In the world of football, there are certain moments in a season that can define a team's destiny. For Manchester City, this moment seems to have arrived once again. It is that time of year when City's winning run begins, signaling their relentless pursuit of domestic glory. As we enter the final third of the season, doubts may arise about whether Pep Guardiola's side can do it again, but recent performances have proven otherwise.
Following their return from the Club World Cup, City claimed a convincing 3-1 victory over Everton. Since then, they have been unstoppable, maintaining a perfect record. Including their Club World Cup games, City is now on a nine-game winning streak, with five victories coming in the Premier League. This impressive run makes them the team with the longest active winning streak in Europe's top five leagues.
At this point, City's success almost feels inevitable. This weekend, their closest rival, Liverpool, faltered away at Arsenal, providing City with a narrow window of opportunity to seize the lead. Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, acknowledged the significance of City's form, expressing his expectation that they will win every game. This feeling of City's dominance is not new to Klopp or anyone else closely following the Premier League.
On Monday, City faced Brentford, a team that had proven to be a challenge for them last season. The Bees were one of only four teams to defeat City in the Premier League, defeating them twice. Guardiola knew the threat Brentford posed, and early in the match, it seemed as though history might repeat itself. Brentford took the lead, exploiting gaps in City's defense.
But doubting City at this stage would be premature. Phil Foden, in the midst of his best season yet, stepped up and took control of the game. The young talent showcased his versatility and skill, scoring a goal just before halftime. From there, City never looked back. Foden went on to complete a hat trick, securing another victory for his team.
Guardiola praised Foden's contribution, noting his influence on the team's goals and assists. At only 23 years of age, Foden has already amassed over 250 appearances for City, displaying a love and passion for the game akin to playing on the streets as a child. This season has been monumental for him and the team.
With their win against Brentford, City is now within two points of league leaders Liverpool and possesses a game in hand. Their upcoming fixtures against bottom-half teams provide an opportunity to solidify their position at the top. History suggests City has the capability to pull off this feat once again, having previously embarked on a 21-game winning streak in 2021 and a 10-game winning streak on their way to clinching the treble last season.
This year, City has their sights set on making further history by becoming the first team to win the Premier League for a fourth consecutive time. The challenge ahead requires unwavering determination and relentless effort. Manchester City's winning streak has clicked into gear once more, and now it is their responsibility to maintain this momentum and continue their pursuit of glory. The talk surrounding the Premier League title race will revolve around City as long as they keep the streak alive.
