Three reasons why Manchester City will defend their Premier League title

City have a fearsome squad

Every part of Manchester City’s title-winning side was a strength. Most clubs at the back end of last season lived in fear when the Sky Blues were on the horizon, and it only made charging to the silverware more straightforward.

That fear will have transformed into a burning desire to get one over the champions. The likes of Everton, Fulham, Newcastle and Leicester have all fortified their squads over the summer, and should have confidence they can ruffle the feathers of England’s best.

However, that doesn’t change the quality and prowess City possess in their imposing squad. A menacing lineup including tactical masterclasses Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva, the raw pace of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane and now the skill and adroitness of Riyad Mahrez has every chance of becoming a squad to remember.

Those attacking traits combined with the new-found steel of Nicolas Otamendi and the confident John Stones made for a harmonious balance last season. There is no reason why that cannot be the same at the beginning of this term.

As well as the players containing superb individual talent, the entire squad now has title-winning wisdom, including Riyad Mahrez from his involvement in Leicester’s astounding achievement of 2015/16, and that should be a real drive towards success.

With the manager and all of the players fresh from clinching the Premier League in such emphatic style, City should be soaring come the beginning of the campaign. The Community Shield victory might not be the most important, but in terms of morale it is only going to provide a boost as the difficult Arsenal test edges closer.

Will anyone challenge City for the title this time around?