10 Reasons Why Manchester City Are Capable of Winning the Premier League

It’s been 43 years since City last won the league, so why so confident? Three years have passed since Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan bought Manchester City in what was a gripping transfer deadline day–promising to make the Blues a major contender for top European and domestic honours within three seasons.

After this transitional period, City now look genuinely capable of competing for these trophies. Gone are the self-deprecating cries of "typical city" and the infamous "noisy neighbours" tag–City are looking more and more like champions with every passing match.

After last season’s F.A. cup win, the first trophy is now in the bag and the performances in the league so far this season are suggesting that Manchester City will be the team most likely to take the Premier League trophy from their cross-city rivals, Manchester United.

So what’s changed since last season that makes City capable of challenging for the title? Here are the 10 reasons why Manchester City should be favourites for the Premier League title this season.

The Demise of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool

The fall of some of the teams in and around the top six this season will have a huge effect on the title outcome. Arsenal, for example, have been in dire form so far this season and although they have made some decent signings, they are a far less dangerous proposal than the Arsenal of last season.

The transfer of the Cesc Fabregas has severely dented Arsene Wenger’s title hopes, with Samir Nasri swiftly following him out of the Emirates door. Fabregas’ importance to Arsenal’s game plan is undeniable. Since he made his debut in 2004, Arsenal won only 44 percent of games when Fabregas had been out of the side, compared to an impressive 59 percent win ratio when the Spaniard was on the pitch.

His Premier League assist tally of 69 since his debut is only surpassed by Frank Lampard’s 70, whilst it is noteworthy that Fabregas has not only created more goalscoring opportunities than any other player in the top five European leagues over the past 5 seasons (466), the most telling statistic of his pedigree is that he has scored and assisted more goals than new teammates Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Mikel Arteta is the obvious replacement for the mercurial midfielder, but it will be a big ask to fill Fabregas' shoes. He will be sorely missed by Arsenal.

Liverpool have spent a lot of money on improving their squad but they will not contend for the title, not this season at least. Impressive buys such as Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates have been coupled with players such as Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing, who may well help the Reds to gain the elusive fourth spot, but will not trouble the upper echelons of world football and it’s hard to see them challenging for the title, particularly after their mauling by Tottenham.

Tottenham’s defence so far this season has looked shaky and their injury plagued back line have lost the impressive Jonathon Woodgate to Stoke whilst also missing out on Gary Cahill—a failed move that Redknapp will rue at the end of the season. The Luka Modric saga will continue until January, so Redknapp will have to make sure the Croatian is focused if they are to make the Champions League, let alone mount a title challenge. Much will depend on the form of loan striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who will be a perfect lone striker for Tottenham’s system if (and that’s a big if) he hits top form.

Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea have a massive task on their hands trying to reclaim their Premier League title. They will have to make sure they have Fernando Torres finding the back of the net on a regular basis if they are to make any progress on last season. If not, they will struggle to challenge for the top spot. Add to this the loss of key player Michael Essien to injury and Frank Lampard’s loss of form and Chelsea will need a minor miracle to make up the ground on both Manchester teams. 

At this moment in time, it is hard to see anyone but both Manchester clubs and Chelsea realistically challenging for the title this year, especially after Arsenal and Spurs’ slump in form.

Strongest Defence in the Premier League

Last season City’s back line conceded only 33 goals, fewer goals than any other team in the premier league—only Chelsea managed to match this record. On top of this, Mancini’s mean had more clean sheets than any other team in the league (18), three more than their nearest rivals—a defensive record even more impressive when you consider that Kolo Toure was banned for a large part of the season.

Vincent Kompany was arguably the best centre back in the league last season, showing a level of consistency that cemented his place in the league's select XI. Partnering him will be either Kolo Toure or Joleon Lescott. Toure's experience will be vital this season, whilst Lescott has proved more than competent whilst filling in. Behind them is Joe Hart, who is already proving that he is one of, if not the best keeper in the League.

The midfield duo of Yaya Toure and Nigel De Jong have shielded the defence expertly so far and will continue to do so—if there is a more imposing central midfield pair in English Football then I have yet to see it.

The purchase of Gael Clichy will prove a valuable addition to the team, as the inconsistent Aleksandar Kolarov was exploited for his lack of pace on many occasions. At right-back there are two of the best in the league—Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards. Richards has started to fulfil his early promise and has been terrorising teams with his powerful, marauding runs out of defence, whilst the criminally underrated Zabaleta will provide consistency, energy and versatility.

Nedum Onouha had a promising spell at Sunderland last season both at right back and in the centre and is a favourite amongst City fans, and if given the chance he will perform. Who can forget his Lionel Messi-esque run through the heart of the Chelsea defence? Stefan Savic is an unknown quantity, but has been tipped for great things.

With two top quality players for every position, Roberto Mancini will be able to make counter-specific choices depending on the opposition. The tactical flexibility will be give City the edge when playing the top six—the games where the title will be won and lost.

City Possess the Strongest Attack in the League

Last season’s top scorer Carlos Tevez can no longer break into the starting eleven, which just demonstrates how strong City’s front line is.

After a difficult few months Edin Dzeko looks every bit a £27 million pound player. Clearly looking quicker, leaner and stronger than when he first arrived, Dzeko has grown more accustomed to the rigours of the Premier League and his four goals against Tottenham will have silenced his doubters. If he carries on as he is, he will be key in converting the set pieces that City have failed to capitalise on in recent seasons.

Sergio Aguero’s almost instant assimilation into Mancini’s system has been another positive note this season. Eight goals in five games is an impressive haul by anyone’s standards, but it is his build up play between himself, David Silva and Samir Nasri that has marked him out as a key player already.

Further back in midfield Yaya Toure has proved a scorer of important goals, whilst attacking midfielders Nasri and Silva will almost certainly contribute with 5-10 goals each. On the bench, there are Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson—all players who will contribute heavily to City’s overall goal haul.

So far this season, only Manchester United have scored more goals, but a large proportion of these goals have come from Wayne Rooney—an injury to whom may leave United falling short, such is the importance of Rooney to United’s game plan. 

Rooney is in the form of his life at the moment and he will be the biggest threat to City’s title challenge as he is central to everything United do—all play goes through him. Should he get injured, replacing him like-for-like with the likes of Berbatov, Hernandez and Welbeck is not a viable solution, and a midfield reshuffle will be necessary, with Ashley Young expected to take the mantle as United’s creative hub.

I would not be so foolish as to suggest that United will not score goals without Rooney, as they have a team brimming with goals and have a knack for getting the all-important late winners and equalisers. 

Chelsea are having the opposite problem—getting their star strikers to start scoring. Torres has finally found his first goal of the campaign and although he is looking sharper than last season he is still struggling to find the net. Now that they have Juan Mata, Torres should be free to interchange and cut in from wide left as he did so effectively against Leverkusen.  

Chelsea used to score the majority of goals through Lampard, Drogba and Anelka, but this will no longer be the case. Who is going to make up for this share of goals? Andre Villas-Boas will have his work cut out trying to find the answer. 

To summarise this analysis of attacking options, I feel that this season City have the personnel to match or better United’s attacking exploits, and the strength in depth of Mancini’s offensive options will make them a better prospect during the busy Christmas period and in the crucial late season run-in.

Greater Creative Outlets

One area City were lacking in last season was in their ability to create chances. Improving on his exceptional first season in English football, David Silva has had pundits seemingly running out of superlatives after his performances so far this season.

Silva was the sole man in charge of dropping deep and drifting in the space between the midfield and the strikers. Inevitably City became over reliant on him—if you stopped the Spanish magician, you stopped City. This is why the signing of Samir Nasri will prove imperative in helping the Citizens to the title.

Having quadrupled his assist tally for last season, Samir Nasri has already proved an astute signing. His technique, dribbling and ability to cut inside from the left marked him out as one of the most dangerous players in the premier league—an ideal candidate to relieve the creative pressure on David Silva. Not only this, but his movement off the ball and instinct to roam infield will compliment the threat posed by Silva on the opposite wing.

No other team in the league can boast a more technical and creative pairing and they will be very difficult to defend against. Having these two will help City to take control of the game and dominate possession far better than they have done in big games.

Squad Strength

It has taken three years of chopping and changing the personnel at the club to finally arrive at the current squad of players. With two top class players in every position now, Mancini has moulded his playing staff in a way that he sees fit to win the league and is now reaping the rewards.

Which other team can boast back up of the quality of Tevez, Balotelli, Adam Johnson, Kolo Toure and a reinvigorated Barry and Milner? Such a strong squad will be essential in rotating the squad for what will be a congested Christmas period and for the Champions League campaign. Having removed the players he considered to be deadwood such as Emmanuel Adebayor, Jo and Craig Bellamy, Roberto Mancini is far closer to complying with UEFA’s financial fair play rules.

Owen Hargreaves will hopefully prove a bargain should he put his injury problems behind him, hopefully filling the role left by Patrick Vieira’s retirement.

With so many quality players in each position, Mancini will have much better options when trying to negate the impact of specific opposition players. The prospect of Aleksandar Kolarov coming up against the Theo Walcotts and Aaron Lennons of the division will have filled many Blues supporters with dread—Gael Clichy will prove much more competent against this type of player. Having a tireless player like James Milner out wide can be used to negate the influence of an attacking full-back or defend a lead against the top teams.

The Return of Kolo Toure

The return of former captain Kolo Toure is not something that should be overlooked. He was first choice centre back before his drugs ban, and the defence was still exceptional in his absence last season. Toure had formed an impressive partnership with Vincent Kompany, which will hopefully be resumed this season.

Psychologically speaking, his leadership will be welcome, along with the morale boost that having such a popular member of the squad back in the side will have. His ability on the all is far better than Lescott’s, and will undoubtedly be better suited to the slick passing style that Roberto Mancini has employed so far this season. His experience will be vital in the big games of the season, and he will be a vital cog in what is already a strong defence.

Mancini himself has even declared how importance the Ivorian’s experience and leadership will be in the Champions League and in the title run-in, so Kolo Toure's return can act as a catalyst and hopefully galvanise the squad.

Squad Harmony

One of the biggest problems in the City squad has been keeping everyone happy—and not scrapping. Fights between players and managers made the back headlines of tabloids and suggested at a hostile dressing room environment. This season should be a far less scandalous affair from City’s point of view.

Players who had fought, argued and stated their wish to leave have left, bar Carlos Tevez, who has since moved his family to England to help soothe his homesickness. Players like Emmanuel Adebayor, Jerome Boateng and Craig Bellamy have left and the return of Kolo Toure will be a boost.

The importance of this dressing room harmony cannot be underestimated. The togetherness of the Chelsea team under Jose Mourinho was well publicised, and City would do well to reflect on that. Interviews with Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Vincent Kompany have dispelled the myths that the atmosphere amongst the squad is fractitious.

All that remains is for Mario Balotelli’s talent to grab the headlines rather than his notorious antics. That said, the tabloids all seem to have gone fairly quiet on that front.

No More Seasons of Transition

The excuse from the last few seasons has been that City have been a team in "transition"—this is no longer the case.

Gradual improvement every season whilst having a constant overhaul of players and managerial change has not been easy. Now, however, most of the squad have been playing together for at least a full season together. All the current squad have already effectively taken to the Premier League, whilst relative newcomers Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko are showing their worth with eight and six goals apiece respectively so far this season. Nasri has fitted into the team straight away, forming an impressive interchanging threesome with David SIlva and Aguero.

City are now in a place where they no longer appear disjointed, but play with a fluency and flair which suggests an understanding on the pitch between the players that was not present last season. Mancini finally has the squad he wants at his disposal and we are already seeing the fruits of his labour.

One or two adjustments over the summer have meant that City are finally in a place to challenge, without the settling in problems that the huge squad overhauls of previous years have brought.

First Trophy Under the Belt

The old cliché goes states that your first trophy is the hardest to win. Having won the F.A. cup—along with beating Manchester United—Manchester City have proved to the rest of the Premier League and to themselves that they are capable of challenging for top honours.

Having beaten a strong United side to reach the final, they have shown they have the players capable of performing in these big games. Every player in the squad will be desperate to win trophies having had their first taste of silverware, whilst newcomers Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero have arrived from Arsenal and Atheltico Madrid desperate for their first tastes of major trophies.

This hunger, paired with the experience some of the squad possess in winning the Champions League and other league championships, will provide Manchester City with a mix of players capable of winning the Premier League.

Roberto Mancini's Tactical Approach

Love him or hate him, Roberto Mancini has turned Manchester City into a side that can grind out results when necessary. Ironic cries of “boring, boring city” from City supporters have become a familiar sound this season, especially after last season’s tentative approach.

But the lessons learnt during his time in charge have been important ones. For the first time in decades, Manchester City are able to get the last minute equalisers and winners that have typified Manchester United’s reign at the top of English Football. Not only this, but City seem to have learnt a few lessons from the 4-3 derby. The Citizens have proved they can hang on to a lead whilst under pressure, under which they previously would have buckled.

It is a lack of this key skill that has prevented Arsenal from mounting a substantial title challenge in recent years. Every March, like clockwork, Arsenal have handed the title to their opponents. A combination of tactical naivety and a lack of leadership have plagued their title chances for the last few seasons—a trait that City have strived to remove from their play.

It is this tactical nous that has seen Manchester City fans finally warm to Roberto Mancini; he has brought a winning mentality and a continental approach to his team's build-up play. Although this hasn't won him many fans when holding out for a 1-0 win at home to teams in the bottom half in the league, it will not see many fans complaining if it means winning more silverware.

City also appear more able to dominate teams, thanks largely to the passing and movement of Samir Nasri and David Silva. Having players in the final third with enough comfort on the ball to play probing, passing football will serve City well this season and will allow them to mix it with Chelsea and Manchester United.

With the improvements made to City this season, I can see them clinching the title from United. They have made up the nine point gap from United with the changes in personnel, tactics and mentality and United will find themselves faced with their most difficult title opponents since Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side. After years of promises, it seems that the Blue Moon is finally rising.

Thanks for reading, I will be sure to respond to any comments and discussions that follow.