If you followed football betting markets during the 2024/25 season, Manchester City were never far from the top, but they were rarely trusted. Prices stayed cautious for long stretches, especially against mid-table teams. This season feels different, and not in a vague way. The reasons are visible in the numbers and in how matches are playing out. Last year gave people reasons to hesitate. This year has removed some of those doubts.
How did it look in 2024/25
Manchester City finished third in the Premier League last season. They ended on 71 points, behind Arsenal and Liverpool, and never really controlled the title race. They stayed close enough to matter, but not close enough to dictate anything.
For bettors, City were uncomfortable favourites. They won games, but often by one goal. Matches stayed open longer than expected. Manchester City often controlled possession, but it didn’t always translate into clear opportunities. For those following the goal line and goals markets, this created uncertainty. The team finished with 72 league goals, a respectable total, though lower than their usual output. The decline wasn’t extreme, but it was steady enough to shape how matches were experienced and understood.
Haaland Dependency cost them dearly
Erling Haaland scored 22 league goals last season. On paper, that’s strong. In reality, it highlighted a problem. Too much depended on him.
When Haaland was well marked or service dropped, City struggled to find alternatives. Other players contributed in patches, but not reliably. From a Football Betting perspective, this mattered. The city’s odds moved sharply based on Haaland’s situation, which isn’t ideal for a team expected to dominate.
What Looks Different Now
This season, City are scoring in more varied ways. Haaland is still central, but he isn’t isolated. Phil Foden is contributing more regularly, and goals are coming from midfield runs and secondary positions.
That spreads risk. For bettors, teams with multiple scoring outlets are easier to trust because one missing player doesn’t change the entire picture. City is also starting games better. Leads are coming earlier, which reduces chaos later on.
Midfield Control Has Improved
One of the quiet issues last season was how crowded City’s midfield became. Too many players wanted the same spaces. Build-up slowed down, and attacks reset too often. This season, spacing is clearer. The ball moves forward earlier. Attacks feel simpler and more direct. That doesn’t show up as a tactical revolution, but it changes match flow. From a betting angle, that reduces low-scoring stalemates. City is less likely to drift into slow, uncomfortable games.
Defensive Calm Has Returned
City weren’t poor defensively last season, but they were vulnerable in transition. Counterattacks caused problems, especially when the midfield lost shape.
This season, defensive work looks more controlled. Attacks are stopped earlier. The back line isn’t constantly exposed. That stability matters more than clean sheets. It reduces late swings and unexpected concessions. Markets react quickly to that kind of consistency.
Squad Use Feels Planned Again
Injuries disrupted City last year and forced constant reshuffling. Roles changed often. This season, the rotation looks intentional. Even when players are missing, the structure stays the same. That reduces uncertainty. Bettors notice when a team behaves predictably from week to week.
Why the Odds Make Sense Again
The biggest difference between last season and now is reliability. City is similarly winning matches. Control is clearer. Goals come from more places. Defensive mistakes are rarer. That’s why City is back near the top of title betting. There’s still a long way to go. But compared to 2024/25, this City side feels easier to read. And in betting terms, that’s the difference between reputation and confidence.
