It’s been an odd season for Erling Haaland, and an odder one still for Manchester City.

Claiming a third domestic Golden Boot after firing 27 goals has to be considered a successful campaign for the Norwegian, the striker converting 0.82 goals per 90 in the Premier League. Yet a prolonged spell of poor form – compared to his usual exceptional standards at least – saw the player cut a frustrated figure at times.

In April, following a comprehensive FA Cup victory over Liverpool, the multiple Ballon d’Or nominee spoke candidly about his toils, that many – including Pep Guardiola – attributed at the time to fatigue.

“We haven’t had fully the hunger. I haven’t been good enough. Helped the team enough.”

As for City, winning both the FA Cup and League Cup are meaningful achievements for sure, but losing out to Arsenal in a protracted title chase hurt. After falling short to Liverpool in 2024/25 it is the first time in the Guardiola era when the Blues have failed to win the league for two season’s running.

All Change: Departures and defiance  

The disappointment that accompanied their league finish paled to the shock of Pep Guardiola’s announcement that this season was to be his last in Manchester and amidst this climate of uncertainty the club paid homage to their departing coach moments after losing to Aston Villa on the final day.

There were garlands and thunderous applause too for John Stones and Bernardo who are also heading to pastures new this summer.

The latter has been nominated several times for a Ballon d’Or, finishing ninth in both 2019 and 2023. He, like the England defender, has been a terrific servant to Manchester City.

Twenty-fours after the concluding game, the club held a special event at Co-op Live, an arena close to their training complex and it was here, in front of 19,000 fans where Haaland issued a defiant battle cry, looking ahead to next year.

“It has been an up-and-down season but we are going to try to keep pushing and try to fight to win the biggest trophies we can. That’s what we want to win and we are fighting to win everything again.”

With a new manager still to be appointed, and further changes to personnel expected over the summer, time will tell as to what incarnation of Manchester City will be seen next August.

With their prolific striker having rediscovered his hunger, however, there are ominous signs ahead for their rivals.