Josep Guardiola's introduction to the Premier League did not go according to plan as only a late surge in form helped his Manchester City side secure a Champions League qualification spot for the next season.
Guardiola's arrival at City raised huge expectations and the Catalan coach was backed heavily in the summer as he made a host of new signings including a record deal for John Stones while Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito and Claudio Bravo also commanded a decent amount.
All the hype around Guardiola seemed to be justified as City got off to an excellent start, winning their first 10 games in all competitions and playing the sort of attacking football that their coach has been known for. However a shock collapse at Celtic triggered a poor run and though City showed glimpses of returning back to their top form, they were never the same for the rest of the campaign. Their title challenge was over by March and City struggled to hold on to their place in the top four with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United also fighting it out in the race for a Champions League qualification spot.
Guardiola had been brought to improve City's fortunes in the Champions League but even there they faltered, losing out to Monaco in the Round of 16. Overall it was a disappointing campaign for City, with more being expected out of Guardiola and with a number of older heads leaving the club in the summer, the City coach is expected to once again spend heavily in the transfer window and put together a side that would provide a more sustained challenge for trophies next season.
