Premier League stung by Man City after chief executive got his wish
The Premier League celebrated new winners last month but the end of Manchester City's dominance did not increase audiences.
Boring, boring Manchester City. Nobody wants them to win the Premier League and nobody cares when they do win it.
Those have been among the accusations thrown at the Blues over the past few years as their domination of the top flight under Pep Guardiola has brought disgruntled noise from plenty looking to play down their success. It must be easier for people to cope about City winning titles if they can pretend people aren't watching.
It hasn't helped City that Richard Scudamore called for rivals to close the gap when he was still chief executive of the Premier League in 2018. "I'd like someone to get a little bit closer to Manchester City," he said after their Centurions win. "Clearly, given the way they played last season, they look like the team to beat."
You could see his point and the position of the league, given they want the most drama and excitement possible. It's just one of those things that shouldn't be said out loud from somebody in that role, and the decision from his successor Richard Masters not to be at the Etihad last season as they won their fourth title in a row - with no resolution on the charges - added to the sense that City wins are not that popular with the authorities.
It is somewhat awkward for the league though that, seven years since Scudamore's comments, the only four seasons that have had a close title race have all been won by City. As well as the off-field drama that they have created, the majority of their wins have been thrilling - in contrast to Liverpool's strolls in 2020 and 2025.
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Last season brought disappointment for City on a sporting level that will have had consequences for their appeal as a team. Having been the most watched team in world football for the previous two years on account of their success in so many competitions, they will have taken a hit after an early Champions League exit and disappointing Premier League campaign.
However, if English football could enjoy toasting a new winner after four years of City dominance, the lack of competition that Liverpool faced does not seem to have gripped neutrals or interested parties.
The Times reports that Sky Sports viewing numbers were down 10 per cent - back to the levels of the 2021/22 season - with a particular drop in the final six weeks when the title and relegation was boxed off.
Ironically, the only jeopardy in the final weeks of the season came in determining which clubs would qualify for the Champions League - with deposed champions City in the middle of that fight.
For all the mud thrown their way, it looks like Guardiola's side are more watchable than many would like to admit.
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