1 Defensive unit
City’s defence worked like a finely tuned machine against Chelsea. Fabian Delph has slotted in superbly at left-back, while Kyle Walker, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi were near-flawless. The Blues’ offside trap sprung eight times on Chelsea and reduced the Champions’ attack to just two shots on target, on their own turf. Stones had 95 touches and a 98% pass accuracy and is providing a new level of control in the back-line.
2 Complete KDB
De Bruyne was one of City’s best players before this week started - now he’s started to add goals to his game. A beauty against Shakhtar Donetsk with his right foot was mirrored, and even bettered, by this left-footed effort. As Pep said in his post-match reaction De Bruyne “makes absolutely everything.”
3 Bench strength
City replaced David Silva, Leroy Sane and De Bruyne with Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Danilo. The latter came on very late in the game but in the case of Gundogan and Bernardo, what better players could you imagine to keep hold of the ball and see out a win? The technical level at Pep’s disposal is frighteningly high.
4 Shark team
They might not have played, but Benjamin Mendy and Sergio Aguero certainly helped inspire this performance. Aguero’s unfortunate involvement in a road traffic accident earlier in the week, and the sad news that Mendy is out until around April with an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury inspired City to great feats at Stamford Bridge. The squad is bonding more closely with every step of the journey.
5 Home comforts
The Premier League has a short break now as the international programme kicks in, but City can look forward to four successive home games when Club action resumes. City face Stoke (Premier League), Napoli (UCL), Burnley (PL) and then Wolves (League Cup) at the Etihad in the next four games. If the Blues continue the blistering September form the fans should be in for a treat.
