Thursday Gossip

by MCFC Editorial
Superlatives heaped on record-breaking City


It’s 15 consecutive Premier League wins for Manchester City and that’s the focus of many an article the morning after the 4-0 victory over Swansea.

Opposition manager, Paul Clement, led the way with the praise for the Blues’ performance, acknowledging just how tough a test it was for his team.

He told BBC Sport: “At times it was horrible to be on the side line watching that, seeing my side trying but suffering for long periods.

"They're not the games that will decide our season but it was hard to watch at times because they were so dominant.

“For me, they (City) are one of the best sides I've ever come across - so many good athletes, so many intelligent footballers and it's really hard to pin them down."

Ben Fisher at the Guardian was equally impressed with the manner of City’s victory and suggests what makes it even more remarkable is knowing they can take it up another level.

Writes Fisher: “Near-perfect performances of this nature tell us little but rather enforce what we already know: this freewheeling Manchester City team are coasting towards the Premier League title.


“The scary thing is, on their way to comfortably dispatching Swansea City to rack up a record-breaking 15th successive league victory, at times they were merely going through the motions.

"David Silva continued his purple patch in front of goal by scoring either side of Kevin De Bruyne’s free-kick before Sergio Aguero wrapped up a ninth away win in the league this season.

“If Pep Guardiola’s side do indeed, as he believes, have so much more to give, it is going to be a joy to witness."

There was much to enjoy at the Liberty Stadium, the peerless Spanish midfielder being one and he’s been earmarked for special praise in ESPN’s player ratings.

David Mooney declares: “A brace from the creative midfielder crowned off a terrific display. His flicked finish for his first was cool while his chipped second goal was a delightful effort to put the game beyond doubt.

“The star of the show, Silva has managed to get even better despite already being one of the best the club has ever seen."

Finally, we fast-forward to the weekend’s game with Tottenham Hotspur, one manager Mauricio Pochettino cannot wait for.


ESPN carry his complimentary quotes.

“We're going to Manchester thinking we can win," the manager said after his side beat Brighton.

"We're going to enjoy it, because it's a fantastic challenge to play against Manchester City. They're the best team in England and one of the best in Europe.

"I'm so excited to play, because I love to play against teams and managers like [Pep] Guardiola, that are the best. I'm so motivated and so happy that we are going to play a team at their best."