OPINION
Trying to work out the weaknesses in the Manchester City side superbly assembled and drilled by Pep Guardiola is almost a futile task.
There almost aren’t any, bar perhaps a lack of defensive brilliance from the full-backs Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy, or one of the injured left-back’s deputies.
But is Guardiola about to provide the glimmer of light City’s main title rivals Liverpool have been hoping for, not only this season but the next one, too?
That emphatically appears to be the case as the Metro report the Spanish tactician’s transfer plans for the next 12 to 18 months is restricted to recruiting just two players – a midfield anchorman and a full-back.
The slow-down in City’s recruitment is a huge boost for Liverpool as they look to narrow the gap on the champions, who have started this season even better than last, when they broke record after record en route to cruising to the title before Spring had even sprung.
It is something of a surprise, too, as analysis of the ages of key members of the City squad suggests major changes will be needed.
Fernandinho will be 34 by the start of next season, while David Silva and Vincent Kompany will both be 33, and even Sergio Aguero will have blown out 31 candles on his birthday cake.
All four will need replacing, no easy task, given the huge contributions they have made to placing City at the top of the podium.
City’s apparent willingness to hold fire, apart from plans to provide competition for Fernandinho, should encourage Liverpool and all their many followers. It is a massive glimmer of light.
They are just two points behind the champions in the league table, and are widely regarded as the only side capable of stopping City strolling to a fourth title of the Abu Dhabi era.
Should Liverpool continue to strengthen in January and next summer, while City hold off, that could be just the assist they need to end their pursuit of the Premier League holy grail.