Sheffield United game could spark Kalvin Phillips change at Man City

Build on Newcastle

It has become accepted that Manchester City start slowly.

That might be a bit like saying Usain Bolt never got going until the 20-metre mark, but the Blues have made a habit of dropping at least some points at the beginning of their Premier League campaign. Remarkably, the last time they won their opening three games was Pep Guardiola's first season at the Etihad back in 2016.

They won nothing that season so a good start is no guarantee of trophies, but here City have the chance to build on a promising start on the pitch. If they were going to drop any early points, a home game against an excellent Newcastle side days after they were in Athens for the Super Cup looked the most likely option.

ALSO READ: The Man City trailblazer adored by Oasis and studied by Guardiola

Instead, they dug deep and controlled their latest rivals from start to finish for an important three points. After a week of rest, there is now a real opportunity to get to the first international break with maximum points.

To do that, they will need to beat Fulham at home next week and Sheffield United on Sunday. It is never easy at this ground and Guardiola doesn't like playing promoted sides so early, but everything from the opening two games points towards a big opening for City.

Phillips window

This is City's final match before the transfer window closes. There will be more movement in the last week than the Blues are used to and that may yet include Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips set out his desire to stay at the club early in the summer, yet has played precisely zero minutes in the opening four matches. If he doesn't feature on Sunday, and especially if the club bring in another midfielder, do things change?

No Pep factor