As Sergio Aguero’s right foot produced the most decisive moment of the season, you could almost sense a shift in the dynamic of English football. All of Manchester City’s investment had finally secured the ultimate prize, the Premier League title, at the expense of their local rivals who before the most dramatic of injury time proceedings, looked to have retained their crown.

Few can argue that Manchester City haven’t done enough across the season to deserve the coveted trophy, contending with the temperamental Carlos Tevez, the unpredictable Mario Balotelli and the loss of Yaya Toure during the African Cup of Nations. As a result, many fans and pundits have drawn the conclusion that the club are likely to become the outright dominant force in the Premiership for the foreseeable future, however this school of thought may be a little short sighted.

There’s no doubting that the Sky Blues are an impressive unit, possessing strength and depth in all departments, yet further improvements may become difficult. The looming shadow of Financial Fair Play perhaps threatens City more than any other side, as the club’s spiraling wage bill will make conforming to the imminent rulings a tricky prospect. The likes of Yaya Toure, Tevez and Aguero combined, earn more in a week than many club’s entire squads, displaying a lack of sustainability. Although it’s argued that top teams will simply find loopholes in the new demands, through large scale sponsorship and business deals, the fact remains that City will have to reduce their spending if they are to stand any chance of eventually meeting the requirements. As it stands the club pay vast amounts in wages and transfer fees, nearly all of which coming directly from the pocket of Sheikh Mansour, who’s Abu Dhabi based fortune has bankrolled the club’s rapid rise,  a trend UEFA are attempting to eradicate. Although FFP concerns the entrance into European competitions and not the Premier League, it’s unlikely that teams will elect to pass up on a spot in top level continental competition.

As well as financial issues, City also face the challenge of keeping Manchester United at bay. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils have become the ultimate domestic force, dominating the Premiership’s 20 year era. In many ways Fegie has become the League’s horror film style villain, consistently reemerging from every setback and defying the odds on a regular basis. The Scot and his United team have seen off the challenges of Arsenal’s invincibles, the financially backed Blackburn and Chelsea, as well as successfully ending Liverpool’s years of dominance. It’s almost as if adversity brings out the best in the veteran manager, who is likely to be fired up by the emergence of Manchester City as genuine challengers, and a motivated and hungry Fergie is a fearsome prospect for any side.

As well as United, City will also face the threat of other top level English sides. After their Champions League triumph, Chelsea are likely to come back stronger next term, with large scale investment likely over the summer months. Arsenal appear to be adding experience and strength, in the form of Lukas Podolski, whilst Tottenham possess, arguably, their finest generation of players for quite some time. All of this looks likely to make the Premier League race or next season an even closer affair, ramping up the pressure on City.

Although Roberto Mancini’s men have achieved the ultimate goal this campaign, the challenge is only just beginning. Next season will define City’s credentials as the dominant force in Premier League football.

Will City become the Premier Leagues ultimate force? Have your say with a comment or follow @Alex_Hams on Twitter

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