One look at the final Premier League table for 2020/21 suggests that it was something of a stroll for champions Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men secured the title some way before the final round of games with 86 points – a 12 point cushion over second placed Manchester United.
It wasn’t always comfortable: City suffered some early defeats and were some way behind pacesetters Tottenham Hotspur. However, defeat to Spurs in November sparked something within the City camp and they went on the long unbeaten run that eventually secured the trophy.
Dominant Period
Manchester City were record breakers during that unbeaten period that stretched for an incredible 28 games. Guardiola’s side won the most consecutive league games in the top flight from the start of the calendar year and they also recorded the most away wins in a row in the English top division.
19 league games without going behind also equalled an English record. When City lost to Spurs in November, they were eight points off the top of the EPL table. By the time their 28-game run came to an end, they were 11 points clear. Late losses to Manchester United, Leeds United and Brighton would have been disappointing for the fans but it was a dominant campaign overall. As the summer approaches, we ask can they do it again?
More of the Same?
The question is, should we be backing Manchester City to win the Premier League title in 2021/22? The markets are already open for next season and sportsbooks in Nigeria have Pep’s men listed as clear favourites. Sources quoted by sbo.net confirm that most outlets have City down at odds of 8/15 to successfully defend their title.
In second place are 2019/20 Champions Liverpool who are at a best of 6/1. Chelsea are next at 32/5 while this season’s runners up Manchester United are out to 8/1. Beyond the top four, there is a significant gap to the chasing pack which is led by Tottenham at 40/1.
The new campaign kicks off in August and there is scope for those markets to change during pre-season. Betting will undoubtedly react to certain situations and sbo.net will dutifully adjust pricing as and when developments occur. Don’t forget to check out the website for transfer talk and any confirmed news while a panel of sportsbooks have sign up deals for anyone looking to get on board.
On the subject of transfer talk, any big-name star that becomes available will inevitably be linked with a move to the Etihad. A side that has just won their domestic league by 12 points might not need too many adjustments but Manchester City will always look to strengthen where they can.
Strengthening Over the Summer
The big transfer gossip concerns Tottenham’s prolific striker Harry Kane. In an interview with Gary Neville, the England captain didn’t exactly say that he wanted away, as some media reports claim, but he did admit that he was at a crossroads in his career.
Rumours over a potential transfer fee vary wildly with reports settling on an average at around the £125 million mark. Very few clubs could afford that kind of sum but Manchester City would have no issues with meeting Tottenham’s financial demands.
It’s also believed that Kane would prefer to remain in the Premier League rather than move abroad and that would appear to put City in pole position if he does leave Spurs.
If Harry Kane stays or moves elsewhere, Pep and the board could turn their attention to Norwegian international striker Erling Haaland. At the age of 20, he’s much younger than Kane but is even more prolific with 57 goals in his first 59 games for Borussia Dortmund.
Haaland would also command a fee in excess of £100 million and, as the son of former City midfielder Alf Inge Haaland, the club may have an edge over their competition.
With record goal scorer Sergio Aguero leaving the club this summer, Manchester City have a rare vacancy for an out-and-out striker. With Kane or Haaland, or possibly even both within their ranks, City’s odds to win the Premier League will surely shorten so this may be the best time to back Pep’s prolific squad.
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