Manchester City has experienced one of the most remarkable transformations in English football history. From battling relegation and mid-table inconsistency during the early years of the Premier League to becoming one of the most dominant clubs in world football, the Sky Blues have enjoyed extraordinary highs and endured painful lows.
For Manchester City supporters, every Premier League season tells a unique story. Some campaigns are remembered for dramatic title triumphs, record-breaking points totals, and unforgettable attacking football. Others evoke memories of disappointing finishes, managerial changes, injuries, or relegation battles that tested the loyalty of the club’s fanbase.
This comprehensive guide explores Manchester City’s best and worst seasons in Premier League history, comparing their greatest achievements with their most difficult campaigns. Whether you are a lifelong City supporter or a football fan interested in Premier League history, this article provides an in-depth look at the club’s remarkable journey.
Manchester City in the Premier League: A Brief History
Manchester City became a founding member of the Premier League in 1992. However, unlike today’s powerhouse, the club struggled for consistency throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Financial limitations, frequent managerial changes, and inconsistent performances often left City fighting near the bottom half of the table. The club even suffered relegation from the Premier League on more than one occasion before its dramatic revival.
Everything changed following the Abu Dhabi United Group takeover in 2008. Significant investment, world-class recruitment, and elite coaching transformed Manchester City into one of the most successful clubs in Europe.
Since then, City has become synonymous with trophies, record-breaking seasons, and attacking football under managers such as Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini, and especially Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City’s Best Premier League Seasons
Several campaigns stand out as milestones in Manchester City’s rise to the top of English football.
Comparison of Manchester City’s Greatest Premier League Seasons
| Season | Position | Points | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Major Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | 1st | 100 | 106 | 27 | First team to reach 100 points |
| 2018–19 | 1st | 98 | 95 | 23 | Domestic Treble season |
| 2021–22 | 1st | 93 | 99 | 26 | Dramatic comeback title |
| 2022–23 | 1st | 89 | 94 | 33 | Premier League and Treble |
| 2023–24 | 1st | 91 | 96 | 34 | Historic fourth consecutive title |
2017–18: The Centurions Season
The 2017–18 campaign is widely regarded as Manchester City’s greatest Premier League season.
Under Pep Guardiola, City played breathtaking football that overwhelmed opponents week after week. The team finished with an unprecedented 100 points, becoming the first club in Premier League history to reach the century mark.
Key Achievements
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100 Premier League points
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32 league victories
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106 goals scored
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Record 19-point title-winning margin
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Most wins in a Premier League season
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Highest points total in English top-flight history at the time
Players such as Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Sergio Agüero, Raheem Sterling, and Leroy Sané played some of the finest football of their careers.
The “Centurions” nickname remains one of the most iconic in Premier League history.
2018–19: Winning the Toughest Title Race
If the Centurions season showcased dominance, the following campaign demonstrated resilience.
Manchester City won the Premier League with 98 points, finishing just one point ahead of Liverpool after one of the greatest title races English football has ever witnessed.
City won 14 consecutive league matches to secure the championship.
The season also produced an unprecedented domestic treble:
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Premier League
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FA Cup
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EFL Cup
Few teams in English football history have matched such consistency under pressure.
2021–22: Never Giving Up
The 2021–22 season will forever be remembered for one unforgettable afternoon.
On the final day, Manchester City trailed Aston Villa 2-0 before scoring three goals in just five dramatic minutes to win both the match and the Premier League title.
The comeback perfectly reflected Guardiola’s mentality:
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Stay composed
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Dominate possession
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Keep attacking until the final whistle
The Etihad Stadium witnessed one of the greatest title-winning moments in Premier League history.
2022–23: The Treble-Winning Campaign
Although City’s points total (89) was lower than some previous title-winning seasons, this campaign may have been the club’s most important.
Manchester City won:
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Premier League
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FA Cup
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UEFA Champions League
The historic Treble matched the achievement previously accomplished only by Manchester United among English clubs.
Erling Haaland’s arrival transformed City’s attack, while Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones all enjoyed exceptional seasons.
2023–24: A Historic Fourth Consecutive Premier League Title
Manchester City once again made history by becoming the first men’s team in English top-flight history to win four consecutive league titles.
Despite fierce competition from Arsenal and Liverpool, City finished strongly to secure another championship.
This achievement further cemented Guardiola’s status as one of football’s greatest managers.
Manchester City’s Worst Premier League Seasons
Not every campaign has been filled with trophies.
Long before the modern era, Manchester City endured several disappointing Premier League seasons.
Comparison of Manchester City’s Toughest Premier League Campaigns
| Season | Position | Points | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–96 | 18th | 38 | Relegated |
| 2000–01 | 18th | 34 | Relegated |
| 1992–93 | 9th | 57 | Inconsistent debut PL season |
| 1996–97 | Championship | Missed immediate promotion | |
| 2006–07 | 14th | 42 | Poor attacking record |
1995–96: Relegation Heartbreak
The 1995–96 season remains one of the darkest chapters in Manchester City’s history.
Despite possessing talented players, inconsistent performances proved costly.
City were relegated after finishing 18th.
Perhaps the most infamous moment came on the final day against Liverpool.
Needing a victory to improve their survival chances, confusion over results elsewhere led players to waste valuable time believing a draw would be enough.
It wasn’t.
The club dropped into the First Division.
2000–01: Another Relegation
After returning to the Premier League, City once again struggled.
Managerial instability, defensive weaknesses, and inconsistent form resulted in another relegation.
The team finished with only 34 points.
However, this disappointment would eventually become part of City’s rebuilding process.
2006–07: Goals Were Hard to Find
Although City avoided relegation, supporters remember this season for one reason:
A severe lack of goals.
The club scored just 29 league goals, one of the lowest totals in Premier League history for a team that survived relegation.
Home supporters endured numerous frustrating matches that finished:
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0-0
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1-0
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0-1
Entertainment was in short supply.
The Turning Point: 2008 Takeover
Everything changed in September 2008.
The Abu Dhabi United Group acquired Manchester City, bringing unprecedented financial investment.
Over the following years, City signed elite players including:
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Vincent Kompany
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David Silva
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Sergio Agüero
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Yaya Touré
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Kevin De Bruyne
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Erling Haaland
Combined with modern infrastructure and excellent recruitment, the club rapidly evolved into one of Europe’s strongest teams.
Premier League Performance Before and After 2008
| Category | Before 2008 | After 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| League Titles | 0 | Multiple |
| Regular Top Four Finishes | Rare | Consistent |
| Average League Position | Mid-table | Top Two |
| Champions League Qualification | None | Regular |
| Trophy Challenges | Occasional | Every Season |
Pep Guardiola’s Influence
Pep Guardiola arrived in 2016 and elevated Manchester City to unprecedented levels.
His philosophy emphasizes:
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Possession football
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High pressing
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Intelligent positioning
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Technical excellence
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Squad rotation
Under Guardiola, City has broken numerous Premier League records.
Major Records
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First 100-point season
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Most goals in one Premier League campaign
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Most consecutive league wins
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Highest winning percentage over multiple seasons
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Four consecutive league titles
His influence has reshaped not only Manchester City but English football as a whole.
Comparing the Best and Worst Seasons
| Category | Best Season | Worst Season |
|---|---|---|
| Final Position | 1st | 18th |
| Points | 100 | 34–38 |
| Goals Scored | 106 | 29 |
| Style of Play | Dominant | Inconsistent |
| Outcome | Champions | Relegation |
The contrast illustrates just how dramatically Manchester City has evolved over the past three decades.
What Made Manchester City’s Best Teams So Successful?
Several key ingredients have been present throughout City’s greatest Premier League seasons.
Elite Managers
Roberto Mancini laid the foundations.
Manuel Pellegrini maintained success.
Pep Guardiola took the club to historic heights.
World-Class Players
Players including:
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Sergio Agüero
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Kevin De Bruyne
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David Silva
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Vincent Kompany
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Yaya Touré
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Rodri
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Erling Haaland
have all become club legends.
Squad Depth
Manchester City’s ability to rotate without weakening the team has been a defining strength.
Tactical Innovation
Guardiola’s positional play and tactical flexibility allow City to dominate possession while creating high-quality scoring opportunities.
Lessons from the Difficult Years
Manchester City’s challenging seasons helped shape the club’s future.
The relegations highlighted weaknesses in recruitment, planning, and squad depth. These setbacks encouraged long-term investment in coaching, youth development, scouting, and infrastructure.
The result is one of the most professionally run football clubs in the world today.
Manchester City’s Legacy in the Premier League
Manchester City’s journey is one of the greatest success stories in modern football.
The club has gone from relegation battles to becoming the benchmark for excellence in England.
Its best seasons have produced records that may stand for decades, while its worst campaigns serve as reminders of how dramatically fortunes can change in football.
For supporters, every chapter—good or bad—has contributed to the club’s identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Manchester City’s best Premier League season?
Manchester City’s best Premier League season is widely considered 2017–18, when the club won the title with a record-breaking 100 points and scored 106 league goals.
What is Manchester City’s worst Premier League season?
Many supporters regard the 1995–96 campaign as the club’s worst Premier League season because it ended in relegation after finishing 18th.
How many Premier League titles has Manchester City won?
Manchester City has won multiple Premier League titles, with most of them coming after the 2011–12 season during the club’s modern era of success.
What was the Centurions season?
The Centurions season refers to Manchester City’s 2017–18 Premier League campaign, when the club became the first team to reach 100 points in a single Premier League season.
Which Manchester City season included the Treble?
The 2022–23 season saw Manchester City win the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League, completing the historic Treble.
When was Manchester City relegated from the Premier League?
Manchester City were relegated from the Premier League after the 1995–96 and 2000–01 seasons.
What changed Manchester City’s fortunes?
The club’s transformation was driven by the 2008 takeover, strategic investment, improved infrastructure, elite player recruitment, and the appointment of top-class managers, particularly Pep Guardiola.
Who is Manchester City’s most successful Premier League manager?
Pep Guardiola is Manchester City’s most successful Premier League manager, leading the club to multiple league titles, record-breaking points totals, and an era of sustained domestic dominance.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s Premier League history is a story of resilience, ambition, and extraordinary transformation. The club has experienced the disappointment of relegation, seasons marked by inconsistency, and years spent searching for stability. Yet those difficult moments laid the groundwork for one of the most remarkable rises in football history.
The Centurions campaign of 2017–18, the thrilling title race of 2018–19, the dramatic comeback in 2021–22, the Treble-winning season of 2022–23, and the unprecedented fourth consecutive title in 2023–24 have established Manchester City as one of the greatest teams the Premier League has ever seen. At the same time, remembering the club’s worst seasons provides valuable perspective on how far City has come.
Whether measured by points, trophies, records, or style of play, Manchester City’s evolution from relegation candidates to serial champions remains one of the defining stories of the Premier League era.
