3) Defence still needs work
Manuel Pellegrini will have been concerned by his team’s defending again, with Stoke not only scoring too easily but looking threatening on the break on a number of occasions.
Although City have made a number of big signings in defensive positions this summer, bringing in Bacary Sagna and Eliaquim Mangala at the back, as well as Fernando in defensive midfield, the team’s attacking philosophy perhaps leaves them too exposed to counter-attacks like Stoke scored from yesterday.
It is still early days yet, but after some unconvincing performances at the back last season, City still look heavily reliant on their superb attacking options to see them through some of the tougher games, which won’t always be possible.