Quite an impressive run-out for City. They attacked with intent from the off and Newcastle never stood a chance. Aguero was a surprise starter and got the most points but Dzeko looked menacing and is a top transfer recommendation this week.
Man City's Style and Key Players
- Silva dropped inside from a default left wing position to link up play with Yaya and Fernandinho. The point of attack from here was to try and find Aguero or Dzeko centrally who would create something between them, or release Navas down the right wing to whip in a cross
- Despite goals for Silva and Yaya (free-kick) both were part of a dynamic midfield with Fernandinho. None stood out as being the single creator in chief or a constant goal threat with runs into the box.
- Aguero is perhaps the only player who can offer an alternative to Van Persie as a super-elite fantasy option for your team. Unlike Van Persie though, Aguero is not the focal point of an attack. That role falls to Dzeko who had 8 shots to Aguero's 3 and much greater presence in the box. Van Persie had 7 shots against Swansea.
- Defensively the team was solid and Zabaleta and Clichy both get into positions to score or create. Zabaleta's partnership with Navas looks the more potent though and a deliberate facet of City's gameplan.
- In Conclusion: Long-term rotation still threatens Dzeko but at £7.5m he's worth that risk. Highly recommend transfer. Zabaleta too is probably going to be a great player.
Newcastle's Woe
- Cabaye's exit to Arsenal looks very likely. He's almost the complete midfielder. His passing and goals have been highlighted in past seasons but his recoveries and interceptions during defensive phases of the game are stand out too. An already weak team will miss him, a lot.
- A home game with West Ham offers an immediate test of Newcastle's resolve but with Taylor suspended and new-signing Yanga-Mbiwa out of his depth in an albeit difficult debut prospects don't look good.
