On September 28, Manchester City F.C. played Newcastle United F.C., tying the game 1-1. Joško Gvardiol scored for Man City in the 35th minute, followed by a successful penalty from Englishman Anthony Gordon for Newcastle in the 58th minute. The game was particularly important for Man City because they have recently lost one of their best players, Rodri, to an ACL tear, and the team wanted to prove they could still perform well without one of their star midfielders.
Rodri joins three other injured teammates from Man City’s regular starting lineup. Oscar Bobb suffered a leg fracture during training, Nathan Ake sustained a hamstring injury during the past international break with the Netherlands, and Kevin De Bruyne was injured during Man City’s first Champions League match against Inter Milan.
Man City have rapidly risen to the upper levels of the Premier League over the past decade or so with their renowned manager Pep Guardiola, signed in 2016. Guardiola revolutionized the team’s strategies and tactics, in part with his “Tiki-Taka” coaching methods.
Guardiola is best known for his managerial and footballing career at F.C. Barcelona. He signed onto the “Barcelona Dream Team,” coached by the legendary Johan Cruyff, during the 1992 season. That season saw them winning their first European Cup and four successive Spanish league titles from 1991 to 1994. He captained the team from 1997 until his departure from Barcelona in 2001.
Guardiola later rejoined Barcelona as manager from 2008 to 2012. During these four seasons, he made history by winning two Champions League titles, three La Liga championships, two Copas del Rey, three Spanish Super Cups, two European Super Cups and two Club World Cups. These achievements led Barcelona to become one of the world’s most feared and respected teams, winning their first continental treble during Guardiola’s first season as manager.
After Barcelona, Guardiola coached the German “Giants” F.C. Bayern from 2013 to 2016. He led them to win the Bundesliga in each of his three seasons, including two domestic doubles.
Together, Guardiola and Man City have accomplished history. They have won 17 trophies in eight years, became the first team to win four consecutive Premier League titles, and achieved the historic continental “treble” by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League all during the 2022-23 season.
Another significant factor in their success has been “The Machine” or “The Viking,” Erling Haaland. The Norwegian player was signed at the start of the 2022-23 season, helping Man City smash records and reach new heights. Haaland previously played for Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the team win the German Super Cup.
Currently, Haaland is the Premier League’s top scorer, and Man City are the favorites to win the Premier League title again. However, you never know what will happen in the future; after all, this is soccer!
