Manchester City fans have plenty to celebrate as both the men’s and women’s teams are making headlines for all the right reasons. From a statement victory in the Premier League to a crucial Women’s Super League clash, and the long-term commitment of a rising Brazilian star, the Sky Blues are showing resilience, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Let’s dive into the latest developments surrounding the club, the players who are lighting up the pitch, and the vision that’s driving City forward as autumn unfolds.
At the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side delivered a resounding 5-1 win over Burnley, sending a clear message to their Premier League rivals. Erling Haaland, the Norwegian goal machine, was at the heart of the action, bagging two goals to continue his astonishing run. With those strikes, Haaland’s Premier League tally soared to 93 goals in just 103 appearances, surpassing Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjær as the top Norwegian scorer in the competition’s history. The 25-year-old, who joined City only three years ago, has now amassed an eye-watering 133 goals across all competitions for the club.
Guardiola was quick to praise his star striker, stating after the match, “He always has the feeling that he can score and I’m really pleased again for the performance for the team.” The Catalan manager also echoed a sentiment familiar to football fans: “It’s his job,” he grinned, referencing Haaland’s relentless professionalism. But the plaudits didn’t stop there. Guardiola highlighted the team’s improved mentality and body language as pivotal to their recent five-game unbeaten run. “Since the [Manchester] United game, the team showed another way in their body language when they weren’t playing good against Arsenal in how they defend and helped each other—that is the key for everything,” he beamed.
It wasn’t just Haaland who caught the manager’s eye. Jérémy Doku, the dynamic winger, left Guardiola openly exclaiming: “Wow!” Doku’s electrifying runs and sharp decision-making in the final third were instrumental, especially against Burnley’s deep defensive block. “Jérémy is really important. When the team is transitional maybe he can struggle a bit but he had the ball and brought the opponent to the box. Now he is reading good. When Jérémy goes there for the second goal, two or three opponents go there. They don't allow him to go one vs. one because he’s unstoppable,” Guardiola said. Doku’s ability to create overloads and provide assists, including one for Haaland, has added a new dimension to City’s attacking arsenal.
This resurgence comes after a rocky start to the 2025-26 campaign, where City lost two of their opening three Premier League fixtures. However, the squad responded in style, picking up 13 points from their next 15 available, including victories over Manchester United, Napoli, Arsenal, Huddersfield Town, and Burnley. City also secured a place in the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town and kicked off their UEFA Champions League group stage with a 2-0 triumph against Napoli. The team’s recent performances have lifted them into the Premier League’s top six, reigniting hopes for another title challenge despite the strong competition posed by Liverpool and Arsenal.
Guardiola, always striving for improvement, has overseen a significant squad overhaul following last season’s disappointing finish—third in the league, an early Champions League exit, and an FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Key figures like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Kyle Walker departed over the summer, paving the way for a new generation. The arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Rayan Cherki, Tijani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Gianluigi Donnarumma have injected fresh energy and competition. Guardiola emphasized the importance of embracing City’s winning culture: “These new Manchester City players, they have to know this club has a culture that we have to win. Otherwise it would not have happened what happened in the last decade; by far the best team in England in terms of numbers and everything.”
As City prepare for a tricky Champions League away fixture against AS Monaco on Wednesday, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and building on their recent successes. Guardiola’s adaptability has been evident, with tactical shifts such as the defensive setup that earned a 1-1 draw at Arsenal, showcasing a pragmatic approach to grinding out results in challenging circumstances.
Off the pitch, Manchester City are securing their future with news that Brazilian winger Savinho is set to sign a new contract running until June 2031. Since his £30.8 million move from Troyes in 2024, the 21-year-old has made 53 appearances, scored four goals, and provided 13 assists. Despite missing the first three games of the current season due to injury, Savinho quickly found his feet, netting his first goal of the campaign in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield Town. Tottenham reportedly showed strong interest in the summer, willing to pay over €70 million, but City CEO Ferran Soriano blocked the move, determined not to repeat the regret felt after Cole Palmer’s departure to Chelsea. Pep Guardiola’s faith in Savinho is unwavering, believing the young winger has the potential to become even more clinical and decisive in the final third.
Meanwhile, excitement is building for Manchester City Women’s upcoming WSL clash against the London City Lionesses at the Joie Stadium. A win could see City leap to second in the table, depending on other results, as new manager Andree Jeglertz aims to challenge Chelsea’s dominance. The Lionesses, featuring former City players Nikita Parris, Alanna Kennedy, and Poppy Pattinson, are no pushovers, having recently claimed a 2-1 victory at Everton. City will be without Lauren Hemp due to injury, but could welcome back striker Bunny Shaw and recall Khiara Keating and Kirsten Casparij to the starting lineup. The Lionesses may turn to Isobel Goodwin and star signing Grace Geyoro to lead their attack, promising a fiercely contested match.
As both men’s and women’s teams gear up for pivotal fixtures and the club locks in key talents for the long haul, Manchester City’s commitment to excellence is clear. With renewed spirit, tactical evolution, and an eye on the future, the Sky Blues are determined to keep their winning culture alive—on every front, and for seasons to come.
