City haven’t got a defender as expensive as Virgil van Dijk, a midfielder as costly as Paul Pogba, even a striker in the range of what Arsenal paid for Alexandre Lacazette. So do not be fooled. Other clubs spend, too — but perhaps not as wisely.
Guardiola is also a coaching visionary, getting extraordinary improvements from his players. That’s every bit as significant.
The protectionist FFP rules, meanwhile, have always been about keeping the established elite in place. Back in 2010, they thought they were untouchable, but that complacency has been exposed. Never forget the clubs who made football all about money in the first place.
What they really hate is City winning at their game.