Back to back wins by Manchester City against Spurs and Wolves have kept the Blues in the race for the Premier League title, but Arsenal’s late win against United leaves them as hot favourites.

Pep Guardiola might have been trying to play mind games when he said the title race was over, just a few days ago, but it certainly looks like the Gunners are the real deal this season.

A few years ago, it was Leicester City who were top of the table and everyone was expecting their bubble to burst at some stage. It didn’t of course. I’m not sure Arsenal’s will either, so it looks like the two Premier League fixtures between Arsenal and City, which still have to be played, will be pivotal.

Talking of mind games, the big talking point of the week was Pep Guardiola’s post-match press conferences following the comeback win against Tottenham last Thursday.

If you didn’t hear his comments, in simple terms, he said he wanted more from his players who he accused of lacking the passion they’d shown in previous seasons and he said the City fans, at the Etihad Stadium, needed to cheer on the team more.

I can’t disagree with his call to arms, in both cases. I suspect it was his attempt to motivate everyone, as the season enters the most crucial phase. Having won so many trophies during the last few seasons, I can understand a bit of complacency from the players and the fans, but there are other factors at play here.

He was speaking after a freezing Thursday night game, soon after Christmas in the middle of a cost of living crisis. Many season ticket holders had taken advantage of a club guarantee to buy back their tickets. Those that replaced them included many who were not regulars and therefore didn’t share the passion of the regular supporters.

There are other factors too, some of which Pep correctly highlighted, like being in the comfort zone because his team is so good. Ironically the way his team plays also contributes to the quieter atmosphere.

City’s style is based on patient passing and probing, as they wait for the opportunity to score the break through goal. Because City are so good, many opponents visit the Etihad Stadium in “damage limitation” mode. They put ten men behind the ball, time waste and try to rough up the younger City players, like the fast-emerging Rico Lewis, who was chopped down frequently by both Spurs and Wolves.

If City were more “route one”, a bit more old-school, maybe the crowd would get a bit more involved and give the vocal support to his team that he clearly craves. If I was being a bit critical, I’d suggest that his team is not playing quite as well this season, which may also have contributed in the dip in noise levels.

Despite being a non-drinker myself, I can also appreciate that alcohol plays a part in creating an atmosphere. I attend all City’s away games and Pep was full of praise for the vocal support all around the country, but of course those who travel everywhere are generally the die-hards and those who like a drink.

No wonder the atmosphere is better away from home. Everyone stands in the away section too. These are all factors that Pep might be unaware of.

The truth, though, is that the type of fans who the club wants to encourage, the ones who spend more money on tickets, memorabilia, food and drink are not the ones who make the most noise.

If you want a passionate, noisy stadium, drop the prices and it will happen naturally, but more income means better players and more success. It’s very difficult to have both. As a passionate, obsessive lifelong City fan, what I can guarantee is that it’s always great to be a Blue! 

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