5 things we learned: Manchester City are the best team in the Premier League
By Dan Voicescu
Manchester City are steamrolling through the Premier League, while Tottenham’s troubles at Wembley continue. Here are five things we learned from the weekend’s action.
Manchester City overhauled Manchester United at the head of the Premier League table this weekend thanks to a dominant 6-0 away to Watford. Tottenham struggled at Wembley again, while Liverpool also trouble at home against a supposedly inferior opponent. Things went slightly better for Arsenal, however, who earned 0-0 draw away to Chelsea, the first time the Gunners have avoided defeat at Stamford Bridge in years. Here’s what we learned from the Premier League weekend.
Manchester City are the best team in the league
Manchester City have scored 15 goals and conceded none in their last three games, including their midweek Champions League match against Feyenoord. This is a truly stunning run of results, indicative of the level of City’s dominance of late.
With Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker settling in nicely as wing-backs, Pep Guariola’s vision of a team comfortable in possession, yet fast and agile in transition is starting to come to life. Raheem Sterling is having a tremendous start to the season as an attacking midfielder in support of Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero.
The Argentine forward netted a hat-trick against Watford, including the header which started off the scoring barrage. City controlled possession but were always purposeful with the ball, as opposed to trying to lull their opponents (or fans) to sleep.
It’s also worth mentioning this more direct approach indicates Guardiola’s willingness to adjust to the English game. Pace and energy are required components for a team looking to challenge for the title. Trusting his midfield and attacking players who were already comfortable in possession and quick on the ball, Guardiola has added a lethal dimension on the flanks through the pace and power of the likes of Mendy, Walker and Danilo, who are world-class talents able to overlap and provide numerical advantage in wide areas.
It’s all coming together nicely for City. The early warning shots for the rest of the Premier League title challengers couldn’t be clearer or louder.