Ranking Manchester City's Top 5 Players for October

It’s been an excellent October for Manchester City. Unbeaten in their five matches so far, they’ve made progress in three separate competitions and look much improved on the side that floundered last season.

October results so far:

City 6-1 Newcastle United

City 5-1 Bournemouth

City 2-1 Sevilla

Manchester United 0-0 City

City 5-1 Crystal Palace

Manuel Pellegrini has steered his side to four wins and a draw thus far.

They remain top of the Premier league table on goal difference after 10 matches, they are well placed to qualify from their Champions League group and after Wednesday’s win over Crystal Palace, they find themselves in the last eight of the League Cup with a home tie against Hull City to come.

In their four home matches this month, they’ve scored 18 goals—a remarkable tally that underlines their goalscoring threat.

It’s clear they underperformed last season, something Pellegrini himself accepts, but he has galvansied his side with some new signings and a fresh tactical approach.

Some of their forward play has been dazzling, with pace and urgency injected thanks to the arrival of Raheem Sterling, and the extra guile brought by Kevin De Bruyne.

Here we look back over recent matches and discuss five of City’s stand-out performers.

5. Bacary Sagna

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It wasn’t an easy debut season at the Etihad for former Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna.

He played just nine times in the Premier League and, as a result, failed to find anything close to consistent form. There were some highlights, including a stellar display in City’s draw at Stamford Bridge back in January but overall it was underwhelming, and few would have been surprised if he’d opted to cut short his stay in Manchester.

This season, though, with Pablo Zabaleta struggling with a knee injury, he’s played regularly, and it’s clear City got themselves a bargain when he arrived on a free transfer last summer.

He may not possess the same attacking instincts as Zabaleta, but defensively he’s been excellent.

With City’s injury situation worsening earlier this month when Aleksandar Kolarov joined Gael Clichy on the sidelines, Sagna even filled in at left-back. He didn’t let anyone down, and it’s that kind of versatility that makes him a good option in a squad packed full of talent.

4. Jesus Navas

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The criticisms of Jesus Navas has become all too predictable. It is certainly true that his final ball sometimes lets him down, but his all-round game justifies his position as one of City most often used players.

He’s had a superb few weeks. His half-time introduction against Newcastle helped turn the game—his pace stretching the Magpies’ back four and allowing David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne more space in central areas.

Against Sevilla he was City’s best player, full of energy and industry in a game City spent much of being lethargic.

In terms of work rate, there are few in the City squad who can match him. 

It’s no coincidence that he’s appeared in every league game this season. Pellegrini always manages to find a way of getting him involved, whether it be from the start or as a substitute.

The Spanish winger brings something very different to the side than any other player. He’s direct and pacey—a good alternative to City’s other more intricate midfield players.

3. Fernando

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It’s been happening somewhat quietly and under the radar, but City midfielder Fernando is enjoying a fine season.

His lack of mobility during his debut campaign was his biggest downfall, but given he was playing with groin pain, only alleviated by surgery in the summer, it is perhaps understandable he was somewhat restricted in his movement.

He returned last month when City went to the Stadium of Light in the League Cup third round. He was excellent, shielding the back four and making timely interceptions across the midfield area.

This month, he’s improved further, with his display at Old Trafford catching the eye of pundits and commentators, before a performance against Crystal Palace in the League Cup fourth round that was arguably his best for the club.

His anticipation of danger has improved, and he finally looks like the defensive midfielder City need. He could prove particularly effective in Europe, where their two-man central midfield has often been bypassed too easily.

Fernando would offer added steel to the side, and if he continues to play the way he is currently, it will become increasingly difficult for Pellegrini to ignore him when the big matches come along.

2. Joe Hart

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Joe Hart’s renaissance continues apace. There were serious doubts about his ability two years ago, but since then, he’s improved steadily, and right now he’s back to his absolute best.

This month, he gave a wonderful display against Newcastle United. His first-half performance was outstanding, producing a series of fine saves, including one at point-blank range from Aleksandar Mitrovic that prevented the Magpies going two goals ahead. It was the crucial moment in the game, with City going on to score six and winning the game comfortably.

And in the Manchester derby, Hart proved again he is the man for the biggest occasions. United didn’t create too much given City were solid defensively, but when called upon, Hart delivered.

With Willy Caballero yet to convince as a City player, Hart’s position as City’s No. 1 has never been quite so secure.

Would the City fans swap him for any other ‘keeper in the league? It’s doubtful.

1. Kevin De Bruyne

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Since his arrival at the end of the transfer window, Kevin De Bruyne has been superb for the Blues.

His last-gasp winner against Sevilla in the Champions League was crucial and demonstrated his ability. Under huge pressure and with only a small area in which he could place the ball, he checked back onto his left foot and finished superbly.

He dazzled in the second half against Newcastle, linking up with Silva and scoring an excellent goal, and against Palace in the League Cup he opened the scoring with a tap in after excellent work from Kelechi Iheanacho.

There’s very little he cannot do. His touch, vision, creativity, judgement and goals have added a new dimension to the City attack.

Given he is just 24, his impact has been something to behold. In among an array of established stars, he has perhaps shone more brightly than any of them in the opening weeks of the season.

At £54 million, it was an expensive and arduous deal to complete, but De Bruyne, it seems, was well worth the outlay and the wait.