With the run-in set to begin Manchester City look to have clicked into gear | OneFootball

Manchester City have arguably put in two of their best performances of the season in their past two matches. Pep Guardiola’s side put in a scintillating second-half performance to see off Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final. Following the international break, City emphatically beat Liverpool 4-0 at the Etihad in their FA Cup quarter-final tie. A blistering four-goal, 21-minute burst either side of halftime sealed Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final date against Southampton. What has been apparent is that Pep Guardiola’s side is clicking into gear right as the final stages of the 2025/26 season are set to begin.

Manchester City are looking ominous as they chase a domestic treble.

Outside of beating Arsenal and Liverpool by a combined aggregate score of 6-0, this Manchester City team is beginning to resemble a Pep Guardiola side. The free-flowing and devastating attacking football is there. Beyond that, Manchester City’s defensive press has stood out in their play. It did against Liverpool, as there was a real hunger by the City players to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm when they had possession. Also, Manchester City’s build-up play has come on in leaps and bounds recently, which stood out during the build-up to Manchester City’s fourth goal against Arne Slot’s side.

Manchester City remain in the hunt to secure a domestic treble this season. They have already won the Carabao Cup and have an FA Cup semi-final against Southampton to look forward to. City currently sit nine points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table. They do have a game in hand on Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s side have to face City at the Etihad in just under two weeks’ time. Pep Guardiola’s team are near enough to Arsenal to put real pressure on the Gunners, especially considering it does seem that Arsenal are wobbling after their Carabao Cup defeat and their shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Southampton.

What is clear as of right now is that Manchester City look to have clicked into gear. To have any hope of overhauling Arsenal, City will have to continue their impressive recent form and likely win all of their remaining Premier League matches. All of a sudden, Pep Guardiola’s team looks capable of doing exactly that. That is one major takeaway from their past two wins.

Pep Lijnders believe that talent and desire will carry this City side through the run-in.

Manchester City assistant manager Pep Lijnders spoke of how confidence has been built in this City side. He revealed that winning matches, cup finals and training well builds confidence. Clearly, confidence is building rapidly in Pep Guardiola’s side. Lijnders explained: “There are several ways to create confidence for a team – by doing a few things really right in training but also winning football matches and winning finals. That is what defines the confidence levels for players.”

“I have always felt that in the last so many years. Winning is not about technique, it’s pure desire. It’s the combination of talent and desire.”

Pep Lijnders’ words do ring true with this Manchester City side. You can see that confidence is building among this City group. It has come at the right time as there is an ominous look to Pep Guardiola’s side right as the 2025/26 season enters a pivotal stage. This City looks to have clicked into gear and if they can carry on their strong recent form, it could set them up to launch headfirst into their chase for a domestic treble.