Manchester City have started the Premier League season as they mean to finish the campaign. 4 wins from 4 to start the season mean they’re the only perfect side in the league. The UEFA Super Cup is also in the trophy cabinet after a penalty shootout win over Sevilla. The only blemish on the season so far is the penalty shootout loss to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield.
The treble winners have opened the Premier League campaign with 4 consecutive wins to start the season. It has been their best start to a league season under Pep Guardiola. In a positive for the champions, they haven’t played anywhere near their best as they’ve picked up 12 points to start the season.
City has gained results in the league while also bedding in new players and ideas. New signings Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol have settled into life at the Etihad relatively quickly. Kovacic has been one of City’s best performers so far this season alongside Rodri, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. The Croatian international has looked right at home in the City midfield. He has proven to be a more than capable replacement for departed skipper Ilkay Gundogan.
Manchester City’s other new signings Matheus Nunes and Jeremy Doku will need time to adjust to their new surroundings. Doku made his debut for the club in the 5-1 win over Fulham. He showed some positive signs but will need time with Pep to adjust to his new home. Nunes will likely feature after the international break as he joined the club so late in the window.
As it stands City haven’t controlled games as they usually would. Whether or not that’s a symptom of it being early in the season, or a shift in tactics remains to be seen. The injury to Kevin De Bruyne and the fact key man John Stones hasn’t featured yet this season is no doubt a factor here. De Bruyne won’t return until the New Year but Stones should resume after the international break.
Julian Alvarez has started all 4 of Manchester City’s games in the Premier League. He has shown he is ready for a more prominent role in the side this campaign. With De Bruyne out injured, Alvarez has seized his opportunity thus far. At times he has given away possession too easily, something he will have to improve upon. Given the quality he has, Alvarez will no doubt sharpen up this part of his game.
The treble winners added another piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet with the UEFA Super Cup arriving after a penalty shootout win over Sevilla. Manchester City’s performance wasn’t their best but another trophy, and one the club haven’t held before is always a bonus.
A loss to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield on penalties has been the only blemish on the season so far. As the game is more of a friendly than an actual cup final it was a good warm-up for the season ahead.
As it stands Pep Guardiola’s side has started the league season perfectly thus far. Kyle Walker has thrown out the challenge to the squad to run the field this season instead of playing catch-up in a title race. With 4 wins from 4 to begin the Premier League season, and with plenty of scope for improvement, Manchester City is well placed after the first month of the season.
