Manchester City are in a whole world of trouble after being found guilty of breaking financial rules.
Enzo Maresca will need to keep his players focused purely on winning football matches
Enzo Maresca will need to keep his players focused purely on winning football matches
(Image: Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images)
It has been a torrid few weeks for Manchester City and their supporters. They have been plunged into chaos following the publication of a 40-page ruling from an independent panel that finds them overwhelmingly guilty in the 115 charges case. City are appealing and maintain they possess a body of irrefutable evidence, but if their appeal is dismissed, they could be docked points, fined, or even kicked out of the Premier League altogether. During the months it will take for proceedings to conclude, City's guilt will remain a daily talking point. Premier League club executives are privately debating what penalties they would like to see handed down, with points deductions being freely speculated upon.
Enzo Maresca and his squad must block out all of that noise and focus on winning two football matches a week, beginning at Anfield on Sunday.
Yet even as the players endeavour to keep their heads down and press forward, their rivals are equally pushing on.
Premier League champions Arsenal have remained publicly silent regarding the guilty verdicts while proceedings continue, but on Wednesday they unveiled a new contract for Mikel Arteta.
Already the longest serving manager in the division by considerable margin following the exits of Jurgen Klopp and subsequently Pep Guardiola, the former City assistant has now committed to the Emirates until 2030.
In a statement confirming the development, CEO Richard Garlick remarked: "We want to create a winning era together with Mikel.
Mikel Arteta learnt the ropes during his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant
Mikel Arteta learnt the ropes during his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant (Image: Getty)
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"Mikel has the belief, determination and the understanding of what it takes to build something remarkable and enduring here, and we are excited to continue that journey together."
As City's golden era faces scrutiny, the last thing they need to hear about is the emergence of another dynasty in north London.
And, despite a 3-0 loss for the title favourites at Brighton ahead of the international break, it is Arsenal who remain the side to beat for City and any of the chasing pack, with the stability at the club providing them a crucial advantage.
The sanctions imposed - or avoided - by City following the conclusion of the appeals procedure will establish the distance to the summit, but in the meantime, they must continue advancing under Maresca to maintain their desired level of competitiveness.
As difficult as that may seem, with such widespread hostility directed towards City, Arsenal's backing of Arteta serves as a reminder that there are greater concerns for City beyond potential guilty verdicts alone.