Why Are We So Much Better Than Last Year?

[Cityfan]

Numerous things many already mentioned and just sheer practice.
One thing not mentioned that I have seen is that we improved in the second half of last season. I think this was in part a pick up in Aguero's play. Jesus made a difference straight away and Aguero saw that he was going to have to work with Pep and started doing far more ff the ball particularly coming deep to create the extra man before rejoining the attack when we work it out from the back, something we have improved at hugely with confidence and a great 'keeper.

 

[HarrytheBlue]

At first blush, it's our signings.
New goalie - Ederson
Two new backs, and backup - Walker, Mendy, Danilo
Another quality attacking midfielder/winger - B. Silva
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Yet...
Mendy is injured.
Danilo doesn't play that often.
B. Silva doesn't play that often and has not adapted to the P/L yet.
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So why are we so much better? It can't be just down to new signings as 3/5 of them don't start regularly.

I think it's down to a combination of factors.
1) Delph has filled in at LB far better than could be expected, a major upgrade over Clichy/Kolarov (Kolo better going forward but cannot press as Pep would like and due to lack of pace is often a liability on defense);
2) Ederson is so much better than an out-of-form Bravo offering excellent shot stopping skills, better distribution and confidence/command at the back;
3) Improvement of players under Pep - Stones and Sterling are vastly improved this year;
4) System buy-in - our players now buy into Pep's system more than they did last year, pressing much better than last year (Sane and Aguero in particular are now pressing much more aggressively);
5) Our squad rotation is much better - gone are Fernando, Navas, Nolito, Clichy, Zabbaleta and Kolarov; in their place are Gundogan, B. Silva, Danilo. It seems to me that our rotation isn't as deep but it's of far higher quality and consists of players that much better fit Pep's system.

What do you think?

As for Kolarov, we played him as a left back and occasional wing back. He's just so much better as a wing back - like he is at Roma.

 

[blue62]

The full backs and keeper are the key reasons. For a Pep team to function properly, all 11 players must be confident, intelligent, talented, progressive footballers. Bravo lost his confidence, Sagna and Clichy were dreadful. The difference that Walker and now even Delph makes is immense.

 

[Plmokn]

we got rid of clichy

 

[Proy]

We have bought quality. The keeper has made a huge impact, as has walker and Delph (who has been like a new signing). Better squad depth, the dead wood gone.

But more so I think it's down to a summer of coaching they understood after the first season learning. Like many things in life, it's time. That has had the biggest impact for me. The understanding/development is now showing after a year of his coaching.

 

[blue cigar]

The goalkeeper.

 

[squirtyflower]

It's all the money we've spent

 

[Proy]

There is also a notion that 'city always start well'.

It's true. We do. But there is no comparison whatsoever to this season. For any lurking rags or opposition supporters, this season is almost 100% better.

Last season we were top after 11 games, with 24 points. This season already we are 7 points better off. Our first defeat last season was against spurs, this after game 7. People said that was our first 'test'. We are now on game 12 having played 3 of our main rivals, beaten them all and dropped only 2 points. Undefeated. 8 points clear. It's an unprecedented start and in no way comparable to last season.

Last season we also had 2 CL qualifiers that were a piece of piss and this has impacted the average. It only serves to make this season even better. We lost on game 11 last season with those 2 qualifiers included, you argue it was theoretically 9 given they were so easy.

This season we are 17 games in, 6 more than last season, still undefeated and with a much tougher set of fixtures.

At the risk of sounding cocky, there will likely be some drop off, but nothing like what people are expecting and it is now very much a case of catch us if you can.

 

[avoidconfusion]

One word: DELPHINIO

 

[colorado blue]

It's the sharks. Every player has stepped it up and we attack and defend with all 11 players. Ederson's distribution is world class, he rarely takes more than 2 touches before getting rid and when he does it's usually a good ball. Some of our best goals or chances to score started from him. Stones and Otamendi have formed a great partnership and probably first choice now regardless of Kompany's fitness. KDB set record for assists last season but he really didn't have a good season, this season he's back to his best. Delphi has found his best position, he was never good enough for our midfield.