Manchester City achieved a club record of 10 wins on the bounce by soundly beating Watford 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men continued their fine start to the season, with second half goals from Sterling and Fernandinho taking City eight points ahead of reigning Champions Chelsea who lost at home to Crystal Palace.
Here are four findings from the game.
Sagna again proves a solid option at the back
Normally, if Pablo Zabaleta was ruled out for a month, there would be a great concern amongst City fans but now most are totally content with Sagna deputising at right-back. And it’s clear to see why as he again put in an excellent shift in defence. He made a number of great defensive contributions, yet had the attacking impetus too – grabbing the assist for Sterling’s opener.
Sagna is in inspired form and long may it continue.
Sterling demonstrates a new side to his game
City’s No.7 was impressive all afternoon and to many’s delight, opened his City account with a smartly taken goal to break Watford’s resistance. He carved the Hornets open on many occasions going forward, but it was his defensive efforts that I was really pleased with.
As we know, Kolarov is a marauding full-back – one of the best in the league at what he does, but that means on occasion, City are exposed down the left flank. But Sterling possesses an incredible work ethic for someone so young and displayed great maturity in his game by putting in a real shift for the Blues.
The pictured painted has been that Sterling is this ‘bad egg’ but I think what we saw today from him was hugely encouraging.
Navas more than likely to make way for De Bruyne
It’s hard to see a real weak area in the City at side at present – with 12 points on the board, 10 goals scored and none conceded, it’s been the dream start for Pellegrini and his troops.
However the imminent signing of Kevin De Bruyne should take City up another level and it’s frightening when you think of just how good City could be when they add the best player in the Bundesliga last season, to the mix.
Though Jesus Navas puts in a good shift and retains the ball well, he was very predictable in the first half today and is the primary candidate to be displaced by a more productive player in De Bruyne.
Midfield options look better than ever
For a considerable amount of time, City have prided themselves on boasting a wealth of midfield options.
But looking at the current side, I would say that the midfield is in the best shape it has been for a long time. Toure looks refreshed and back to his usual dominant and imposing self, while Fernandinho is just awesome. The bloke can run all day, pressured superbly and even had the quality on the ball to bag a thunderous second. Lastly, Delph, who made his home debut for the club, looked perfectly at home and slotted in with ease.
It’s looking good.
