This is the story of Manchester City's return to the top of English football as well as their journey to their first ever Champions League final as Pep Guardiola's team battle to secure their place in history.
Throughout this historic season of breath-taking football, they were followed by their equivalent from the world of sports writing: a team of elite talents, assembled by The Athletic to leave all competition trailing in their wake. The result is an alchemical blend of inside access and expert analysis; great ideas and beautiful writing.
City's triumph is relived in real time, in 360 degrees. Articles include profiles of each of City's title winners by their former youth team coaches; on-the-road features from the hometowns of some of their international superstars, brilliant tactics board breakdowns of key moments in the season; and exclusive interviews with players, coaches and backroom staff.
In season 2020/21, as Premier League football struggled to find its feet, one team rose above all others. Standing Alone is the story of Manchester City's return to the pinnacle of English football and their journey to a first Champions League final. An irresistible team, led by the greatest coach of his generation, Pep Guardiola, fighting not only for all four trophies, but for a place in history.
Throughout this extraordinary season of breathtaking football, they were followed by another team of elite talents, carefully assembled to leave the competition trailing in their wake: the sportswriters of The Athletic. The result is an immersive, real-time account of an untouchable Premier League win, yet another League Cup triumph and, finally, crushing defeat as history beckoned in the final of the Champions League.
The Athletic team tell this story through expert analysis and exclusive interviews with players and staff; pivotal games in the season are brought to life; key characters are profiled, including Sergio Aguero, a legend whose time is running out, and Ruben Dias, emerging as England's Player of the Year.
If you are a Manchester City fan, a fan of the scintillating football they play, or just a fan of great sportswriting, you'll want to replay a unique season with Standing Alone.
