After a record-breaking league campaign last time around, Manchester City dropped points early this season against the Wolves. But they remain unbeaten and are well on course to challenge for the title yet again. Pep Guardiola added Riyad Mahrez in the summer and will hope that his side can find consistency similar to the last campaign.
However, early this season, City have shown a few frailties that could end up costing them a shot at retaining the coveted trophy. Here are three such key areas Manchester City should improve on quickly if they are to challenge for the title this season as well:
Converting Chances
While City create chances for fun against most teams in the league, they currently top the charts for big chances missed in the league, four games into the season. Pep’s side have missed 11 big chances and though they have the quality to win games even after such misses, it will come back to haunt them sometime or the other. Like at Molineux, they could be frustrated during games, and converting half chances could be the difference between a title charge and playing catch-up. A few of the misses could be down to the rustiness of players, just back from the World Cup but if they do not work on this, it could well end up costing them more points this season.
Creativity In The Midfield
With David Silva in the middle of the park, City rarely have the issue of lacking creativity from midfield. But the reason they ran away with the league last season was the balance Kevin de Bruyne brought to the team. The Belgian was quick to turn defence into attack and also has a keen eye for goal, which was important for City to maintain their dominance. But in his absence, the Spanish playmaker remains their best source of creativity in the midfield. Bernardo Silva, if played in a deeper role, hurts the balance of the side while Ilkay Gundogan does not have the creativity that De Bruyne adds to this side. So till the Belgian is back, it will be important for Pep to find new ways to hurt the opposition.
Leaving Full-Backs Vulnerable
Kyle Walker and his pace have been crucial for City to bombard the opposition on the flanks while Benjamin Mendy has been impressive in a similar role on the opposite wing. Their dominance has seen the two of them spend a majority of their time in enemy territory. But quality wingers are always going to wait for opportunities to run in behind, and one good pass can see the attackers in a one-on-one situation with the likes of Stones and Laporte. This is a problem City faced last season with Liverpool at Anfield and more teams will be now alerted to this possibility and look to exploit it. So if they do not find a solution to this problem, it could end up costing them the title.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
