Man City top Premier League distance charts with 1268.7km | OneFootball

Manchester City had a rough start to the season, but they’ve bounced back fast. A few early stumbles raised doubts, but the last few results prove why they’re still one of the top sides in world football.

They’re right back in the title fight. According to the top 10 betting sites in the UK, City are the second favourites to win the Premier League with average odds of 3.25. Arsenal lead the way at 1.62, though, with so much of the season left, the bookmakers clearly haven’t ruled out City.

One stat stands out: City have covered more distance than any other team in the league: 1,268.7km so far. Is that the key to their turnaround? Is it a tactical shift from Guardiola, or are the players simply pushing harder?

City lead the league in distance covered

The numbers speak for themselves. Manchester City have covered a distance of 1,268.7km so far this season, which is more than any team in the league. That’s an average of 115.3km per game, which shows the whole squad is putting in the work.

It’s not down to one or two players. Defenders such as Gvardiol are also doing plenty of running for the side in recovery, while Rodri is still covering ground in the midfield. Up top, Haaland’s movement off the ball adds to the total without affecting his threat in front of goal. The additional work is stretching opponents, giving City more control over space.

Last season, City ranked seventh for distance. They relied more on keeping the ball than chasing it. This season looks different. Pre-season likely focused more on fitness, and it’s showing in how they’re covering the pitch.

Sprint numbers back it up

City aren’t just running more, they’re sprinting more too. Last season, they averaged 127 sprints per game. This year it’s 149. That puts them at the top of the league.

It shows in the way they press. Players such as Foden and Bernardo Silva are setting the tempo higher up the pitch, forcing mistakes and creating chances.

These sprints are well-timed. Most occur in the last third, and the connection between high pressing and shot creation is obvious. City haven’t given up on their style, they’ve added a layer to it!

A small edge that could decide everything

In a close battle for the title, margins do matter. A few extra kilometres over the course of each match, a few extra sprints in key moments, they all add up over 38 games.

City have found a way to blend quality and work rate. If that balance is maintained, they’ll be difficult to stop when it really counts.