Skipper stood up when Blues needed a hero

Colossus. Giant. Leader. Legend. However hard you try to find the words to describe Vincent Kompany, they don’t seem to be enough.

Just when we thought that Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who cost his club almost €80m, was going to be the most influential figure in the Premier League’s greatest ever title race, the Belgian — who cost nearer €8m — provided a reminder of what the Dutchman has still to aim for and why champions City are favourites to retain their trophy.