What a season it’s been for the Blues. Records have fallen and the Premier League has been won in a very special way. We have seen some highs. We have seen some lows. Questions on Pep’s style of play answered and, for the most part, domination of the English game.
For the next ten days, I will look back at a month of the season. Today we start with August and our first league game. A trip to the coast to take on newcomers, Brighton. Guardiola had made several new signings, mostly at the back, as City prepared their assault on Chelsea’s crown.
After a reasonably succesful pre season tour of America, it was time for serious business at the Amex Stadium and a party atmosphere. Brighton were returning to the top flight for the first time in 34 years, and the fans were going to enjoy it.
Starting with a 3-1-4-2 City enjoyed 78% possession. The trouble came in front of goal, with only four of the fourteen shots being on target. In fact the game would be tied up until the 70th minute when David Silva put through Sergio Aguero for the opener.
Once the first came, the second didn’t take long. This time it was an own goal, as Lewis Dunk turned the ball into his own net from a Fernandinho cross. With that win, City kept up their opening day win record. The last seven opening day fixtures have been victories for the Blues.
A week or so later, City had their opening home fixture. Hosting Everton, managed by Ronald Koeman, the game was widely anticipated. It didn’t quite go to plan for City though, as they went behind to a Wayne Rooney goal.
Moving back to his boyhood club, he got to score his 200th Premier League goal against us. So when Kyle Walker was sent off before half time, you would be forgiven to think it wouldn’t be our day.
The possession was much closer too, with City having just 65%. I say ‘just’ because we all know how they would go on to dominate sides throughout the season. Again, almost twenty shots were taken by City with less, than a third on target.
Eventually the hard work and determination would pay off. A poor headed clearance came straight to Raheem Sterling, who volleyed back in the 82nd minute. The scores and players tied, with Everton being reduced to ten men late on.
Finally, it was back to the coast, where Bournemouth provided opposition. Again, as with Everton it didn’t quite start off to plan with Charlie Daniels scoring an absolute world-class goal. Going down after only 13 minutes, Gabriel Jesus equalised eight minutes later, with Manchester City’s first shot on goal.
Pep Guardiola had changed the formation to a back four. Once again our possession reached 70% with eight shots on target from seventeen. City dominated, but couldn’t get the break through. Eventually, and with time running out, Raheem Sterling stepped up again. His deflected strike secured the win, along with our second red card of the season.
At the end of three games, City were fourth in the League on seven points. United finished top with full points, scoring ten and not conceding a single one in return.