Manchester City have scored 13 goals in their three group stage games at this Club World Cup
The Club World Cup, despite facing lukewarm reception in some quarters during the group stages, witnessed a compelling statement from Manchester City following their dominant victory over Juventus on Thursday.
City’s commanding performance in Orlando’s challenging heat resulted in a resounding 5-2 win against their Italian counterparts, securing a flawless record in Group G and top spot in the standings.
Pep Guardiola’s squad asserted control from the outset, overcoming a first-half downpour to make a significant statement in the tournament.
The Spanish manager reiterated that this competition marks the commencement of a new season, rather than a continuation of the previous disappointing one, and expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance.
“I liked the way we did it,” Guardiola told Dazn. “It has been a long, long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed and we are happy to beat a top side.
“This is just one game, but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. The belief always comes from your performances, not your past.”
Extreme heat, poor pitches & plenty of goals – Club World Cup reaches halfway stage
Club World Cup: Man City thrash Juventus in final group game – reaction
After an eight-season streak of major silverware, City concluded the previous campaign without a trophy, finishing third in the Premier League following an unprecedented run of four consecutive titles.
However, on Thursday, with a commanding 76% possession, 24 shots to five, and 738 passes to 219, City dismantled the 36-time Serie A champions in a display that will undoubtedly capture the attention of their remaining competitors.
Securing the victory necessary to top their group, City successfully avoided the half of the draw containing Paris-St Germain and Bayern Munich.
They are now set to face Al-Hilal in the last 16 in Orlando, Florida, on Monday (Tuesday 02:00 BST), after the Saudi Arabian team secured second place in Group H.
“I think City have shook the tournament tonight,” said the club’s former goalkeeper Shay Given. “People will step up and think ‘wow these [players] are the real deal again.
“I think they are going to bounce back and bounce back strong.”
Guardiola added: “We were so aggressive without the ball. Ederson made incredible long balls to Erling [Haaland]. The most important thing today is we can feel it again.
“The players felt we can compete in that way. Last season it couldn’t happen for one reason: we didn’t have players. Since day one we’ve made a step up in the rhythm and training is unbelievable.
“This is the only way to survive – win or lose. Years ago, nobody could imagine Man City at the Club World Cup. We are facing new teams and it is an honour. We want to stay here.”
Juventus may have suffered a psychological blow even before kickoff upon seeing Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s name on the team sheet, marking the 29-year-old’s first start since a serious knee injury sustained against Arsenal nine months prior.
The Spaniard played for 65 minutes, underscoring his integral role within the City team, demonstrating his assured presence in midfield with a metronomic performance, completing a total of 67 passes.
By the time he was substituted, only defender Ruben Dias (84) had recorded more touches than Rodri’s 79, emphasizing his influence in dictating the game’s flow.
“Everyone knows how important is Rodri,” said Guardiola. “He is one of the best players in the world. I am happy he had a good 60 minutes and he can help us a lot.
“Last season we couldn’t do it for the injuries. This season we can have players fit and try to perform similar to today.”
Guardiola attributed last season’s derailment to a lengthy injury list, but against Juve, he boasted a near-fully fit squad, with the exception of the injured Claudio Echeverri.
Jeremy Doku, Savinho, and Phil Foden all contributed to the scoresheet as City tallied 13 goals across their three group stage matches.
“The forward play and the goals Man City score is fantastic,” said Given. “When they won the title four times in a row we thought these guys were robots.
“Even Pep mentions ‘we have got our mojo back’. We have got the Man City back, which we all thought was automatic.
“It shows us that they are just human beings.”
The match also marked a significant milestone for Haaland, who scored his 300th top-level goal for club and country.
Despite a period on the sidelines due to injury last season, the 24-year-old has now found the net five times in his last six appearances.
In total, he has amassed 258 goals for his club sides, in addition to 42 for Norway.
“Congratulations on 300 goals,” said Guardiola, who has a perfect managerial record of 11 wins in 11 games in the competition. “At 24 years old, it is a good run.
“His manager was an incredible footballer – he scored 11 goals in 11 years. Imagine that situation so I admire him a lot and happy for him.”
While Haaland’s goals and Rodri’s stabilizing presence in midfield are undeniably pivotal to City’s success, the question remains: who is the most indispensable component of Guardiola’s squad?
Despite Haaland’s impressive recent goal-scoring form, he actually started Thursday’s game on the bench.
This highlights the potency that City, bolstered by £100m worth of new signings prior to the tournament, are regaining.
Which players would make your first-choice XI under Guardiola? Select your preferred lineup below.
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