The 2024/25 Premier League season is officially underway, and it's already clear that Manchester City are the team to beat. The Blues have claimed the title six times in the last seven years including the last four on the spin, and they are favorites to make it five in a row this term. They have already begun the new campaign perfectly, picking up victories against Chelsea and newly promoted Ipswich so far, and further victories are a guarantee between now and the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola's unstoppable winning machine hasn't lost a league game so far throughout 2024. That dominance helped them stave off Arsenal's brave challenge, ultimately sealing the title on the campaign's final day with a comfortable victory at home to West Ham United. Now, the latest soccer lines make City an overwhelming +110 favorite for glory once more.
So, with such a dominant recent history, which teams have managed to beat Guardiola's men in recent years? Here are the only teams to beat Manchester City in the Premier League last term.
Aston Villa
One has to go back to last December for City's most recent loss in the English top flight. That came at the hands of a UEFA Champions League-chasing Aston Villa at Villa Park. Spanish boss Unai Emery had completely revolutionized the West Midlands club and they headed into this clash with the Blues one week before a 1-0 victory against fellow title contenders Arsenal.
With many expecting their fairytale run to come to an end, it was the Villains who managed to upset the apple cart once more. They delivered a masterclass in defensive resilience to secure a memorable 1-0 victory over the reigning champions.
The match's pivotal moment came deep into the second half when talented but inconsistent winger Leon Bailey proved his naysayers wrong by netting a 74th-minute winner. The Jamaica international capitalized on a rare lapse from City, going on to find the net after a swift counter-attack orchestrated by Douglas Luiz.
New signing Pau Torres marshaled the Villa defense to perfection, helping his side hold firm against City's relentless pressure, with Emiliano Martínez producing several crucial saves.
This defeat underscored City's occasional vulnerability against well-organized defensive units and emphasized the importance of clinical finishing in tight matches. With the win, Villa secured their 14th straight home victory and would end the season by securing a return to the Champions League for the first time in 41 years.
Arsenal
Six weeks before this early season encounter, Manchester City had drilled Arsenal by four goals to one to all but secure the 2022/23 title. On 6th October 2023, the Gunners welcomed the Blues to the Emirates determined to secure revenge. And ultimately, they did exactly that.
North London was the site for a tactical showdown, where Arsenal's strategic discipline paid dividends against Manchester City. Mikel Arteta - a former assistant to Pep Guardiola - at the Etihad - crafted a game plan that nullified City's attacking prowess. Despite the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva all starting, the visitors were restricted to just four shots throughout the 90 minutes, one of which was on target.
The decisive moment arrived when electrifying Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli maneuvered through the defense to score a stunning solo goal. Arsenal's midfield, led by Martin Ødegaard, effectively disrupted City's rhythm, while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães formed an impenetrable barrier at the back. But ultimately it was the Blues that had the last laugh, staying the course and winning nine straight games at the end of the season to claim the title once more.
Wolves
That loss to Arsenal was City's second in just seven days, as one week prior they fell apart against Wolverhampton Wanderers in one of the most riveting matches of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Black Country outfit headed into the contest with virtually no hope according to the bookies. They had just one of their first six games - losing four of them - and were down in 16th in the Premier League table. But despite that, they managed to spring the shock in front of a raucous home crowd.
The host's strategy centered around exploiting Guardiola's high defensive line with rapid counter-attacks. They managed to take the lead through an own goal from Portuguese defender Ruben Dias, who inadvertently nudged the ball past Ederson.
However, it seemed normal service had resumed when Julian Álvarez equalized shortly after. But Wolves managed to stun everyone again, remaining undeterred and eventually finding the winner.
That came through Hwang Hee-chan, who netted his sides second after using his pace and agility to break free and slot past Ederson. Wolves' triumph was a testament to their tactical adaptability and ability to seize key moments against formidable opposition, and the result was instrumental in transforming the side's season.
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