Last year we didn't take a lot of our chances, couldn't do shit from corners, had FBs who couldn't play Pep's system, had a nervy keeper and looked downright comical at times playing out of the back . . . even during the bright start. All those issues appear to have been resolved to this point. They're all linked, of course. But I see real improvement in our style and our confidence thus far. I noticed it in the pre-season. Hopefully all these trends continue. This year will be about avoiding injuries and, in my view, the ability of Fernandinho and Gundogan to control MF against quality sides.
But like others I'm just going to enjoy the ride and not expect too much too soon. The Prem will be a dogfight -- we know this; the CL and Cups are a function of draws. Regardless of outcome, we are playing breathlessly entertaining football so far, and in Mendy we have quality and a court jester (in a good way), which is another thing we've been missing since Balotelli left.
