Pep Guardiola’s first season with Manchester City didn’t quite live up to expectations, but last season’s critics have been well and truly silenced.
City have been irresistible so far. In defence they look secure, buoyed by the addition of Ederson who looks to be the ‘keeper they have been crying out for.
Kevin De Bruyne has been in inspired form, with numerous majestic performances in the City midfield and assists that not even people sat in the stands would’ve seen possible. David Silva has been poetic as ever in his free role, and Leroy Sane has took his impressive form into this campaign.
One player who has really stepped up his game is Raheem Sterling. There was talk of The Blues’ number-seven departing The Etihad last season, but Sterling has found a new hunger in this ruthless City attack. The England winger has eight goals to his name already.
Some may have questioned the fee of around £30 million paid for Gabriel Jesus. In actual fact that price tag, in today’s market, looks an absolute steal.
Sergio Aguero has been the talisman for the blue side of Manchester ever since his arrival, but the Argentine won’t be around forever and Pep appears to have found the perfect replacement.
You would imagine stepping up from the Brazilian league to Premier League’s elite would’ve been a challenge for Jesus. His confidence, sheer knack of being in the right place at the right time, his wonderful finishing makes him the perfect fit for the title hopefuls.
When you have the talent at full-back and in midfield that City have, you don’t need a world-beater up top, but Guardiola has found a player who fits into the system perfectly.
Jesus knows his role, he knows his strengths and he’s playing to them on a consistent basis for the league leaders.
Europe has been a struggle for Manchester City in recent years, but with their 2-1 win over Napoli they look certain to progress to the knock-out stages.
September was a month to remember for Guardiola’s men, winning seven out of seven, scoring 25 goals and conceding just one. The month included everything you would want as a manager. City demolished teams in the league, scoring at will. They went to Chelsea and won, as well as a couple of wins in Europe too.
October has kicked off in similar fashion, including Stoke getting sent for seven at The Etihad.
The team have been nothing short of a joy to watch it has to be said, and the only real question going forward is whether they can be stopped. To say they look a force would be an understatement, with them standing up to every challenge they have faced so far in some style.
There’s a long way to go yet, and many people have eluded to the fact City have started similarly in previous years. However, there is a different feel to it this year – it has been a while since a side in the Premier League were winning games in the way they are this season.
Pep Guardiola’s a man that is familiar with winning titles, and having him at the helm as the driving force behind such a talented group of players that look like they have gelled for good should be a worry for the rest of the league.
No team wins a title in October, but they look the team to beat at this stage for sure.
