1 Threats all over the pitch
City’s two goals against Bournemouth came once Pep Guardiola’s side pushed the ball out wide and played an incisive cross back across the goal. That would suggest it’s all down to the wingers but while Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling enjoyed yet another excellent showing, they weren’t alone.
The speed with which David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Toure moved the ball through midfield gave Sane and Sterling the chance to overload their opposing full-back and pick out any number of the options arriving in the box.
2 Cool, calm Caba
City have emerged victorious in all six Premier League matches Willy Caballero has appeared in this season.
At the Vitality Stadium his ability with the ball at his feet helped City to draw out their opponents and bypass the press in a way that seems to perfectly fit Pep’s blueprint.
Read his thoughts on the victory here...
3 Versatile Ferna
With just three recognisable defenders named in the starting eleven, there was plenty of pre-match discussion as to what that would mean for Fernandinho.
Cue the surprise when the Brazilian lined up at left-back for kick-off.
Despite being predominantly right-footed and up against the lively Jordon Ibe, Fernandinho looked assured in defence throughout the evening and moved into midfield to provide an extra man once City had control of the ball. Guardiola famously said last July the Brazilian could play in 10 positions and on this showing, maybe he was right.
4 Moving on up…
Starting the evening in fifth place, City knew three points would make a big difference to their league standing.
Pep Guardiola’s side are now in second and although they will have to keep one eye on proceedings behind them, with four clubs within four points, they can be much more content.
City are eight points behind league leaders Chelsea, a gap that Guardiola feels is too big, but they are now in the driving seat should Antonio Conte’s side start to falter.
5 Premier League break
City are still challenging on three fronts this season and as we move through the next few weeks, the cup competitions are going to come into sharp focus.
The Blues have just three more Premier League matches before the end of March, a period which could see them into the Champions League quarter-finals and FA Cup semi-finals.
Saturday’s FA Cup trip to Huddersfield and next week’s visit of AS Monaco will require an extension of the league form if City are to be successful.
