There are more questions to be asked of Enzo Maresca over the course of the season, but with many in the process of their preseason and the level of churn within the squad for the depth players, and key targets yet to be signed, he’s handled two tricky games, picking up six points to start the season off.

Bournemouth had few, if any, players not back with their squad for preseason, kept their best from leaving, and brought in a new manager earlier in the year to get to work. Palace, as we saw in the previous season, under the lights, with some of the quality, even depleted, they have. You can quickly be found behind in a tough place.

Notable Stats:

• Only Andrew Cole (25 in 44 apps) has scored more Premier League goals in the month of August than Erling Haaland (23 goals in 16 apps).

• Rayan Cherki is the third player to have a game with multiple goals and another game with multiple assists across a team's first two matches of a Premier League campaign, after Thierry Henry in 2004-05 and Didier Drogba in 2010-11.

• Anan Khalaili is the first player to record 10 tackles on their first Premier League start since N'Golo Kanté in August 2015.

Semenyo, Dias, and Donnarumma are the first City players to complete three full 90s. Phil Foden starts three consecutive games for the first time since the 20th of January. Ayyoub Bouaddi makes his Manchester City debut.

If you want to stay up-to-date on individual player minutes, back four combinations, underlying numbers, and more, check out the live Google Sheet below. 👇

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be making more additions that include the physical data like distance covered, sprint distance, and total number of sprints.

Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth

As I mentioned in the beginning, and Maresca discussed in his post-match press conference, several key players had only done a couple of training sessions, and after the Community Shield defeat, they needed something different in the midfield. The balance in fit players and those back late after the World Cup was a driver in Cherki not starting. Bournemouth caused them plenty of problems last season, kept their starters, and even with a new manager, that’s a stable group that knows each other very well.

MOTM: MARC GUEHI

Game Stats:

• xG: 2.08 - 0.51

• xThreat: 2.39 - 0.62

• Possession: 65.7% - 34.3%

• Field Tilt: 82.8% - 17.2%

• Penalty Box Shots: 11 - 4

• DZ Possession Lost: 19 - 27

• PPDA: 6.7 - 15.0

• High Turnovers: 9 - 2

Marc Guehi started in midfield, the solution for this game to add physicality, alongside Elliot Anderson, and in place of Mateo Kovacic. It wasn’t a smooth ride early on, but it meant the team had the players there to put out some fires as they figured out their approach. He was a consistent threat from set-pieces in the game, scored the equalizer, and on the ball, as we saw with the quick pass into Cherki, he eventually got comfortable. It really is impressive to get that call, work on it in the week, and play the first PL game of the season in midfield, without looking bothered by the challenge.

The 3-2 base as we’ve expected to see with Maresca, Lewis and O’Reilly operating on either side, with Semenyo and Foden as the wingers.

The pressing distance was causing an issue for City early on in this game, with Gvardiol needing to reach Smith, and Semenyo locked on to Hill, rather than managing between the two players. If timed right, Bournemouth could pull Gvardiol deep and play into the 3v3 on the backline. We saw Dias manage those situations in the channels well with Khusanov until the goal, but it gave Bournemouth the opening.

The first opening for Bournemouth comes with Rayan’s near-post shot (14’) saved by Donnarumma, and his angle narrowed by Dias.

Tavernier 26’ (0-1)

It’s the issue with the pressing, Gvardiol late arriving over a big distance, that gives Bournemouth the chance to play the pass over the top. Dias and Khusanov 1v1, and the Bournemouth attackers cross over.

Dias follows his man, Khusanov follows the ball, so Evanilson is free on the right side to play the first-time pass to Tavernier arriving at the back post. There is a lot of focus on Lewis in this, but the pass is first-time, and he lacks the physical qualities to cover that distance. He’s not a long-term option. It’s the mix-up with Dias and Khusanov that creates the problem, after the poorly executed press. That shouldn’t happen.

It wasn’t a terrible first half by any stretch. Big chances early on for Rico Lewis and Erling Haaland. Whilst Bournemouth scored, there wasn’t a significant number of chances allowed. But you could see where the weaknesses were, and they couldn’t afford to miss the next big chance.

Matheus Nunes came on for Rico Lewis (57’) shortly into the second half; he’d go on to not be in the squad against Crystal Palace, after pulling up in the warm-up for the Community Shield. Clearly lacking fitness, for an important player in this team. Noticable step-up once he came on the pitch in removing any threat Bournemouth posed down that side.

Not long after that, Cherki came on for O’Reilly and Kovacic for Anderson, who had a cramp (63’). Immediately providing the sense of creativity through the middle, looking to make something happen, and for players to find.

One other knock-on of this change was pushing Gvardiol into the box. Kovacic is comfortable pulling out to the left side, into the backline, and Maresca instructed him to be aggressive in attacking that space, as would eventually play out with his goal.

Guehi 84’ (1-1)

Before his equalizing goal, Guéhi had another big chance to score from a corner (51’). Haaland, Semenyo, and one CB inside the 6-yard box, as has been normal for a while now. Before, they would have had a clearly defined group of three attacking the box, grouped tightly at the top of the box, with two players positioned outside ready for a shot, but mainly as part of the rest defense, should a counter develop.

They made sure to be spaced out in this game. Ensuring it's a 1v1 battle to attack the ball. We saw it for an early corner with NOR at the back-post miss timing his header down. The same Guehi in this chance and the goal.

City had also, in previous games, been using one player in the space between this group and the 6-yard box, but not for this game, which, as you can see, leaves a huge amount of space to attack once you've beaten your man and gotten ahead. All of which we see play out for the equalizing goal. Guehi gets ahead, with the space to run and attack the ball.

Bournemouth underload on the top of the box, but also mark Kovacic? Making it easy for one of the best set-pieces in the team to get Manchester City back into the game.

Gvardiol 90+1’ (2-1)

The winning goal comes in added time. Semenyo drives down the line and passes back to Guehi, as Scott comes across to put pressure on him. With Cherki in his shadow, instead, he darts out and into space to receive.

Dribbles inside, excellent use of his arms, pushing back on the shoulder of the defender to protect the ball. Gvardiol makes his initial run in this moment but steps back on after seeing Cherki stop.

Semenyo, Nunes, Gvardiol, Haaland, and Grealish are all attacking the last line. Looking for the winning goal. Cherki shifts back onto his right foot to play Gvardiol through inside the box. Touch out of his feet, and strikes across goal to the bottom corner. The game winner.

After two shots from Bournemouth at the end of the first half (40’, 41’) from outside the box, they didn’t have another one. One of those was the only fast break shot Bournemouth was able to generate, missing the goal. The team didn’t manage their pressing in the beginning and left an opening for Bournemouth, but after the goal conceded and into the second half, they shut them out whilst pushing for the winner.

The resolve to handle going behind, and the feeling a late winner would have brought the squad, was important to see, and usually going forward there were as many signs of where to improve for the coaching staff as there were positives in the intent. Above all else, to pick up three points, knowing you’re carrying players not at the right fitness level and with business to get done in the market, was what mattered.

Crystal Palace 1-4 Manchester City

Maresca said after the opening game that it was not a regular solution to use Marc Guehi in midfield, and we saw that change in the starting lineup. Back to LCB, with O’Reilly partnering Anderson. Cherki into the ten.

For the weekend, playing on a Friday has everyone watching, and Selhurst Park under the lights is never an easy game. But with how depleted they were, and several players looking to move on, City needed to pick up three points.

MOTM: RAYAN CHERKI

Game Stats:

• xG: 0.53 - 2.23

• xThreat: 0.87 - 2.01

• Possession: 28.3% - 71.7%

• Field Tilt: 23.6% - 76.4%

• Penalty Box Shots: 6 - 13

• DZ Possession Lost: 23 - 12

• PPDA: 16.7 - 7.0

• High Turnovers: 2 - 7

Early on, there were some issues with the pressing. Cherki and O’Reilly were not tight enough to the pivots; Wharton had just enough time to receive and play the passes through the lines and set off a Palace transition. Semenyo was too far ahead, ready to press Canvot, leaving Gvardiol with a huge distance to cover, and Pino would notice this and pin the defender. Leaving Palace an easy route out. Foden caught a couple of times pressing out-to-in on Tomiyasu, who could then carry on his stronger foot down the line.

It didn’t take Manchester City long to adjust and step onto Palace with more aggression. Guehi jumps out to Pino, so that Gvardiol is free to press Khalalii. Semenyo managed the distance better between the RWB and RCB, rather than cheating towards the latter. Tighter to the pivots with Cherki and O’Reilly. Leaving Anderson to roam and support, whether that’s backing up press high, or supporting Dias and Khusanov in winning the second balls.

In possession, we saw a tweak from the Bournemouth game, this time with Cherki at the top of a diamond, Anderson at the base, O’Reilly and Gvardiol either side.

Haaland 17’ (0-1)

Opening the scoring. Manchester City progress down the right side between Foden and O'Reilly before recycling it back to Anderson. Across to Guehi, into Gvardiol, and then Semenyo. After going down the line a few times, he's now been given the space to cross with his right foot.

Foden attacking the back post. O'Reilly getting inside and taking the attention of one defender. Leaving Erling Haaland in a 1v1 battle. Fantastic leap, headed back across the goal and looped over the keeper to put Manchester City ahead.

Cherki 54’ (0-2)

The first of two goals in which Manchester City is able to punish Palace after winning the ball in the middle of the pitch. Chipped pass into the middle as Palace attempt to play out from the back. Dias tight to the attacker, and Anderson in front to head the ball back to O'Reilly.

He's not able to retain the ball, but Foden comes across to snap it back and drive up the pitch to goal. Passed into Cherki, who cuts back across the direction of the pass, into the space, as two defenders attempt to tackle him inside the box.

Another example of how well he uses his arm to disrupt the defender pressuring him. Opens up his body and pokes it past the keeper with his left foot to the far corner.

Donnarumma 56’ OG (1-2)

Palace get one back through an incredible free-kick by Pino; it feels unfair to rob the taker of that credit and list it as an own goal. Donnarumma at full stretch being beaten like that. Now the lead is sliced in two, and City need to find another.

Cherki 59’ (1-3)

After vacating the space with Anderson dropping between the CBs, forcing Kamada to jump, Manchester City play through the middle of the pitch; Dias fires the pass into Gvardiol, who immediately lays it off to Cherki.

He's then on the turn and driving towards the box, to the space left as Kamada jumped to Dias, and eventually shooting back across goal to restore the two-goal lead.

Kovacic came on for Gvardiol (75’), who looked like he felt something, or at the very least it was precautionary. O’Reilly moved into LB, and Kovacic next to Anderson in midfield. Although that pairing didn’t last long, with Bouaddi and McAidoo coming on for Cherki and Anderson (82’). That moved Foden into the ten, as Bouaddi partnered Kovacic in his first appearance for the club.

Haaland 84’ (1-4)

The second goal of the night, where Manchester City recover the ball in the middle of the pitch; this time it's Guehi stepping up as the pass is played into their forward. Foden is tucked inside after McAidoo came on, in the position to immediately turn and drive at the opposition backline.

Past two Palace players, across to his left, and then plays Haaland through to score at the near post, in the roof of the goal.

The final round of changes was Braithwaite and Reis on for Khusanov and O’Reilly (89’). Although it was only a few minutes, it highlighted where Ait-Nouri was in the pecking order, with Braithwaite playing LB. It showed Vitor Reis, the manager, has an eye on using him in the right-back slot.

In the end, with Cherki, Haaland, and Foden all picking up two goal contributions, it was the type of performance you want to see under a new manager, to be excited about what’s to come. Creating big chances away from home, dealing with the threat the opposition posed, and eventually closing them out. Palace didn’t have a shot after Pino’s free-kick.

Last mention is for Elliot Anderson, who showcased his talent, impacting the game in all phases across the pitch. On and off the ball. Tenacious, aggressive, and determined to make something happen. Already telling his teammates where to be.

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Moving Forward

This is a great graphic and the right place to start as we look ahead to future Premier League games. As you can see, Manchester City, in a neutral game state, has continued to have high possession over the years. The difference has been when leading, opposition teams are not happy to sit off; instead, they’ll come after you.

We saw several games last season where the second half wasn’t the smoothest, and everyone was looking for a single factor or player to blame. In reality, it was many. One part was the change in approach by Premier League teams. Then you add to that Manchester City having their worst season under Guardiola for converting their chances after leading by one goal. They struggled to find the second. So you remain under pressure, unable to kill the game and run the risk of dropping points.

The transfer window shuts on the 1st of September at 23:00 (UK Time). At the time of writing this, Manchester City has announced Allan, heavily linked to Enzo Fernandez, and Ndiaye, and with much more business to go. It’s going to be a crazy end to the window, and that doesn’t necessarily mean it goes well for the club.

For Ayyoub Bouaddi, it was an incredibly promising debut off the bench, and against Coventry he could start. Then you have the Champions League and League Cup around the corner. Quick and slick on the ball, already opening up his body as the pass is coming and ready to make the next action. Aggressive and proactive off the ball. Clean in his recoveries. Oh, and that pass through to Semenyo. Plenty to look forward to!

The CL draw was confirmed last week for the league phase. It’s without a doubt a tough one. Porto (A), Sporting (H), AEK (H), and Lens (A) are four that the team needs to win. If we’re looking to make the top eight. Two of those are the last two fixtures in January. Napoli are not in their best moment right now; neither are PSG early in the season. Barcelona will run the risk of playing a high line against Erling Haaland. Leipzig have a new manager in Martin Demichellis. It’s two wins from those other four that will be what the team is looking for.

Only Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern had six wins in the league phase last season. So you don’t need to beat PSG and Barcelona to go through, but you cannot afford to take your eye off the ball like Manchester City did against Leverkusen last season.

Ait-Nouri is the only outfield first-team player to get zero minutes whilst being in the squad for the opening three games. Braithwaite came on ahead of him at left-back for the final minutes. That’s something to keep an eye on. He’s in a weird situation where neither he nor the club have done any wrong, but the level of competition could force him out.

Seeing McAidoo get on the pitch, dealing with his unfortunate shoulder injury, and showing another look at his talent. The League Cup game is only around the corner, where I expect to see him start.

Last point to keep an eye on over the next few games is the providers for Erling Haaland. One more for Foden against Crystal Palace, and Semenyo got his second. We’re yet to see a significant combination between him and Cherki. Only two from the Bournemouth (H) game last season. Jeremy Doku stepped up in a big way for this.

Next up for Manchester City is Coventry (H) on Saturday the 5th of September at 15:00 (UK time). The last time these two played each other was in 2002. Promoted from the Championship, they’ve lost to Hull City and Arsenal in their opening two fixtures. Ahead of the opening CL game, the team needs to get three wins on the board in the Premier League and be ready for the Manchester derby that follows.