There was a time when Manchester City didn’t just win they intimidated. Opponents feared the inevitability. But Saturday’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace? It didn’t feel like peak City. It felt like a very good team doing what very good teams do: bouncing back, showing flashes of brilliance… but not striking fear into the footballing world.
Yes, Kevin De Bruyne was majestic. His performance reminded us why he’s been one of the defining players of the Guardiola era. But even as he pulled the strings, you couldn’t help but notice this isn’t the machine we once knew.
Palace exposed City’s fragility again. Simple balls behind the high line cut them open. The press, once so suffocating it felt unfair, is now inconsistent. It’s not just physical tiredness; it’s tactical erosion. The control Pep demands just isn’t there right now.
Sure, they’re unbeaten in five. Marmoush has been a smart January addition. Rodri’s return will help. They’ll likely be back in the Champions League next season. But look deeper the real issue is time.
This squad, once built for relentless pressing and total domination, has aged together. Gundogan returning felt romantic, but added more years. De Bruyne, Walker (before Milan), Bernardo, Kovacic all look like they’re carrying miles in their legs. That’s fine in flashes, not over 60 games.
Reinforcements are coming. Gvardiol, Haaland, Foden, Marmoush that’s a core many clubs would kill for. Youngsters like Bobb, McAtee, Lewis, O’Reilly add excitement. And City will spend. But here’s the twist even with that, will the aura return?
Because dominance isn’t just about players. It’s about belief. Identity. Swagger. And for the first time in a decade, we’re seeing doubt creep in even from Pep. His energy looks drained at times. The fire’s still there, but the edge? Maybe dulled.
This isn’t a crisis. City are still elite. Still capable of jaw-dropping brilliance. But right now, they feel less like the final boss… and more like just another top team.
And that? That’s new. That’s different.
And that’s why we’re watching.
