As every single day passes, we are nearingthe decisive end of anotherseason of Premier League football. With only two moremonthsto go, the next few weeks are crucial and can turn the tables in favour of anyone. In these testing times, Manchester City found solace in the fact that Sergio Aguero has returned.But however, their joy wasshortlived as they crashed against Wigan at the Etihad. Ateam that ischallenging for the Premier League Title should not have to face such defeats at the hands of a second-division team. Fuelling from that, let's see 5 reasons why Manchester City will not win the Premier League.
#1 The Fixtures - Upcoming Schedule
Currently, Manchester City are fourth on the Premier League Table. But they are nine points behind leaders Chelsea with three games in hand. On paper, this looks a perfect equation and looks like it won’t cause much of a problem. Win the three games on hand, level with Chelsea, superior goal difference and a potential title. But, this is not as easy as it seems. The Premier League fixtures are one of the most punishing fixtures around the world.
The lack of a winter break coupled with a secondary domestic club competition makes it nearly impossible for the players to catch a break and rejuvenate themselves. In the next five weeks, Manchester City have nine games to play which makes it very difficult to play each game with their full squad. Seemingly enough, the most crucial weeks of the seasons are up and Manchester City are lost for momentum.
#2 Lack of depth in Midfield
Manchester City are known for splashing the cash and bringing in big names to enhance their side. However, Manuel Pellegrini has somehow overlooked the lack of depth in center midfield and had taken a bold move by buying no one other than Fernandinho. While Gareth Barry is on loan at Everton, Manchester City are left with just four recognized central midfielders – Yaya Toure, Fernandinho, Javi Garcia and Jack Rodwell.
The problem is though the four men are talented and effective In the middle, they bring out their best only when Yaya Toure plays. His driving force in the middle has been the key to unraveling defenses. Therefore, when he is marked out of a game, City’s build-up play becomes inconsequential.
A team that essentially plays with a narrow attack and two highly advanced full backs, it is vital that their central midfielders hold their lines. However, Yaya Toure tends to play high up the opposition’s midfield, thus resulting in them being outnumbered on the break. And further, Jesus Navas plays along the touchline, primarily putting in crosses. Because of his non-presence in the build-up play through the center, their midfield often loses their grip.
This was what Gerardo Martino did in the first leg. He played Busquets in between City’s midfield and attack, thereby preventing any influence of Yaya Toure. And as a result, Barcelona were able to keep City deep down their half without any real threat.
#3 A Shoddy Away Record
In the last three seasons, Manchester City have the best home record in all of English football. And one would not be wrong to expect them to follow suit at away games too. But, a logic-defying away record has been on Pellegrini’s tail ever since his arrival in England. Out of the thirteen games away from home in the Premier League, he has won just six and has secured just twenty two points out of a possible thirty nine away from the Etihad.
What is even more surprising is the fact that this poor record has been only in the Premier League. Manchester City’s away record in the Champions League is perfect. It is time City refrain from such inconsistency. Six of the City’s next nine games are away games and considering their shoddy record, we can only say that the title is far from secured.
#4 Compelling Tactics
Ever since the change of ownership in city, they have gone into a frenzy of buying top players. With that comes an irresistible need to play attractive football thereby not only winning matches but also wowing the crowd in the process. While these may seem spectacular and phenomenal against smaller teams, it just doesn’t flash against the big guns. Manchester City’s style of play has for long been uniform and is one of the reasons of their inability to shine at Europe.
But now, the bug may just spread to the Premier League and affect their title chances. Manchester City have always looked up to Yaya Toure for bringing the ball out from defense and from there, it is the crafty work of David Silva coupled with Sergio Aguero’s nimble feet that has carried them. Consequentially, their performances have taken a detour when either of the three is absent from the lineup. City have never attempted to try an alternate style of play which could open up new possibilities for them. The reason is the overloading of talent in their squad which has restricted players such as James Milner to starting sporadically. In the fast paced and physical premier league, City could take a chance by playing through the wings as they have two extremely competent wingers capable of getting behind the defenses. Their inability to comprehend tight and disciplined defenses was exemplified when they lost 2-0 to Chelsea, a team managed my Mourinho.
In the next few weeks, every team that faces City will have their defense shored up to close down the narrow style of play and if Pellegrini is going to stick on the same track, he may have to be content with a CapitalOne Cup trophy for this season.
#5 Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho
On a personal note, I hate Mourinho for more than one reason. However, I cannot overlook the fact that Mourinho has spiced up the Premier League ever since his return although the quality of football has drastically reduced. Leave aside quality, quantity is what Mourinho wants. He wants the three points every single game. He will do anything to achieve it, and he doesn’t care a bit about the criticism he receives.
We are speaking about one of the top managers in the world. It is only fair that his presence is a nail on the opposition's heart. Even though the start was a bit patched up, Mourinho’s mid-season renders have made up for more than Chelsea’s amazing showing. Slowly, towards the decisive part of the season, Eto’o has rekindled his old form and has looked terrorizing in front of goal for the past few weeks. The return of Matic has been a masterclass from the side of Mourinho and the fact that he spent 25mn to get him shows that Jose won’t leave the Premier League Trophy for good.
Manuel Pellegrini, who has had far less an impact on the Premier League doesn’t really look on par with Mourinho when it comes to man-management and impending criticism. Mourinho has everything one could ask for in a manager, while Pellegrini has yet to possess two of Mourinho’s most dangerous qualities – A voice and control. Mourinho has made some interesting decisions this season and all of them have pointed towards one direction – the title. The fact that Mourinho is at the top of the table with only two more months to go is good enough to warrant that Pellegrini is all but out of the title race.
