Manchester City Becoming Favorites for the Premier League Title

Following the end of the 2014/2015 Premier League season, many questioned the wisdom of the Manchester City board. Though the club finished second in the Premier League table, the Citizens has struggled during parts of the season.

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Prior to winning their final six matches, the club struggled near the end of the Premier League season. At one point, the club won only four matches in twelve game run. That run was also filled with five losses — four of those coming away from Etihad stadium.

Many expected manager Manuel Pellegrini to get the sack. A similar situation two years prior had seen Manchester City fail to win any silverware and sack then manager Roberto Mancini before the conclusion of the Premier League season and less than a year after the club had won their first top division title since 1968.

However, maybe Manchester City knew better than those — including myself — who believed that Manuel Pellegrini should get the sack. Instead, the Citizens went in a completely different direction when they decided to extend the Chilean’s contract through the 2016/2017 season.

Prior to the contract extension, Manchester City had made three signings. The one everybody remembers is the £44 million payed to Liverpool for England international Raheem Sterling. Many — once again including myself — believe that Manchester City was over payed for Raheem Sterling.

While the overall quality of the deal and whether Raheem Sterling was worth the £44 million is still up for debate. However, their is very little doubt in my mind about the managerial skills of Manuel Pellegrini.

Entering the season, the Chilean knew he would need to make a statement early and often to calm the doubt’s of the Sky Blue supporters. Manchester City have done just that, defeating West Bromwich Albion 3-0 at the Hawthorns.