Following a surprising drop-off this season from reigning champions Manchester City, they find themselves embroiled in a battle to achieve Champions League football next season.
We look at where the season went wrong for Pep Guardiola’s men, and whether they can turn it around and finish in the top four.
The top five will receive a spot in the Champions League this season, but it is surely an aim for City to get on a good run of form and achieve as high a finish as possible to build some momentum into next season, where they will bid to reclaim the crown.
Check out the latest Premier League odds at William Hill
Title favourites
Before the beginning of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Manchester City were considered to be the title favourites amongst football fans and bookmakers alike. Having made history in winning the previous four league titles consecutively, they looked set to make it number five. Star men Erling Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri all looked to be ready to go in pursuit of their fifth straight title.
They could have hardly started much better, going unbeaten in nine games including an away draw with Arsenal, seeing them shorten for the title win. However, a considerable blow for their season came in this game with Rodri coming off injured during the match.
Bad run of form
City looked set to follow up from their previous title triumphs following their start to the season, however the injury to Rodri proved to undo all their good work.
Following the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner’s ACL injury, City seemed to be dealing with his absence well – continuing to win games. However, November proved a nasty period for the Cityzens as they didn’t win a single game across all competitions, seeing them lose serious ground to Liverpool in the Premier League title race, who didn’t miss a beat.
It looked as if their chance of a fifth consecutive Premier League title was gone, with focus quickly turning towards cup competitions to gain some silverware from what looked like being a disappointing season.
Champions League football next season always looked as if it would be safe, however there have been periods where the side have dropped out of the top four.
Recent results
Luckily for City, they have managed to find some form in recent weeks seeing them thrust themselves back into top four contention, and they look set to finish there with their top four odds currently set at 1/20.
This will guarantee them Champions League football again next season, alongside their upcoming FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace, giving them a chance to escape from their disappointing season with some silverware.
All great dynasties come to an end, with City unable to capture their fifth successive Premier League title, however a top four finish and an FA Cup victory wouldn’t be a disaster for them. They will go again for next year’s Premier League title with Rodri back fit and healthy in the squad and no doubt some additional reinforcements this summer.
