Crystal Palace 0 – 1 MAN CITY – MY THOUGHTS

Five games in to the season, this was far too fledgling a moment to be called pivotal. What happens in the first handful of matches does not define the campaign. It may set the foundations, but no titles are won or lost based on events this early on. And yet, when Kelechi Iheanacho pounced in the last minute to poke home and grant City the victory, it felt hugely significant.

The away end descended into chaos, limbs flung everywhere as sun-drenched supporters cascaded forward to join the bedlam. The emotion was raw, it was pure, it was carnage. Eyes wide open, fists pumping and a smile that told you everything, Kelechi’s excitement was clear to see. His teammates burst towards him, arms in the air, victory etched in their faces. This was not just three points. This was a last-gasp win delivered in the most dramatic of circumstances, arriving after a pulsating, hard-fought affair. This was a win that maintained City’s perfect start to the season.

Much will be written now about Kelechi’s impact and how a star has been born. If that is a touch premature, then what was clear to see at Selhurst Park was an instinct that will stand him in good stead. An instinct to sniff out goals, to seek chances, to do what all the best strikers do and that is to be in the right place at the right time.

From his limited appearances in pre-season and in the U18s, U19s and EDS at City, he evidently has something about him. Not short of confidence, there is a swagger about him, a huge bank of self-belief that will carry him a long way. Married to his obvious potential, he will be one to watch, hopefully spurred on by this taste of success.

His goal, on his toes, anticipating the loose ball, gave City the victory they deserved. It was never likely to be an easy game away to Palace, who match an ability to snarl and fight with electric pace on the break, but they were reduced to few attempts. That said, it felt to me at the ground as if the home side missed an opportunity. With the game goalless heading into the final few minutes, with City missing Silva, Sterling and Aguero, and with the home supporters finally roused into action, it seemed like there was a chance for Alan Pardew to attack a little, to gamble in search of the three points. Instead, he took off Sako and Bolasie, whose fleet of foot had been their main outlet, and introduced a holding midfielder as he settled for a point. Consequently, City could throw a couple more bodies forward without the danger of being hit on the counter-attack and as Yaya Touré and Samir Nasri took up residence on the edge of Palace’s box, the likelihood of a visiting goal increased hugely.

That it came so late added to the tension, but it was just reward for what had been a battling display, full of spirit and with enough moments of quality. Chances had been spurned, with Nasri, Bony and, most invitingly of all, Navas guilty, but City combined toughness with touch to dominate proceedings.

Kevin De Bruyne was forced into an early debut and impressed with his willingness to get involved and make things happen. Wilfried Bony’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play was essential, while Fernandinho continued his superb start to the campaign as he shielded the back four and prompted attacks. Further back, Bacary Sagna was solid once more, Vincent Kompany set the standard at the heart of defence, and after a shaky spell Eliaquim Mangala settled.

Against tough opponents, this was just the type of performance City needed. If not quite as free-flowing as seen previously this season, it was all about adapting to the situation. That they did that and came away with all three points bodes very well indeed.

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