By Abayomi Kalejaye
Stacked with plethora of potentials and backed with plenty pounds, there has always exist a crushing feeling that Manchester City have somewhat under-achieved despite that morass of resources at their disposal. Season after season, they somehow contrive to oscillate between the good, the bad and the horrible.
This season, a Carling cup triumph hasn’t entirely masked a rather desultory premier league campaign. City’s progression to the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League - for the very first time in their history - has somewhat glistened their slightly gloomy season.
Here are four reasons that feat could help propel their most successful season so far in their 136 years history.
Renewed Belief
Manchester City’s patchy form this season meant their chances of retaining the premier league looked bleak, even more bleak was them going this far in the UEFA Champions League. When Manchester City were paired with PSG in the Quarter- finals of the Champions League, it was safe to assume they were going to approach the match - against a team that eliminated Chelsea - like a preseason game.
Their attacking bravado coupled with their resolve saw them eliminate a lethargic-looking PSG side who seemed like they were playing with multifaceted running sores. A comprehensive 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Saturday most certainly would have done their confidence a world of good, especially as they play a ruthless Spanish Behemoth- Real Madrid.
The Nasri Factor
Sami Nasri, more often than not, projects a personality that you often love to hate but an ability that you inevitably hate to love. Plagued with injuries and inconsistent form during the course of this season, Sami Nasri returned to the starting eleven against Chelsea to produce a relatively productive performance that seem to elude the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas. No doubt, the Frenchman will get better as he accrues more minutes; and in top form, he could be as dangerous as his regular midfield partner-in-crime- David Silva.
Aguero The Hero
If there is one man who is not alien to bailing out City, that man would be Sergio Aguero. The petite Argentine famously scored the goal that gave them the EPL title in the 2011/2012 season in dramatic fashion. Further, his goals have bailed them out on several occasions. His hat-trick against Chelsea on Saturday depicted a man who is supremely on top of his game. Aguero, who now has 12 goals in his last 12 Premier League games, will no doubt be eager to inflict misery on the city rival of his former team when they play in the semi-final of the Champions leagues next week.
A Worthy Send Off For Pellegrini
On 14 June 2013 when Manchester City confirmed Pellegrini’s appointment as their new first team manager on a three-year contract, expectations must have been reserved for an extension. Yet, three years after, the Chilean would depart the Etihad a man whose job was half-completed. With one EPL title, two League Cup triumphs, Pellegrini can take pride in a job well done. Only not too well. At least according to City. One denominator that so happens to resonate among City players is their paternal camaraderie with Pellegrini.
Little wonder the players took a psychological hit which affected their form when Pellegrini’s exit was confirmed. Hurtling to the end of the season, City players would be eagerly motivated to give their beloved manager a perfect send off with a perfect UCL triumph.
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