Ever since Pep Guardiola’s appointment as Manchester City boss in 2016, his side have etched their place amongst some of the greatest teams the Premier League has ever seen.
With four league titles in the past six seasons, the Catalan manager and his side have ushered in one of the most dominant eras ever witnessed in English football.
Guardiola’s Sky Blues side hold the record for setting the highest-ever points tally in a league season (100) during the 2017/18 campaign.
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In the following campaign, City also became the first team in the history of English football to win a domestic treble.
While the numbers speak for themselves in emphasising why City have set the gold standard during the Catalan's reign, it is the manner in which they have won silverware that separates them from the rest.
After all, it’s safe to say that Guardiola’s signature possession-centric brand of football is an approach that was never adopted in the division before his arrival.
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Taking the bold step of sanctioning Joe Hart’s sale to allow the club to progress to a ball-playing goalkeeper in a bid to fit his style, the ex-Barcelona boss’ template is now followed by teams across the country.
Tactically, Guardiola’s revolutionary ideas have meant no team has been a match for his City side so far, with his successful implementation of inverted full-backs and a false nine to name a few.
With his City full bedded into the decorated coach’s brand of football over the years, several opponents have admitted that this side is by far the best footballing team they have ever faced.
AFC Bournemouth manager, Scott Parker was one of them after his side were thumped 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
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“One million per cent, Manchester City are the best team [I've ever seen], everything about them," he revealed, as quoted by the Mail.
"They are the most well-coached team, functionally, technically, everything about their game model is very difficult to play against."
Against the Cherries, City put their foot on the pedal from the first whistle, playing at a swift tempo, creating a host of chances and maintaining their stranglehold on proceedings at all times.
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After his side’s return to the English top-flight after two seasons, Parker may well have got a harsh reality check of what it takes to become the best of the best against City.
Ultimately, Guardiola’s side have been the real deal for almost half a decade and as a result, the list of managers that come up against them and leave feeling awestruck is set to only increase over time.
As usual, however, the manager and his squad will be focused on winning even more silverware this season.
They have already won their first two Premier League games and sit top of the pile on goal difference.
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Having added Erling Haaland to their frontline, it is expected their luck in front of goal will increase significantly compared to the 99 goals scored domestically last season.
Featured Image Credit: Action Plus Sports Images / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Premier League, Scott Parker