Manchester City head into their midseason break after 6 consecutive wins in all competitions. They carried the momentum from their FIFA Club World Cup victory into their domestic fixtures. With Premier League wins over Everton, Sheffield United and Newcastle and an FA Cup victory over Huddersfield Town since the Club World Cup it feels like the City freight train is building momentum.
Pep Guardiola’s side has made a habit of peaking during the second half of seasons. It has become Manchester City’s modus operandi to go on lengthy winning or unbeaten runs to power away from their rivals. Liverpool and Arsenal have both finished as runners-up to the treble winners in previous seasons’ title races as the champions have lifted to another level.
With the return of Kevin De Bruyne and his heroics last weekend against Newcastle, it does feel that the champions are gathering momentum as the season reaches a crucial stage. The inspirational midfielder has returned with the champions only sitting two points behind league leaders Liverpool. With De Bruyne being out for 5 months it does feel that City’s rivals haven’t taken advantage of his absence. Time will tell if that is the case but his return and the form he displayed against Newcastle appears ominous for the run home.
On top of the results throughout City’s 6 game-winning run, they have looked like a typical Manchester City side. The control of games which was a prominent piece of last season’s treble success has returned. It was on display during the second half of the world champions win at St.James Park last weekend. It was a welcome sight in a vital win.
The Manchester City freight train appears to be gathering serious momentum for the second half of the season. It’s an ominous sign for their rivals.
