Across every season a new Manchester City player rises to the occasion

Manchester City is currently on the hunt for more history this season. Heading into tonight’s clash with Tottenham, the champions require two more wins to claim a fourth consecutive Premier League title. The levels of consistency required to back up season after season speaks volumes about the drive and determination possessed by the Manchester City squad.

A feature throughout City’s era of dominance in English football has been the ability of Pep Guardiola’s players to step up to the challenge. It is a special trait and one that has helped them achieve remarkable feats. Last season, it was Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones who played pivotal roles in City’s treble winning campaign. Gundogan provided critical goals and leadership as his team created history. John Stones became almost City’s most important player during their treble run last season. His role of drifting into midfield from defence was a crucial factor in City’s success.

This season, however, has been a different story. Ilkay Gundogan departed for Barcelona, and John Stones has battled injury for large portions of this season. Another key contributor to last season’s success was Jack Grealish. He hasn’t featured as prominently this campaign due to form and injury issues.

Pep Guardiola spoke about this following his team’s win over Fulham last Saturday. He told the media that while he was aware of the quality of Stones and Grealish, other players had stepped up to make crucial contributions. He told the media: “He is really ok (John Stones). Sometimes, the players make a step up, the other ones. Mateo (Kovacic) is playing unbelievable now, Nathan (Ake) was unbelievable as well. That is why also. When you play games in that position. Jack last season played a lot. This season, he plays less. And in this team, you have to perform consistently well, well, well, many, many times. I know their qualities.”

While Stones and Grealish haven’t made the same contributions as last season, other players have stepped up. Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez, to name a few have made huge contributions to City’s chase for history this season. Each player has stepped up when needed to help carry Manchester City to within touching distance of a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Without their contributions, Pep Guardiola’s side may not have been in contention for this season’s Premier League title.

Across City’s era of dominance, there have been plenty of players who have stepped up to make crucial contributions to their sustained success. This season has been no different. Tonight’s game against Tottenham gives City’s players another opportunity to step up and carry the champions to a much needed result. It is a trait that separates champions from challengers. The champions will be hoping that this trait is again on show during their last two games of the Premier League season.