Pep Guardiola has always been football's great entertainer - now Manchester City are hitting new levels after their rollercoaster 5-4 win over Fulham on Tuesday
Man City celebrate yet another goal
Man City celebrate yet another goal
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Pep Guardiola has always been the great entertainer. But even by his standards, Manchester City are hitting new heights this season.
It is chaos rather than control but City’s title challenge is one hell of a white knuckle ride.
City’s incredible nine goal thriller at Fulham on Tuesday night had everything: Erling Haaland hitting his 100th Premier League goal in record time. Phil Foden getting a brace to show he is back. They were sensational going forward.
But they were so open in defence. That is not just because of the back four but Guardiola’s natural attacking instincts means they probably do not get much midfield protection.
And, of course, they are missing a Ballon D’Or winner in Rodri, the best holding midfielder in the world. No-one is really complaining because when they produce football as good and as entertaining as this then it should be celebrated.
They threw away a two-goal lead against Leeds on Saturday and, even though they eventually won 3-2, this is the story of their season.
They are shipping goals. They do look like a team in transition. But they are getting results and putting the pressure on Arsenal.
Ah yes, Arsenal. The absolute opposite of City. Mikel Arteta’s men are strong defensively, they control games and are sometimes very regimented in their play. They love a set-piece, of course. And nothing wrong with that.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is confident in his side(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
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But this title race is a tale of two opposites. City are just phenomenal and great fun to watch. Arsenal’s biggest obstacle might just be the sheer number of games.
It does, however, beg the question: can you win the title playing like City? It is not as if they are new to this. They have six titles to their name under Guardiola’s reign. And do not bet against them making it a seventh this season.
Few gave them a prayer largely because of last season’s inconsistencies and defensive frailties.
They have not really solved this issues. They miss Rodri. They still have not got a natural right back which is such an obvious flaw.
But they are an absolute joy to watch. In years to come, we will look back and realise just what a genius Guardiola is. He already gets huge credit now. But this manager is arguably the greatest in the Premier League era.
Erling Haaland celebrates
Erling Haaland scored his 100th Premier League goal
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And in a time when everyone is obsessed with throw-ins and control, he lets the handbrake off.
He looked utterly bemused when, after the Fulham game he was asked, has he ever been involved in a game like that. “Yes, of course.” When? “Barcelona. 3-0 down, won 4-3.”
I’m not sure that was a question for Pep. This guy was a born entertainer. City do look capable of being Arsenal’s closest challenger. They have the experience. They have the quality.
And it is just such great fun to watch them.
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