"We’ve come a little way and it’s good to equal a Club record, but six of those nine wins were last season and that’s gone and in the past now – we’ve made those mistake and we’re starting again, now. We want to be winning nine in a row this season,"
, Joe Hart 23 August 2015.
This was Joe Hart talking about his City side equalling a 103 year record. A record which to the majority of the City faithful, not so long ago, would have been a pipe dream to put beside meeting Elvis and retiring in the Bahamas. But it shows where the squad is currently being focused - on the here and now and on winning games. This has got to be good news for City fans.
The game itself was the most difficult of the three opening EPL matches for the Citizens. Everton had their own desire and energy; as well as a knowledge that City sides have faired badly at Goodison winning just three of 18 previous EPL games, losing three of the previous five, and not even picking up points in the title winning 11/12 Season. Barkley and McCarthy in particular showed Everton were a team themselves revitalised after their win on the road at Southampton the previous week. Barkley's pace proving a constant threat, and bringing bookings for both Mangala and Fernandhino in the first half.
In the end it was City's persistence which won the day, with another solid and consistent 90'. In the early stages City were dominant, with Silva pulling the strings, and Aguero constantly finding space to shoot. Both Navas and Sterling were a constant threat with Everton fullback Browning, in particular, being given a torrid time. As the first half wore on, however, Everton gained a toe hold, and Lukako even found the net on 23' after a being put through by Coleman before the effort was correctly ruled out for offside. The second half started much as the first with City pressing for the breakthrough goal; with Silva coming closest on 46' hitting the post. City's new found pace in attack finally paid off on the hour with a well worked move between Sterling and Kolorov which started on City's 18 yard line and finished with the revitalised Serbian cutting into the box and cracking the ball home at Howard's near post. The first goal was good but the second was sublime with Yaya Toure completing a "no-look" pass to substitute Samir Nasri between two Everton defenders, before the French man deftly chipped the Everton keeper.
So three games into the new Season, three wins, no goals conceded. A great start, but as Joe Hart said it is just a little way and the hunger needs to continue.
@l0ngwayfr0mh0me
