Three Things We Learnt from Manchester City Beating Southampton

On Sunday Manchester City dramatically swept aside Southampton 6:1 with goals from Aguero, 2 x Sterling, Sane, Silva and a lovely own goal by Southampton.

So what have we learnt from this latest emphatic display?

We still makes mistakes

It seems a bit churlish to start with a criticism but this is a team which is not just looking to improve week to week but are striving to achieve perfection. Pep Guardiola has been consistent in his vision, almost singular in his concentration and unerring in his commitment.

So what was Pep’s reaction to a powerful 6:1 victory? Well his reaction probably tells us everything we need to know about how focused he is and how intensely he places expectations on his team. What Pep said was we could do better. We would be punished if we were playing a better team.

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Pep is the kind of boss we all need. He requires our best, he holds us to account.

Amidst our excellent play Aymeric Laporte uncharacteristically gave the ball away. A lapse in concentration. Benjamin Mendy was at sea, looking short of football practice.

In order to strike the highest and stoke the biggest fires we cannot afford any lapses. It is lapses which cost teams trophies so Pep is right to demand perfection.

Guardiola has blessed us

This is the bit where I try and fail to avoid ending up in Pseuds Corner in Private Eye Magazine.

There is something about the way we move under Guardiola. A fluidity that marks us out as special. Coupling that with intensity and speed makes us unbeatable.

But to play in this way takes courage and precision. Real skill is necessary and you need to be drilled to know where you are on the pitch, what the phase is and what your role is.

Some of our players can dance around with their eyes closed. They seem to operate with the force at this point. Making impossible turns, slide rule passes and shots. But this is the result of a tactical master plan, practice and training.

Raheem Sterling We Need to Pay hIm some More

Sterling is beginning to morph into something else. He is transforming from a clumsy but quick winger to being a truly world class forward. He has vision and real talent, capable of effecting ballet like direction change and skipping through massed ranks of players.

He is tough and committed to his craft. Sure the coaching has been important but it’s what is within Sterling that has been the critical factor. The steely desire has allowed it to flourish. Pep may have helped unlock that talent but it’s Sterling’s doing.

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The news he has signed a new contract is welcome, because he may well be in top 6 or 7 players in World football, with the potential to break into the top 3.

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