There are just nine games of the league season remaining, and ahead of the Turf Moor trip, Pep Guardiola‘s side hold a one-point lead over second-placed Liverpool.
With a key Etihad assignment against the Anfield side also looming large on the horizon, it promises to be a compelling final two months of the season, with City also in the hunt for Champions League and FA Cup glory.
And ahead of a defining few weeks, City can take huge heart and confidence from the way our numbers stack up across a range of Premier League metrics provided by OPTA.
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Guardiola’s side lead the way in terms of possession, boasting an average 68.2 per cent tally, significantly ahead of Liverpool who have a figure of 62.2.
As regards total passes made, City once again lead the way, having chalked up an incredible 20,006 to date with Liverpool having accrued 17,641 so far.
City hold the top spot in terms of successful passes too, having chalked up 17,973.
And it will come as no surprise to see the reigning champions also heading the rankings in terms of passing accuracy, with the champions current average tallying a staggering 89.8.
Furthermore, City also come out on top so far in regard to touches in the opposition box (1193) along with crosses from open play (473).
In the stats for the number of open play sequences that feature 10 or more passes, Guardiola’s side once again set the standard, having accrued a tally of 685 to date.
When it comes to shots on target, only Liverpool have registered a figure greater than our 197, the Anfield side having mustered 208 so far.
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In terms of total shots (including blocks), City have created 536 in total across our 30 league games to date, again with only Liverpool surpassing that (555).
While City’s sumptuous attacking play has rightly earned plaudits so far this season, our defensive record has been equally impressive.
And that notable defensive acumen is also mirrored in the OPTA rankings.
Along with the Liverpool, we have recorded the highest number of clean sheets so far this season, 17 apiece.
Mirroring that, City have faced the least number of shots on target (68) in comparison to Liverpool’s tally of 86 while we also have faced the least number of shots, including blocks (190), with Liverpool again the team with the next best numbers on 238.
It’s been a similar story on an individual basis, with an astonishing four of the top five players in the Premier League with the highest passing figures plying their trade for City.
Joao Cancelo’s total of 2,263 passes is better than any other player in the English top flight this season, and he’s joined by teammates Aymeric Laporte (2,155), Rodrigo (2087 and Ruben Dias (1991) in the top five.
Meanwhile, Laporte (2055), Cancelo (1942), Rodri (1908), and Dias (1864) comprise the top four as regards successful passes made.
Cancelo is also out on own when it comes to total shots outside including blocks, the Portuguese international conjuring up 43.
