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Will Manchester City really dominate the next decade?

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So the expected result materialized as City beat QPR to clinch their first title in 44 years. Of course the journey to the result had more twists and turns than a season of 24, Aguero goal provided the final act of the one of the most dramatic sporting theatres in recent history. It was noticeable that amidst the euphoria and disbelief in the immediate aftermath a few ventured the opinion that City had now laid the foundation for a period of dominance akin to that enjoyed by United and Liverpool.

Those City titans, Kompany, Toure and Hart, were keen to look ahead and state their desire to win the title once again. Since then pundits across the country have been at pains to usher in a period of blue dominance. But are City really set to dominate the game for the foreseeable future?

The argument for makes for compelling evidence. City already have the best squad collectively and individually in the league. In Hart, Kompany, Toure, Silva, Aguero, City have a spine to rival most in Europe and a group of players close to or in their prime. Having now won the title City have the mentality and belief to ruthlessly eradicate the slip-ups of this season. To garner 89 points in a season plagued by off the field turbulences is some feat, City have every chance next season to break 90 points.

Perhaps more importantly they can now attract nearly every target in the world with the huge bargaining power of being the finest team in England and the ability to offer a better wage than anywhere else. In terms of improvement and stature City have almost untrammeled potential. They are primed to break into the elite of European royalty and cement their status. Unless a particular foreign starlet feels a particular affection for a premiership club then City will be his first port of call.

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Another way to look it is to analyze City’s domestic rivals. United are a team in decline in desperate need of a cash injection, however they will find City a formidable obstacle when negotiating transfers. Arsenal remain financially restrained and are unlikely to invest the 70 million needed to get on an even keel. Chelsea could enjoy a last hurrah before a huge rebuilding project is commenced which will leave then in transition next season. Liverpool will have to go back to the drawing board after a campaign of gross underachievement and Totteham look set for another summer of bitter fighting to hold onto their star assets.

It all adds up to one thing then, City have the players to dominate England for a minimum of three years, and as long as the cash flow keeps flowing then it could be longer. However to dominate for a decade would require breaking up this team and building a new one, a task which is always difficult. Just ask Chelsea about the perils of trying to break up a championship winning team. However the real question is whether City can go another level and conquer Europe.

Real Madrid have now gone a decade without winning the Champions League despite spending sums which could make Sheikh Mansour blush. Mancini has silenced his critics in England now he must discard the label of being a European flop. At this stage City remain behind the prime contenders in the C.L. However a couple more big signings will help them bridge the gap. The experience of being eliminated in the group stage will hold them in good stead next year and they will be guaranteed an easier group.

In 2006 it looked as though Chelsea would dominate for a generation, however the plans for world domination were derailed by the emergence of a great United, the sacking of Mourinho followed a succession of managers. At times the ego and intransigence of the players have got in the way of progress, at other times incoming managers have tried to instill a new ethos too quickly. The Abu Dhabi owners seem a little less volatile than their Russian counterpart and they will do well not to interfere needlessly if City are to establish a line of continuity.

City are equipped to dominate for the recent future and they are strong favorites to retain their title. However the dynasties of United and Liverpool were built on a myriad of values, some of which City possess and others they do not. Today City celebrate a defining triumph, however as Kompany pointed out it, the Premiership represents the first brick of the house. A house that will require planning, patience and skill if it is to blossom into the edifice so many think it will.    

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