And now it’s time for our writers to choose their best game...
Paul Handler: City 7-2 Stoke
An absolutely spell-binding game. Seven goals for City, six different scorers and a man-of-the-match performance from Kevin De Bruyne that was even lauded by the Potters’ Twitter account.
That the score was 3-2 shortly after half time merely added to the surreal nature of the afternoon.
The three points were never in doubt, with De Bruyne’s incredible pass for City’s fourth goal - a top finish from Gabriel Jesus - the sort that comes along perhaps once a season.
What followed was the most satisfying of goals: an in-off-the-underside-of-the-bar screamer from Fernandinho. It was a joyous occasion and the crowd loved it.
Rob Pollard: City 2-1 Napoli
This was City’s toughest game of the season so far. Napoli currently sit top of Serie A and remain undefeated after 11 games having scored 32 goals. They’re an outstanding side capable of competing with the very best in Europe.
They came into this game having won their first eight league games of the season and it quickly became clear why their record was so impressive. Technically gifted with quality in every area, they moved the ball with speed and purpose and attempted to take the game to City.
But City found a way to contain them and were outstanding for half an hour, with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus making it 2-0 inside 15 minutes.
In truth, City were disjointed for much of the second half and Napoli found a way back into the match when Amadou Diawara scored from the spot, but they found a way of getting over the line and for the first time recorded three wins from their first three Champions League group games.
To come through a test as difficult at this without being at our best is testament to the improvements City have made this season.
Caroline Oatway: City 7-2 Stoke
My choice for ‘game of the month’ will probably not come as a surprise… few could look beyond a seven-goal haul!
Not that I saw too much of it. On Twitter commentary for the clash, most of my 90 minutes was spent setting my laptop keyboard alight, attempting to share the action with the social media world.
With nine goals, that’s no easy feat – and to complicate matters, City scored twice in two minutes… TWICE! Whilst trying to publish an accurate and poetic description of one goal, they’d scored another. Chaos!
The Blues were simply irresistible that day, carving open the Potters’ defence at will. Their response to Stoke’s fightback was equally impressive. Unlike in previous seasons, they did not falter and instead rekindled their sparkling form to produce one of their best attacking displays.
John Edwards: EDS 4-1 Derby
Simon Davies’ Elite Development Squad could be forgiven for feeling a little frustrated by the Premier League 2 so far this season.
Several performances have not yielded the three points they deserved, which is why the convincing win over Derby County was particularly pleasing.
The youngsters were patient and typically astute with their use of the ball against the disciplined Rams, with exquisite assists from Matt Smith and Ed Francis further evidence of the quality at this level.
It was a result which proved how devastating this team can be going forward and they’re attacking play was bolstered by the returning Lukas Nmecha, who showed no signs of rustiness after more than a month out to grab a second half hat-trick.
The manager was satisfied after and rightly so, it was a mature performance and a deserved win for his young side.
