Twelve months ago, Manchester City were staring into the abyss. A first trophyless season since 2017 felt not just possible but likely, the injury list was relentless, and the pressure on Pep Guardiola was mounting in a way nobody at the Etihad had anticipated. Fast forward to today, and City are on the verge of something quite extraordinary — a treble that would rank among the most remarkable turnarounds in the club's history.
The FA Cup final berth — secured after their comeback win over Southampton — means City now have live chances in the Premier League, the FA Cup, and one further competition. For a squad that was written off so prematurely, it is a stunning achievement, and it says everything about the culture Guardiola has built that his players simply refused to accept the narrative that their season was over.
How City Rebuilt from the Rubble
The turnaround began with health. Several key players who had spent large portions of the previous campaign sidelined returned to fitness and form in the second half of the season, giving Guardiola depth and options he had simply not had before. The return of Erling Haaland to consistent scoring form was particularly crucial — the Norwegian had endured a difficult middle portion of the campaign, but found his best again at exactly the right time.
Tactically, Guardiola also made subtle but significant adjustments. The midfield structure was recalibrated, the pressing triggers were sharpened, and the team recovered the relentless, suffocating energy that had made them so dominant in previous seasons. Results began to follow, confidence grew, and suddenly the side that had looked so fragile was winning games with a ruthlessness that felt quintessentially City.
The Title Race — City's Role
In the Premier League, City remain serious contenders heading into the final weeks of the season. The FA Cup comeback against Southampton — scoring twice in five minutes to turn the tie around — demonstrated exactly the kind of mental fortitude required to win championships. It was the sort of result that sends a message to rivals: City are not going away.
With Arsenal also in the mix and Liverpool not yet out of the conversation, the title race has the makings of one of the great finishes to a Premier League campaign. Guardiola, to his credit, has kept his players focused on the process rather than the destination — and that mentality, honed over years of elite competition, may yet be the decisive factor.
Haaland — the X-Factor
If City are to win the treble, Erling Haaland will be at the heart of it. The 25-year-old has rediscovered the form that made him arguably the best striker on the planet, and with multiple big games remaining, he has the chance to stamp his authority on the season's climax in a way that could define his City legacy.
Goals win trophies, and Haaland's capacity to score in the very biggest moments has been proven time and again. For a club chasing history, having him in the kind of form he is currently showing is the most reassuring fact of all.
Season summary: Manchester City are in contention for a historic treble after reaching the FA Cup final, remaining in the Premier League title race, and continuing in Europe. A stunning turnaround from last season's trophy drought.
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