Decent start
City’s display at Brighton wasn’t perfect, with Pep Guardiola admitting this week his players could have been more ruthless in attack, but there were plenty of positives on which they can build.
They enjoyed 70 per cent possession and completed 90 per cent of their passes, totally dominating Chris Hughton’s newly-promoted side who rarely got out of their own half.
If City can click in the final third – and there were signs in pre-season they are capable – then it will be very difficult for opposition sides to contain them this season.
Rotation, rotation, rotation
“There are a lot of games and everyone is going to play,” Guardiola said after the win at Brighton after being asked how he can accommodate a squad so full of quality.
Rotation, it seems, is going to be central to the City boss’ approach this season.
One look at his attacking options and it’s clear why. Few managers anywhere in the world can call upon the likes of Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva in the final third. It’s an incredible group of players.
Few Clubs have such strength in depth and it’ll be fascinating to see how the manager juggles his options across the four competitions this season.
Home improvements
City need to improve on their home form of last season if they are to win the title this term.
They finished the last campaign with the sixth-best home record in the top flight, with seven draws harming their title ambitions. Away from the Etihad, they had the second-best record, winning 12 of the 19 games played.
Make the Etihad a fortress and City could easily mount a title challenge.
Revamped Everton
It’s been a positive summer for Ronald Koeman, who has significantly improved his Everton squad, adding eight new faces.
He lost Romelu Lukakau, their top scorer last season, but has brought in the likes of Wayne Rooney, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen, Jordan Pickford and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
As a result, Everton have a more balanced look about them and will provide a stern test for whoever they face this season.
