Three Manchester City Players Gunning for Accolades Against Norwich

Manchester City’s season has not turned out as expected after failing to defend both the league title and the FA Cup. But that has been a result of the collective failure to perform when it mattered most. Some individual players have had a remarkable season in terms of output and are in line to break some records against Norwich City.

Although the Canaries handed City a surprising defeat in the reverse fixture, much has changed since then. Daniel Farke’s men have been relegated back to the Championship after winning only five league games in 37. The Blues on the other hand also failed to maintain last season’s form. Although Guardiola and his men are focused on achieving success on the continent, there is still unfinished business in the league, especially for some players.

Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling are the obvious names in this regard. But goalkeeper Ederson also has a chance to win the Golden Glove for the first time in his City career. Sterling is already enjoying his best season in a City shirt having netted 19 goals. Any more goals scored against Norwich will mark the first time he is scoring 20 or more league goals in his career.

De Bruyne has provided 19 assists while netting 11 times in the league this term. The Belgian is one assist short of equalling Thierry Henry’s record of 20 assists for Arsenal in a season. That was achieved in the 2002/03 campaign. Two assists against the Canaries and De Bruyne will break the record. It is not surprising then that the 29-year-old has been in the conversation for the best player of the year award. If Man City go on to win the Champions League with huge contributions from him, he will be well-deserving of the award. Unfortunately, the Ballon d’Or has been cancelled for this year.

Goalkeeper Ederson is another member of the team looking to win an individual accolade. The Brazilian shot-stopper hopes to fend off competition from Burnley’s Nick Pope for the Golden Glove award. They are both tied on 20 clean sheets heading into the last game of the season. The Clarets face Brighton on Sunday and another clean sheet could see Pope win the award if Ederson concedes another goal.

Having distinguished himself in the City goal since joining the club in 2016, the Brazilian has not picked up the award despite enjoying success with the team. His predecessor Joe Hart won the award four times while at the Etihad Stadium. Liverpool’s Alisson Becker won the award last term but was hindered by injury this time around. Manchester United’s David de Gea has been prone to mistakes that have led to many goals conceded this season. The most expensive goalkeeper in the division, Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga has also been poor although his course has not been helped by a porous defence.

City boss Guardiola has been more interested in the performance of the team as a whole. But it wouldn’t hurt to also see our players breaking records and picking up individual awards as well.