Pep Guardiola secured his third piece of silverware as Blues boss, courtesy of Sergio Aguero’s record-breaking double, as the Premier League Champions produced an accomplished display to overcome the FA Cup holders at Wembley.
What did we learn from the clash? Who stood out? How did we fare fitness-wise? We analyse the talking points from Sunday’s curtain raiser...
1Up and running
Start as you mean to go on...
Following last season’s remarkable record-smashing exploits, the question on everyone’s lips ahead of the new season was: how could it be bettered?
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GALLERY: Wembley winners
Naturally, the upcoming campaign heralds so much promise and optimism and the Blues registered the perfect start with a fully-deserved triumph over Maurizio Sarri’s men.
City were simply superior all over the pitch - solid at the back, dominant in midfield and innovative in the final third. Chelsea were restricted to half-chances, while we created chance after chance.
In fact, perhaps the only criticism would be that City were not clinical enough!
2Kun-derful
He’s rewritten history so many times, his pen must be close to running out. (Or should that be Kun-ning out? Sorry...)
It is highly appropriate that the man who scored arguably the Club’s most iconic goal should then become our all-time leading goalscorer. Yet, once that feat had been achieved, Aguero simply moved onto the next challenge: a double century.
Perhaps surprisingly, given Kun’s track record, nine months would pass before the feat was achieved but it was well worth the wait. An expertly-executed driven finish into the bottom corner marked his 200th goal in 293 games - a figure that is quite simply, ‘stupendous!’
The fact that the Argentine was not actually at his breathtaking best, having only returned from his summer break the previous Monday, bodes very well for the new campaign!
READ: Now Aguero targets more success
WATCH: Sergio Aguero | Made in Argentina
GALLERY: Sergio Aguero 200 in focus
3Bravo, Bernardo
Aguero may have stolen the headlines (and rightly so, for that accomplishment!) but Bernardo Silva was majestic.
Guardiola described the Portugal man’s performance as ‘a masterpiece’ - and let’s be honest, Pep knows his stuff!
The midfield maestro returned early from his post-World Cup holiday to join up with the squad on the US Tour and it showed. Aside from his assist for Aguero‘s second, the playmaker produced an eye-catching display, living up to his ‘Bubblegum’ nickname with his awesome ball retention ability.
Bernardo, of course, accrued one of the highest appearance tallies last season and has become an integral part of our double-winning side. He’s also admired off the pitch for his personality and attitude, evident with his willingness to sacrifice time off in a bid to put himself at the forefront of Guardiola‘s mind.
Yesterday’s efforts, accompanied by his pre-season preparation (perhaps buoyed by the signing of Riyad Mahrez, who has also been eager to impress) and of course, his brilliant brace against Bayern Munich, have ensured he is surely set to be one of the first names on the teamsheet for City’s Premier League opener at Arsenal on Sunday.
4Phil of the future
After an impressive pre-season campaign, 18-year-old Phil Foden was once again handed the chance to shine on the big stage.
Once the two starting XIs had been announced, much of the pre-match talk had discussed how the youngster would fare against Chelsea’s new signing, Jorginho, who City had been linked with for several months.
The Stockport-born Blue remained unwavered, however - nothing seems to faze him!
Composed in midfield, combative and assured, the teenager even claimed another assist with a positive drive forward and pass for Aguero‘s opener.
He was unfortunate not to mark his display with his first senior goal, as former Blue Willy Caballero was equal to his near-post effort, but it did little to harm his excellent performance, as he collected his second senior medal.
READ: Foden ready to shine, says Guardiola
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5Medal-ling Mendy
Benjamin Mendy’s trophy-per-game ratio is rather extraordinary.
Of course, the reason it stands is not a joyous one, with the Frenchman forced to miss the majority of 2017/18 through injury, but naturally, the ever-smiling defender is making the most of the situation.
Astonishingly, Mendy has claimed four trophies in eight appearances - the Premier League, the Carabao Cup, the World Cup and now the Community Shield. Decent figures those!
Equally pleasingly, Sunday’s encounter also heralded the first time the left-back has completed 90 minutes since his return, and he relished the opportunity, marauding down the flank and whipping in his trademark crosses.
A taste of things to come and we can’t wait to see him back in full flow.
6The countdown...
Six days to go!
As the anticipation builds with the new campaign drawing near, we welcome back the remaining City stars, who enjoyed a well-deserved post-World Cup rest.
This week marks the arrival of a recharged Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling and although they only have these next few days to prepare for the season opener, our squad looks in decent shape, considering the varying time off and levels of fitness. And there is one thing they all share: the same motivation.
The real work begins now!
