Manchester City 2 - 0 Watford: Thoughts & Ratings

The fixture that could have turned out to be the most ridiculously typical of Typical City results on Saturday afternoon, thankfully, did not. 


(Raheem Sterling celebrates his first goal of the season - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

After obliterating their first three opponents, swiping the hat off of Tony Pulis' head, forcing José Mourinho into a panic purchase and gently lowering that airborne right arm of Roberto Martinez in the process, a stinker against newly promoted Watford wouldn't have been so startling. 

But Manchester City have changed. 

Our attacking football has been superb for many years now, particularly under the stewardship of Manuel Pellegrini. The arrival of Raheem Sterling has fortified that attack with even more pace and our better players have been allowed to operate in their favourite positions. The £49m man finally appeased the skeptics this weekend (the ones who look no deeper than goals and assists) by netting City's first in the 2-0 win, but the more tactically aware of football supporters have been impressed by his influence on the shape and structure of the team. 

What's more satisfying, however, is how well the team has been defending as a unit. Eliaquim Mangala and Vincent Kompany have earned praise for their solidity at the back, but the likes of David Silva and Sergio Agüero must also be lauded for their defensive contributions at the other end of the pitch. There has been a noticeable difference in how quickly the side have managed to retrieve the ball once losing it - a rather unique quality Barcelona and Bayern Munich sides of the last few years have had - and if they're anything to go by, City should enjoy the Champions League a little more this season. 


(Sergio Agüero's defensive contributions have been excellent - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The Blues claimed their fourth consecutive victory of the new campaign on Saturday afternoon with Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho scoring in a 2-0 win. That's 10 goals scored and a grand total of zero conceded. Perfect.

Who needs Zabaleta?
Of course we need Zabaleta. The club wouldn't be worth supporting without him. But in all seriousness, the injured Argentine hasn't been missed on the pitch. Zabaleta has been ruled out for a month with a knee injury and will struggle to earn a place back in the team if his back-up continues to play out of his skin. 


(Bacary Sagna has been solid at the back - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

When Bacary Sagna signed on a free transfer last summer, most City fans gave the move a nod of approval. The Frenchman was an experienced full-back and had been a starter in a Champions League team for over five years. He'd be the most accomplished back-up full-back in the league and his European experience would be useful. 

Unfortunately, Sagna's first season at the Etihad was underwhelming. He made just nine appearances and the lack of pitch time made it difficult for him to settle into some form. Sagna was often preferred over Zabaleta against tricky wingers like Eden Hazard and Raheem Sterling, though, and Pellegrini had faith in his one on one abilities. 

This season, Sagna has already created 44% of the chances he created last term. He has shown an enthusiasm to burst down the flank and supplied Sterling with a delicious ball to tap in his first of the season on Saturday. Going forward in tandum with Navas he has been excellent, but at the back where his services are most valuable, he has won more tackles (5) than any other defender in the squad. 

In this form, Sagna could quadruple his appearance count from last season.

A big day for Jesus

(Jesus Navas was substituted after 45 minutes on Saturday afternoon - image via Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The new South Stand has certainly added a few decibels to the roar of the Etihad Stadium, but the sound of a Belgian slamming a car door shut outside Wilmslow Private Hospital was ringing through Jesus Navas's ears prior to kick-off on Saturday.

Wolfsburg midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will be announced as Manchester City player today with Jesus Navas likely to take the fall for his place in the starting eleven. Navas supplies City with width, pace and balance, but his end product is often poor and he has to be regarded as a weak link in the side. It was a big day for Navas, an opportunity to prove to his manager that he deserved to be starting, but he collapsed under the pressure.

The Spaniard failed to find a man with six of his seven crosses, failed to complete a single take on, failed to create a single chance and ultimately failed to impress Manuel Pellegrini in a poor display. He was substituted at half time after effectively escorting Kevin De Bruyne to his place in the starting XI. 

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 6

Bacary Sagna 8

Vincent Kompany 7

Eliaquim Mangala 7

Aleksandar Kolarov 7

Fernandinho 8

Yaya Touré 7

David Silva 8

Jesus Navas 5

Raheem Sterling 7.5

Sergio Agüero 6

Substitutes

Samir Nasri 7

Fabian Delph 6

Kelechi Iheanacho 5

Everton 0 - 2 Manchester City: Thoughts & Ratings

Before City's trip to Goodison on Sunday afternoon, I remember quite a sincere discussion with my Dad.


(Image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

I don't like to bring up the club's rather inelegant past too often. It gives us an excuse to dismiss failure and ignore poor performances with a casual smile that says "yeah, but just look at where we used to be". Those words and that nonchalant mindset irritates me.

However, I have seen Richard Dunne score an own goal from the half-way line, so I often take a run of exquisite displays with a pinch of salt knowing that a swarm of cumulonimbus clouds may be on its way to arrest the sunlight. 

I said to my Dad that if we win convincingly on Sunday, we'll go on to win the title. How reckless of me to make such a bold prediction three games into the season, but if you've watched City this term, you'll agree that my prediction isn't so audacious. 

David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov starred in a 2-0 win that was as satisfying as the 3-0 dismantling of Chelsea one week ago. Everton are known as the "bogey" team in City circles, but if Manuel Pellegrini's side continue to play like this, they're unlikely to struggle against any of their remaining 16 opponents this season. 

The rise of Aleksandar Kolarov
Aleksandar Kolarov has emerged from a discouraging pre-season as the £16m defensively astute and offensively fantastic left full-back City signed from Lazio five years ago. The Serbian's herculean left foot and delivery from the flank has consistently attracted praise since moving to the Etihad, but his defending has been rightfully criticised.


(Kolarov celebrates his opener - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

On Sunday afternoon, Kolarov not only netted his side's first from an impossible angle, but also contributed to a coordinated defensive display with three clearances, two blocks and one interception. With Sterling in front of him and naturally inclined to cut inside, Kolarov is able to overlap the 20-year-old and whip in crosses from the by-line. 

His understanding with the former Liverpool winger has been instrumental in all three of City's victories this season. The team looks balanced and carries most of its threat on the flanks. 

David Silva the magician
After the game, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp uttered a few words of truth.

"We should just do the man of the match interviews with him before the game to save time," the former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder said. 

(David Silva is surrounded by Everton players - image via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Silva, again, was utterly brilliant. He always has been, but in his preferred and best role just behind the striker, he is able to demonstrate that brilliance more consistently. Last season the Spaniard operated from the wing where he was encouraged to cut inside and create chances for City's strikers. His stats were impressive - he scored 12 goals, created 93 chances and registered seven assists - but ultimately he was a victim of the club's lack of a second winger.

With Sterling now in the side, Silva no longer carries the added defensive responsibility of a wide man and can concentrate on controlling the play in the middle of the field. Silva has created nine chances, registered three assists and has a goal to his name already this term and the move to the centre-attacking midfield position is paying dividends. 

City's stats so far this season

Goals scored 8 (best in league)
Goals conceded 0 (joint best in league)
Set piece goals 2 (joint second best in league)
Shot accuracy 69% (best in league)
Passing accuracy 88% (best in league)
Chances created 44 (second best in league)

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 6

Bacary Sagna 8

Vincent Kompany 8

Eliaquim Mangala 8

Aleksandar Kolarov 8.5

Fernandinho 7

Yaya Touré 7.5

David Silva 9

Jesus Navas 7

Raheem Sterling 7.5

Sergio Agüero 6

Substitutes

Wilfried Bony 6

Samir Nasri 7

Fabian Delph 6

Manchester City 3 - 0 Chelsea: Thoughts & Ratings

The Etihad Stadium, a capacious library in the gut of England's most repellent city, was brought to life on Sunday afternoon by a platoon of exuberant Chelsea supporters. On a day when the Premier League's second best club introduced their new South Stand to an undeserving fanbase that often prefer to cheer on their team from the comfort of their living rooms, it was the roar of 3,000 Mourinholics that impreganated the stadium with a never-seen-before atmosphere. 

The scoreline, however, spat in the face of Chelsea's dominance both on and off the field. Goals from Sergio Agüero, Vincent Kompany and Fernandinho, who cost Manuel Pellegrino's side a combined £75m, helped City to a curious 3-0 victory. We're not saying the physios were to blame for the defeat, but Christ, weren't they slow getting onto the pitch for Cahill's injury?


(The new South Stand is unveiled ahead of the new season - image via Manchester City Official Facebook)

As a blogger, one prides himself on unprejudiced reporting, but Manchester City's complete and utter dominance yesterday makes it easy, on this occasion, to be as subjective as the official match report submitted by Chelsea's website last night. 

According to www.chelseafc.com, City used "WWE-style tactics" to wrestle their way to a 3-0 win that did not reflect "a game of very fine margins". Ironically, Spanish hitman Diego Costa, who was muscled out of the game by Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala, spent the entire 90 minutes preoccupied with annoying the more slender Fernandinho, but the Brazilian's preoccupancy with playing football steered his side to a comprehensive win. 

Already this season, there is something different about Manuel Pellegrini's side. The hunger that fueled the team to the title two years ago has returned and when it couples with confidence, it creates a delicious recipe for success. As towering banners dropped and revealed the club's latest demonstration of intent on the world scale, the new South Stand bellowed. A triumphant atmosphere, so often absent at the Etihad last term, propelled the Sky Blues to their second consecutive win of the campaign. 

Confidence is a powerful thing. At Manchester City, it has repaired limbs that many believed would never operate in the same way again and it has solidified a defence that was far too penetrable at times last season. Sergio Agüero sent John Terry to the bench, Vincent Kompany condemned Diego Costa to childishness and Fernandinho sliced through a midfield that kept Thibaut Courtois' goal so baron one year ago, but there were eight other men who also played their part in a sumptuous victory. 

A game of fine margins

(Raheem Sterling had the beating of Branislav Ivanović throughout - image via Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

At £49m, one may expect goals upon goals and assists upon assists from Raheem Sterling. However, what the 20-year-old brings to the team is just as important. 

Last season, City's midfield was imbalanced. On one side of pitch, out-and-out winger Jesus Navas clung to the touchline whilst David Silva or Samir Nasri floated into the centre of the pitch from the other flank. The left side therefore was often exposed with Aleksandar Kolarov tasked with handling attacks from down that side with very little help from his midfielder. 

Sterling, like Navas, is a workhorse and tracked back into his own half on multiple occasions to nullify the threat of Willian and to prevent Branislav Ivanović from marauding forward. With Sterling and Navas in the side City look balanced and David Silva, our best player, has the freedom of his favoured number 10 role with no defensive responsibilities. 

The chemistry between both Sagna and Navas and Sterling and Kolarov makes City a much more rigid force against counter attacks that so often punished us last campaign. We have both flanks, or margins, covered.

Kompany and Mangala: A capable couple

(Image via Manchester City Official Facebook)

After watching us crumble against Stuttgart in pre-season, I feared for the worst. Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala both struggled last term and it looked like the centre of defence would continue to be a problem heading into the 2015/2016 season. 

But it hasn't. Between them, the pair won 71% of their duels, made nine clearances and registered six blocks in the home win over Chelsea and their handling of Diego Costa was excellent. 

The pair, impenetrable thus far this term, look revitalised and now offer a goal threat from corners, too. Vincent Kompany nodded in his second consecutive header in two weeks to put City 2-0 up yesterday and with our captain in fine form, we have a leader leading by example. You can't underestimate how important that is. 

It has been suggested that Mangala will be shipped out to Valencia on loan to facilitate a deal for Argentinian defender Nicolas Otamendi this week. If Manuel Pellegrini wishes to hinder the Frenchman's development, break up a partnership that is gaining strength and risk going through the same process all over again with a defender that has no Premier League experience; that would be a good move. 

Player Ratings

Joe Hart 7

Bacary Sagna 8

Vincent Kompany 8

Eliaquim Mangala 8

Aleksandar Kolarov 8

Fernandinho 9

Yaya Touré 8

David Silva 8

Jesus Navas 8

Raheem Sterling 8

Sergio Agüero 8.5

Substitutes

Wilfried Bony 7

Samir Nasri 7

Martin Demichelis 6

West Bromwich Albion 0 - 3 Manchester City: Thoughts & Ratings

There was something beautfiul about the way Vincent Kompany celebrated his goal on Monday night.


(Vincent Kompany stands before 3,000 travelling Manchester City fans after heading in from David Silva's corner - image via Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The Belgian international soared above former teammate Joleon Lescott to knock in Manchester City's third of the evening, before rushing towards a tide of 3,000 delirious supporters. Kompany, City's spokesperson, ambassador and captain, stood before his disciples, fist pumping and roaring belief into their faces. 

It was the celebration of a man who knew his standards had slipped. In his post-match interview with Monday Night Football, the 29-year-old was asked whether he needed to respond to criticism this season.

"More than anyone else, I think. I've worked hard.

"Sometimes you get judged on how you finish a season. Until November I was having a good season, but it didn't matter in the end because we didn't win anything."

"The President", as he's known in his native Belgium, has his doubters. Before a disappointing 2014/2015 campaign, Kompany was hailed as the best defender in the Premier League, but with an immobilizing weight of pressure now resting on the club's shoulders, one poor performance can suddenly change one's opinion. 

On an opening weekend where Chelsea stuttered, Arsenal whimpered and Manchester United failed to entertain; Manchester City ran riot with David Silva, Yaya Touré and Kompany playing leading roles.

David Silva for Player of the Season?

(Image via Getty Images)

David Silva orchestrated City's dominance from the first whistle, gliding across Britain's highest ground like a DG-808. The Spaniard is a master in possession and slices through defences with pinpoint passing accuracy and immaculate ball control.

The 29-year-old registered a goal and an assist in City's opening game and if he can maintain this form, he will finally receive some official recognition from the Premier League. 

Silva's stats
95% pass accuracy
4 chances created
3 shots
2 take-ons
1 goal
1 assist
(Via @Squawka)

Yaya Touré back to his best?

(Image via Alex Livesy/Getty Images)

The Ivorian will tell you that he was always at his best last season, but personal issues and a physically demanding World Cup unquestionably limited Yaya's energy levels. On Monday night, Touré demonstrated the physical power and eye for goal that propelled Manchester City to the title two years ago - his perfect curled strike into the top corner was nothing short of magnificent. 

Is there any need for Paul Pogba when Manuel Pellegrini's has the league's finest box-to-box midfielder in form?

Sterling's debut

(Image via Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

No one in City's squad is under more pressure than 20-year-old Sterling this season. He may not have scored when he should have, but his presence in those dangerous positions is encouraging. Sterling has the pace to create outlets for Silva to feed the ball into and his link up play with the Spaniard will only improve. 

Brings something different to City's team and will grow alongside top players.

"Underdogs"

Arsenal's Community Shield victory over Chelsea has rendered them the media's choice to challenge José Mourinho's side for the title this season. Arsène Wenger's men haven't finished above 3rd place since 2004-2005 - football can be a petty game. 

But waiting in the wings will be David James' pick for 5th place - a team that have finished inside the top two for the last four years, and we all know what they can do when the pressure is off. 

Player Ratings
Joe Hart 7

Bacary Sagna 7.5
Vincent Kompany 8
Eliaquim Mangala 7
Aleksandar Kolarov 7.5

Fernandinho 7
Yaya Touré 8.5
David Silva 9
Jesus Navas 7
Raheem Sterling 7

Wilfried Bony 6

Substitutes

Sergio Agüero 6

Samir Nasri 6

Martin Demichelis 6

Manchester City 2015/2016 Season Preview

Manchester City kick off their 2015/2016 Premier League campaign with a trip to West Bromwich this evening. 


(Via Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

I hand-picked a group of Twitter's finest City experts, bloggers, statisticians and poster-makers to preview the season ahead.

Adam (@CityAcrossPond)
Where will City finish?
City’s last four finishes – 1st, 2nd, 1st, 2nd…is there a pattern developing here? The optimistic City fan in me wants to say that the club will regain the title, but the safer bet is that City will finish in one of the top 2 slots for the fifth straight year.

City's player of the season?

Plenty of reasonable choices here but I’ll go with David Silva. A full summer of rest hopefully leads to another sublime campaign for the magician.

City's surprise player of the season?

I would be ecstatic if Eliaquim Managala proved all his critics wrong and was City’s best defender this season. Back-up choice would be Samir Nasri quietly returning to his best.

City's flop of the season?

Is flop the right word? I’ll go with “underachiever” or “less impactful”…Jesus Navas. Wouldn’t surprise me if he was less prominent in City’s regular starting XI and took on more of a substitute role.

Overall player of the season?

It goes against my nature to choose a non-City player so I’ll just refer to answer #2 for this one as well.

Best Premier League buy?

Difficult to say when there are over three weeks to go before the transfer window shuts, but the signing amongst the big clubs with the most potential impact is Raheem Sterling. He checks all the boxes for City – potential world class talent, positional need, playing style, lightning pace, young, home grown. I haven’t been this excited about a City signing since Sergio Aguero.

Surprise Premier League team of the season?

There’s a chance that it won’t have to be a rainy Wednesday night in February for Stoke City to put up good results this season.

Top 4?

Standard – City/Chelsea/Arsenal/United

Craig (@Perrinho)

Where will City finish?
I think City will finish in 1st place this season. A lot of people have already written us off, which suits us. We can creep in under the radar and get our title back!

City's player of the season?

From what I have seen so far in pre season, I expect Raheem Sterling to have a big season for us this year. Him linking up with Yaya, Silva and Aguero will release his full potential.

City's surprise player of the season?

For me, our surprise of the season will also be Raheem Sterling. A lot of people expect him to flop, either due to the huge pressure of the price tag, or because they don’t rate him that highly. I think he will prove a lot of doubters wrong this year, and justify his price tag.

City's flop of the season?

I hate to say it, but Vincent Kompany. I can’t quite explain why his performances have dropped, but we look so much more solid with Demichelis and Mangala. I would like to see Denayer promoted to partner Mangala, and see which Belgian comes out on top.

Overall player of the season?

Pogba. We’re still signing him right? In all seriousness, I am going to go with Alexis Sanchez. With a season under his belt now, I think he will kick on and be the player of the season.

Best Premier League buy?

With a long way to go in the transfer window, it’s hard to say right now. However, so far the best buy for me is Petr Cech. He will win them enough points to make them genuine title contenders.

Surprise Premier League team of the season?

My surprise team of the season is not one that will surpass expectations, but rather one that will not meet expectation. Chelsea are my surprise team of the season. I expect them to not only not retain their title, but also finish some way of the top. Much like we have done in both our defending seasons.

Top 4?

City, Arsenal, United, Chelsea

(Petr Cech could prove to be a game-changing signing for Arsenal - image via Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

John (@Dassed)

Where will City finish?
I can see the title race being very close, but as it stands, I'd say 3rd. If we'd signed Pogba I would have tipped us to win the title. I think we'll see many of the same problems we saw last season with the centre of our midfield and our defence and they'll be the problems that stop us from going all the way.

City's player of the season?

Sergio Aguero. If he doesn't get injured at any point this season, I can see him scoring over 30 goals in just the league alone. With players like Silva, Sterling and possibly De Bruyne behind him he'll be unstoppable. 

City's surprise player of the season?

Raheem Sterling. There's been lots of questions about how much we paid for him considering how little experience he has in the Premier League, but I think he'll prove any doubters wrong. He thrived in the Liverpool team that nearly won the league in 13/14, providing for players like Suarez and Sturridge, so it's scary to imagine how good he could be when he's surrounded by players like Aguero and Silva.

City's flop of the season?

Jesus Navas (provided that he doesn't leave before the end of the transfer window). He's just an utterly frustrating player. He can't cross, he can't pass, he can't shoot. He can't really do much. I think now that we've signed a winger who's actually good at football in Sterling, we'll realise how bad Navas actually is. He's the weak link in our attack and will lose us points, so I hope that the singing of Sterling and potential signing of De Bruyne means that he'll be used far less this season.

Overall player of the season?

I'm going to go with Sergio Aguero again. If he has the season that I think he'll have, I can't see any player in the league coming close.

Best Premier League buy?

This is hard to choose, but I'm going to say Raheem Sterling. I know he's only young so he's not expected to fit in the team and be as good as proven players like Silva, but I think he'll fit in really well and have a great season. I also think Depay and Darmian will be great signings for United, and despite his pretty awful debut I think Petr Cech will turn out to be a good signing for Arsenal.

Surprise Premier League team of the season?

Crystal Palace. Cabaye is an amazing signing for them, and they have a strong starting XI. I wouldn't be surprised if they finished close to the Europa League spots.

Top 4?

I predicted the top four before the season began, but after watching Chelsea draw and Arsenal lose it'd be easy to change my mind. However, I'll stick with my original predictions.

1) Chelsea
2) Arsenal
3) City
4) United

(Concerns exist over whether Jesus Navas can have any real impact on City's 2015/2016 campaign - via Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Adam (@Dembe_MCFC)

Where will City finish?
Disposing of teams in the bottom half of the table has been an issue for City under Pellegrini and if we can remedy that problem, the title is definitely in reach. If we can't, it could be a low as third for us without a solid left-full back and a defence lacking confidence.

City's player of the season?

Difficult to look past Aguero or Silva. Sterling will certainly bring something different and exciting to the table, but his impact will depend somewhat on how he links up with the pair. Yaya Toure is another who I see having a good season. It was tough for him last term, but I expect him to bounce back.

City's surprise player of the season?

I hope to God it will be Mangala. The Frenchman is a Jekyll and Hyde type of character who often struggles alongside Kompany yet performs well coupled with Demichelis. Unfortunately for Mangala, the captain won't be dropped and that partnership will be forced to develop an understanding. If it fails, young Jason Denayer is definitely capable of coming in and calming things.

City's flop of the season?

Vincent Kompany. A club legend, a fantastic captain and a terrific ambassador for the club, but his best days look to be behind him. I hope he proves me wrong.

Overall player of the season?

David Silva is a magician and I speak for most City fans when I say I'd love to see him get some official recognition. He'll be instrumental in any title challenge we mount.

Best Premier League buy?

Petr Cech will prove to be a magnificent signing. Arsenal have been crying out for a top goalkeeper for years now - it's been a thorn in their pursuit of silverware - and before last season, Cech was the best keeper in the league. Poor against West Ham but he'll come good.

Surprise Premier League team of the season?

West Ham. I have the benefit of hindsight after watching them dismantle Arsenal, but they've bought well and have a very capable manager in Bilic. Payet is an exciting player, too.

Top 4?

City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal

Lloyd (@lloyd_scragg)

Where will City finish?
2nd. Aside from the anticipated arrival of Kevin De Bruyne, I still think we’re one short, and unfortunately, I think it’ll tell across the season. Our attacking options are undoubtedly the best in the league, but the team just lacks a bit of balance, for me. Left back remains a real problem area, and I have reservations about going into the season with only 4 central midfielders.

City's player of the season?

Barring injury, it’ll obviously be Sergio Aguero. He’s flirted with the prospect of bagging 30 Premier League goals for a few seasons now, and I think this could be the year he breaks his duck. An honourable mention to Raheem Sterling though, who I think will excel, and is a superb signing.

City's surprise player of the season?

I don’t think it’ll prove to be a surprise to some, but I think Jason Denayer will properly establish himself this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s regularly in the team by the end of the season, he’s so calm under pressure for such a young defender.

City's flop of the season?

Again I don’t think this will surprise many, but I honestly think we may have seen the best of Vincent Kompany. Due to his stature at the club, sentiment often tarnishes pragmatism, with many fans insistent he’ll get back to his best, because he’s Vincent Kompany, but the signs of improvement simply aren’t there. This season will prove to be the watershed moment for our captain, if he can’t make any tangible progress after returning to pre-season training two weeks before the rest of the squad, then I fear we could be faced with a very difficult situation.

(Are Vincent Kompany's best years behind him? - Image via Getty Images)

Overall player of the season?

Sergio Aguero. He’s the best striker in the league, no questions. If we can ensure he starts 90% of our Premier League games, much like Liverpool did with Suarez in 2013/14, our chances of lifting the title will increase dramatically, but I think that goes without saying.

Best Premier League buy?

Yohan Cabaye. He’s an unbelievable signing for Palace, which perfectly illustrates the growing overall strength of an already very competitive Premier League. Dimitri Payet and Andrew Ayew are equally brilliant signings for their respective clubs; Champions League quality players at mid-table Premier League sides.

Surprise Premier League team of the season?

United, I don’t think they’ll do as well as everyone thinks! Another trophyless season for the "Gaalacticos”…

Top 4?

Chelsea, City, Arsenal, United.