"We haven't played like this for a long time" - Manchester City's return to glory?

On a hot night in Orlando, Manchester City responded to all doubts with a wonderful victory. In the last round of the Club World Cup group stage, the Blue Moon swept the Italian giants Juventus 5-2 and advanced to the knockout stage with a dominant performance of three wins and 13 goals. Maybe it was just a warm-up, but in Guardiola's view, this game may mark the real beginning of Manchester City's "restart" in the new season.

"We haven't played football like this for a long, long time." - Guardiola's words expressed the thoughts of many fans.

Manchester City have scored 13 goals in their three group stage games at this Club World Cup

🌍One game activates the entire Club World Cup

The Club World Cup may not be very popular in the group stage, but Manchester City's performance completely "ignited" the atmosphere of the event. They completely crushed Juventus in terms of ball possession (76%), shots (24 vs 5) and passes (738 vs 219), showing an almost "mechanized" operating efficiency.

Facing Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, who are likely to be in the knockout half, it was crucial for City to win. They got the job done, and they got it done beautifully.

"I felt like Manchester City shook up the competition tonight."
- Shay Given, former Manchester City goalkeeper

💥It’s not just the team that has regained its feeling, it’s also the belief

For Guardiola, this victory is not only about the score, but also about "rebuilding faith."
"The feeling that we are a top team is back," he said, "and this belief does not come from past honors, but from the performance in front of us."

Last season, Manchester City fell to third place in the Premier League after winning four consecutive titles. One of the reasons was the problem of injuries. Now, with the return of many core players, Guardiola can finally field a complete lineup again.

🛡️Rodri returns: the founder of balance and order

Perhaps, what best reflects the signs of Manchester City's recovery is not the goals, but the return of Rodri .

The Ballon d'Or winner started for the first time after nine months, played 65 minutes, completed 67 passes, touched the ball 79 times, and was the controller of the rhythm on the field. His return was like returning the helmsman to the captain's room, restoring the familiar stability and fluency of the entire Manchester City team.

"He is one of the best players in the world."
- Guardiola on Rodri

🧨Rekindled offensive firepower: Multiple points + Haaland's 300th goal

On the offensive end, Manchester City was in full force - Doku, Savinho and Foden all scored goals. The focus was undoubtedly on Haaland .

The 24-year-old Norwegian striker scored his 300th career goal , continuing to break records with astonishing efficiency. Since returning from injury, he has scored five goals in six games and is in hot form.

Guardiola half-jokingly said that he himself had scored 11 goals in 11 years and expressed his full respect for Haaland's achievement.

⚙️Who is Manchester City’s “most critical gear”?

Manchester City's success is certainly not the work of one person. From goalkeeper Ederson's precise long passes to Ruben Dias' command of the back line, from Doku's wing breakthroughs to Foden's midfield penetration... this is a highly intensively tuned football machine.

But what really helped Manchester City regain its soul may be the "feeling" that Guardiola mentioned - control of the game, mastery of rhythm, and desire for victory.

📌Summary: Manchester City is back?

After defeating Juventus, many fans, commentators, and even Manchester City players themselves felt the long-lost "Manchester City flavor":

• High pressing recovery;

• The pace of ball control overwhelms the opponent;

• The multi-point attack was swift and efficient;

• Rodri returns to the core;

• Haaland's form is back;

• Keep a positive attitude and rebuild your beliefs.

Guardiola is right when he said: "This is the beginning of a new season." And for the Blue Moon, the real return may have just begun.