Perhaps for the first time this season, Manchester City put down a clear statement. As fixtures continue to pile up, injuries maintain their position in the squad, and the pressure to win intensifies, Pep Guardiola’s side are getting better and better.
This week felt like the moment when City really had to step up. Defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on matchday five of the Champions League left the squad needing a strong performance and a win at the Bernabeu to keep their automatic qualification hopes for the last-16 firmly in their own hands. Arsenal’s last-gasp win over Wolves following a momentary slip-up and overall drab performance left City needing a victory of their own at a notoriously challenging Selhurst Park.
But the visit to the Spanish capital highlighted resilience, as well as a mental strength to fightback against adversity and hold their own in arguably European football’s most iconic powerhouse. The general consensus has been that the win over Los Blancos was a learning moment for a team in transition, giving some of the club’s younger talents and fresh faces the winning feeling at the very summit of the European game – a feeling that becomes crucial when needing to take that extra step later on in the tournament.
Then came the trip to the English capital, as Oliver Glasner’s high-flying FA Cup holders put in a brave showing in the opening 45 minutes, testing Manchester City’s ability to both defend in numbers, control possession, subdue an intense home atmosphere, and strike when opportunities presented themselves at the other end of the field. Again, this was a test of mental toughness, resilience, and overall quality in all areas of the pitch.
Guardiola’s side have passed all tests with flying colours over the last few days, further emphasising the message that perhaps this isn’t just a City side aiming to get back to their blistering best, but one that is ready and capable of reclaiming some of the game’s biggest prizes this season.
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