After 22 league games, Manchester City will face two cup matches: the second leg of the League Cup semi-final against Everton, and an away game against Stoke City in the FA Cup.

After the two cup games, there will be a Premier League match at the end of the month.

The schedule looks tight, but the two cup games aren't particularly important, especially the League Cup semi-final, where Everton have almost no chance of overturning the deficit.

Therefore, Guardiola rotated most of the starting players.

This was not only to give the key players enough rest, but also for a very important reason: in February, Manchester City's opponents were almost all strong teams.

And for Guardiola and Manchester City, the most important game was about to begin in February – the Champions League knockout stage. Their first opponent was French champion Monaco. Monaco had snatched the league title from Paris Saint-Germain, who had dominated in recent years, so their strength should not be underestimated. Moreover, this team was mainly composed of young players with great impact.

Manchester City's biggest fear is this kind of mad dog-style attacking team.

On January 24th, Manchester City welcomed Everton to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of the League Cup, which was also their third encounter this month and the fourth of the season.

In the near future, they would also usher in their final league encounter of the season.

Everton's players were suffering unspeakably. Twice in the league, and they could still meet three times in the cup.

They were completely dumbfounded.

Romelu Lukaku had already kicked off from the center circle more than a dozen times in previous games. This time, he didn't even play.

Everton had obviously given up on the League Cup. Although it was within reach – as long as they eliminated Manchester City, they could enter the final – it was all just a mirage, a deception.

Everton, with absolutely no desire to fight, met Manchester City, who sent out mostly substitutes. The two teams played extremely conservatively, with almost no good attacking opportunities.

In the end, the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

The two coaches shook hands with very friendly expressions, congratulating Manchester City on reaching the League Cup final.

On the other side, Arsenal eliminated their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur over two legs and joined Manchester City in the League Cup final!

This season, Arsenal was destined to miss out on the league title again, and coincidentally, in the Champions League, they had encountered Barcelona for three years and Bayern for five, and were once again facing Bayern, almost stopping in the first knockout round.

So, the League Cup and FA Cup became Arsenal's fig leaf, and they were now determined to win the League Cup trophy.

Something is better than nothing.

The final will be held at the end of February, after Manchester City play their derby at home.

In the FA Cup fourth round away game against Stoke City, Guardiola still sent out most of the main players. This season, Manchester City's goals were not only the league, but also the League Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League.

So, compared to the League Cup, where they were almost certain to qualify, they still had to be a little more serious about the FA Cup.

Several new signings – Kyle Walker replaced Zabaleta as right-back, Sane replaced Zhao Gang, and Jesus continued as the lone striker.

Guardiola needed these three to familiarize themselves with the team's tactics as soon as possible.

In January, with a dense schedule but weak opponents, it was a huge benefit for the new signings.

Sane's attacking ability was very strong, but his organizational ability and control of the rhythm were still lacking. His cooperation and chemistry with his teammates in the frontcourt was not particularly strong.

On the other hand, Jesus, although young and playing in one of Europe's top five leagues for the first time, was able to complete his task well in the striker position.

He was practically plug-and-play.

As for Walker, he had already proven his top-notch defensive and offensive capabilities in Tottenham's squad, one of the few full-backs who could limit Zhao Gang. Apart from chemistry, he was stronger than Zabaleta in all aspects.

In this FA Cup game, Walker also ushered in his first goal since joining Manchester City, and it was completed in cooperation with new signing Jesus.

Faced with these unremarkable teams, the three new signings performed well, making people look forward to their performance in the league and Champions League in February.

In the end, Manchester City beat Stoke City 3-0 and advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup.

On the last day of January, in the 23rd round of the Premier League, Manchester City welcomed Watford, the last opponent before the start of their devilish schedule.

The Hornets were far weaker than the Bundesliga's Hornets.

In the end, Manchester City, with their full strength, won 2-0, with Zhao Gang and De Bruyne assisting each other and each scoring a goal.

On February 4th, Manchester City's devilish schedule officially began!

Their first opponent was Tottenham Hotspur.

Last time, Manchester City beat their opponents 4-2 away. Judging from the score, it seemed like they won easily, but in the process, Manchester City did not have the advantage and almost lost the game.

Tottenham not only played dirty, but also had a shocking "cover-up assist" in the Premier League. Son Xingmin escorted the ball all the way from an offside position to the edge of the penalty area, and Kane shot the ball in!

Not only that, but Zhao Gang's goal after a confrontation with Son Xingmin was also blown away by the referee. What was frightening was that the foul was not committed by Zhao Gang, but by Gundogan several rounds earlier!

That was the most tragic sniper battle Manchester City had encountered, even more despairing than the foul goal against the Hammers!

Manchester City's players almost exploded.

After that round of matches, the Premier League officials and the referee apologized to Manchester City and their fans respectively.

And promised to strengthen the referee's professional level.

Everyone with discerning eyes knew that the referee went to that game with a mission. Unfortunately, even with the referee's help, Tottenham ultimately failed to take down Manchester City.

This time, for Manchester City's players and fans, it was simply a real revenge battle.

Even if they won last time, this game was still revenge!

Before the game started, Kyle Walker looked a little embarrassed in the dressing room.

Arteta had just spoken passionately, loudly talking about all the injustices during the first leg between the two teams. Walker was also the protagonist, but of Tottenham.

Listening to it now was particularly harsh.

Fortunately, in that round of the league, Walker was not subject to biased refereeing, otherwise he would really want to find a crack in the ground to crawl into now.

"Now, it's time to beat them again and make them lose all face at the Etihad!" Fernandinho roared with a dark face.

"Kill them!!!"

Kyle Walker looked excited and gritted his teeth tightly. Listening to Arteta's speech, he only felt that Tottenham really deserved to die. How could they be so shameless?

A group of teammates bumped fists with each other.

Inside the Etihad Stadium, the fans' high-pitched songs rose up, and the cheers resounded in all directions, soaring into the sky.

Preheating for this revenge battle in advance.