An embarrassment of riches for Manchester City

There were plenty of reasons to take seriously Manchester City’s status as favourites to win the Premier League title after watching them dominate Saturday’s match at the Amex Stadium. 

There was the familiar skill, movement, and vision of Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva in midfield, there was the cutting edge provided by Sergio Aguero, who made the breakthrough after 70 minutes of battering at a stubborn home defence. There was an unusually solid-looking defensive system, albeit one rarely challenged by defensively-minded opponents.

And then there was the bench. Riding the pine were Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, who appeared as second-half substitutes, and new arrival Bernardo Silva from AS Monaco, who did not even get to his feet — three players who cost an average of around £40 million each. When £52m (€57m) Benjamin Mendy, also from Monaco, is fit, Danilo, at a mere £26.5m from Real Madrid, is certain to face an increased risk of splinters in his backside.