Manchester City have raised the bar and it’s up to their rivals to catch them

As Manchester City claimed their fourth consecutive Premier League title yesterday, it became apparent that Pep Guardiola’s side has raised the bar in English football. The world champions are in the midst of an unprecedented era of success. Coming off the back of last season’s treble success, it took a super human effort from City to return to the summit of English football. They did just that yesterday at the Etihad Stadium. Now it is on City’s rivals to catch up to the Premier League champions.

Manchester City’s 3-1 win over West Ham was the culmination of a season’s hard work by Pep Guardiola and his squad. It was yet another special moment as they lifted the Premier League title for the fourth consecutive time. It was a historical moment as they achieved a feat that hadn’t been accomplished before in English football. But it was also the culmination of the entire club’s work.

On the pitch, Pep Guardiola and his squad do their best work. Off the pitch, Manchester City has created an environment for the very best in the business to flourish. From Sheikh Mansour to Khaldoon Al-Mubarak to Txiki Begiristain and all of the Manchester City staff, it is a club pulling in the same direction. The environment at Manchester City breeds success, which was evident yesterday.

The detractors to City’s success say it has become boring. But this criticism misses the mark. If Manchester City’s rivals are to overhaul the world champions, they must raise their game or be left behind. Liverpool in recent seasons and Arsenal in the past two seasons have pushed Manchester City all the way. There is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta’s sides have forced Manchester City to raise their game. They have done so year after year to become the benchmark in English football. The challenge now rests on City’s rivals to catch them.

Yesterday’s fourth consecutive Premier League title for Manchester City was the culmination of the work by the entire club. It was a special moment that will live long in the memory of Manchester City’s fans, staff, players, and hierarchy. There is no doubt that once the celebrations die down, and after next weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester United, the club will begin planning for next season. They will be aiming to create more history next season. The challenge is now there for their rivals to keep pace. If they don’t, there may be no stopping Manchester City from raising the bar even further.