Manchester City were predicted by many to win the Premier League title, though some did not agree.
Certain high-profile pundits have been left with egg on their faces after weighing up Manchester City‘s prospects at the start of the season – with many believing that Darwin Nunez would fare better than Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian had excelled at Borussia Dortmund with 86 goals in just 89 appearances in all competitions. Nunez has failed to hit the ground running in the same way Haaland has – though nine goals in 18 appearances is still a very respectable tally.
Pundits made their opinions known at the start of the season, with many tipping the Reds to steal City’s Premier League crown. But it seems as though many have been left with egg on their faces after all sorts of wild predictions – especially with Arsenal topping the table.
Glenn Murray
“Could it hinder City twice? They sometimes start slowly in August, so it could happen again in December this time, too. I don’t see it though. Everyone knows this break is happening and they will be ready for it, especially the top teams.”
Micah Richards
“It’s going to be very tight with Liverpool yet again, but I just feel that Erling Haaland and also Julian Alvarez could be the difference for City.”
Jermaine Jenas
“With Fernandinho leaving, they have lost their leader in the dressing room and, overall, there are a few more uncertainties with City than Liverpool. City have got a lot resting on players who haven’t done it for them yet and historically we know it can take a while to fit into their team.
“Haaland and Alvarez have got to come in and turn it on straight away and, with Raheem Sterling leaving, Jack Grealish has got to produce far more this season.”
Ashley Williams
“City are going to take a bit of time to figure out how to fit him in, but it will come. Whoever they put down the middle last year got a load of chances, so the same will happen for Haaland, although he will have to be patient because the ball won’t come to him as quickly as he is used to.”
Matthew Upson.
“Like City, Liverpool have got a new striker with Nunez, but they have probably got a bit more clarity with their system. They are used to playing the ball forward quickly, which suits a centre-forward like him and they are more direct in that way with crosses, balls over the top and down the flanks.”
Jamie Carragher
“Liverpool, Man City, Spurs, Chelsea. There was a point between them last season and I think second half of the season, Liverpool were better. Virgil van Dijk wasn’t at his best in that first half, but he gives Liverpool a real chance. He really does.”
