Pep Guardiola’s tenure at Manchester City has been a period of unparalleled success and transformation. Since taking over in 2016, Guardiola has led City to 18 major trophies, including four Premier League titles in a row, a historic domestic treble, and a 100-point season. The statistics from this era are staggering, showcasing City’s dominance over their rivals, particularly in the Premier League.

In the first 3,000 days under Guardiola, Manchester City had won 30 more Premier League matches than second-placed Liverpool and 69 more than Manchester United. City’s goal difference is 140 better than Liverpool’s and 365 better than United’s, while their points tally surpasses Liverpool by 62 and United by 173. These figures highlight the sheer dominance of Guardiola’s City in comparison to their competitors.

Pep’s key partnerships

One of the more interesting statistics concerns player partnerships. The top two goal combinations in the Premier League under Guardiola have been Kevin De Bruyne with Gabriel Jesus (19 goals) and De Bruyne with Sergio Agüero (16). Surprisingly, De Bruyne’s most prolific partnership isn’t with the current star, Erling Haaland, but with Jesus. Raheem Sterling also features prominently in these combinations, with 15 assists alongside De Bruyne.

The evolution of City’s attacking style is also reflected in player contributions. For example, Sterling, who left the club two years ago, still ranks in the top five for Premier League appearances during Guardiola’s reign. Haaland, having joined City only two years ago, is already one of the top three City scorers under Guardiola, with his 71 goals set to surpass Sterling’s 85 in the near future.

Tactical flexibility

Another telling sign of City’s changing squad dynamics is the shift in midfield roles. Fernandinho, once considered irreplaceable in midfield, has been surpassed by Rodri, who is now the key defensive midfielder. Despite Rodri’s recent absence due to injury, City have continued their perfect league record, proving their ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

Guardiola’s tactical flexibility is also evident in his use of players. Gabriel Jesus, though now at Arsenal, played a versatile role for City, frequently appearing as a substitute and contributing 58 league goals. Jesus’ adaptability was crucial during his time at City, where he was deployed in multiple positions. Similarly, Phil Foden, another key player, is expected to surpass Jesus in the number of appearances from the bench.

The financials

In terms of financials, City have spent €691 million (£584m) in net transfer fees during Guardiola’s time in charge, a figure that places them among the highest spenders in the Premier League, though still behind Chelsea and Manchester United. Interestingly, City’s net spend has been lower in recent years compared to other clubs, suggesting that their early years under Guardiola were marked by significant investment, with a more measured approach in recent seasons.

The impact of Guardiola’s tenure is not just about numbers, but also the quality of football. Under his guidance, City have consistently broken records, including scoring five or more goals in a Premier League match 37 times—more than Arsenal and Liverpool combined during the same period. Guardiola has transformed City into a footballing powerhouse, and the club’s success on the pitch reflects his exceptional tactical acumen, adaptability, and ability to nurture talent.

The key players

As for key players, goalkeeper Ederson leads the pack for appearances, starts, and minutes under Guardiola, while legendary figures like Sergio Agüero, David Silva, and Vincent Kompany, all of whom have statues outside the Etihad Stadium, have made a collective 293 league appearances during Guardiola’s reign.

Guardiola’s influence extends beyond the pitch, with his management style revolutionizing the way Manchester City approach the game. The evolution of their squad, the changing tactical setups, and the financial strategies employed all illustrate the depth of his impact. His time at City has not only brought success but also established a legacy of sustained dominance, positioning the club as one of the best in Europe. As he continues to adapt and evolve, Guardiola’s City remain a formidable force in world football.