City's possession statistics tell their own story

LEGEND . . . Les Chapman.

IT was great to see Manchester City getting their new Premier League season off to a perfect start at Brighton.

The newly-promoted team had a brief 10-minute spell early in the second half when they threatened a bit, but apart from that City totally dominated once again.

I think the stat read that City had 78-per-cent possession throughout the game, and that pretty much tells its own story.

That happened a lot last season, with City having so much of the ball, but too often there was frustration when the results didn't always go their way.

Hopefully this season City have got the talent in the squad to make sure they go and capitalise on all that possession and dominance in games.

I must say that looking at City's squad now, it's so, so strong.

There is an immense amount of quality going forward, it's frightening really.

It must be frightening for opposition defences when they come up against City's forward line.

Not only is there Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus up top, the midfield love to push on in the form of players like Kevin de Bruyne and the magical David Silva.

The defence looks really solid too, and with full-backs Kyle Walker and Denilo pushing on as though they're wingers, it's clear to see that this team will score lots of goals.

So it was good news that the first game was negotiated without too many traumas, now it's time to start thinking about Everton at the Etihad in the next game on Monday night.

Of course Wayne Rooney is back there now and he made a dream return with the winner against Stoke at the weekend.

For him to go back to his home-town club must have given everyone at Goodison Park a boost.

He'll be a threat on Monday because he is still a great player.

Rooney might not be as mobile now as he once was, but he'll always score goals and he'll inspire and encourage those around him.