I thought a drop off after winning the Treble was inevitable. Just like after the season they went toe-to-toe with Liverpool and pipped them at the post, then couldn't get going the following season.
The summer also saw the departures of Mahrez and Gundogan, with Laporte and Cancelo also heading for the door, as well as injuries to KdB and Stoner, and rumours of Walker and Bernardo Silva wanting out. Surely, I reasoned, they can't get off to a good start. This week, they faced Sevilla in the Super Cup in a 35c Athens, then 3 days later faced a superb Newcastle. Surely, a draw was the most we could hope for? After lifting the Super Cup, they put on a top quality performance to take all three points against Toon.
Pep is next level genius. With KdB out until the new year, Foden got the nod in central midfield as the main creator. He produced a master class. He created 7 chances including Alvarez's winner. His nickname is the Stockport Iniesta and it's not without merit, he is in the same class as the Spaniard on the half turn. The only question is whether he can keep it up until at least when KdB returns.
Another fantastic performance was given by Kovacic. He seems comfortable already playing with Rodri, and for the first time in a City shirt he went on forward dribbles, breaking the line. It would be churlish to say that Gundo won't be missed, but if Kovacic continues in this way we will have a more than adequate replacement.
Another fantastic performance was given by Kovacic. He seems comfortable already playing with Rodri, and for the first time in a City shirt he went on forward dribbles, breaking the line. It would be churlish to say that Gundo won't be missed, but if Kovacic continues in this way we will have a more than adequate replacement.
A special mention must also be made for Akanji. Last season, after Cancelo fell out with Pep, Stones was moved to left back but played a special role in midfield when City had the ball. With Stones injured, Akanji was asked to fulfil that role against Newcastle and he was pretty much flawless. In an interview after the game, he commented that it was the 5th position he has been asked to play in under Pep. The €15m signing from Dortmund has proved to be such a wonderful acquisition to the squad.
Which brings me to arguably City's most important signings of the past 10 years: Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano, City's DoF and CEO respectively. The phenomenal success at City has been built on their foundations. When you see the problems at Liverpool and Man U, one can't get the right players in and the other can't get the dead wood out, you appreciate a decade of almost perfect transfer dealings.
So, in a season where I thought City would not compete, I have changed my mind. I still think Arsenal are favourites but nothing, absolutely nothing, is beyond Pep's City.
So, in a season where I thought City would not compete, I have changed my mind. I still think Arsenal are favourites but nothing, absolutely nothing, is beyond Pep's City.
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| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports |
City will wrap the title up with 6 games to spare & are firm favourites for the C L . . Arsenal look the only team of mounting a challenge . FSG have been predictably stingy when it came to transfers . So much for Bellingham signing , it would of blown the entire transfer budget ! Leaky Reds biggish trophy chances revolve around the Europa Lge .
ReplyDeleteNot so sure Red Ron. I think they must be favourites but six games to spare is a big ask for any side in the EPL. Liverpool did it in the strangest of seasons but I can't see too many others managing it. Arsenal will push but blowing it last year might take a lot of time to build a serious challenge. LFC transfer policy has been abysmal.
DeleteSalah to Saudi?
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