Under manager Sven-Göran Eriksson, Manchester City finished 9th in the Premier League, a season of mid-table consolidation following their takeover by Thaksin Shinawatra. The squad featured attacking talents like Robinho, who joined mid-season as a marquee signing, alongside Darius Vassell and Elano. Defensive inconsistency and managerial instability limited their progress, though the team showed flashes of attacking flair. In domestic cups, City had limited success, exiting early in both the FA Cup and League Cup. The season marked the beginning of significant investment in the squad, laying foundations for the club’s transformation into a Premier League contender.
