Manchester City, under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, are undeniably a highly accomplished football team. With six Premier league titles, two FA cups, four Carabao cups, and a Champions League title under their belt, they have amassed more points, wins and goals than any other team in the country since 2016. However, contrary to recent popular narratives, they did not break a Manchester United record in Europe. Contrary to what they might claim, Man City is not actually undefeated in 26 Champions League games. They did lose in last season’s quarter-finals to Real Madrid, who went on to claim the championship.
According to IFAB, the global legislative body for football, penalties are considered one of the three methods to determine the victorious team after a draw, the other two being away goals and extra time. Consequently, a team that loses during a penalty shootout can technically argue that they have not actually lost. However, this reveals a curious grey area within the rulebook. Just as the team that eventually triumphs following extra-time is considered the clear winner, the same should apply for penalty shootouts, according to the same logic.
Further, it is erroneous to look at penalty shootouts as random, luck-based affairs. From the days when games were decided by coin tosses, we have come a long way. Introduced in the early 1970s, penalties are not a ‘lottery’, but severe tests of precision, nerves and skill. Indeed, some of the best teams train for these moments as vigorously as they do for their tactical manoeuvres and set-piece strategies. There is substantial research put into preparation for penalty shootouts, emphasising that they are far from luck-based, arbitrary determinants of victory.
In 2022, a study by the Barca Innovation Hub looked closely at the aspects which can significantly increase the chances of winning a penalty shootout. From taking the first kick, celebrating successful strikes emphatically to delaying the run-ups after the referee’s whistle, all these factors can enhance the probability of victory. The study also underscored that the best penalty takers should ideally go first and fifth. This clearly shows that penalties are not games of chance but tactical and psychologically nuanced challenges that require skill and a steady hand.
Penalty shootouts are integral to the game. Unlike random deciding factors such as coin tosses, they arguably do a better job of determining the superior team. In the Champions League game last season between Man City and Real Madrid, there was little difference between the teams, yet ultimately, Real Madrid won the game, and this fact should not be disputed. While penalties may be different from the more fluid parts of the match, they nonetheless represent a stress test for a player’s ability to think clearly and perform under intense pressure.
In conclusion, while Man City’s recent “undefeated” record claim comes under question, there is no denying the team’s extraordinary footballing prowess. Guardiola’s Man City are undeniably one of the finest sides English Football has produced. They are a dominant force in the modern game, boasting an impressive array of recorded successes. The fact that their latest “record” is technically disputed does not negate their true greatness.
