Manchester City is now on achieved an exceptional feat: winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single season. A record previously accomplished only by Manchester United in the 1998-99 campaign. This remarkable treble is accomplished by City. Demonstrating their exceptional prowess and potential to etch their name in English football history. The FA Cup and Premier League titles already in their pocket, Manchester City secured Champions League to mark their best-ever season. Three down nothing left.
As City completed their trilogy of trophies, the convergence of multiple factors becomes evident. The guiding hand of Guardiola, the uncharacteristic silence of Erling Haaland on the Wembley stage. The formidable midfield presence orchestrated by Gundogan, and De Bruyne all contribute to their success. Yet, the fundamental essence of City lies in their innate ability to emerge victorious, irrespective of the adversary or the obstacles they encounter. They possess an unwavering knowledge and mastery of the art of winning, transcending any challenge that may stand before them.
On Manchester City’s climb to the top of European football, billions of dollars have been spent and many tears have been shed.
The aim was achieved in Istanbul’s Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium, when the Abu Dhabi-backed team won the Champions League trophy for the first time, possibly heralding the start of a new era of supremacy in the league.
Guardiola’s Leadership Forged Manchester City’s Championship Squad”
The sustained success of Manchester City can be attributed to two crucial factors: the depth and quality of their squad, as well as Pep Guardiola’s leadership style. The club’s squad depth results from strategic transfer activities undertaken over the past three seasons. Focusing on acquiring players who align with Guardiola’s vision for the team. This approach has allowed them to maintain a high-calibre squad beyond their starting eleven.
Even before Guardiola arrived in 2016, Manchester City had notable players like Kevin De Bruyne who performed at a high level. However, after Guardiola took charge, the club made strategic signings to ensure sufficient cover for the first team. Players such as Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gomez, and Manuel Akanji were brought in to strengthen the squad’s depth.
As a result, Guardiola has the luxury of having a pool of quality players who can form nearly two separate starting lineups. Without compromising the overall quality of the team or its style of play. This advantage sets Manchester City apart from their rivals, including Arsenal.
Guardiola has successfully instilled a distinct identity at Manchester City through his leadership. His approach can be likened to the “no dickheads” philosophy of the New Zealand national rugby union team, the All Blacks. This philosophy recognizes that the collective culture and harmony within a team can be disrupted by one selfish individual. Therefore, it places great importance on fostering a selfless and team-oriented mindset. In essence, Guardiola’s leadership style shares a similar belief that a team’s overall success hinges on maintaining a positive and cohesive collective culture. Free from detrimental individual attitudes.
City Claims FA Cup Glory with Electrifying Victory Over United
Manchester City became FA Cup champions with a thrilling 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals Manchester United at Wembley, edging closer to a remarkable treble.
In a record-breaking start, Ilkay Gundogan found the back of the net within a mere 12 seconds. Etching his name in FA Cup final history. However, United managed to level the score before the halftime whistle with a penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes, granted after a VAR review due to Jack Grealish’s handball inside the box.
The second half witnessed Gundogan’s heroics once again, as he unleashed a sublime volley from outside the box, restoring City’s lead six minutes after the break. Despite United’s attempts, they struggled to carve out substantial opportunities, failing to find an equaliser. City’s dominance was evident throughout the match, barring a nervy period following United’s goal. Their missed chances in the opening 30 minutes prevented them from establishing an even more commanding advantage at halftime.
Now, Pep Guardiola’s squad sets their sights on Istanbul, where they will face Internazionale in the Champions League final, aiming to complete an extraordinary treble that will forever be etched in football history.
Gundogan- “The Prime Zidane”
City players have playfully coined a nickname for Gundogan, claiming that during the crucial stage of the season, he transforms into the equivalent of “prime Zidane.” Once again, he lived up to this reputation at Wembley.
In a remarkable display, the German midfielder unleashed a perfectly executed volley just 12 seconds into the match, finding the back of the net with precision and finesse. And just after the halftime break, he repeated this feat, albeit with a slightly less clean strike, as the ball sneaked past David De Gea and nestled inside the post.
“City Reign Supreme: Crowned Premier League Champions Once Again!”
Manchester City didn’t leave it until the last day of the Premier League season to secure their title as champions for the 2022-23 season. They accomplished this feat with two games remaining, a week before the season’s end. This marks City’s fifth title in six seasons and their third consecutive championship.
Manchester City achieved success without relying on a conventional striker, instead employing a false nine formation. They also experienced the remarkable performance of Erling Haaland. A prolific goal scorer who shattered numerous scoring records in his first season with the team.
Their playing style was characterised by fluid and precise passing, with a focus on penetrating attacks and a resolute defence. The team possessed versatile and immensely talented midfielders who would be coveted by any other club. Additionally, they benefited from the presence of one of the most determined goalkeepers in the sport. The world’s most successful coach guided all of this, who demonstrated flexibility and astuteness in adapting to different situations.
Erling Haaland-Player Of The Year
Record-Breaking Haaland Clinches Player and Young Player of the Year Awards in Premier League Triumph
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has become the first player to win the Premier League Player and young player of the Year awards in the same season. The 22-year-old striker’s 36 goals have seen him break the Premier League record for most goals in a season. Overall, he has scored 52 goals during the campaign.
Haaland, who received the most combined votes from the public and a Premier League panel, joined City from Borussia Dortmund last summer and has helped the club win a third successive top-flight title. He has already been named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) men’s footballer of the year.
Kevin De Bruyne-Playmaker Of The Year
Kevin de Bruyne, the Assist Maestro: Clinches Playmaker of the Year for Record-Breaking Third Time
In a league filled with brilliance, Kevin de Bruyne shines as Manchester City’s assist virtuoso. Once again, he has claimed the coveted Playmaker of the Year award, cementing his name in Premier League history. With an impressive tally of 16 assists this season, the midfield maestro’s vision and precision have set him apart.
De Bruyne’s feat is nothing short of remarkable. He becomes the first player ever to win the award on three occasions, a testament to his unrivalled creativity and ability to unlock defences. His previous triumphs in the 2017/18 and 2019/20 seasons, with 16 and 20 assists, showcased his consistent brilliance.
Among the elite ranks of Premier League assist-makers, De Bruyne stands tall. Currently occupying the fourth spot on the all-time list, his journey to greatness has been swift. In April, he etched his name in the record books as the quickest player to reach 100 assists, achieving this incredible milestone in just 237 appearances.