the blues

The Blues became the first team in English top-flight history to win four titles in a row in 2024, but they missed out on the Double when Manchester United pulled off a surprising win against their rivals in the FA Cup final.

The Blues were not expected to challenge for the title this season, having finished sixth last term before another summer of rebuilding.

Coming the other way was Joao Felix, who returned to the Blues having spent an unsuccessful loan spell there in 2023, but on much lower wages and a seven-year deal.

It was a brave decision by the Blues to part company with Mauricio Pochettino in the summer, who many felt was beginning to turn things around.

The gap on that occasion was just three points after 11 games, but Manchester City went on a run of 12 consecutive wins that saw them 13 points clear of the Blues by the end of January.