Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Enzo Maresca described his first Premier League win as Manchester City boss "the perfect day", but also conceded that his side remain a "work in progress" after beating Bournemouth. That was evident for all to see as Marc Guehi hauled up surprisingly in midfield and Rico Lewis was staged at right-back. Neither will be expected to continue the campaign in those positions.
But City are worryingly short of options. Their performance bearing all the hallmarks of the unfinished article Maresca referenced. Man City will not challenge Arsenal or any side at the top in this condition, with so many of their best stars obviously undercooked.
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were both muted. Elliot Anderson lost more duels than he won. Guehi is just not a central midfielder.
But if City can continue to win games while Maresca figures things out, there is reason for optimism. All of those players will get sharper. Guehi will return to being a defender.
And help will arrive from elsewhere, with Ayyoub Bouaddi's signing on the horizon. City know they have work to do before the transfer window shuts. What felt like an afternoon destined to end in disappointment and frustration morphed into one of success for Maresca.
The Italian can take credit for the changes he made in the second half to ensure his Etihad bow ended all smiles. He won't be so lucky every week.Laura Hunter Alexander Isak was back at St James' Park. One of the strangest things about his emotional reunion with Newcastle was how little impact he had.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
