Manchester City History

Domestic Treble Season (2019)

The first English men's team to ever win the domestic treble.

The 2018–19 campaign stands as the most dominant and complete season in Manchester City’s history, culminating in an unprecedented domestic treble. Under Pep Guardiola, the squad shattered records while securing their first-ever FA Cup title to complete the set of Premier League, EFL Cup, and FA Cup honours. This era redefined the club's ambition, transitioning from consistent contenders into undisputed rulers of English football.

Manager
Pep Guardiola
Captain
Vincent Kompany
Premier League Points
98
FA Cup Result
Winners (vs Watford)
EFL Cup Result
Winners (vs Chelsea)
League Position
1st

Lore & Background

The season began with a relentless pursuit of perfection in the Premier League, sparking one of history’s most intense title races against Liverpool. City finished with 98 points—a record for second place that would have won any other campaign—before clinching the league by a single point. Tactical fluidity and squad depth allowed them to navigate a congested calendar without losing focus. The cup campaigns provided the final pieces: a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Chelsea secured back-to-back League Cups, while Vincent Kompany delivered an iconic strike from distance against Watford in the FA Cup final to seal the historic treble.

In Their Own Story

The rain at Wembley fell softly as the final whistle blew, the roar of the blue sea drowning out everything else. Vincent Kompany stood still for a moment, the weight of two decades lifting off his shoulders only to be replaced by the sheer magnitude of what he had just achieved. The trophy was heavy in his hands, but it felt lighter than the burden of expectation that had hung over the club for so long. Around him, teammates wept and embraced; they were no longer just a team that challenged, but a dynasty that had conquered everything within their own backyard.

Reader's Guide

The 2018–19 season represents the absolute zenith of Manchester City’s modern era under Pep Guardiola. It was defined by an unyielding demand for perfection and a squad depth so profound that it could sustain a three-trophy chase simultaneously. The season is remembered not just for the silverware, but for the sheer statistical dominance displayed across all competitions.

This chapter matters profoundly to the club's identity because it broke the psychological barrier of 'nearly.' For decades, City had been associated with heartbreak and near-misses in cup finals. This season erased that narrative, proving the club could not only compete at the highest level but dominate every facet of the domestic game.

The legacy of this treble is the foundation upon which future success was built. It established a culture where winning everything is the baseline expectation rather than a bonus. The tactics, the mentality, and the collective belief in Guardiola’s vision became permanent fixtures of the club's identity.

Did You Know?

More in Club History

Open in the interactive codex →