Why talk of Manchester City’s dominance is proving premature

They have been ruthless whenever they can, churning out late goals even when they can’t.

It is such amalgamating conformity that has made Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City draw comparisons with some of the best and most accomplished sides since the dawn of the Premier League era, and why not?

Their attacking fluidity, goal scoring exhibitions and the impressive 16-point lead established at the summit of the Premier League log has merited the praise.

If the most recent development is anything to go by however, then Manchester City’s approbation may have been a tad bit premature.

 

Overrated unbeaten run

The primary reason why Pep Guardiola’s charges hogged all the headlines was the inextricable possibility of going the entire course of the season without a single defeat in the Premier League.

It all seemed destined to happen after the first half of the season, when the Citizens left a wake of destruction in their track, with an unbeaten run of 23 games in the League.

The run was eventually ended by a rampant Liverpool side in January thus halting all talks of winning the Premier League title unbeaten; unequivocally restoring the sanctity of the modern game.

 

Quadruple squashed

There couldn’t be a more conducive setting for manifestation of the magic of the FA Cup than at a League One side.

Manchester City may have felt justifiably hard done by with the sending off of Fabian Delph right at the stroke of halftime, but Wigan Athletic just couldn’t be denied on the night.

The Latics, against all odds, scored in the 79th minute through William Grigg to register their most emphatic victory since outwitting the same opponents in the 2013 FA Cup final.

Ugly scenes took centre stage at the final whistle, with provocation seemingly coming from Manchester City’s end; one that may attract retrospective action from The Football Association.

 

Not won anything yet

Manchester City have been good, in fact better than most.

Trophies nonetheless are the most cordial way of gauging a team’s success and level of dominance. Until the Citizens secure a trophy collection of seismic proportions this season, they’ll remain potentially close but no cigar.

 

Written by Brian Humphrey

Follow Brian on Twitter @brihum

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