Top of the table, a 6-1 win at rivals United, fans could barely ask for more, despite Champions League setbacks.
Star man: David Silva
Notable mentions: The three-pronged strikeforce of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, and Mario Balotelli
Must do better: It is hard to pick out any member of City’s squad as underperforming, if we are scoring on effort, then Carlos Tevez is clearly at the bottom of the pile.
Manager: Roberto Mancini is looking untouchable at City at present, he has reinvented the side, a far cry from the defence-first team he sent out last season.
Grade: A
Verdict: City’s priority has to be the Premier League. Last season they aimed to finish in the top four, and this season their target was to sustain a title challenge, and it is clear that won’t be a problem. Already five points clear of United, the blues look well set to maintain their run, and will expect to reach January still in top spot.
Despite having a far from comfortable Champions League run, on this season’s form it would be easy to argue neighbours United would also fail to qualify from a group containing Villareal, Bayern Munich and Napoli. With the FA Cup starting in January, the holders will also fancy their chances of retaining it and completing a domestic double.
image: © Andrew Brannan
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