Having dominated English football over the past decade, last season proved a rare misstep for Manchester City.
Looking to defend their Premier League crown and win a seventh title under Pep Guardiola, they and their competitors alike were left flabbergasted by an extremely underwhelming campaign. Sure, the Cityzens still finished third in the table, but the nature of their sudden decline without midfield talisman Rodri was alarming.
Performances in the cup competitions were no better. City reached the final of the FA Cup but were beaten by underdogs Crystal Palace in the showpiece event, while they were eliminated surprisingly early in the Carabao Cup, Champions League and the new-look FIFA Club World Cup.
City have set about remedying their on-field issues during this summer’s transfer window and are now fighting for redemption as they seek a return to the summit. Whether they can reassert themselves remains to be seen.
