An Impressive Start: Manchester City Make Huge Steps Towards Success!

Four games into the new premier league season( 5 for most clubs,) City have now played teams from the lower and upper  echelons of the league! I’m having a reflective moment, looking at much progress we have made already this season. I think the progress can be marked on and off the pitch.

The team has had an obvious make-over in the pre-season, Hughes policy of signing well seasoned premier league pro’s all with winning backgrounds and mentality! It’s all been very impressive. Top class acquisitions have already proven worthwhile. City have gone 4 games unbeaten and recorded the most impressive victory at home to Arsenal! City actually beat Arsenal at home last season, with a memorable goal from Robinho, so I have been more impressed with City’s victories at Blackburn and Pompey! Apart from banishing last season away form daemons, City have, historically been poor at both Ewood park and Fratton park, with both sides playing a direct and very physical brand of football.

City’s attacking prowess has proved to be the most positive aspect of the new side, but that was to be expected with a side that can boast Tevez,  Robinho and Adebayor as a front trio! I thought Craig Bellamy’s performance in the last game was outstanding, his final ball has never been the best, but his work rate and pace caused Arsenal all sorts of problems. He will provide Hughes with a real selection headache, which is not a bad problem for a manger to have.  

The addition of Gareth Barry, arguably the bargain of the season, has been reliable force in the middle of the park, with his class, he will no doubt become the backbone in a city side this season. Steven Ireland has had a relatively poor start to the season in what appears to be a new role that certainly doesn’t suit his style! He is playing a deeper role and has adapted well, his best game is certainly an offensive one. It will be interesting to see how long he stays in that role especially with the competition for places. Nigel De Jong came in to the Arsenal game and was extremely efficient and well disciplined, he gave the side much needed grit! He recently stated in the press that he doesn’t want to sit on the bench, I expect him to feature in all the big games!

Defensive wise we have relied far too often on Shay Given this season. It great having top class goalkeeper in the side, as he’s a match winner! But Given’s heroics highlighted the early faults in the City defence! The departure of Richard Dunne for me, has been on the cards for sometime. A great club servant, but his previous season form was atrocious. Kolo Toure has been great addition at the back, he immediately looked a different class to Dunne and will be a better captain to boot! Joleon Lescott has joined the ranks and has a lot to live up to, with fee paid for his services. It’s early days, but we need the defensive partnership to develop quickly! One key improvement is the performances of Richards and Bridge. Both coming under scrutiny last season, but have upped their game. Bridge simply looks fitter and sharper!

It’s early days on the pitch, we have yet to see Michael Johnson, Vincent Kompany or indeed Roque Santa Cruz this season, so there is a lot more to come from Hughes men. The Derby will be a real test, with what appears to be a heavily weakened side!

Off the pitch  the club has made some real progress! The obvious changes came to the overhaul in design inside the stadium, making the ground look a lot less grey and more City related. The new club shop co insides with new Umbro kit deal which has proved highly successful. The three kits have to be the best in the league! The most impressive change has been in the club marketing. Garry Cook is well respected man in the Marketing world, previously to joining City, he led one of Nikes biggest brands, the Jordan range! He has managed to bring in some Marketing and Advertising heavyweights and it’s very noticeable! From the Carlos Tevez ‘Welcome to Manchester’ poster to the redevelopment of the club site which now uses Facebook and Twitter as medium to reach the fans! Behind the scenes, there has also been a development of facilities at Platt lane and Carrington.

This all bodes well for City’s future. Cook wants to grow to club into a Global brand under the wish of the owners! Hughes has assembled a side of top quality players. We have stability and vision that generally means things are looking bright for the clubs long term future! As for now, it’s early days, but the squad is showing real ability and promise!