If Manchester City wanted to send an ominous message that it will take something special to remove their status as Premier League champions, Sergio Aguero took 23 seconds to deliver it. In the space of those few seconds the Argentina forward strolled onto the pitch at Etihad Stadium and right onto the end of Jesus Navas’s perfect pass to put the home side out of sight of Liverpool and maintain their 100% start to the season.
It was a symbolic, highly impressive demonstration of the power City manager Manuel Pellegrini has at his disposal, made even more emphatic as it was produced against a Liverpool side that had the title in their grasp in late April only to stumble near the finishing line.
Many have predicted the title will be a two-horse race this season – and even though the campaign is only two games old it already looks like City and Chelsea will be the teams best equipped to last the course.
Jovetic started with Dzeko, allowing Pellegrini to ease Aguero back after his own injury difficulties. If all three stay fit and Alvaro Negredo comes back as he did in the early part of last season, City will be the benchmark for attacking threat.
City eventually won with ease after an awkward first 40 minutes. The three points were earned with a comfort they never enjoyed in the 2-1 victory against Liverpool at home last season, remembering they also lost a 3-2 thriller at Anfield.
This post was last modified on Aug 26, 2014 4:11 pm