A 3pm kick off on a Saturday is usually pretty good for Manchester City, having only lost 2 of the last 54!
Having said that, both losses have come at home against the Eagles… who were unbeaten against the champions last season in the league. City have looked good so far this season, adding Erling Haaland to their considerable squad. Ahead of Saturday’s face off, I chatted with Andy Savage of MCFC9320 Group
Q – So Andy, how are you feeling about the season so far? 2 wins and a draw? Haaland looking good?
Andy – The first 2 games were good, of course but with respect to Bournemouth and West Ham they are teams we are expected to beat. Newcastle at St James was a different proposition and although it was only a point – it felt like a win, coming back like that as we did against West Ham and Villa at the end of last season.
TEB – Definitely, that was something I noticed, coming back from behind was one of your very few weaknesses over the last couple of seasons.
Q – Is Haaland the difference maker?
Andy – We have to give him a bit of time, both for the team to adjust to him and for him to integrate as well. We’ve been used to a striker-less system but you’re already seeing some positive signs, especially in De Bruyne’s ability to pick him out on the run. I expect we’ll see more of that in the weeks to come.
A lot has been made of his relatively low number of touches – but they’ve been effective, look at his through ball at Bournemouth. Of course, some of the players need to adjust to having that kind of player alongside and people have picked out a couple of times Foden could’ve squared to him… but that will come.
Q – What’s your ambition for the season? Is it all about Europe really?
Andy – A lot of City fans actually don’t care about the Champions League, there’s a feeling it’s a bit corrupt and even if we won it, the next thing would be, can you win it again. Obviously, we want to do well but it’s not really the focus.
TEB – Okay, whether for Champions League or otherwise, if you had a magic wand who would be your dream signing?
Andy – This might be different if Bernardo Silva does move on, but I think we’re in a good place. The one area – if we could find the perfect fit – would be a left back. Cancelo is an incredible player and could genuinely play anywhere but we could do with a specialist.
TEB – Hands off Tyrick Mitchell!
Q – So what’s your perspective on Palace
Andy – I’ve always liked Palace, you’re proper club in good hands. We still have a soft spot for Paddy as well. Got a huge amount of respect for Zaha, despite his Manchester United connection. We never like losing, but when you came and give us a game like last season, we have to respect that. Big respect to the developments in your academy as well.
Q – To the match on Saturday, where do you think it will be won or lost?
Andy – Think you’ll attack our left back channel, Viera knows City well and we certainly don’t have a divine right to win, we’ll have to earn that all over the park.
TEB – Anderson’s long pass on the bounce to Zaha is the dream… Let’s see how well Guehi and Anderson match up to Haaland as well.
