This Manchester City machine is relentless. Sometimes you just have to sit back and admire how they get the job done, no matter who is fit and who is available.
Their incredible strength in depth means that, whoever comes in, they know the philosophy, they know the style, they know their job. That all comes from the brilliance of Pep Guardiola.
Yes, this is a team of wonderful technicians but the real marvel is how they maintain the determination, desire and mentality to keeping winning.
Just look at Rodri, the best holding midfielder in the world. In the last few minutes against Newcastle he spotted danger and bust a gut to sprint back and clear a cross at the near post. It’s a small detail but it shows his relentless desire to do the right thing.
Rodri, the world’s best holding midfielder, showed his attention to detail in win over Newcastle
It will take something special to stop Manchester City, but I think that they are beatable
It takes something special to stop them.
And yet while the City machine chewed up yet another opponent to reach the FA Cup semi-final, I don’t feel their procession to another treble is a foregone conclusion.
In Liverpool and Arsenal there are two teams who have already shown themselves brilliant and brutal enough, both technically and physically, to jam City’s gears. Liverpool could still draw City in the FA Cup if Jurgen Klopp’s side get past Manchester United today. Arsenal are on course to meet City in the Champions League semi-finals if they both make it through. Both will have a say on the Premier League title race.
Liverpool should probably have beaten City at Anfield the other week. They showed in the second half you can still get at them when, collectively, you are at your best. Arsenal beat them in October.
The Gunners have learned from past shortcomings, and they’ve got stronger with players like Declan Rice.
Arsenal have learnt from their shortcomings, and improved with players like Declan Rice
I think the stage is set for Jurgen Klopp to say the perfect farewell in front of the Liverpool fans
Neither will fear City. They will embrace the massive challenge to overcome the best team in the world. Because they know they have the capability to do something about it.
I still make City favourites for the Champions League. It’s so tough to better them over two legs.
When it comes to the Premier League, though, my heart and my head say the same thing.
Klopp has won Liverpool the title before but not in front of the fans. He’s about to say goodbye. I’ve looked at their fixtures, I feel the atmosphere. The perfect farewell is coming. I just think some things are meant to be.
