Considering the injuries to Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake in recent weeks, Pep Guardiola would be relieved that Manchester City kept the spine of their squad at the club in the summer.
City are up against it as Arsenal and Liverpool continue to prove week after week that they are ready to push them in the Premier League title race.
Pep Guardiola will need his big-hitters to stand up and be counted if his Manchester City side intend to win five league titles in a row this season.
So far, the Sky Blues have showcased like in previous campaigns that they have the ability to churn results out, regardless of the adversity that presents itself.
Perhaps City’s start to the season would not have been as positive as it has been if one of their key figures decided to depart the Etihad Stadium.
Despite Rodri and De Bruyne’s injuries making Manchester City look vulnerable both defensively and offensively against the likes of Newcastle United and Fulham in their recent outings, they sit in second place in the league table.
In City’s 3-2 win against Marco Silva’s side, Ederson Moraes was arguably their most decisive player.
Guardiola reveals Ederson transfer truth
As Adama Traore was clean through on goal thrice, the Brazilian international made himself big and came to his side’s rescue.
Jeremy Doku singled Ederson out for coming to Manchester City’s rescue on Saturday.
The £35 million man reiterated the value of having a world-class goalkeeper in between the sticks in a title race.
In July, Ederson revealed his future at Manchester City was uncertain as he was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.
However, after City beat Manchester United in the FA Community Shield, Ederson expressed his desire to stay at the Etihad Stadium for a few more years.
In August, Fabrizio Romano revealed Al-Ittihad gave up in their pursuit of Ederson’s signature and signed Predrag Rajkovic instead.
As Sport Bild also claimed a few days ago that Al-Nassr were interested in signing the six-time Premier League winner, Pep Guardiola initially admitted that he was worried that his number one was set to leave the club this summer.
Guardiola said via HaytersTV: “Yeah of course, he is an important figure within our team. At the end, we are lucky it did not happen, we are lucky to have him, hopefully, he’s happy and who knows, we have to prepare because we never know what’s going to happen if players want to leave or move forward.”
Pep Guardiola added that the reason Ederson ended up staying at Manchester City is due to the lack of a suitable offer from his suitors in the summer.
“The truth is the offer didn’t come. The real offer because they made an offer but to be for the ‘keeper for the team who won four Premier Leagues in a row, they have a value. They have a price.”
“Otherwise, he cannot leave. But if the other can be one, maybe he should not be here.”
Man City will be hoping Ederson is not tempted into summer exit
Despite Ederson’s admission about intending to stay at Manchester City for a few more years, the club will be hoping that his head is not turned if certain clubs come around to secure his services in the summer.
The former Benfica goalkeeper’s latest exploits were a reminder of his importance to the team.
Against both Fulham and Brentford, Ederson has made crucial saves to keep City in games where they have been under the cosh.
The 30-year-old has had a positive start to the season.
Ederson remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world and while Stefan Ortega remains a terrific deputy, Manchester City would be hoping such a key player and leader does not leave the club in 2025.
But the decorated shotstopper’s future should be a true concern for the club after the season ends.
