City Watch: Blues thump Ipswich as new signings bolster squad

Towards the end of 2024, I was getting more and more demotivated by talking about Man City.

I’m all for appreciating the previous successes that the team has had, however, it’s only human to struggle writing about negative things, especially considering the meteoric drop in form the team had towards the end of the year.

The New Year has marked a significant improvement, with the Blues picking up form and looking a lot more improved. Despite throwing away a two goal lead at Brentford last week, the players generally looked much more confident and lethal in front of goal. I would’ve taken a draw at the Gtech before the game, but I can’t say I’m happy with being two goals up with just ten minutes to go and not winning the game.

City travelled to newly promoted Ipswich on Sunday, who have the worst home record in the league; wonder how this one would go then! Despite my own skepticism, the players were exceptional at Portman Road, scoring three goals in each half to win 6-0, City’s joint highest ever Premier League win. The nine hour round trip from Manchester was definitely worth it!

From my own perspective, I’m a big fan of the traditional old English stadiums, and Portman Road lived up to that. Without sounding big headed, the trip to Ipswich meant that I have now been to every Premier League ground watching City, and I have to say, it was one of my favourites. A good place for former blue, Liam Delap to be playing too, but despite his immense form this season, Liam was unable to make any impact, but he was, in my opinion, Ipswich’s most positive players.

Before I discuss our next opponents, I have to say, I’ve surprised with the approach City have taken in the transfer market this January. It’s not usually the most desirable time to be looking at new signings. Player prices usually sky rocket in the mid season window, usually because other clubs see desperation.

As usual though, I see the club’s strategy as one of the best. So far, there are two complete signings with potentially two more on the way. The first was Lens defender, Abdukodir Khusasov. The 20 year old has joined on a reported £40 million fee and will fit Pep’s system perfectly, championing playing out from the back and lighting pace.

The club have also signed 19 year old Vitor Reis from Brazilian club, Palmeiras on a reported £29.6 million deal. As well as these two signings, City are also in pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt striker, Omar Marmoush, presumably to replace Julian Alvarez who left for Atletico Madrid in the summer.

By the time this column is released, City will have played the penultimate Champions League game against PSG. Considering how low the Blues are in the table along with the French side, this is a must win game. Hopefully by this time next week, we will have secured our place in the next round of the European tournament.