The start of Manchester City's treble defence has hardly been ideal. The inspirational captain has left, along with two other experienced players who played key roles in getting City to the top of European football.
Three replacements have arrived, but two are 21 and will need time to adapt. Then there is the long-term injury to talisman Kevin De Bruyne, with either illness or injury hitting John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Manu Akanji.
Oh, and the man who's made everything happen at City is currently 1000 miles away in Barcelona recovering from back surgery.
For City to win four games from four after the Community Shield loss on penalties is a fine return given the circumstances and scheduling hurdles.
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