On The Ball

Dias, Gundogan key to City surge in different ways

In Ruben Dias' (left) first 25 starts for City, they conceded 10 goals and won 18 games. Liverpool let in 24 goals and won 15 times in Virgil van Dijk's first 25 starts. In Ilkay Gundogan, City have a decisive goalscorer. PHOTOS: REUTERS
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Pep Guardiola is the serial winner who remembers the trophies that did not make their way to the Etihad Stadium. The team prizes often end up with Manchester City, the individual honours less so.

"When we won the Premier Leagues, it was won by a Liverpool player," he complained last summer.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on February 21, 2021, with the headline On The Ball: Dias, Gundogan key to City surge in different ways . Subscribe