The Blues won five from five, scoring 15 goals in the process.
Our writers have looked back over those matches and chosen their player of the month.
Paul Handler: John Stones
Not the obvious choice given City’s current goal glut – but the big centre-half has been imperious at the back throughout October.
The bare stats are impressive - the most accurate passes of any player this season with 1120, with 96% accuracy rate overall - but they only tell half the story.
He moves the ball incisively and intelligently, often through the lines, setting tempo and dictating the pattern of play. It is no coincidence that City have scored a number of high-pass goals this season when the ball is kept under such impressive control at the back.
And when it came to more traditional defensive duties against a dangerous Napoli attack in the Etihad group game, Stones threw himself into the challenge - literally at times. He’s turning into a complete centre-back.
John Edwards: Fernandinho
Once again the Brazilian has evidenced how impactful he can be at both ends of the pitch.
Often deployed as the only holding midfielder, it’s a role Fernandinho embraces, with his tireless running and willingness to put his foot in the platform which allows his midfield colleagues to flourish offensively.
But he’s not lacking in that department.
His goal against Stoke was unstoppable and he fired in from distance again at West Brom, where his first time ball to tee up Sane was effortless.
Against a Napoli side that tested City in a way few have managed, the aforementioned defensive side of his game shone – it was the Brazilian who raced back to clear Ederson’s penalty save before an onrushing forward could tap in the rebound.
It’s not always eye-catching but it’s a vital role and one he fulfils wonderfully.
Rob Pollard: Leroy Sane
Three goals in five games during October only tells half the story of Leroy Sane’s contribution.
This is a young player developing at a rapid rate. His pace and ability to beat players are widely recognised – but his intelligence and growing appreciation of the game have perhaps gone under the radar.
He is becoming increasingly comfortable with the team’s pass-and-move approach. He can take the ball in tight spaces, work half a yard and find a teammate with a pass, rarely losing possession. He is patient, makes the right runs and helps out defensively when needed.
He’s becoming an all-round player, a match-winner of the highest order, and has been involved in 11 goals in his last seven Premier League games (six goals, five assists).
The very top of the game beckons.
Caroline Oatway: Raheem Sterling
This was a tough choice… but for me, Raheem Sterling has enjoyed an excellent month.
With four goals in five games, he’s in red-hot goalscoring form. He’s playing with so much confidence, which is producing results.
He’s top of the league and he’s also top scorer for the Blues with nine goals – one every 71 minutes. He also has two assists to his name.
Keep it up, Raz!
