One week, two wins, and a shift in mood around City
Two games. Two wins. The mood around Manchester City has changed, and it has changed quickly.
It was only a week ago that the Blues were licking their wounds after a 3-0 FA Community Shield defeat to Arsenal in Cardiff. The manner of that display had raised eyebrows, and there were plenty of questions circling the squad. A summer of departures will do that.
So far this summer, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Nathan Ake, John Stones, James Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders, Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Nico Gonzalez have all left the club. A host of young players have also been sent out on loan. It has been a significant clear-out, and the new faces are still settling in.
But the response on the pitch has been encouraging. Last Sunday, City had to come from behind to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Etihad, and they did it late. Marco Rose's side dropped deep for much of the second half, yet City's second-half display was strong enough to limit the visitors to just one chance of note.
Then came Friday night at Selhurst Park. A 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, with Pierre Sage's side carved open time and again. The link-up play between Phil Foden, Nico O'Reilly, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, Elliot Anderson and Erling Haaland was a joy to watch.
The rebuild is still a work in progress, but the early signs are promising. City are on the verge of signing right winger Allan from Palmeiras, and there is potential for Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez to follow. But for now, the countdown to the next Premier League fixture against Coventry City can begin.