wigan Athletic.
As for the Premier League, it will be close, but at this point Chelsea look unstoppable. How close it gets is probably up to the Sky Blues, but in all likelihood, they’ll finish second.
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