Interesting squad selection - no "room" for Ake, Laporte and Aguero - and an eyebrow raising team - Foden and Sterling only on the bench and Garcia actually on it, while Mahrez had kept his place - but in the event it showed that the confidence Pep had been exuding all week was not at all misplaced. Stones had a dominant game, Mahrez was direct and decisive, de Bruyne imperious and the whole team had a real appetite but Mendy deserves special mention. I thought his career had been ruined by knee injuries and the difficulties of coming back and we can't expect him to be the player he was in 2017 too soon, but on Wednesday and yesterday he was recognizably himself and his goal was a delight. It's too soon to say that City are over their "troubles" but yesterday we were recognizable as the City of two seasons ago but this season is going to be more of a long distance race and it will be those clubs which can cope with 3 matches a week, week after week which will win the prizes and in that case Pep's squad and team selection yesterday and his ability to motivate the players may well point to a very successful season.