Premier League news: Can Pep Guardiola’s rejuvenated Man City side challenge Arsenal for the title?

Despite the Premier League season being just 11 matchweeks old, most of the talk so far has been around Arsenal and their seemingly relentless, unstoppable march towards the 2025/26 title.

This past weekend, however, Manchester City made people sit up and take notice as they dismantled champions Liverpool with a 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium. 

City’s result, coupled with Arsenal dropping points for the first time since September 21 at high-flying Sunderland, has sparked debate over whether Pep Guardiola’s side are quietly mounting a serious title challenge.

But what is it that makes Man City serious title contenders? Here, Sports News Blitz writer Joseph Ould takes a look…

Been there, done that

Man City’s weekend triumph marked 1,000 games in management for Guardiola, with the Spaniard amassing a staggering 716 wins in that time.

Since arriving in the Premier League in 2016, Guardiola has won six league titles, and many players in the current City side were part of those triumphs.

That kind of winning experience could prove invaluable in the latter stages of a title race and give Man City the edge over Mikel Arteta’s men, who are yet to taste league glory.

Having already won countless silverware on the blue side of Manchester, it would be foolish to count out any side managed by Guardiola.

Doku dynamite

The potential of Jeremy Doku has been clear to see ever since Man City signed the Belgian back in August of 2023.

However, Doku has often frustrated rather than flourished, with his lack of end product being a point of major concern.

The performance of Doku in the win over Liverpool was one of standout quality, though, with the winger winning a penalty, scoring a sumptuous goal, and earning the player of the match award.

Guardiola’s best teams have often tended to have dynamic wide players who Pep is able to get the best out of.

In years gone by, it was the likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, and Riyad Mahrez who dazzled in title winning teams, but if Doku can keep up his impressive displays, he could be the next thrilling winger to shine at Man City.

READ MORE: Premier League news: Sunderland AFC – The success story so far

In-form Foden

The form of Phil Foden over the last year has perplexed fans and experts alike, with the midfield man losing his England spot on the back of an extremely poor campaign.

It seems easy to forget that just one season prior, Foden was voted PFA Player of the Year for his stellar performances in Man City’s 2023/24 title win.

This season, however, Foden looks back to somewhere near his best with a slight role change in the Man City midfield.

Seeing more of the ball in a slightly deeper position is allowing Foden to showcase his ability and influence games.

Foden’s return to form has seen him re-capture his international place, and Man City will be hoping he can be the catalyst for another trophy-laden season.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: EFL news: Managerial drama in the Championship as Rotherham and Peterborough pick up big wins

Nico in the Rodri-role

The ACL injury to Rodri in the early weeks of last season was a blow that Man City were unable to recover from, with no one able to fill the role of the Ballon d’Or winner.

The club attempted to sign a replacement in the January transfer window with the acquisition of Nico González from FC Porto.

Unfortunately, González struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting XI and often struggled to make an impact when he did play.

This season, González has looked at home playing in the Premier League and has made the midfield tick.

With his impressive performances, the loss of Rodri – who continues to struggle with his fitness – has been far less damaging and Man City have been able to be cautious with the latter’s return.

READ NEXT: Which clubs will be most affected by the Premier League’s shirt sponsorship overhaul?

Norwegian goal machine

Ever since his Man City debut, Erling Haaland has scored goals at a frightening rate, but this season, the striker seems to have taken his performances to a whole new level.

Having already found the back of the net 14 times in the Premier League this season, Haaland is on course for another record-breaking goal-scoring campaign.

However, it’s not just his goals that have made him the league’s standout performer, with the Norwegian’s overall game seemingly at a higher level than it has ever been.

Haaland is terrifying defences not just by scoring, but linking up with his team-mates too, already striking up a great understanding with City new boy Rayan Cherki.

With this version of Haaland up top, it's hard to envisage City not running Arsenal extremely close at the top of the Premier League as the season enters its final stages.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Premier League news: Ross Barkley and Donyell Malen star as Aston Villa demolish Bournemouth