THE PEP BLITZ'S ON ALRIGHT!

The genius that is Pep Guardiola. ((c)dailymail.co.uk)

   Manchester City thumped Crystal Palace 5-0 yesterday at the Etihad, thanks to a double from Sterling, and goals from German whiz Leroy Sane, Kun Agüero, and a peach from former Aston Villa employee Fabian Delph. Top of the table, and he looks to go all the way. Are you watching, Sir Alex?

   The previous campaign ended without honours for the usually successful Spanish manager. His side finished third, just ahead of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool. Many claimed he wasn't ready for the fast-paced English game, some said he wasn't worth all the fuss, while his admirers warned he'll be back strongest. Yeah, we see your biceps, Senor Guardiola. Unbeaten, winning all but one against former clubmate Ronald Koeman's Everton. Goals? They've hit the 20-goal mark domestically. Talk about being ruthless. This Manchester City side have the resemblance of a pack of wolves ready to tear apart any defence. Just ask Liverpool. The game at Etihad was a true lesson in how you take your chances. The Merseysiders played pretty well, but the Citizens had just too much in their locker. Sadio Mané's red card opened the floodgates for the remaining four. All four strikers thwacked the net that day (Aguero, Jesus, Sterling, Sane twice). Attacking football at his best.

And hey, his fullbacks put in their fair share of the offensive play. Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy, and Danilo formerly of Real Madrid, show the mentality the gaffer has of defenders. Dogged defending, and also deadly in attack. We can't ignore John Stones and Nic Otamendi. They've let in two twice all season, and have hit the back of the net too. You'd bet José's seeing flashes of Pep's Barcelona.

You'll want to ask where Lionel Messi is? Well, he's not got the magician; but he certainly has an illusionist alright. David Silva is his name. Pellegrini still irked about his new hairdo. Top of the assists chart with 6 in the Premier League. No wonder Kun Agüero's level on top of the scoring charts with Lukaku and headman Morata. Technically gifted, and brilliant at finding teammates (and in such tight spaces too), is why he's earned the nickname Merlin. So yeah, we see Guardiola's got Houdini's cousin.

   The question is? How can you stop such a team? Recent results have shown you: you cannot stop them. You just have to hope they have a bad day or you've got a deal with Lady Luck. As it seems, that's the only thing you can do. Pep's on his bike, and everyone's chasing now. Fill up your fuel tanks, José.

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