The 2017-2018 season stands as a landmark in Manchester City's history. Under the management of Pep Guardiola, City achieved what many thought was impossible: a 100-point season. Their dominance in the Premier League was absolute, setting a record for the most points ever earned in a single campaign. Let’s dive into Manchester City's incredible journey through the 2017-2018 season, highlighting the key players, tactics, and unforgettable moments that helped them achieve this historic feat.
Pep Guardiola's Tactical Revolution
Pep Guardiola’s appointment as Manchester City manager in 2016 marked the beginning of a new era for the club. Known for his tactical brilliance, Guardiola introduced a style of play that was both bold and innovative. He immediately set out to make Manchester City one of the most dynamic and attractive teams in Europe. The 2017-2018 season saw Guardiola fully implement his philosophy. Manchester City played a high-pressing game, focusing on possession, fluid passing, and quick transitions. The team was designed to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Guardiola’s tactics involved a quick passing game with full-backs joining the attack, midfielders rotating positions, and attackers moving fluidly across the front line. The result was a devastatingly effective offensive system that overwhelmed opponents. Guardiola’s system also included a solid defensive setup, with a high line and quick recoveries when possession was lost. This allowed City to squeeze the opposition into their own half, maintaining control of the game and creating a constant attacking threat. The key to City’s success was the balance between their attacking flair and defensive stability, which made them nearly impossible to break down.Thierry Henry: The French Artillery of the Beautiful Game
Key Players Who Led the Charge
Several players were integral to Manchester City’s record-breaking season. Their individual brilliance, combined with the tactical structure, made City the most dominant team in the Premier League. Kevin De Bruyne was the engine in midfield, orchestrating the attack with his vision and passing ability. His pinpoint deliveries and ability to dictate the tempo made him one of the best midfielders in the world. Sergio Agüero, continued his remarkable goal-scoring form in the 2017-2018 season. Agüero’s ability to find space in the box and his clinical finishing were key to City’s success. He scored 21 goals in the Premier League that season, and his strike against Chelsea in the 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge was a testament to his skill and composure. Raheem Sterling enjoyed his most productive season under Guardiola. The English winger’s pace, dribbling, and finishing were on full display. Sterling scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists, making him one of the most dangerous wide players in the league. David Silva was another key figure in City’s midfield. The Spanish playmaker’s technique and creativity allowed him to link up seamlessly with De Bruyne and the other attackers. Silva’s ability to control the game and pick out passes in tight spaces made him a crucial part of City’s offensive flow. At the back, Vincent Kompany, the team’s captain, provided leadership and defensive solidity. Despite battling injuries, Kompany’s experience and ability to organize the defense were crucial to City’s success. Alongside him, Nicolás Otamendi and John Stones formed a solid partnership that kept opposition attacks at bay. In goal, Ederson was a revelation. The Brazilian goalkeeper was instrumental in City’s high-pressing game, with his ability to play out from the back and make quick, precise passes helping to start attacks from the defense.Unstoppable Attacking Play
One of the standout features of Manchester City’s 2017-2018 season was their relentless attacking play. Guardiola’s side scored a record-breaking 106 goals in the Premier League, more than any team before them. They tore through defenses with their fast, fluid attacking style and were capable of scoring from almost any position on the pitch. City’s ability to maintain possession and move the ball quickly left opponents chasing shadows. The combination of De Bruyne’s vision, Agüero’s finishing, and Sterling’s pace meant Manchester City always had an outlet in attack. Full-backs like Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy also played an essential role, providing width and overlapping runs that stretched opposition defenses. The team’s fluidity in attack made them unpredictable. Guardiola’s system allowed players to interlink and switch positions constantly, creating space and pulling defenders out of position. This tactical flexibility made it incredibly difficult for teams to defend against them. City’s 5-0 victories over Liverpool, Crystal Palace, and others highlighted their attacking potency. These matches showcased their ability to break teams down with quick passing, smart movement, and clinical finishing. Their ability to score goals from a variety of situations—whether it was a counter-attack, set-piece, or open play—made them a nightmare for any defense.La Beneamata’s Renaissance: Inter Milan’s Magical 09-10 Season