Manchester City’s rise to Premier League supremacy - key moments

As hard as it might seem to believe, but City’s dominance of the Premier League didn’t happen overnight. After coming under new ownership in 2008 by Sheikh Mansour, the club has been a journey of smart decisions, tactical brilliance, and relentless ambition.

Celebrating record-breaking seasons to reaping the benefits of game-changing transfers, the club has seemed to effortlessly push the boundaries of what’s possible in English football. The result, especially if you are a City fan, has been watching the club have extraordinary success.

Are you keen to learn more? If so, keep reading as we take a look at some of the pivotal moments that took the club from chasing the pack to setting the standard.

Beginning of a New Era

After committing to a more fluid, attacking approach, City shifted the focus towards possession-based football under the leadership of former Bayern Munich manager, Pep Guardiola.

Just take a look at one of the most significant milestones the club had, which was their 2017/18 season. It was this season that they became the first team in Premier League history to reach 100 points in a single campaign​. This achievement marked the dawn of a new era, with City dictating the pace and narrative of English football. It was a clear signal to rivals that City had entered a new realm of competition, one where they weren’t just winning—they were setting the benchmark for excellence.

As you can imagine, countless fans of all ages will be eager to witness these historic moments firsthand. However, to do so, they have one obstacle to overcome: getting tickets. Securing tickets, especially VIP MCFC tickets, has become a sought-after experience. If you are able to secure these premium tickets, it will allow supporters, such as yourself, to enjoy the thrill of live matches with unmatched comfort and exclusivity, making the spectacle even more memorable.

Tactical Shifts Defining Manchester City’s Success

Manchester City’s rise to supremacy can largely be attributed to their tactical evolution. Guardiola’s commitment to controlling the game through possession paid off, with City regularly dominating possession stats. In the 2022/23 season, City averaged 65.3% possession, the highest in the league​. This focus on ball retention allowed City to control matches from start to finish, wearing down opponents and limiting their chances.

Pep Guardiola’s approach to high pressing also played a crucial role. As Ahmed Walid worded it in ‘Pep Guardiola and The Ball’, his article for Medium:

“Control and the ball. These are the two most used words by Pep regardless of the result, the opponent or the performance. It’s all about the ball and control. With the ball, you can control your fate. Without the ball, you must regain the ball back, to control your fate.”

Pressing aggressively and regaining possession quickly forced City’s opponents into mistakes and kept them on the back foot​. It was these tactical shifts that helped to make City one of the hardest teams to beat, and also revolutionised the way football was played in the Premier League.

Influential Transfers That Changed the Course of Manchester City

Although it was briefly touched on earlier, it is worth highlighting that Manchester City’s transfer strategy has been another key factor in their rise to dominance. It would have been easy for the club to spend eye-watering amounts on flashy players, but City invested in individuals who fit Guardiola’s system. Don’t agree? No transfer has had a bigger impact than the arrival of Erling Haaland. In the 2022/23 season, Haaland broke the Premier League single-season goal-scoring record with 36 goals​.

It is thanks to this kind of smart recruitment that has been integral to City’s success. Doing so meant they had consistently targeted players who could contribute to the team’s long-term vision. Take Haaland’s instant impact, along with other key transfers, as an example. This blend of talent has helped City build a squad capable of competing for multiple trophies across all competitions. This tactical savvy and intelligent recruitment is why City remains a dominant force in the Premier League.

Decisive Matches on the Road to Premier League Dominance

A few key matches stand out as defining moments in Manchester City’s journey. These weren’t just about winning points; they were about sending a message. Beating title rivals in crucial fixtures helped establish City as a serious contender. These matches demonstrated not only their tactical superiority but also their mental strength in high-pressure situations.

Manchester City is Setting New Standards for Consistency

What is the one thing that separates Manchester City from the rest? The answer is easy: their unmatched consistency. Being able to maintain exceptional performance levels week after week, year after year, is no small feat. As such, City has been able to achieve this through careful squad rotation, tactical adaptability, and a culture of discipline.

Just take a look at the squad they proudly boast. The depth of their squad has allowed them to compete across multiple fronts without losing momentum. Each player understood their role and responsibilities. Even when key individuals were rested, the overall performance of the club didn’t drop. But it’s more than the quality of the squad that has helped. Consistency also came from their tactical flexibility—whether facing a top-six side or a mid-table team, City had the ability to adjust their game plan to ensure maximum effectiveness.