That said, you can only beat whats put out in front of you. Focusing on Manchester City's performance only, you cannot be anything other than excited. So, having focused on player ratings last time (link found toward the bottom of the page) now its time for what was learnt.
1) All Pressure. All The Time:
Other than the first minute, and a couple of natural spells throughout the game, it was all Manchester City. Gabby Jesus had two decent chances within the first few minutes before Sergio Aguero would eventually open up the Terrier defence.
Even at 6-1 up, with minutes remaining, Manchester City were still employing the high press. Pressing into the final third and not allowing their goalkeeper time on the ball.
From back to front, everyone's goal was to attack quickly, and attack often. Ederson was much more assured in goal, setting up the opening goal with a fantastic cross-field ball.
2) Old Guard Stepped It Up A Notch:
Over the last few seasons Manchester City, along with other sides, have spent significant amounts of money in the transfer market. However a trio, costing City almost as much as Riyad Mahrez combined, looked sensational.
Pep Guardiola says its the best he's ever seen the Argentinian, and David Silva was a blast from the past. Pivoting, running and leaving defenders in awe the Spaniard was in irresistible mood. Even Vincent Kompany, who has up until recently, been a last ditch tackle defender was spraying the ball out from the back with ease. With over 650 League appearances between them and a combined 28 seasons at the Etihad the senior trio don't look out place.
As a side note, Sergio scored his 9th Premier League hat-trick. That tied him with Robbie Fowler in second all-time. Now he finds himself only two behind Alan Shearer in top spot.
3) Frightening Depth:
City were already 4-1 before Pep Guardiola looked to his bench. Starting with a 3-5-2 pretty much all our 'quick' players were on the bench. Smart from Guardiola knowing that there would be very little space between the lines, and even less between the defensive line and keeper.
As a result, Pep opted for good ball playing midfielders in the Silva's and Gundogan. Both senior strikers made the start also, giving the defenders headaches with their constant movement. Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and even Kyle Walker started from the bench.
Only half of that quartet, who could probably get into any other Premier League first eleven, were used during the fixture. And don't forget that Kevin De Bruyne wasn't even in the thinking for the game, suffering a knee injury during training.
4) Better Start Than 100 Point Season:
Last season we only had four points, scored three goals and had conceded one. Currently, undefeated, we have two more points than a year ago, with five more goals. The bad news is that we cannot drop any points from now until the end of the year (Palace 0-0 on December 31st was the first time a side took points from us since that Everton game.
5) A Classy, Family Club:
It is something Manchester City have been showing for quite some time now. Once the takeover happened a decade ago, many thought our history might not get the recognition it deserved. However, nothing has been further from the truth. City heroes from our less glorious times were embraced by the club as we embarked on a new era of history making.
This season the difference between a family club, like Manchester City, and others has been highlighted a little more. With the release of All Or Nothing, the Amazon made, Manchester City documentary we saw the unity for David Silva as he was going through personal issues.
A full circle tonight with young Mateo, now eight months old, at the Etihad to watch his Father play football for the first time. But it wasn't just Mateo in attendance though, Kevin DeBruyne had his child there also (and no I don't mean he was sitting next to Zinchenko!) along with Fabian Delph.
David White, Tony Adcock and Paul Stewart were all in attendance after being invited by the club. The three all scored hat-tricks against Huddersfield in a 10-1 win back in 1987 while the Blues were in the second tier. This time it was just Aguero to get the three goals, but there must have been excitement as the score edged closer to double figures.
No comments:
Post a Comment