The club has assembled the best squad in the country and a domestic league and cup double should now follow, but the Champions League will have to wait, writes Sam Lee.
Since signing Sergio Aguero in 2011, Manchester City has repeatedly failed to bring in any attacking talent worthy of either playing alongside or standing in for the mercurial Argentine.
Alvaro Negredo, Stevan Jovetic, Jesus Navas and latterly Wilfried Bony are players signed for (relatively) moderate sums who have struggled to make a positive impact at the Etihad Stadium, whether Aguero has been on the pitch or the sidelines.