THEY could still equal the record for the earliest title win in Premier League history.
They are odds on favourites to do so with the highest ever points tally and greatest goal difference maybe even scoring more than anyone has before as well.
Yet the way the past week has gone for Manchester City, they could achieve that incredible hat-trick and people will STILL reckon the season has finished on a low note.
Thats how much the last two games have deflated the party atmosphere around the Etihad.
Thats how high the standards and expectations have become.
For nigh on eight months City were playing football from another planet.
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City must play a 'perfect' game against LiverpoolPossibly, they said, the greatest side the Prem has ever seen.
Some even drew comparisons with the majestic Barcelona team of a few years back, even though that WAS admittedly taking things a little too far.
'PLANS ARE IN PLACE'Man City and Liverpool to use different entrances at Etihad with increased police presence to avoid ugly Anfield scenes before Champions League clash
Yet all of a sudden untouchable has become unthinkable. Two defeats on the bounce, six goals conceded, and a vulnerability no-one saw coming.
Thats why tonights Champions League return now bears the look of a game you could argue will define their season.
Fail, and even when they do eventually lift that Premier League trophy, the champagne wont be quite as effervescent.
There is no sport as fickle as football, and you saw that on Saturday, with pictures of some City fans crying after Uniteds fantastic derby comeback. Talk about needing a reality check.
These are the same lot who, not so long back, were throwing parties at a penalty shoot-out win over Gillingham to get out of the Second Division.
Now theyre sobbing their hearts out because they havent won the Premier League as early as they dreamed.
I hope theyve saved a few Kleenex, because theres every likelihood there will be tears again tonight.
Liverpool become first side to stop Manchester City this season in our Moment of the RoundTrailing 3-0 from the first leg, Liverpool are red hot favourites to finish the job and take their place in Fridays semi-final draw.
Overturn that advantage, and City really will deserve every accolade that will come flooding in.
Of course they CAN do it.
And I wouldnt be totally surprised to see Pep go with a back three, use Kyle Walker and fit-again Fabian Delph as attacking wing backs, and tear at Liverpool.
Lets face it, the Reds themselves have plenty of creaks in those defensive legs which, although firmer than before, are still wobbly at times.
Fernandinho says Liverpool are a long ball team ahead of Champions League second leg with Manchester CityThe thing is City have now lost the fear factor which buckled lots of opponents in previous months.
Yes, they have the firepower to damage anyone, but you couldnt back them with anything more than blind faith to keep a clean sheet.
And that is something they really cant afford this evening. Tissues at the ready
Manchester United star Ander Herrera appears to spit on Manchester City badge as he leaves pitch in Manchester Derby