Manchester City's financial breaches have left a profound mark on English football over the last two decades. The scale of the problem is such that every Premier League club has suffered to some extent, as rewriting history and regaining lost emotions or titles is impossible. Nevertheless, ten clubs stand out as having been hit hardest.
Ranking the affected clubs: from Arsenal to Liverpool
Arsenal
The Gunners seem to deserve the top spot on this list due to their consistent loss of key players in the past, like Emmanuel Adebayor and Samir Nasri. However, in recent years, Manchester City has inadvertently helped Arsenal re-enter the title race, largely thanks to Mikel Arteta's experience gleaned from Pep Guardiola's setup.
Swansea City
The Swans fell victim to City's familiar tactic of poaching the best players from clubs viewed as direct threats or sources of quality talent.
Chelsea
The Blues would likely have added more trophies to their cabinet were it not for Manchester City's financial superiority, although it's hard to argue they possess any moral high ground on such practices.
Leicester City
The departure of stars like Riyad Mahrez starkly illustrated the harsh restrictions facing the 'fairytale' club within the upper echelons of English football.
Newcastle
The Magpies have found their path significantly obstructed by Manchester City, setting an unreachable benchmark for financial advancement and forcing fans to make peace with their conscience regarding new ownership.
Everton
The Toffees lost an array of bright talents including John Stones and Jack Rodwell, without claiming a single trophy during City's period of dominance.
Aston Villa
The Villains lost key professionals like Gareth Barry and James Milner just as they were stabilising their push for high table finishes, leading to a severe downturn and eventual relegation.
Tottenham
The Lilywhites missed the chance to build a legendary squad, losing Kyle Walker mid-title race in 2017, and found themselves at the mercy of an era shift in the Premier League.
Manchester United
Instead of enjoying 35 years at the pinnacle, the Red Devils have had to settle for just 20 years of success, with Sir Alex Ferguson's era and beyond overshadowed by the artificially constructed financial juggernaut.
Liverpool
The most affected club in English football. Without Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, the Reds under Jurgen Klopp would have forged a magnificent dynasty, having amassed remarkable points totals of 97 and 92 in seasons where they undeservedly went without league titles.
