Manchester City laid down a significant early marker in the Premier League title race with a commanding dismissal of champions Chelsea at Etihad Stadium. We take a look at five things that stood out from the Manchester City's game against rivals Chelsea.
Man City are hungrier this season
Anyone watching yesterday's game at Etihad was obviously captivated by Manchester City's zeal. Right from the first whistle showed so much character in their play both on and off the ball. Man City were a different animal all together as they just kept coming at Mourinho's men with all they have. Although debutant Begovic made some excellent saves in the first half, he eventually succumbed to Man City's attack. From then on, City had Chelsea at their mercy as they relentlessly kept attacking band increase their lead.
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says his players are "hungrier and angrier" after the disappointment of conceding the league title last season. "Maybe what happened last season was a good experience.These players are hungry and angry. Now they want to win every game."
City strong on counter- attacks
City bolstered their attack options over the summer transfer through the likes of Raheem Sterling. City now have pace and agility in their wings through the likes of Sterling and Navas who terrorized Chelsea's full- backs by making runs behind them and getting the ball in through the wings. Sterling also forced Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic concede silly fouls near their goals which put them in good attacking positions.This element of pace injected in the team offers Manuel Pellegrini's side a quick counter- attacking option which they previously lacked.
Rock Solid defense
It was yet another clean sheet for City keeper Joe Hart as they sailed through Chelsea. Hart was impressive at the post managing to keep off Chelsea's attacks though they were limited to only a few attempts. This was achieved through a solid display by City's defense and help from the defensive midfielders who kept the defense tight and organized while sticking closely to their assigned men. Captain Kompany was a dominant figure, adding another goal to his first of the season at The Hawthorns and looking to have regained much of his old authority, barely giving Chelsea's attack, led by the combustible Diego Costa, a chance. Like on previous terms, teams displaying brilliant defense go on to take the league title...you don't believe me ask Mourinho on last season's gameplan!
Team Chemistry strengthened
City players appear to have finally gelled and attained the much needed team chemistry that has troubled them over the years. The defense at the back was tight with Mangala and Kompany played through the middle and Bacary Sagna and Alexander Kolarov at each end. The defensive midfield formation an d lineup which eluded City for most of last season seems to be answered in the form of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho whose performance was exemplary both going forward and providing cover at the back. Kolarov and Sterling also seemed to have an casual understanding though the partnership is to early to tell.
Aguero might be Epl's top scorer yet again
Sergio Aguero was on point for City against Chelsea and led the attack upfront on the champions. Fresh out of the Copa America competitions, Aguero seems to have recovered his fitness and back to his top form. He had several attempts on goal and four shots on target in the first half before scoring for his side. The Argentine striker was also acute in his passing recording a passing accuracy of 94.7% where only one pass was uncompleted shortly before his was taken off.
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