Champions began their campaign with a nervy 3-2 win over the newly promoted Southampton. 18 Yard Box's Rishabh Ghai analyses their performance.
A new season and a new beginning for Manchester City but the same old story. The defending champions started in the same manner in which they left off. A smash and grab come from behind victory. It was all drama just like the last day of the previous season as City won the contest in the dying minutes of the game.
18 Yard Box checks what we can learn about the champions from this 3-2 win.
A nervy look worn
City wore a nervous look as they took on Southampton. As expected from a newly promoted side, the Saints were not afraid of them as they played there free flowing football. Although City attacked with authority their defense looked weakened. City are in search for centre back this summer, with Daniel Agger the first priority. It might be of great help should City land the Danish international from Liverpool.
Nasri's breakthrough season?
Samir Nasri's first season with City raised quite a few eyebrows. But the French international showed his class as he linked up well with the forwards throughout the game. His play alongwith Silva suited City. Moreover his goal gave City the edge in the final scoreline. But Nasri surely knows that only one good performance is not going to enough to earn him a regular first team place in City's star studded line up. This could be the make or break season for Nasri.
 |
| Nasri is the player to watch out for this season |
Sergio Aguero's loss could prove too costly for City
The sight of Aguero being stretchered off will worry the Citizens. An important cog in City's machinery, Aguero scored 23 goals last season to win City the title. With him not around City will have to play Dzeko and Balotelli. No doubt both strikers have quality but lack of play time has harmed their reputation since they have joined City. Tevez's return to City's lineup might help share the goal scoring burden but should he misfire City might face a daunting task of equalling their goal scoring fiesta last season.
 |
| City fans will hope to see Aguero back in action as quickly as possible |
Jack has to live upto his 'Titanic' reputation
City's transfer window has been very quiet this summer as they have only Jack Rodwell to show for their signings. Rodwell has showed class in the Everton shirt but did not enjoy a fantastic debut for City. The former Evertonian might have got less time to train with his team mates but a midfielder of his class was expected to fire from the start. However it remains to be seen if he can deputise Yaya Toure well enough to replace Barry in the starting lineup. Things could only get better for the young lad.
 |
| Jack Rodwell will have to do better to impress the fans |
City Still the favourites to win the League
Manchester City start their campaign as favourites to win the Premier League title and rightly so. Despite teams like Arsenal trying hard to catch up with City, Mancini's stellar signings of last year might just have enough in their tanks to win the League again this year. A team which can boast of two quality squads can surely win the title? But will they? It remains to be seem.
 |
| City favourites to defend the title |
Written By,
Rishabh Ghai
Rishabh Ghai is a writer who writes for Goal.com India and also is an Editor and writer for 18 Yard Box
No comments:
Post a Comment