Given their start to the season it is fair to say that Manchester City haven’t hit peak. There have been glimpses of Pep Guardiola’s side at their imperious best. The 3-nil over Manchester United at Old Trafford and the 6-1 demolition of Bournemouth come to mind. It is clear that City are building into the season. But despite this, they have put themselves in a strong position to kick on.
With domestic football on pause this weekend City has laid a solid foundation to attack the season from. They sit top of the Premier League after 12 games. City have a one-point lead at the top of the table over Liverpool and Arsenal. With Liverpool next up for City at the Etihad they are well-positioned for a crucial run of fixtures following the international break.
The European champions have also qualified from Group G of the UEFA Champions League with relative ease. 4 wins from 4 have given the current holders a clear passage out of their group. With only a point required to sew up top spot of Group G, early qualification means City can focus on the Premier League.
While Pep Guardiola’s side has laid a solid foundation for the season, it is clear some players haven’t hit peak form yet. Nearly every player has had moments so far but the majority are building into the season. Players such as Ruben Dias and new signings Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol are all building into the season. Dias has not been poor by any stretch but he is working towards his best. The new signings need time to adjust to their new environment.
Despite this Manchester City are well placed to launch into the season after the international break with a solid base to build from.
