Manchester City have made a flying start to the Premier League season and are already eight points clear at the top of the table after 11 games.
Some of their statistics are remarkable and point towards this being a very special campaign, should they be able to maintain their high standards.
Best start to a Premier League season
Man City’s 31 points and a +31 goal difference is the best-ever start to a #PL season after 11 games
With a drawn game against Everton their only ‘hiccup’ so far, City’s 31 points from 11 games with a goal difference of +31 represents the best start to a season by any side in the history of the Premier League. This narrowly eclipses their own effort of 31 points from 11 games with a goal difference of +29 in their title-winning 2011/12 campaign. Chelsea also had the same number of points at this stage when they took the crown in 2005/06 but with a goal difference of only +22. The subsequent success of these past two sides bodes well for City but they will not need reminding their 2012 title win was a little too close for comfort.
Guardiola’s best start
City boss Pep Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium last year with a formidable reputation after winning multiple trophies while in charge of Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Yet for none of his three LaLiga crowns or his three Bundesliga titles had his sides accrued 31 points after 11 games. For all the brilliance of his past teams, including the Lionel Messi-inspired Champions League and LaLiga double-winning sides of 2009 and 2011, in statistical terms at least, they are being shaded by this current crop.
The greatest City team?
Guardiola complained repeatedly last season that his team did not take enough chances. It is a problem that seems to have been rectified in some style. Their tally of 52 goals from their first 17 games in all competitions is a record for an English side in the Premier League era. Worryingly for opponents, the goals are also being spread out, with no reliance on any particular individuals. Sergio Aguero (10), Raheem Sterling (10), Gabriel Jesus (nine) and Leroy Sane (eight) lead the way. In the Premier League, they also dominate in other key areas too – most assists (David Silva seven, Kevin De Bruyne six), most passes (Fernandinho 933, Nicolas Otamendi 932) and most through balls (De Bruyne 14).
Beating the rivals
Man CIty pull off a comprehensive victory over Liverpool, for whom Sadio Mane was dismissed in the first half #MCILIV
City have already won more games against their top-six rivals this season than they did last after seeing off Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal. Last term they won just two games – against Manchester United and Arsenal – in this mini league. They are still to play United and Tottenham this year.
source : sport.bt
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