Manchester City were on the brink of history heading into Saturday’s FA Cup final as they attempted to complete the double-double, just one week after becoming England’s first top flight club to win four straight league titles.
It seemed a formality that they would beat a Manchester United team in disarray at Wembley, handing Pep Guardiola another piece of silverware.
But with Erik ten Hag desperately clinging onto his job, his players produced a performance that nobody could have foreseen, scoring twice in the first-half and hanging on after the break to win 2-1, claiming their 13th FA Cup in the process.
If City had come out on top, it would have been their third FA Cup to go with six league titles, four Carabao Cups and a Champions League in the last eight years under Guardiola.
It has been a sustained period of success rarely seen before in English football. But after losing Saturday’s cup final, as well as their aura of invincibility, could City’s dominant era finally be coming to an end?
Man City suffered a shock defeat by Man United in the FA Cup final on Saturday afternoon
Pep Guardiola has won six league titles in eight years – including the last four in a row
There was still the now-annual open top bus parade on Sunday evening to mark their Premier League triumph.
But after Guardiola admitted last week that he is nearer to the end than the start of his reign, Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Sunday night that the Spaniard is expected to leave the club when his contract expires next summer.
City have spent big since being taken over by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, and rival fans may argue that any manager would have success with the money they have splashed out on some of the game’s biggest names.
Yet the numbers simply don’t stack up. In the eight years before Guardiola’s arrival in 2016, City won the league just twice. On both occasions, they fell well short of retaining their crown.
With Guardiola at the helm they have turned into a winning machine, constantly putting each trophy behind them and focusing on the next one.
Would his replacement be able to instill the same winning mentality or could City experience a drop-off?
That was certainly the case at United when Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013. Over a decade on, they are yet to add to their 20 league titles, 13 of which came under the legendary Scot.
Arsenal needed time to rebuild after the departure of Arsene Wenger, while Arne Slot will have the unenviable task of following Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool next season.
It will be difficult to replace Guardiola, as United have found out since Sir Alex Ferguson left
Arsenal also needed time to rebuild after decorated coach Arsene Wenger moved on in 2018
Replacing an iconic manager is not easy, no matter how much money a club has, and replicating the success Guardiola has enjoyed seems almost unfathomable.
Still, that potential headache is 12 months down the line. A more immediate concern may be the possible turnover of the playing staff this summer.
Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson and club captain Kyle Walker have all been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, while Bernardo Silva has a £50m release clause, and has flirted with the idea of leaving City in the past.
All four players are first team regulars and would take some replacing. With Guardiola’s uncertain future added into the mix, could other players have their heads turned as well?
Erling Haaland has previously left the door open to a move to Real Madrid, while Bayern Munich have reportedly taken an interest in Jack Grealish and John Stones. Having won the lot under Guardiola, the trio could be tempted by a new challenge.
And what about Guardiola’s right-hand man, sporting director Txiki Begiristain? He was tasked with getting everything in place for Guardiola when he first joined the club, and could hardly have done a better job. Will he want to continue if Guardiola bids a fond farewell in 2025?
Midfielders Bernardo Silva (left) and Kevin De Bruyne (right) could both leave City this summer
City goalkeeper Ederson has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia during the window
League-winning club captain Kyle Walker could also be tempted by a switch to the Middle East
There is also the elephant in the room – the 115 charges hanging over City. Their case is expected to be heard at some point next season, and the club could face significant punishment if found guilty of any of the charges against them.
It is unlikely that City will be panicking just yet. They still have the Premier League player of the season Phil Foden in their ranks and the academy graduate won’t be going anywhere.
Key midfielder Rodri had also been on a 74-match unbeaten run prior to Saturday’s loss, and if he sticks around City are still going to remain the team to beat.
Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku finished the season strongly and will feel they have more to offer after getting a season in England under their belts, plus Manuel Akanji has grown in stature this year.
But City looked more vulnerable than they have in some time at Wembley. United caused problems every time then went forward, while City were a little predictable in attack.
They lacked width in the first half, and while the introduction of Doku at half-time improved matters, they were then too reliant on the Belgian winger to get past Aaron Wan-Bissaka, which he was only able to do sporadically.
Guardiola prides himself on finding a way, and he will already be trying to figure out solutions after Saturday’s unexpected setback.
City still have Phil Foden (left) and Rodri (right), two of the Premier League’s best players
Josko Gvardiol (pictured) has also been exceptional in the latter stages of the season
But City look vulnerable for once, offering hope to the likes of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal
A rebuild may be necessary this summer, though, as some iconic figures consider their futures, and Guardiola could follow them out the door next year.
City have looked unstoppable for years, but United defying the odds provided a glimmer of hope for their rivals.
The gap between City and the chasing pack has been closing in the last couple of years, with Arsenal pushing them all the way in 2023-24.
Can they go one step further and topple City next season? Could another team emerge from the pack to put the pressure on the champions?
Prior to this weekend, it seemed a long shot. One defeat later, and with Guardiola seemingly eyeing the exit door, that is no longer the case.
