“They talk of paranoia” – What Premier League teams think before kick-off against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium | OneFootball

A new report has revealed the feeling among visiting teams to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, in what is arguably the most difficult away ground in the Premier League.

Manchester City currently find themselves on a staggering unbeaten run at home in the English top-flight that has seen them avoid defeat since a 1-2 loss at the hands of Brentford prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

In that time, Pep Guardiola and his players have won a remarkable haul of honours across all competitions, largely built on their ability to consistently record victories and strong performances in front of their home fans.

Two Premier League titles have been added to by a UEFA Champions League crown, as well as an FA Cup success since their last defeat at the Etihad Stadium, making them the most feared club side in Europe at present.

But how do opposition teams feel when taking on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium? That is the matter that has been detailed in a new report this week.

According to the information of MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, ‘sources across the Premier League’ refute the suggestion teams are beaten before kick-off at Manchester City’s home, but admit “succumbing to the aura of what Pep Guardiola has created can prove an inevitability”.

The same sources reportedly talk of ‘paranoia about conceding an early goal’ at the Etihad Stadium, and feeling powerless to stop the breaking of the dam at the hands of Manchester City’s all-conquering squad.

The report continues by pointing towards ‘those at other clubs’, who have discussed the ‘mental approach’ of travelling to the Etihad Stadium. One source is quoted as saying, “It’s similar to Old Trafford when Man United were good. Daunting to look at who you are playing and what they have done.”

The next opponent to take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium is Championship side Watford, who travel north for a Carabao Cup third round tie on Tuesday night – just 49 hours after the conclusion of the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

In Premier League competition, Fulham will be Manchester City’s next opponents at home early next month, while visits to Newcastle and Slovan Bratislava in the top-flight and Champions League respectively will come before then.