Is it time to take Manchester City seriously yet?

By: Rob | September 12th, 2009

Big result in the Premier League today as Manchester City beat Arsenal 4-2. This not only provides them with their first league win over “Big Four” opposition this season, but also keeps their 100% record in tact.

Alright so they’ve only played 4 games, but 4 wins out of 4 is still impressive. And they’ve beaten an Arsenal side who, by all accounts were unlucky to be beaten at Manchester United just before the international break.

So while there is clearly still plenty of time for the wheels to come off, my question to you this evening is, at what point (assuming they keep this form up) do we start to really take Man City seriously? Because so far, lets be honest, they’ve been treated with a tiny little bit of contempt, and sort of patronised on the assumption that they probably won’t really challenge

But looking at their starting XI, its a more than a match for most sides in the Premier League, and with Liverpool and Arsenal both having already lost two matches, the question has to be asked – are they going to break the top four?

It is, of course, too early to say. But it isn’t too early to be excited by the possibility. And if City can break into the top four this season, then there is pretty much no limit on who they can sign next summer. Especially with one of the other big spenders currently banned from buying people.

The big key this season perhaps, is going to be the African Cup of Nations. Two of City’s big name signings (Adebayour, who ran over to his one-time fans to celebrate his goal today, and Touré) could be missing for a long stretch over the winter. Might be enough to let someone nip in. Unless they just buy their way out of it in the transfer window.

The other issue is the volatile mix of personalities they have in the squad. Adebayour, Robinho, Bellamy, Tevez, Ireland etc – it wouldn’t be too surprising if the entire squad fell out with each other when the going gets tough.

My pre-season prediction was that they’d finish fifth, but if they can keep this instant-gelled team happy a bit longer, they’re in with a shout of those coveted Champions League spots at the very least…

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Category: African Cup of Nations, England, English Premier League, World Football

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Fernando

Not as long as Carlos Tevez plays for them... he's one positive drug test away from ruining their football campaign... you heard it here first.
Adie

I am an Arsenal fan. Admittedly, we cant get on our high horse too much about Ade's celebration given that our very own Thierry Henry (a REAL Arsenal legend) did the exact same thing to Spurs way back.
old apple

Im not sure ade intentionally stomped on RVP, im not sure ade intentionally stepped on Cesc, I am sure ade intentionally incited the arsenal fans for in a rather egotistical idiotic display. But hey, football players aren't known for their intelligence.
Evan

While they were going through there spending spree, I didn't say it was impossible for City to challenge for a Top Four spot, but rather it would be a 50/50 shot. With out a doubt the player's they've bought are quality (although some overpriced). It was a question of whether or not they could work together and gel as a unit. ALERT: THEY ARE GELLING. We've seen these players play consistently for an entire season so I guess the question really is if they can keep up the team work for the long haul or how the return of injured players (or surplus players; or ego clashes) will later effect the team.
Mat

I was talking about an internal ban in addition to whatever FA will put out.
mancunian

Eduardo, last week. Adebayor this week or maybe Scholes, who really gives a s**t. cynics always come out of the woodwork so what.. City got the points and thats what will go down in history of the club stats...and where im sitting thats fine by me... get over it and worry about your next game ..We are (not) LOL... bring on the salford reds ...
Isaidso

Mark Hughes shouldn't have to ban Adebeyour - that is the job of the football authorities. He behaved like a wound up, rabid idiot today! He DELIBERATELY assaulted Van Persie, with INTENT, it was no accident. Violent behaviour usually brings a 3 game ban, so no less should be expected. On top of that he was off his head running the full length of the field after scoring. I don't care how he or Mark Hughes try to explain it away, there was intent again, to goad the Arsenal travelling contingent, and he almost caused a full scale riot. That should bring a further additional ban. He should be ashamed of being so out of control!
RyanJ

Mark Hughes is a puppet given the reigns of a team expected to win everything.
Mat

if I am Mark Hughes, I will ban Ade for the next two games..from the club.. its absolutely essential to show who is in control and not let these players' ego get out of hand.. although how Ade takes that is hard to guess... his reaction to the goal and stamp on VP was abominable
Jon

The volatility is key here; the love lasts while the weather is warm. A decisive win at Eastlands is not entirely new; City was undefeated at home last year. What's crucial here is the stamp on Van Persie by and the goal celebration of Adebayor. This will quickly result in fan hostility throughout the league, as well as condemnation from players and writers alike. This is when Ade comes apart--you cannot underestimate the man's talent for wilting whenever he feels like he is being attacked. As Arsenal supporters have seen happen too many times, this will be toxic in the clubhouse, as Adebayor is both inconsolable in the face of and utterly unable to blame himself for whatever criticism comes his way. The bad attitude will quickly infect fertile hosts such as Tevez and Lescott, who themselves are fluent in the language of self-righteous tantrum throwing. (I can only imagine what kind of finger-pointing will ensue the first time they're blown out of the water.) Who among them do you wager earns enough respect to rally a sense of unity when it gets tough? Certainly note Toure, and certainly not Hughes. There's a lot of talent at City, but it's like a sweater: if you pull on that loose thread . . .
RyanJ

I'm a hugh Arsenal Fan. What I saw today was embaracing. We we out played for much of the game, especailly by "he who shall not be named." The guy at times dismantled out defence with his skills. Skills he hardly ever displayed for us. In addition, we had no one who could counter his size. I never really realize how big this guy was until he played us. Though we lost today I have confidence we'll bounce back to finish in the top 4.
elle

I'm reserving judgement until they played United next weekend. I didn't see the game today but I feel as if Arsenal sometimes get their tactics wrong and it just nails them. But we'll see won't we?