New manager Manuel Pellegrini has got off to a shaky start after replacing Roberto Mancini, but it’s not all bad at the Etihad.
Olly Dawes presents everything you need to know about City’s season to date.
The Good
City can’t stop scoring this season. With Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo forming a lethal partnership at the Etihad Stadium, Manuel Pellegrini’s side are the top scorers, helped by a 7-0 thumping of Norwich City. The 4-1 thrashing of Manchester United will live long in the memory of Blues fans, whilst midfielder Yaya Toure continues to be the driving force of the Man City midfield, with five goals from just ten Premier League outings.
The Bad
The form of Joe Hart has been a concern for City this season, even to the point where Romanian Costel Pantilimon has been called upon to replace the England international. Hart bounced back with a good display for England against Germany on Tuesday, but he still has a long way to go before he replicates his form over the last couple of seasons. Another disappointment has been Stevan Jovetic, who is yet to feature heavily due to injuries since his £22m switch from Serie A side Fiorentina.
The Ugly
City’s away form has been shambolic so far. Shock defeats to Cardiff City, Aston Villa and Sunderland on the road have been alarming, and striker Aguero has admitted that City’s terrible away form could cost them in the title race. There is nothing noticeably different tactically by their approach away from home, which then prompts questions about their preparation for away matches, such as travel and accommodation…whatever the issue is, it’s certainly threatening City’s title ambitions. The 3-1 hammering at home to Bayern Munich in the Champions League was also a particular low point of the season to this point.
Grade
C – City have been excellent at home, but as soon as they leave the Etihad Stadium, they seem to lose some of their sharpness. Joe Hart’s struggles remain a concern, and Manuel Pellegrini will have his work cut out to get City back in the title race over the coming months, particularly with key fixtures against Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool to come before the New Year.
image: © geetarchurchy
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