Write Off Manchester City at Your Peril - Pep Guardiola Is Far From Finished
By Mitch Wilks
On the surface, Manchester City thrashing Watford 4-0 seems pretty normal. But delve a little bit deeper, and you realise it's yet another statement of intent from a side who seemingly need to prove a few critics wrong.
Following a disappointing exit from the semi-final of the FA Cup at the hands of Arsenal - managed by Pep Guardiola's former assistant Mikel Arteta - there were many questioning City's ability to continue challenging as a top club next season.
And while the loss was a disappointing one to take for fans, credit must go to Arteta's Arsenal, who were simply far superior on the day.
For City, though, it's time to look ahead. Granted a final and maybe even a trophy would've been nice in a largely disappointing season, but it's not something that makes or breaks them as a side. Instead, the below-par campaign they've endured is the perfect medicine to come back refreshed once again.
Their success in overturning a two-year ban from European competition by UEFA has breathed in a completely new lease of life at City.
Before the decision was made, the club was marred with uncertainty at all levels. Star players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were being linked with moves away, David Silva was already set to leave and fears over finding a suitable replacement had increased,. Even Guardiola's future was questioned.
Now that City know their fate lies among Europe's elite once more next season, they can continue to look ahead with 20/20 vision. Silva leaving come the end of the season will undoubtedly leave a hole in the heart of the club that will prove difficult to replace, but the subsequent emergence of Phil Foden is already healing that. Even if it takes time.
While the 20-year-old still has a long way to go before he holds the level of influence that the departing Spaniard has at the club, there is undeniable promise and excitement surrounding him, which keeps fans spirits high and the team performing on the pitch.
His six goals and single assist since football's restart gives fans something to look forward to, and Guardiola something to work with ahead of next season as the squad is re-jigged.
As disheartening as it may have been for many around the club to see Liverpool storm to the Premier League title in sublime fashion, the Reds winning the title with seven games to spare could actually have worked in City's favour. With the league decided, Guardiola will have no doubt been assessing the wrongdoings of his squad this season already, and plotting how to correct those ahead of next season.
Guardiola is a perfectionist and possesses one of football's greatest ever minds. There have been clear mistakes this season, from under performance and complacency, being hampered with injuries, to recruitment issues.
Yes, it might take some significant change in the summer transfer window - involving key departures as well as arrivals - but he will be keen to rectify the issues he's likely already identified. The Spaniard won't allow the same mistakes to be made again and with him at the helm, Manchester City can look forward knowing they will be stronger in the coming months.