Man City’s Ruthless Mentality Under Guardiola Sparks Stunning Form Revival

‘A Culture to Win’ – How Man City Turned Around Their Season

After back-to-back Premier League defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, many feared Manchester City were entering a crisis. But Pep Guardiola’s side have responded emphatically, winning four of their last five games and sending a message to league leaders Liverpool.

A 5-1 win over Burnley — powered by two late goals from Erling Haaland and a brace of own goals from Maxime Esteve — showed exactly why Guardiola’s team remains the benchmark in English football.

“We are creating a good team spirit,” said Guardiola. “The second half was miles better. We finished with late goals. It was tough.”

Guardiola’s Mental Edge: ‘You Are So Good, Guys’

Despite fielding a younger side and resting the likes of Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake, and John Stones, Guardiola’s men continued to execute his vision. The key, he insists, is belief and culture.

“These new players have to know that this club has a culture that you have to win,” Guardiola told reporters.

“I always repeat it: ‘You are so good, guys.’ Hopefully they can believe me.”

City’s recent results reflect that winning DNA:

• 5-1 vs Burnley

• 3-0 vs Huddersfield

• 2-2 vs Arsenal (late equalizer)

• 4-1 vs Napoli (Champions League)

• 3-0 vs Manchester United (derby)

With seven games in 22 days, this stretch was never meant to define the season, but Guardiola will be encouraged by the direction of travel—especially with key clashes vs Monaco and Brentford on the horizon.

Haaland in Beast Mode (Again)

Erling Haaland had barely touched the ball before the 90th minute against Burnley—but true to form, he left his mark:

• 90th minute goal

• 93rd minute second goal

• 1 assist for Matheus Nunes

That brings Haaland’s tally to:

15 goals in 9 games this season

“It’s his job,” said Guardiola, echoing Roy Keane’s famous phrase.

“He always has the feeling that he can score… and I’m really pleased again for the performance of the team.”

Foden & Doku Shine in De Bruyne’s Absence

With Kevin De Bruyne gone, Phil Foden has stepped up to reclaim the form that saw him win PFA Player of the Year in 2024. Meanwhile, winger Jeremy Doku has been a revelation:

• 3 assists in 3 games

• Linking play and stretching defences

Guardiola’s ability to reinvent his squad and coax peak performances from his young stars remains unmatched in world football.