Manchester City have started better than Pep Guardiola and the players expected. With the bulk of the squad given an extended break after their involvement in the Euros over the summer, and three trips to London in the opening four weeks, City's coach warned they would not be at their best.
And yet, despite the absence of Rodri for all four games and Phil Foden for three of them, the Blues have nine points out of nine in the Premier League to follow a Community Shield victory over United.
There have been a number of standout stars, from Erling Haaland scoring seven goals to Rico Lewis dazzling with Kyle Walker watching on, but it is hard to escape the feeling that it all comes down to Guardiola.
To say he looked shattered after beating Arsenal to the Premier League title again in May, the manager looks fresh again and ready to drive his team to more trophies. READ MORE: I want to make my family proud at Man City - Pep Guardiola is helping READ MORE: Man City fixture anger shows why they must treat their own fans better Guardiola can no longer rely on two of the three principles he lays down to determine whether he stays at a club.