After winning the Premier League title last season and breaking the highest point record of the Premier League era of 100 points, City are still consistent this season. The champions defended top of the standings with 26 points past Liverpool with the same points. Of the last 22 matches against fellow English teams, only Liverpool can repeatedly beat Manchester City.
The Reds did it in the International Club Champions and Champions League trial matches, the rest were the best draws. But, all the records happened last season. This season, from 12 matches against the English team, no one has been able to beat The Citizens.
Liverpool, who last season looked mighty to be content to share a goalless number at Anfield Stadium (7/10). While Tottenham Hotspur was forced to give up 0-1 through a single goal Riyad Mahrez in the sixth minute. Arsenal were also forced to beat two goals without reply at the opening of this season. That is, no single English team can stop Man City.
This situation raises questions about who can beat the Citizens after seeing Pep Guardiola's troop performances which are almost flawless, even though the Spanish coach considers his team to be imperfect. They are still looking for convenience to be able to compete on the exchange. "We have a lot to improve if we want to be a real competitor," Guardiola said, after playing against Tottenham.
Man City can statistically be called the best in England this season. They are the most fertile team in the Premier League, 27 goals, at least to Bobolan (3). David Silva et al also became the team with the highest number of shots with 21.1 per game, best passing accuracy, 89.1%, and always dominant with possession at 63.9%.
All domination happens when they don't always appear with the best composition. Call it Kevin de Bruyne. The Belgian player has only appeared 82 minutes from three times as a substitute in the Premier League. In fact, last season, Bruyne became the backbone of the team.
Guardiola can also take advantage of all the potential players he has. Like the matter of assists. In addition to being helped by the stable appearance of Silva with 2 goals and 2 assists, the more united Bernardo Silva (1 goal, 2 assists), there is the name Benjamin Mendy who became the provider of the most assists, 5. Likewise talk of goal productivity.
Man City are no longer too dependent on Sergio Aguero with his six goals. Guardiola was lucky because Mahrez was also able to unite with four goals and Sterling contributed seven goals with four goals and one assist.
"This season is more difficult than before. Last season, not many expected that we would win many matches and reach the record for most points. Now, all teams will try to be able to stop us with their best ability, "said Bernardo Silva, quoted by Skysports.
Early today, Man City will play the last 16 of the League Cup against Fulham. On paper, the Citizens will not have significant pressure because they have a good record against Fulham. Of the 64 meetings, Man City, who won the League Cup, won 31 wins, 16 draws and 17 defeats. But, from the last 12 meetings against Fulham, The Citizens have not been defeated.
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