(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)
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
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
