Blues showed they’re the best in Wembley win
CITY are by far the best team in Britain – and it’s just a matter of time before they conquer Europe too.
To win the Premier League by 19 points is a tremendous achievement – and looking at their domestic rivals and their squad rebuilding during the transfer window, only Liverpool can possibly take that title away.
That is highly unlikely for as City reminded us in the convincing Community Shield win over Chelsea on Sunday, they are a class above.
The competition for starting places at the Etihad is fierce yet there appears to be no disharmony whatsoever in the squad.
Significantly the Blues have a world-class defence, superb midfielders and two strikers in Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus who would walk into any other team.
I’m not going to start trying to tell Pep Guardiola what do because he’s clearly a master at his job with a fantastic knack of being able to improve already excellent players.
But I do hope Pep gives Stockport lad Phil Foden more opportunities. He’s the brightest young talent in these parts and the fact is there is little better for fans than cheering on one of their own.
The latest odds with Betfred reflect City’s dominance with them 4/6 favourites to retain the title, Liverpool 4/1, United 13/2, Spurs 12/1, Chelsea 14/1, Arsenal 20/1 – and Everton the best of the outsiders at 200/1.
Liverpool, particularly with the expensive acquisition of a decent keeper Alisson, were initially third favourites for the title but have overtaken United who have had a torrid close season with manager Jose Mourinho forever moaning.
For what it is worth here’s my top six come May: City, Liverpool, United, Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal – which is 50/1 with us.
Chelsea and Arsenal have new managers who will need to get used to life in the Prem and although Tottenham do have some class players the squad has needed strengthening.
It is a different story however in the Champions League, with City just favourites in a wide open market. They are 11/2 to win the club’s number-one target with Barcelona and Juventus 6/1, Bayern and Real Madrid 7/1, PSG 8/1, Liverpool 12/1, United 16/1 – and Spurs 25/1 shots at Betfred.
The big mover there is of course Juve who were 14/1 before they signed Ronaldo.
One thing I will be looking out for with great expectation will be the Champions League group stage draw on August 30.
City will be in the same pot 1 as Juve but Ronaldo could soon be back playing in Manchester as United are in pot 2.
Of all the clubs in the land, we’ve had more bets on City with fans rightly in super-confident mood.
For them to win the quad – the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup – we’re offering 125/1, while for City to match United’s 1999 treble it’s 33/1. One popular wager is for City to go unbeaten in the league all season which is 40/1.