Manchester City Must Guard Against Complacency Against West Ham

Manchester City’s opening Champions League match of the season against Juventus on Tuesday evening was a galling experience.

Having struggled to impose themselves in Europe in recent times, this season was expected to be different given the quality added to City’s squad over the summer.

But the quick passing and high-intensity pressing game that has seen them start the Premier League so well was nullified by a tactically astute Juventus side who ran out 2-1 winners.

Overall, it was a much-improved European display from City, though. Too often in the past they have looked nervous when faced with European opposition, whereas against Juventus, they looked much more at home and, in fact, dominated for long periods. City enjoyed more possession (59 per cent) and completed 527 passes to Juventus’ 348.

However, the worrying trend of being outthought tactically continued and will be a concern for manager Manuel Pellegrini, whose own future could rest on his side’s performance in the competition. Dominating the ball is useless if you fail to take your chances when they come along, and City’s profligacy cost them dearly against the Bianconeri.

It’s a result that could go one of two ways: Either it will dampen the good feeling that had been established among the squad after a perfect start to their domestic campaign, or it will serve as a reminder that their level cannot dip if they want to challenge for multiple trophies.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

West Ham United visit the Etihad on Saturday and pose a real threat to City’s immaculate Premier League start. The Londoners have beaten both Arsenal and Liverpool in their two away games so far, with Slaven Bilic proving he can set his side up to frustrate top sides and hit them on the break.

In both of those wins, the Hammers have been compact in midfield, denying their opponents space, with their pace and quality in attack a serious danger on the counter.

Dimitri Payet, their summer signing from Marseille, has been a revelation so far, and his impact will need to be minimised if City want a comfortable afternoon. He’s an impudent forward capable of moments of mesmerising improvisation—his two-goal match-winning display on Monday against Newcastle United the latest instalment of his fairytale start to life at Upton Park.

And with Diafra Sakho and Victor Moses also looking sharp, City’s defence will have to stand firm, a task that got much harder with the news Vincent Kompany will miss the game with a calf injury sustained against Juventus.

"

PELLEGRINI: “It’s a calf injury for @VincentKompany – he won’t be involved against Sunderland on Tuesday but we’ll see for Spurs."

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) September 18, 2015

"

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

The Belgian has been much-improved this campaign and has been integral to City’s start, which has seen them win all five league games without conceding a goal.

His partnership with Mangala has flourished, and City have certainly benefited from a more settled, focused back line.

It does, however, provide Nicolas Otamendi with an opportunity to impress for the first time since his move from Valencia in the summer.

Otamendi arrived at City having been widely considered the best defender in La Liga in 2014/15, yet the form of Kompany and Mangala has seen his chances limited. Pellegrini prefers to introduce new players into the side cautiously, particularly if those already in the starting XI are performing well.

Martin Demichelis, too, could be considered for a recall. He was superb for City last season but has so far struggled to get games given the form the team has shown.

“[It is] always important not to have injured players, especially the captain and especially in a moment when we didn’t concede any goals in the first five games,” Pellegrini said on Friday.

“I think it is important to carry on playing with the same names, but I always say we have a squad. It is important for Nicolas Otamendi to have his opportunity to demonstrate why he is here and Martin Demichelis to return to his performance last season.

“We have a squad and we need to replace the captain.”

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the City chairman, gave a postseason address to fans in June that outlined clearly his objectives for the season. Pellegrini is expected to challenge on four fronts this season, and given Mubarak has kept his promise and bankrolled a summer spending spree, which has vastly improved City’s squad, the Chilean is under even more pressure.

The spectre of Pep Guardiola looms large. The Bayern Munich manager, who is expected to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and look for Premier League opportunities, is in constant contact with Txiki Begiristain, City’s sporting director.

Unless Pellegrini wins the Premier League and makes significant progress in Europe, the urge to bring in Guardiola could increase.

Which is why victory over West Ham is so important. City’s electric start has seen them establish a four-point lead over their nearest rivals, Leicester City, and an 11-point gap between themselves and last season’s champions, Chelsea.

They need to maintain their form while their rivals continue to flounder. If they do, they could have the title firmly in their control by the turn of the year.

As well as Kompany, they go into the match without Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta, Samir Nasri and Fabian Delph. It’s a significant test of their squad depth already.

"

PELLEGRINI: "Our full injury list for tomorrow is @pablo_zabaleta, @VincentKompany, Gael Clichy, Fabian Delph and @SamNasri19." #MCFC

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) September 18, 2015"

The good news, though, is the return of Fernando. The Brazilian midfielder has been struggling with a groin injury this term, and his return to fitness brings options.

Pellegrini said the injury was behind him but that he will need time to get back to full match fitness.

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

“Fernando is in the squad list,” he said. “He is OK. Maybe he needs a little bit work because he stopped for a lot of days but he is working without any pain.”

Fernando struggled in his first season at the club, playing through the pain barrier for much of it and failing to reach the level he showed at Porto, where he impressed. His return to full fitness will see him get chances, and he needs to show the City fans he is better than what they have seen so far. 

Tuesday's result was a blow, but it wasn't without positives, and City need to reaffirm their excellent start to the season in order to keep their rivals at arm's length. West Ham will be difficult opponents, and Pellegrini's injury list is long, but they have more than enough to come out on top and make further strides in their quest to reclaim the title. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.