NOW the fear among neutrals has to be that Manchester City are going to walk away with this.
I said before the start of the Premier League season that I thought Manchester United would win the title.
But this start by Pep Guardiola’s team has been something else. The visit of Arsenal was supposed to be a test. It was nothing like it. They brushed them aside 3-1 and this, for some, was supposed to be a title rival.
Right now nobody rivals City. I was surprised by United’s performance in the 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. So little creation — and attempts on goal. Indeed, they looked most dangerous when Marouane Fellaini came on and they started banging it long. I’m sure the last two managers were criticised for that tactic. Yet look at the table and this is the second best team in the country. And, for me, they probably still are. Let’s remember this is only their second defeat in all competitions this season.
The Manchester United that Jose Mourinho took over was on its knees despite the FA Cup win. The problem is everyone now is being compared to City and that puts the pressure on even more. Right now there is no suggestion this City are going to take the foot off the pedal. Yes, they had a great start to last season and tailed off. But this is very different. Better goalkeeper, better defence, better team. There have been periods in City’s recent history under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini when you thought a period of domination was on the cards. It just didn’t happen for whatever reason. I remember when I joined Newcastle and Kevin Keegan was criticised for that the season before.
Lots of goals but too many conceded. Having said that, they had the joint best defensive record at home with Manchester United come the end of the season. The difference with this City side is they are now getting it right at both ends of the pitch. Of course the title race is not over. But can we really see this team tailing off? They would have to lose three games at the very least. Right now, I cannot see them losing one.
It does not make United or Tottenham bad teams. It is just City have seriously raised the bar.
No matter how much either side spends to improve, City can still find an answer.
Can anyone really see a run of fixtures that will upset this team? United will sit there, wait and hope — but City look in it for the long haul.
A final point: I thought it was wrong of Antonio Conte to walk off and ignore Mourinho last night as he went to shake hands.
You won the game, set a good example. Whatever anyone might think of Mourinho, he did incredible things for Chelsea and still deserves respect at Stamford Bridge.
From The Sun
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