Five Things Learned: Manchester City 4-0 Fluminense (FIFA Club World Cup) | OneFootball

Manchester City became champions of the world following a resounding 4-0 victory over Fluminese in the Club World Cup final in Jeddah.

It was a typically dominant display on the grandest stage from the Blues, as they picked up their fifth trophy of the calendar year, topping off a 12-month period of unprecedented success for the club.

It only took 40 seconds before Manchester City would take the lead in the game, as Nathan Ake capitalised on a wayward pass in midfield, before firing an effort from 30-yards against the woodwork, with the rebound being chested home in an improvising fashion from Julian Alvarez.

The dominance continued, this time when Rodri played an incisive through ball to the feet of Phil Foden, who’s attempted effort at squaring the ball across goal was deflected into the Fluminense net by a defender.

While the party had seemingly begun for City, it was soon cut to a holt when a sharp challenge on Rodri in the middle of the park forced the midfielder to stay down for a prolonged period of time, before eventually finding his feet.

Moments later, City extended their lead even further however, with Alvarez bursting down the left side of the penalty box, before teeing up Foden, who couldn’t miss from close range, giving City an unassailable lead.

Parading through the pitch were 10 players in blue, but Rodri was not one of them, with the Spaniard almost immobile, immediately going down after the goal, before being quickly taken off, replaced by Manuel Akanji.

It didn’t spoil the fun for his teammates though, with City continuing in rampant fashion, with substitute Matheus Nunes making a run down the right flank, before cutting it back to Alvarez, who faked a shot before unleashing an unstoppable effort, making it 4-0 to the Sky Blues.

It was a ruthless performance from the newly crowned champions of the world, emerging as 4-0 victors and confirming their status as the best team in the land and all the world.

With that being said, here are five things we learned from the victory at the grand stage in Saudi Arabia!

A much-needed confidence booster for Alvarez!

It’s been an unforgettable year for Julian Alvarez, picking up countless accolades for club and country, with the Argentine boasting an unbelievable trophy cabinet at the young age of 23.

Although the striker started the season firing on all cylinders, the goals have since slowed down, with Alvarez netting only once in his last 13 games in all competitions prior to Friday’s game.

However, with the ongoing fitness issues of Erling Haaland, the two goals and assist for Alvarez may be the ultimate lift in confidence the Argentine needed to pick up where he left off in the early parts of the campaign.

A grey cloud in the City blue sky?

Friday’s 4-0 victory over Fluminese was the fifth trophy of the year for Manchester City, with the club continuing to dominate not only Europe, but the entire world.

It’s difficult to say a single injury might dampen the mood, but with the impact Rodri has on this Manchester City side, it’s certainly justified to feel a little aggrieved despite the result.

The focus must not be deterred!

The crowning moment on the stage in Jeddah was a sight to behold for many City fans, who have watched the club go from desperate to dominant in a complete U-turn of success.

While the success is to be enjoyed, we don’t suspect the celebrations will be as full on as the Ibiza shenanigans from Jack Grealish and co, with a difficult trip to Goodison Park looming on Wednesday night.

A last-minute change in the plans for Kalvin Phillips?

With several opportunities being squandered by the Englishman in the absence of Rodri due to injury and suspension, Phillips’ time was seemingly up in Manchester.

However, if the injury sustained to Rodri is as bad as first feared, is there a part to play in the rest of the season for Kalvin Phillips, who was seemingly transfer-bound in the upcoming transfer window?

Rodri may have confirmed that he believes that he will be fit for Everton, but the Spaniard’s injury will worry Guardiola, with his squad already light!

Manchester City – The best team in the world.

A tongue-in-cheek chant originating from the depths of league one proclaiming City as “the best team in the land and all the world” has officially been fulfilled following the 4-0 victory over Fluminese.

It has been a simply magnificent era for the club over the last 15 years, courtesy of the owners, the managers, and some incredible players along the way, giving supporters stuff they couldn’t have dreamed of a couple of decades ago.