‘Demolished’ would be the right term to use as Manchester City registered a thumping 6:1 win over Huddersfield Town to continue their stunning early-season form.
Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick while David Silva and Gabriel Jesus also chipped with one goal each before Terence Kongolo scored an unfortunate own goal to finish the riot. Jon-Gorenc Stankovic scored the only goal for Huddersfield – a goal which turned out to be scant consolation.
But one thing is for sure, the defending champions have picked up from where they had left off last season and this performance reflects their ambition of maintaining their dominance in English football this season despite losing Kevin de Bruyne for 3 months.
Also read: Perfect 10 for Aguero: Manchester City player ratings vs Huddersfield Town
In this article, we will discuss three reasons why the Sky Blues ‘demolished’ a hapless Huddersfield side this weekend.
A forward line oozing with class
Very few predicted that ahead of the game that Sergio Aguero will partner Gabriel Jesus in a two-man forward line for Manchester City this weekend. But, Pep Guardiola once again pulled out a surprise move and it definitely paid off as both the players complemented each-other brilliantly to help their side secure a dominating victory.
Aguero showed his sublime skills with the ball and even tracked back on certain occasions in order to keep the defenders occupied whilst allowing more space for Jesus. His excellent ball-control coupled with his remarkable finishing was too much for the visiting team’s defence as he found the back of the net thrice!
Jesus also played really well, especially when it came down to quick interplay in the final third.
David Silva – the difference maker
Even though Aguero bagged a well-deserved hat-trick, it was David Silva who stole the spotlight with a magnificent performance against the Premier League minnows.
The Spanish international, coming on the back of a disappointing World Cup campaign with Spain, was an influential figure in midfield throughout the game. His clever movement, pinpoint passing and exquisite footwork completely bamboozled the Huddersfield defenders.
His impressive performance is also backed up by statistics as he completed four dribbles, took two shots and more importantly scored from an astonishing free-kick just after the restart. He also completed 48 passes with an accuracy of 94% – which is an excellent tally for a player playing around the half-spaces for the most part of the game.
Manchester City will hardly miss the injured Kevin de Bruyne if Silva continues his fiery form.
Effective wide-play
What sets Manchester City apart from all the other teams in the English top flight is their effectiveness from the wide areas. Guardiola, as a coach, focuses heavily on utilising the width of the pitch – a philosophy which is now followed by most of the modern coaches including Thomas Tuchel.
Such case was prevalent this afternoon as the duo of Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva caused havoc from wider positions. The duo took a combined total of six shots on goal, completed four dribbles, two tackles and five key passes. While Silva made direct runs into the opposing half, Mendy’s accurate crosses from the left-flank ripped the Huddersfield defence apart.
The Frenchman, it seems, has become City’s number one assist provider, having already registered three assists in just two Premier League games this season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored