Manchester City got their 2015-16 Premier League campaign off to the perfect start as they earned a 3-0 victory away at West Bromwich Albion. David Silva was instrumental in City’s win, while Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany were lively throughout. Manuel Pellegrini’s men remain an exceptional side and, although others have invested heavily in the transfer market, City will be up there yet again this season. Write them off at your peril…
Prior to the opening weekend of the season, many were suggesting that Manchester City could finish as low as fourth. The Blues will face tougher opponents than West Bromwich Albion throughout the campaign, but they sent out a huge statement after an opening weekend that saw both Chelsea and Arsenal drop points at home. Since the weekend’s fixtures, City’s odds for the Premier League have been backed in, with many punters studying the odds and statistics before placing a bet on Manchester City to win the title.
There are two keys for Manchester City this season; their away form and injuries. If they can avoid defeat on the road, they will stand a great chance of lifting the Premier League trophy for the third time in the last five years. In years gone by, City have dropped points away at the likes of Swansea City, Crystal Palace and West Ham United. The title race is now far too competitive to drop points on the road and rely on your home form to win the league.
Secondly, they must keep their important players fit. David Silva, Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero are all integral to Manchester City’s success this term. Silva remains one of the best players on the planet and is capable of unlocking the best defences in the sport. He is the player that makes City tick. Without him, they would struggle.
Yaya Toure struggled throughout the majority of last season but produced a scintillating performance in their opener to remind everybody that he remains a potent threat in City’s powerful attack. Vincent Kompany, meanwhile, scored a superb header and celebrated with the kind of passion and hunger that is needed to lead a side to the title. Without either of them, they would struggle.
Although City failed to score after Aguero was brought on, the Argentina striker is possibly the most crucial of all. Last season’s Golden Boot winner is deadly inside the 18-yard box and is a unique talent. Aguero suffers from hamstring niggles and City fans will be praying that the striker remains fit throughout the campaign. If so, he will fire the Blues to the crown. If not, they will struggle.
Essentially, City’s title hopes rest on the shoulders of these four men. If these players can stay fit, Pellegrini’s side are favourites for the Premier League – it’s that simple. City must avoid dropping ‘silly’ points away from home and must ensure that their form against the top sides is good too. It may be a long way until the last day of the season but the signs are already looking good for City supporters this season.
