Try saying that to Wigan supporters. They’d disagree. Wigan were in league 1, 2 leagues below City, while City were breaking 9 records and equaling another. City got red carded before half time and just couldn’t get a rhythm going properly.

I’ve stated this many times but many don’t seem to get it.

The bounce of the ball, the gusts of the wind, the angle of impact, injuries, wrong footing, pregame fatigue, the mood of the ref, the mood of the players, the strategy, line of sight, etc., etc., all play a major role.

Yes, strategy is the main thing in a game, but that’s in the managers control. Strategy doesn’t factor any of the above which is out of their control.

Edit: I’ll always remember Man C v Wigan in the FA Cup, where Wigan won 1-0. Man C had ~30 shots, but most were off target, and over 80% possesion. Wigan had 1 or 2 shots and won the game.

This is what the English national leagues look like every year. Just look at Wrexham and Notts County breaking records with 100+ points each and Notts County still had to play playoffs to go up.

Every league should have 3 promotion spots though, even if 2 of them play playoffs. Seeing only one looks bizarre to me.