Three reasons why Manchester City will still win the Premier League

As it always does, the festive period has thrown up some real twists in the Premier League, none more so than at the top of the table.

Manchester City were in the inform team in the early winter weeks, closing the gap to Arsenal to just two points, as the Gunners dropped points to Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Christmas was set up as the time Arsenal would 'bottle it' again and City would begin their domination of the table for the rest of the season.

What unfolded was the complete opposite as Pep Guardiola's side were held to consecutive draws against Sunderland and Chelsea, which has seen Arsenal take a six-point lead at the top of the table as we pass the halfway marker.

However, despite being unable to defeat a newly promoted side, or a team managed by a debutant to senior coaching in Calum McFarlane, I do not think the City can be counted out of winning yet another Premier League title.

Here's why....

Manchester City love a comeback

Coming back to win the Premier League when not top of the table at the New Year point is synonymous with Pep Guardiola’s team.

Six-points is not a steep task in comparison to when they dethroned Liverpool who were eight-points clear at a similar time in the 20/21 season.

In fact, Man City have already caught Arsenal when trailing them by eight -points as late as April in the 22/23 campaign.

City won the league that season after Arsenal had led the league for a huge 248 days, meaning the Gunners broke the record for the most days at the top without winning.

Manchester City’s recent dip in results is not a concern

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Manchester City have drawn twice in a row but these results do not represent their actual performances.

The former of these draws was a 0-0 against an impressive Sunderland, thanks to a huge rearguard action from the hosts and the heroics of the Sunderland keeper, Robin Reofs.

Guardiola was left frustrated, saying: "When you are five, six, seven times in the six-yard box, you should score".

The statistics backed up the Manchester City manager, with City having a staggering 2.25xG. That's the highest xG Guardiola's side has had and not scored since March 2022, in a match against Crystal Palace.

Against Chelsea it can be argued the game should have been put to bed before the half-time whistle.

The Sky Blues were 1-0 at the break but could have easily been two up when Haaland hit the woodwork. That was one of their nine shots in the first half compared to Chelsea’s one.

While their lack of finishing touch in recent outings will be a concern for their manager, both the eye test and stats show City are creating the chances and still dominating matches.

With the attacking talent City boast he will feel it will not be long until they start scoring and winning again, with a huge opportunity to do so against the out of form Brighton in mid-week.

With Arsenal facing Liverpool in the same round of fixtures that six-point gap could be closed very shortly.

Rodri’s return

After missing seven games with a hamstring injury, the former Balon D’or winner Rodri has successfully played back-to-back games for the first time since September, and, to no one's surprise, has looked impressive.

Pep Guardiola on Rodri’s second half appearance against Sunderland stated: ‘’Football is about the players, in the build-up we struggled and with Rodri we struggled less.’’

As we know, Rodri just makes City better, being the key driver in their recent journeys to success. It wasn't long ago they did not lose a single game when he played in a year. He has won 74% of matches he has played for City.

The Manchester City boss continued: ‘’We missed him a lot and hopefully he can stay because he makes us a better team.’’

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

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