Janice R. Andrews
The Premier League was a very stable league until Sheikh Mansour bought Manchester City in 2008. The “Big Four”—Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal—dominated and established a dependable order of power. But when Emirati money started to pour into Manchester City, the scene was completely changed. The team went from being a struggling underdog to a dominant force that would go on to change English football.
Manchester City’s Transformation
Manchester City was a yo-yo team before the takeover, alternating between the Premier League and lower leagues. The team’s greatest Premier League result was eighth place, and its last major prize was won in the 1960s. With the infusion of cash from the royal family of Abu Dhabi, everything changed. All of a sudden, City was vying for championships, winning trophies, and reportedly dodging budgetary restrictions in the process.
The appointment of Pep Guardiola in 2016 marked a sea change. Guardiola, who is well-known for his accomplishments at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, introduced a radical strategy to the Premier League, which had become stale in terms of strategy and success in Europe.
The Tactical Revolution of Guardiola
The elite clubs in the Premier League were at a relative low point when Guardiola took over. There was widespread disapproval of the Champions League’s antiquated style and underperformance of English clubs. Guardiola drastically altered the English game by introducing a possession-based approach that prioritized positional play and ball control. His tactics were first viewed with suspicion and even mockery following his inaugural season’s fourth-place result.
Guardiola, meanwhile, stuck to his guns and guided Manchester City to a remarkable 100-point campaign in 2017–18. His methods not only helped City win, but they had an impact on the league as a whole. A transition towards a more technical style of play was evident by 2023–24, when the average Premier League side completed significantly more short passes per game and fewer aerial duels.
Guardiola’s impact and Jürgen Klopp’s pressing philosophy at Liverpool combined to change the Premier competition into a competition known for its high-pressure, possession-based style of play. Record-breaking goal totals and more exciting games were the outcomes of this change.
The Negative Aspects of City Dominance
Manchester City’s on-field achievements have changed the game, but there has also been a lot of criticism around them. The financial power that helped City rise to the top aroused concerns about regulatory compliance and fairness. To prevent wasteful expenditure and maintain financial stability, UEFA and the Premier League implemented Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and Financial Fair Play (FFP). But according to hacked emails, City may have exaggerated sponsorship agreements to get around these regulations, which led to inquiries and legal disputes.
Due to inadequate evidence, UEFA’s first two-year Champions League suspension against City was overturned in court. In February 2023, the Premier League brought 115 allegations against City, alleging financial malfeasance that began in 2009. The credibility of the league and City’s accomplishments have been clouded by these accusations.
Court Cases and Their Prospects
In addition to damaging Manchester City’s brand, the ongoing legal disputes have brought attention to the shortcomings in the English football league’s regulatory structure. For less serious financial transgressions, Everton and Nottingham Forest have already lost points, and Leicester City may potentially lose even more.
In response, the Premier League revised its financial rules, phasing out the PSR by 2025–2026 and instituting new “squad cost rules.” To provide a more fair playing field, a spending cap linked to the league’s lowest paid players is also being considered. In the meanwhile, the British government is pressing for the establishment of an independent football regulator to regulate the sport, which might discourage investment while also perhaps averting future financial issues.
The Lasting Legacy of Manchester City
The Premier League has definitely changed as a result of Manchester City’s domination. They have raised the bar for tactical success and complexity on the field. Away from the field, their financial activities have generated a great deal of discussion and important regulatory adjustments.
Manchester City’s ascension has left a complicated legacy, especially as the Premier League struggles to adjust to these developments. Although they have raised the bar for English football, their tactics have also highlighted weaknesses in the organization that oversees the game. Manchester City has had a significant and diverse influence on the Premier League, changing the face of English football for better or worse—or maybe both. This is true whether they are seen as trailblazers or as outcasts.
