The Title Race - 2023/24

[Scaring Europe to Death]

Just been checking the starts from recent seasons, as sometimes what you remember isn’t quite the same as what actually happened.

After 8 Games:

2016-17 19 (3rd)
2017-18 22 (Champions)
2018-19 19 (Champions)
2019-20 17 (2nd)
2020-21 12 (Champions)
2021-22 17 (Champions)
2022-23 20 (Champions
2023-24 18 ?

You could literally interpret it both ways, especially as our worst start under Guardiola still resulted in City being crowned Champions.
Similarly, although we didn't have a disastrous start to 2019-20, I'd forgotten that Liverpool were already 24/24

However, it doesn’t necessarily follow that City always finish strongly, as during 2020-21, it was the middle third, when every single result seemed to fall in our favour, and we suddenly found ourselves 9-10 points clear.
Towards the end, we lost 3 games in the last few minutes.

Our best finishes have tended to be when Liverpool have pushed us all the way and we’ve literally had to win every game.

In terms of results, the most similar start to this season is the last campaign under Pellegrini when we won our first 5 games before losing 2-1 at home to West Ham, and then 4-1 at Tottenham.

This season, aside from the three promoted teams, and maybe Bournemouth, there seems to be an abundance of potentially awkward fixtures, and whilst the Top Ten might all take points off each other, it's worth remembering that emotionally unstable Arsenal dropped all manner of stupid points last Spring, as soon as things started going wrong.

 

[MCFC1993]

Even though I don't think we've been great this season, I have a feeling this loss is going to be one that lights a fire up our arse. Rodri's back now, that loss will motivate our players no end, especially seeing the reaction to it post game.

 

[manimanc]

Are we out of it after yesterday?

 

[citymad]

Tough set of fixtures coming up. We need to pick up points while Kev's still out.

 

[John Wayne]

Are we out of it after yesterday?

Yes. No way can we possibly make up two points on Spurs and Arsenal with only 30 games to go.

 

[Paul1970]

It’s only been the last two games that we haven’t created many chances so it’s hardly a crisis but it’s still a problem as tend to be packing midfield ti cover Rodri’s absence which has failed . We need to get speed on the flanks and start using pace ti attack and get service to haaland . Also we really do need to sign a left back

 

[Paul1970]

Yes. No way can we possibly make up two points on Spurs and Arsenal with only 30 games to go.

Impossible situation. We find ourselves in .

 

[ChicagoBlue]

Untenable!

 

[its a Barm]

I said last year that I really wanted 3 in a row and would try and stay relaxed about this year upto now I have you know we can't win every year its just not possible, yes we have the best squad and manager in the world but sometimes it just doesn't happen, we had the greatest season ever last year better than anyone's ever, I'm sure we will be very competitive throughout the season and I'm sure we will win a pot or two.
It's difficult but I'm trying not to be a spoilt brat.

 

[supercity88]

Just been checking the starts from recent seasons, as sometimes what you remember isn’t quite the same as what actually happened.

After 8 Games:

2016-17 19 (3rd)
2017-18 22 (Champions)
2018-19 19 (Champions)
2019-20 17 (2nd)
2020-21 12 (Champions)
2021-22 17 (Champions)
2022-23 20 (Champions
2023-24 18 ?

You could literally interpret it both ways, especially as our worst start under Guardiola still resulted in City being crowned Champions.
Similarly, although we didn't have a disastrous start to 2019-20, I'd forgotten that Liverpool were already 24/24

However, it doesn’t necessarily follow that City always finish strongly, as during 2020-21, it was the middle third, when every single result seemed to fall in our favour, and we suddenly found ourselves 9-10 points clear.
Towards the end, we lost 3 games in the last few minutes.

Our best finishes have tended to be when Liverpool have pushed us all the way and we’ve literally had to win every game.

In terms of results, the most similar start to this season is the last campaign under Pellegrini when we won our first 5 games before losing 2-1 at home to West Ham, and then 4-1 at Tottenham.

This season, aside from the three promoted teams, and maybe Bournemouth, there seems to be an abundance of potentially awkward fixtures, and whilst the Top Ten might all take points off each other, it's worth remembering that emotionally unstable Arsenal dropped all manner of stupid points last Spring, as soon as things started going wrong.

It's been a good start considering we do tend to start slowly and have had a lot of injuries/Rodri's suspension. Ideally we'd have another 3pts and be top by 1pt still, but whilst our fixtures have been okay on paper, that doesn't usually stop us dropping points at the start of the season.

So far there isn't a stand out side, but everyone knows if we click into gear we'll take some stopping. Stones and Rodri coming back takes us up a level and hopefully we get through the internationals unscathed. We've also had 4 away games in a row. Get back home, give the players a lift and hopefully we can go and win the upcoming games. Brighton, Rags, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Liverpool. A good opportunity for us to come together and show we're still by far the best side in the world!