Graeme Souness has implied that Manchester City were fortunate to win the Premier League title last season - and the Liverpool legend is unsure whether that’ll be the case in the upcoming campaign.
Largely without a striker, Pep Guardiola’s side won their fifth-ever Premier League title, finishing 12 points in front of rivals Manchester United.
The Cityzens had numerous goalscorers in their squad, with Ilkay Gundogan (13), Raheem Sterling (10), Phil Foden (9) and Riyad Mahrez (9) all chipping in when required.
However they noticeable didn’t have the 20+ goals a season striker you would expect to see in a title-winning side - and they are looking to change that before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
Sky Sports pundit Souness believes that Guardiola might be wary that he won’t be able to repeat that feat this season which would explain his pursuit of wantaway Harry Kane.
The former Liverpool player said: “Pep Guardiola is trying to buy Harry Kane from Spurs. Does he think he maybe got away with it last year and doesn’t think he can get away with it again without an obvious no. 9?”
Several players were utilised as a forward by Guardiola last season, with Gabriel Jesus the only proven out-and-out striker on their books.
Souness went on to discuss the recent departure of one of their club legends; he said: “Sergio Aguero, I think played just a dozen games last year, but you’ve got to have a 30 goal a season man if you are one of the big teams.
“Can he get away with it again? The fact he’s trying to buy Kane tells you he sees it that way as well.”
City began their 2021/22 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, and Guardiola will be incredibly disappointed by how much his side lacked in the final third.
Ferran Torres, usually a right-winger, played as a makeshift striker and played well, but it was noticeable that there was a lack of presence that an established forward has.
According to reports, City are preparing a £130m bid for 28-year-old Kane, though that is £40m below their Spurs’ asking price.
If they sign Kane, will City win the Premier League? Comment below
Kane was not included in his side’s matchday squad on Sunday evening, the only player from England’s Euro 2020 squad to not be at least named on the bench which certainly suggests there is certainly unrest in the camp.
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards disagreed with Souness’ point of Guardiola ‘getting away’ with not having a striker.
He said: “There were many times last season when we talked about Man City needing a striker. Gabriel Jesus is a very good player, but he’s never been on the same level as Aguero, unfortunately.
“A deal for Kane still might be done. A lot of people and fans are saying City needed a striker so why didn’t they go for Kane first and maybe Grealish after, but, even without a striker, they won the league by 12 points."
City are still favourites to win the Premier League despite the impressive performances of Chelsea and Manchester United on Saturday, though City fans will be hoping their loss today has a positive effect and knocks the squad into their usual gear.
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