At one stage this season, Manchester City were losing 2-0 to an underwhelming Spurs side at home. They were however able to mount a comeback in the second half, winning the game 2-4. Despite being delighted, Pep Guardiola used this opportunity to criticize the team's performance and suggested that Arsenal wanted it more as they were looking to win the title for the first time in almost two decades. Press here to see if the bookmakers are still giving Arsenal any chance of lifting the trophy come the end of the season.
To some this might have looked like the rantings of a madman but Pep knew exactly what he was doing. He was aware that his team were not playing like their life depended on it and now the business end of the season is here we can now see why his team are so special.
The Premier League
The league is Man City's now meaning they can put all of their focus into the Madrid clash. Arsenal were at one point well placed to win the title this year, however many thought Man City would catch up. The only thing though, is that Arsenal kept winning, scoring last-minute winners and it felt like everything was pointing towards Arsenal winning the title. Thankfully for City, though they kicked into gear and Arsenal's inexperience started to show as they gave away a few leads.
The Haaland Factor
We know, Manchester City are capable of being the best team in the world without Erling Haaland. For years they have impressed domestically and have reached two semis and a final of the Champions League. Most feel that they were the favourites to lift the title these past few years.
Erling Haaland's 50-plus goal season has been phenomenal though and has shattered all expectations. He is simply a freak of nature and must give defenders nightmares up and down the country. His five goals in one game in the last 16 against RB Leipzig was evidence that this man could be the difference in them winning all titles this year.
How Many Will Man City Win?
With the premiership title all but confirmed, Man City now need to win three matches to make history set by their fiercest rivals Manchester United in 1999. Trebles have been achieved since but is considered to be more difficult for English teams due to the competitive nature of the league.
Are they likely to do it? Well, a lot will depend on whether they can get past Madrid on Wednesday. Then they will have to beat two tough sides in Manchester United and Inter Milan. Two tough elite teams, that they would be favorites against however. Such is the nature of football, the Champions League has alluded the club so far and Guardiola since his Barca success has failed to get his hands on the trophy again.
One thing is for sure. A treble will make this team go down in history and would it be too controversial to suggest that we can start comparing Pep to the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson?
He appears to keep an assembled squad of world class talent hungry and honest and in the modern world of football, that is much easier said than done. Knowing Pep, if they win the treble this year, they will go for the quadruple the next just to make sure they really stamp their legacy on this footballing landscape.
