It might not have stopped them lifting trophies like it's second nature, but make no mistake - Manchester City are on the edge of one of the most uncertain periods in their illustrious modern history.
The 2-1 victory over Aston Villa that saw them lift the Carabao Cup for a third year running was another example of their iron-forged cup final mentality, but on the whole, it's a trophy will simply paper over the far more serious cracks which are emerging.
They haven't even come close to Liverpool so far this season, and with their European ban looming, you'd be forgiven for thinking it will be a while before they can do so again.
Their UEFA-imposed reprimand, should it be upheld, might not lead to the
Put all of that together, and you've got a pretty grim picture - but one at which Phil Foden must be licking his lips.
The 19-year-old was integral in his side lifting their latest trophy, confidently delivering his most mature performance yet off the right hand side to help break down a resolute Villa defence. His assist for Sergio Aguero's opener was more Hollyrood than Hollywood as he sent a hopeful header back across goal, but his movement to get on the end of it was everything Guardiola looks for in his midfielders - telepathic, decisive and ultimately lethal.
Frequently showing for the ball to make things happen for his side, he was a nightmare for the Villa back four to deal with on the inside channel. Neither Tyrone Mings or Matt Targett knew what to do with him him - go tight and he'll turn you, stand off him and he'll use the time you give him to devastating effect.
Phil Foden's first half by numbers. vs. Aston Villa:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 1, 2020
100% take-ons completed (2)
100% successful tackles (2)
100% aerial duels won (1)
96% pass accuracy
2 chances created
1 assist
Saved for the special occasions. pic.twitter.com/vBJNjPxQvd
He could have had a goal himself when he jinked inside and sent a left-footed effort just beyond Orlan Nyland's far post, and though he was playing wildly out of position, he was a constant threat, while his hunger to be involved and cause problems was matched only when Kevin De Bruyne emerged from the bench.
And the overall stats tell a similar story to that one. Foden has hardly been involved this season, managing just 995 minutes of football over the piece. Nonetheless, his seven assists and three goals mean he has a goal involvement every 100 minutes - far superior to the ratios of Bernardo and David Silva (171 and 163 respectively), just better than Raheem Sterling (107) and only just short of De Bruyne (97).
Those numbers make for frightening reading, but tell us exactly why Foden will be confident of having a major role to play when the new era at City kicks into first gear.
For the first time in a while, City may have to regroup and rebuild this summer. They will lose their long-term talisman in Silva. They might lose their manager, and there is no telling who else might depart. In Foden, however, they have a ready-made star, evidently capable and desperately willing to step up and shoulder some more responsibility.
He's shown more than enough patience and loyalty to his boyhood club so far. He's spent more minutes on the bench and feeding off scraps than a player of his ability, in any team, has any right to.
In truth, he'd have been justified in kicking up a public fuss by now - other players have, and more will, in less extreme situations. Instead, he's waited, and when called upon, he's never let his team down. For their benefit and his, then, the time has come for City to make the best of a bad situation, and pay him back in the only currency he will accept.
A senior role within the first team.
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Source : 90min