Pep Guardiola and Manchester City has done what Sir Alex Ferguson and other EPL coaches could not do…
Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, celebrates with the Premier League trophy following after the Premier League match between Manchester City
Paul Merson has shared his thoughts on what Manchester City have done in the Premier League over recent years.
After beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on Tuesday, the Blues put themselves two points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the table.
If City go on to beat West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in their final game of the season, they will become the first side to win four league titles in a row.
Ahead of this big game, one pundit pondered where Pep Guardiola’s side ranks in terms of the best teams the Premier League has ever seen.
Merson assesses City’s status as the best-ever Premier League team
A detailed view of the Premier League Trophy on the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad …
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
In his latest column for Sportskeeda where he previewed Sunday’s Premier League fixtures for the final day of the season, Merson had this to say about City and if he thinks they should be considered the best top-flight side ever.
He said: I’ve always wondered if this Manchester City side are the greatest in Premier League history.
“You have to see what the charges bring before delivering a verdict on this, but they are quite simply a phenomenal team. They’ve done it year after year and make the other teams look ridiculously average – it’s unbelievable.
“Pep Guardiola has made it a practice of playing central-defenders at left-back and the other day against Spurs, their second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega came off the bench after Ederson’s injury to produce a match-winning display.
“It just goes to show that Man City have players on their bench who could walk into most starting XIs in the Premier League!”
Guardiola’s City will go down in Premier League history as one of the best ever
During Guardiola’s reign at the Etihad Stadium, City have won five Premier League titles in six years and broke numerous English football records.
With the chance to make even more history ahead of them by possibly becoming the first side to win four league titles in a row, this achievement would only increase City’s status as one of the best-ever Premier League sides.
Related Topics
English football: What happens if City faces FFP sanctions
What are the possible consequences for Manchester City
manchester-city-fair-play
Manchester City, a dominant force in the Premier League, faces serious allegations of Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches. These charges, if proven, could significantly impact the club’s future and the competitive landscape of English football.
Background
The Premier League has charged Manchester City with over 100 financial rule breaches from 2009 to 2018. These rules are designed to prevent clubs from overspending relative to their revenue. City is accused of failing to provide accurate financial information, an allegation the club disputes. They welcome the investigation, asserting their innocence and confidence in being cleared.
Potential Consequences
Possible sanctions range from minor penalties to severe punishments:
Points Deductions: Directly affecting league standings, potentially altering title outcomes.
Fines: Financial penalties are a likely response to FFP breaches.
Transfer Bans: Restrictions on signing new players could be imposed.
Suspensions: Temporary exclusion from competitions.
Expulsion: Extreme but possible removal from the Premier League.
Replaying Matches: Matches during the period in question could be replayed.
Player Registration Issues: Cancellation or refusal of player registrations.
Compensation Payments: City might have to compensate other clubs.
The Club’s Response
Manager Pep Guardiola has pledged loyalty to the club, insisting on their innocence. He commits to staying even if City faces severe penalties like relegation. The most probable outcomes seem to be fines or points deductions rather than expulsion or severe suspensions.
Broader Implications
The impact of sanctions could be far-reaching. Points deductions might alter past league standings, leading to legal battles over title wins and qualifications. The club’s financial health and ability to attract top talent could also be compromised.
The Future of Manchester City Hangs in the Balance
As the investigation into Manchester City’s FFP breaches unfolds, the football world watches closely. The potential sanctions could reshape the club’s future and the Premier League’s competitive balance. If you’re considering betting on the Premier League champion, Manchester City remains a strong contender despite these challenges. Their odds for victory reflect their resilience and competitive edge, making them a fascinating choice in the title race.
For the latest odds and betting opportunities on the Premier League champion, consider checking your preferred betting platform. Manchester City’s journey amidst these allegations adds an intriguing layer to this season’s title race.
Leave a Reply