After the pre-season tour of America, and the friendly against West Ham we were all ready for the start of the new season. Struggling to break down Brighton was a concern but grinding out a victory, while keeping a clean sheet, was a positive.

A trip to Girona was arranged and followed that opening game. In some quarters that was looked at with bewilderment, but I think it was another good chance for Pep. Claudio Bravo and Bernado Silva were late arrivals back to the training camp in pre-season thanks to the Confederations Cup, while Ilkay Gundogan had been recovering from a big spell out with injury. Benjamin Mendy too was injured, traveled with the squad, but did not feature.

It has been reported that Pep is determined to sign Sanchez from Arsenal, and he would add something to our attacking line I’m sure. For me though, we still have glaring issues at the other end also and, if Blue Mendy is going to be out for longer that will only add to the issues.

I do not know Pep’s mind, but here is what I took away from the 1-0 defeat.