Trevor Steven: Unbeaten Manchester City have all the tools to make it back-to-back Premier League titles
After Manchester City were crowned Premier League champions with five games to spare in April their captain, Vincent Kompany, made a speech.
But rather than pat his side on the back, Kompany was focused on the future, speaking of “unlocking the full potential” and establishing a “dynasty”.
The Belgian’s words showed the mentality that City manager Pep Guardiola had worked hard to install – and 10 games into the 2018-19 campaign it seems the club still have it.
Their 1-0 win over Tottenham on Monday didn’t see City at their most devastating best on a poor pitch, but the three points did leave them unbeaten and top of the Premier League table.
Riyad Mahrez’s early goal was the difference and his impact points to one of the club’s strengths.
The winger was far from a must-have addition for Guardiola and yet he adds that extra quality and depth. He’s been rotated into the squad of late and been asked only to do what he’s good at.
City’s targeted recruitment and positive environment means players of the class of Leroy Sane can be left on the bench and not be disheartened by it.
The intensity of Guardiola’s coaching and the way he instils confidence in his players means their team spirit and mental game is very strong. At the top level that is extremely important.
Guardiola arrived at City with a reputation for improving players and there’s no doubt we’re seeing that now.
Centre-back pairing John Stones and Aymeric Laporte are both 24 years old, but aren’t playing like it. They’ve helped keep six successive clean sheets in the league, playing in front of 25-year-old goalkeeper Ederson.
Likewise, having taken time to settle after arriving from Monaco in July 2017, Bernardo Silva is now blossoming. The 24-year-old has filled the void left by fit-again Kevin De Bruyne superbly.
The result of these upward trends is that City look well-equipped to do just what Kompany was referring to and what previously Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini couldn’t manage: securing back-to-back titles.
That’s not to say they won’t be challenged between now and May though. For the first time in Premier League history three sides are unbeaten after 10 games and both Liverpool and Chelsea are contenders.
I’ve been very impressed with what Maurizio Sarri has achieved in such a short time at Chelsea. He’s been a breath of fresh air, establishing a new, exciting way of playing, despite strikers Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud not being at the top of their game.
Crucially, Sarri also appears to have the Blues happy again after the strict times under predecessor Antonio Conte. Camaraderie between players is important.
Meanwhile, now into his fourth season at Liverpool Jurgen Klopp has the squad and collective mentality to make his team contenders to win their first top-flight title since 1990.
He was denied that important starting point when he took over in October 2015, but they are now hot on the heels of front-runners City.