2021/22 Premier League Preview – Manchester City

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Manchester City clinched their third Premier League title in four years last term. With Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea promising to challenge this season, can Pep Guardiola’s men defend their crown?

• Manager: Pep Guardiola

• Stadium: Etihad Stadium

• Last Season: 1st

Having won five of the past ten Premier League titles, Man City’s domination of England’s top division has been evident for a decade now.

However, they have only managed to win back-to-back titles on one occasion. With the stiff competition at the top end of the table, Guardiola’s side can’t afford to rest on their laurels.

• What Happened Last Season?

Manchester City were the best team in England by a considerable distance last season, recording 27 wins, five draws and six losses on their way to lifting the trophy.

Not only were the Cityzens the highest scorers in the league, but they also boasted the best defensive record. As a result, they ended up finishing 12 points clear of second-place Man Utd.

Ilkay Gundogan netted 17 goals on his way to finishing as the club’s top scorer, while Phil Foden (16 goals, 10 assists) enjoyed a remarkable breakout campaign.

Players In

• Scott Carson – Derby County (Free)

Man City have picked up veteran goalkeeper Scott Carson on a free transfer from Championship side Derby County – offering backup for Ederson and Zack Steffen.

Although the deal has yet to be confirmed, the Cityzens are also on the verge of signing Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish for a club-record fee of £100m.

Players Out

• Angelino – RB Leipzig (£16.20m)
• Jack Harrison – Leeds United (£11.52m)
• Lukas Nmecha – VfL Wolfsburg (£7.20m)
• Sergio Aguero – Barcelona (Free)
• Eric Garcia – Barcelona (Free)

Guardiola’s side have parted ways with five players during the off-season. Needless to say, Sergio Aguero is the most notable player to leave the club.

Aguero enjoyed a decade-long career at the Etihad Stadium, netting 260 goals in 390 games en route to becoming the all-time leading scorer in the club’s history.

• Manchester City’s Key Player

Kevin De Bruyne – Arguably the best midfielder on the planet, De Bruyne’s all-round game makes him Man City’s most important player.

The Belgian’s passing ability is second to none, and that is underlined by his outrageous record of 107 assists in 262 appearances for the Cityzens.

• What Can Manchester City Achieve in 2021/22?

Anything less than a title defence would be viewed as a failure for Man City. Yes, the competition is fierce. But City are expected to defend their crown, especially with the imminent arrival of Grealish.

Man City arguably boast the strongest squad in European football, with multiple world-class players in almost every position. For that reason, they are the bookies’ favourites to lift the trophy.