Manchester City won the Premier League in 2020/2021 Season on 86 points.
It wasn't quite vintage City last season but following their slow start to the campaign, City went on an incredible run of 15 consecutive victories to win their fifth Premier League title. Many speculated that the collapse of Liverpool and the poor consistency of Manchester United and Chelsea was the main reason why City won the league by such a stretch, when by Christmas, it looked as if the race for the top was going to be closer than ever. A string of injuries' and poor results for the rivals was not of City's doing and they capitalized in typical City fashion. They themselves endured injuries, playing without a striker for 2 months with the absence of Sergio Aguero and were without Kevin De Bruyne for the start of the season, which might explain their poor start. Ilkay Gundogan made these issues much more manageable as he enjoyed his best season in a City shirt, possibly his best season ever. The composed midfielder was thrown into the false nine position and delivered in the absence of De Bruyne and Aguero. Gundogan racked up an incredible 13 goals and pushed City through their most challenging period of the season. The rise and somewhat coming of age of Phil Foden was also a major influence. The England youngster notched up 9 goals and 5 assists for City in the league last year, with his standout game coming away at Anfield where he delivered a man of the match performance against the flailing champions. More importantly for Pep Guardiola and City, they managed to shore up their suspect defense with the introduction of Ruben Dias. He took the Premier League by storm and won the PFA Player of the Year in his debut season, racking up a monstrous 19 clean sheets alongside the resurgent John Stones. Having assessed all of that, it is unfair to determine City's success last year based the performances of their rivals. Granted this is an important factor, but having examined the standout players and their recovery following that 5-2 defeat at home to Leicester, City ran out as undoubtedly the deserved winners last season. They are, and have been for some time, the team to beat to the summit. Only Liverpool have proved capable of dethroning them so far and with their squad fully fit again and the improvements made by United and Chelsea, Pep will be in for his most challenging season with City this season. The departure of Sergio Aguero will be a concern to Pep but as it's been vastly reported, Harry Kane is the man to replace him. Issues with the transfer may stall it's progress until next season but nonetheless City will look to improve on that area as the reliance on a midfielder operating in a false nine will cease success at some stage. The big news is that City have signed Aston Villa's golden boy Jack Grealish for a whopping £100 million. Grealish was one of the standout players in the league last season before his injury and his arrival at City makes them even more of a daunting side to face. Some have even argued City's team is 'unfair' with Grealish and De Bruyne both in the side, but in truth this is a mouth-watering prospect for City fans and Premier League lovers alike. City's dominance does not look like slipping up anytime soon with the signing of Grealish, and last season was clear evidence of how little an advantage you can give them before they simply run away with the league. However, I suspect the title to be more closely contested next season so it will be interesting to see how Pep will tweak his champions.
MAJOR TRANSFERS- (subject to change).
IN- Jack Grealish- (Aston Villa, £100 million).
Scott Carson- (Derby, free).
OUT- Sergio Aguero- (Barcelona, free).
Eric Garcia- (Barcelona, free).
Jack Harrison- (Leeds, £11 million).
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