Man City critics are wrong about 10-game winning run but Liverpool FC and Arsenal should still worry
It's that time of year again. Manchester City have sorted out their issues and have begun one of their inevitable trademark winning runs. Liverpool and Arsenal had their chance, but the next four months will be a procession to the Premier League title for Pep Guardiola's winning machine.
That's the script we're hearing once more after City edged past a stubborn Everton side this weekend to make it ten wins in a row in all competitions. Six have come in the Premier League, with the Blues 13 unbeaten since the dismal defeat at Aston Villa that was a fourth game without a win in five games.
Winning the Club World Cup has helped morale, as has the return of most of City's injured players. Ten wins in a row is City's best run of the season, and talk has turned to how many more wins they can manage. Contrary to popular belief, though, City aren't yet at their best, and showed against Everton there is still room for improvement. That they still won and kept a clean sheet is a sign that the winning run may not show any signs of stopping just yet.
ALSO READ: Kevin De Bruyne forces Man City rethink after injury return
ALSO READ: Man City have survived without Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland and that is a problem for their rivals
The statistic that Erling Haaland's brace against Everton were his first Premier League goals since November raised eyebrows, but only until the context came that the striker was injured for two months and unavailable. Haaland is one of a number of key players back from injury, giving Pep Guardiola a full squad to pick from for the first time this season.
If Haaland can get back to his relentless scoring form, and De Bruyne can continue his contributions since returning - he has five assists and one