This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp has revealed he believes Manchester City are “starting to get over the edge”.
What did he say?
After pipping Liverpool to the Premier League title last season, City have produced a rather disappointing defence of their crown this year. Having seen the Reds win yet again away at Bournemouth earlier on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side knew they needed a major result against arch-rivals Manchester United at the Etihad.
Instead, the Citizens were blown away by a scintillating attacking performance from the Red Devils in the first-half, and Nicolas Otamendi’s late goal only proved to be a consolation.
And speaking after the game, Redknapp admitted that the Manchester side may just be reaching the end of their trophy-laden tenure, with injuries and age catching up with them.
He said (as quoted by The Daily Mail): “City can’t come back from 14 points. It’s impossible. At the start of the year they didn’t buy a centre-back when they lost Kompany. Then they had the injury to Laporte. Fernandinho then goes out of midfield. Rodri doesn’t sense danger like Fernandinho. Silva’s now coming to the end. They’re the best side I’ve seen in the Premier League but they’re just starting to get over the edge, whereas Liverpool haven’t had that disruption.”
Time to start afresh
The fact City won the Premier League title on back-to-back occasions looks an even more incredible achievement given how things are panning out this season. Teams are always looking to bridge that gap, and with that target always on your back, you know you can be set up for a mighty big fall. And unfortunately for Guardiola’s side, they are experiencing that now.
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Liverpool’s frankly ridiculous start makes even a decent beginning like City’s look abysmal. By no means have they been terrible – they have won ten out of their opening 16 games after all. But it maybe reflects on how it could just be the perfect time to start afresh. Guardiola must be retained, that itself is for certain, but the playing staff is in need of a revamp. As Redknapp alludes too, age and injuries are beginning to take its toll, and next summer could be an opportune time to start from scratch so to speak.
Meanwhile, have a look as to how the stars may be aligning for this Manchester City ace to truly make his mark.