After City’s defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the blue side of Manchester are in seventh, six points off the top of the table. But which players can breathe some life into their title challenge and fire them to the top?
Vincent Kompany
The captain has found injuries disrupting this season and last season as well. Inspirational during their title winning season two years ago, the Belgian has struggled to get a serious run of games going. In a team where defensively they have been a bit dodgy at the back, Kompany is needed to stabilise the team. An 80% tackle success rate highlights that City would rather him at the back than either Lescott or Demichelis. If he can get fully fit then City may not ship as many as they have been and will not be relying on their attack to get so goals.
Yaya Toure
How many teams would beg for a player like Toure in their side? Big, strong and athletic, Toure has it all. Chipping in with seven goals in 32 goals with five assists, the Ivorian midfielder stood heads and shoulder above all his opponents, not just literally of course, and proved his athletic ability when chasing back and knocking Antonio Valencia off the ball in the Manchester derby. He already has four goals in eight games this season and if he can continue this form then City may be able to put themselves back into the title race.
David Silva
When you have a man like Silva in your side you feel like you’ll always have a chance to score. The Spaniard is the man to unlock all defences and for players like Sergio Aguero then that is a godsend. Three assists in five matches and another 17 chances created this season has proven his worth to the side and he is near impossible to mark, popping up all over the pitch. If he continues in this vein all season then the likes of Aguero and Negredo will benefit and so may City as a whole.