After four games of our record breaking season last season, Manchester City had ten points scored ten goals and conceded two. It was said, as Kompany raised the Premier League trophy, that it was something Manchester City would struggle to repeat.
Four games in this season though and we have those same ten points. Undefeated as we were last season, Manchester City have scored eleven and conceded three. That means, heading into the International break, 2018/19 Manchester City would be above 2017/18 Manchester City, if only on goals scored.
Yet it seems, with a draw against Wolves last weekend and struggling against Newcastle this, there is starting to be some unrest among City fans. Criticism I think is unfair and certainly, from a fan who witnessed the third tier of English football, a little weird to hear.
I think it is part of a new set of fans, brought up not knowing life in the bottom half of the League, never mind another division! It is something I think we are going to have to accept but for me, even yesterday’s game, as frustrating as it was at times, had many positives.
Kompany Honored:
Firstly we have to acknowledge one of the few players to still remain from prior the takeover, even if it was only by a few days. The changes he has been witness to certainly brings what we had to what we now have in to clear focus.
Newcastle Keeper:
Manchester City were guilty of wasting some chances with 24 attempts on goal equating to only 8 on target. Of those eight though, the Newcastle keeper was responsible for the majority not finding the back of the net, including a quick triple save late on.
Dubravka, the Slovakian goalkeeper signed for €4million from Sparta Prague, looks a bargain. He will need to be on his game this season in Newcastle are to keep themselves in the Premier League.
Riyad Mahrez:
Criticism is already on the Algerian with some questioning why Pep Guardiola chose to sign the play maker. Yes, sometimes his shooting has left a lot to be desired. Yesterday, as an example, he was drawn inside and shot well wide.
He was a star man for his previous side and now finds himself one of many. I gave him a five out of ten for his performance against Newcastle this weekend, but I still have confidence. I think once he settles down, finds his role within the side, and gets his first goal we will see exactly what we have been expecting.
Winning Ugly:
Yes we would all enjoy watching that champagne football every weekend from Manchester City. At times though, against some sides, we will struggle. It could be that maybe we are off our game or maybe the opponent just is playing that well. When we find ourselves in that situation the most important thing, from my point of view, is the three points.
Top Four:
Considering the ‘poor’ performances over the last two weeks, Manchester City are only two points back from the side at the top of the table. Heading into the International break undefeated is no small thing, remember that big target on our backs as defending Champions.
That said, we do need to come back from the break ready to go. Games against recently promoted sides will continue, along with our first Champions League fixture. It signals a chance for City to get that top spot position as Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool all have more difficult fixtures. Liverpool play Chelsea twice at the end of September and Spurs in the first game back.
Points will be dropped and so we have to be ready to take advantage.
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