Manchester City, nicknamed "The Blue Moon," will travel to Sunderland for a key match in the 19th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Manager Pep Guardiola expressed his immense pride in the team and everyone's fighting spirit in overcoming difficulties and challenges last season.

After securing their sixth consecutive victory, Manchester City currently sits in second place in the league standings with 40 points, five points behind league leaders Arsenal who have already played, remaining on the path to the title race. In the last round of the league, Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 2-1 thanks to goals from Reindes and Rajen Scherki.

Reflecting on the challenges of last season, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said, "Everything we accomplished and the difficulties we overcame last season made it one of the best seasons we've ever had as a team. It was our best season, both for the players, staff, and support team. The value of a season is defined by how we overcome problems."

“Whenever I look back on everything that happened last season, I am more proud of our club than ever before. This includes how we dealt with those very difficult situations, and the incredible support from the club’s management and board, who constantly encouraged us to keep going. Only in an incredible club could all of this happen.”

Guardiola also stated, "I never expect to go into the transfer market in January, but without the players we signed last year, we simply wouldn't be able to play in the Champions League this season. Basically, for a long period of time, we were really lacking in available players."

"With the addition of new signings and the return of players who were part of the team for three-quarters of last season, we became the best performing team in the Premier League in the last 10 to 15 games of last season."