5 reasons behind Manchester City's great performances this season

#4 Team setup

Pep Guardiola now understands the Premier League better

Last season, many critics suggested that Guardiola had underestimated the league - his ideas were deemed too complex for the squad of players that he'd inherited. His ageing fullbacks could not keep up with his demands, which ultimately showed on the pitch as they appeared confused and looked out-of-place at times too.

This season though, the new fullbacks are hungry, ready to learn and execute his ideas. Having had more time to communicate his ideologies across to the team has helped, as he lets everyone know what their individual roles are.

He has selected the same starting eleven more or less every game, barring a few changes on a consistent basis throughout the campaign. He has learned more about the side, which in turn has helped him to set-up the side in a more effective manner.

The average formation he chooses to play is a 4-3-3 but with the way in which he sets up his side as well as their instructions, it appears more like a 2-3-2-3 - where fullbacks act as inverted midfielders. Pep Guardiola's tactical nous helps give his side an advantage every time they're on the pitch.