Well today was a reality check. It's not disastrous - vs last season and the fixtures played we're a point up but the facts are we weren't brilliant before the red. The red was perhaps a bit harsh but Rice is an absolute moron for putting the ref in a position where he can make such a decision so it's not something that can be argued with
Fact is Rice has been crap since the last month of last season and maybe the rest will do him good. We've got some tough matches coming up- Spurs away, then Atalanta away and then City away, all in the space of 7 days. Realistically we need to beat Spurs and get something at the Etihad.
City have won all their games but are definitely gettable at the back however we aren't firing on all cylinders and build up is a bit slow. Odegaard hasn't really sparked either. Hate to say it but its not as if Arteta wasnt warned that he needs a decent striker.
At the moment I'd say we look like a Top 4 team not a title contender- both City and Liverpool have looked better.
It is very early days though and people are getting ahead of themselves so early on making predictions.