When Harry Redknapp mentioned few weeks ago that “City will threaten everyone”, and they have the arsenal to be genuine title contenders, the world when gaga over the Sky Blues. It might be a bold statement but have a look at their start, out of 8 games played; they have won 5, lost 1 and drawn 2 times. They are currently fifth on the premier league standings, with one game in hand.
Mark Hughes is a very happy man, to see his team winning the few battles; most notable one was against Arsenal and that too in style. There were questions, whether Mark Hughes has the key to unlock the roadblocks and whether Manchester City will emerge as a powerful team, which can pose a serious threat for Premier League title 2009-10. However, after few weeks into the premier league 2009-2010, many experts and football pundits would surely reassess their predictions.
The citizens had the busiest summer in their history, spending over £150million in strengthening their squad. The ambitious dream of the owner Sheikh Mansour has made the Sky Blues to spend heavily in building their squad and have made solid acquisitions like Emmanuel Adebayor (£25 million), Carlos Tevez (£47 million) Roque Santa Cruz (£17.5 million), Joleon Lescott (£24 million), Kolo Toure (£16 million) and Gareth Barry (£12 million).
The Sparky has done two things right in early part of the season. The primary battle was to have a successful transfer market, and he has cleared the test with flying colors. The Sky Blues managed to acquire their potential targets (excluding the audacious Kaka deal or linking with host of other players like Samuel Eto or Thierry Henry and many more) and now Mark Hughes has a strong, experienced, balanced squad to bank on. The Second battle was to start the premier league season on a high note, and they have done it successfully with four wins out of four games. From here on the onus is on the Sky Blues to show consistency and win vital battles against fewer competitive teams, if they are to challenge the premier league title.
The club has a huge squad with quality and depth, which will help them to conquer crucial battles. The Sky Blues have quality defenders like Joleon Lescott, Kolo Toure or midfielders like Stephen Ireland, Vincent Kompany, Nigel de Jong, Gareth Barry or forwards like Robinho, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor are all experienced and capable of winning challenges, that lies ahead for Manchester City. It will be interesting to see how they perform the first half of the season, and if they are placed second or third on the premier league table until December, then you know Sheiks are ready to infuse more millions into the squad.
The next test comes at this weekend when they will face a stern competition against their Fulham at Craven cottage in London. The Sky blues will hope to shrug off their last draw against Wigan Athletic and hope to get a victory against Roy Hogson side. The ‘Sparky’ will be looking to end their patchy league form, winning just one in their last four league matches and hoping to secure a fourth spot.
It’s a know fact that a lot is expected out of the wealthiest football club in the world. The Citizen’s fans are excited and have huge expectations from the club to win silverware this season. It might be too early to predict but the Welshman has surely passed the first road block (to have a great start), and now it is certain that they will definitely play a decisive role in the premier league title.
What do you think Are Manchester City a genuine title contender or closest title challengers to Chelsea along with Manchester United and Arsenal? Share your thoughts
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