Premier League 2017/18: West Brom 2-3 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points

As the Premier League headed into Gameweek 10 in England, leaders Manchester City continued their thrilling run of form after recording a 3-2 win at the Hawthorns. The first fifteen minutes saw three goals being scored, as City took the lead two times, subsequently going on to win the game.

Leroy Sane, Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling made it to the scoresheet for the Cityzens as Jay Rodriguez and Matt Philips fizzed two at home against the mighty league leaders. In another scenario, Manchester United emerged as worthy chasers after beating Tottenham 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Here are 5 talking points from the game as Guardiola's men maintained their 5-point lead at the top of the table:

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#5 Tony Pulis will rue the missed chances

Tony Pulis will regret the chances missed by Rondon and Krychowiak

To start with, West Brom were already facing a big hurdle in facing the Blues, having gone winless in their last eight games. Also, looking at the history of their clash, it did them no good knowing that they had 1 draw and 14 losses in their last 15 games versus Manchester City. To add further, West Brom were eliminated in the Carabao Cup by City in a 2-1 loss at home.

Guardiola's men have looked intimidating and the Hawthorns-based outfit were expected to be a little cautious with defence. Yet, City's stellar attacking prowess didn't deter West Brom from playing an attacking brand of football. They had a remarkable number of shots and chances under their belt, considering the scarcity of possession.

With Leroy Sane scoring in the 10th minute, Pulis' men were quick enough to equalize through Jay Rodriguez three minutes later. They showed great determination to fight back, after taking 6 shots in a mere 21.7% possession they had throughout the game.

Albeit West Brom netted twice, they could have held City to a draw. Rondon and Krychowiak had two headers denied by keeper Ederson, and they proved to be decisive in the fixture.

#4 The insanity of Leroy Sane

Leroy Sane continued his fiery form against West Brom

It would be a crime to call Leroy Sane a 'budding' youngster these days. He looks like an old head on young shoulders, given his impressive string of performances for the City.

Since the start of the season, the German has been displaying a rare sense of maturity you will ever get to see in a 21-year-old. While players of his age find it difficult to establish themselves in the senior team, this youngster is already becoming the cult hero in the Cityzens' folklore.

Sane provided another man-of-the-match performance for his team after scoring the first and setting up Fernandinho for his deflected goal against West Brom. The forward was equally effective in City's Carabao Cup win at the Hawthorns, scoring a brace as City progressed through to the next round.

Having played 600 minutes in 10 Premier League games, the 21-year-old has notched an impressive 5 assists and 6 goals. Should he continue his exploits, why, Sane might as well win the PFA Player of the Year this season.

#3 Guardiola extends Aguero's wait for glory

Aguero was benched by Guardiola for the game against West Brom

A major point to be noted. City fans have been waiting for weeks for their legendary Argentinian forward to break the deadlock of Eric Brook's 177-goal haul to become the all-time top scorer at the Etihad. Sergio Aguero is just one goal short of acquiring the feat.

The 29-year-old has seen a fine start to the season, having netted 8 goals in 10 games in all competitions for Manchester City. However, pressure seems to be taking its toll on the striker as he has inched closer to the record.

Aguero scored a penalty against Burnley to equal Eric Brook in City's scoring lists. However, an abysmal performance in a laboured victory against Wolves in the Carabao Cup saw the Argentine being benched by Guardiola for City's trip to West Brom. Aguero missed seven chances to score in that fixture.

The Spanish tactician opted to play Gabriel Jesus instead, which also proved to be fruitful for the 20-year-old Brazilian. Jesus now boasts a clean 35-match record in a year, with no losses to display.

With City travelling to Naples in the mid-week, will Aguero finally achieve his glory? All we can do is wait and watch.

#2 November challenges for West Brom

West Bromwich Albion have a tedious November to look at

What's next for Tony Pulis? Following a poor run of form, West Brom are now 14th in the league with 10 points, just two above the relegation zone. The Baggies showed a great fighting spirit throughout the ninety minutes, but Pulis is well aware that it's the scoreline that wins you games more than anything else.

Adding another ninety minutes to their eight-game winless run, Tony Pulis became a target for criticism by the home supporters. Albeit the manager has dismissed claims that he is closer to a sack, the dismal results might as well compel him to eat his own words.

West Brom have four league fixtures in November. After a trip to Huddersfield, they have tough fixtures with Chelsea and Tottenham in the weeks following the international break, before they take on Newcastle.

The Baggies can pick up points at Huddersfield, but that is still a doubt considering the fact that the Terriers are topping the bottom half of the table. While that's a 50-50, the current form guarantees losses in the next two games, unless we rely on unexpected results.

It would be better for Pulis to pray for luck if his side doesn't improve their performances in a tough November waiting for them.

#1 Can Guardiola's men match Wenger's Invincibles?

Guardiola has refuted claims of City equalling the unbeaten record of the Invincibles

Some people will already be expecting City to match the greatest Premier League club record, thanks to their rampant run of form. But, Pep Guardiola seems to be keeping firm feet on the ground, after refuting the possibility of achieving that feat.

No Barcelona. No Real Madrid. No Bayern Munich. It's the Spaniard's Manchester City who have been stealing the thunder for their stupendous displays in Europe. The Cityzens are playing the most exciting brand of attacking football at present.

Guardiola's men have lost only two points in a home draw against Everton this season, Since then, they have been breath-taking, winning eight games in a row. Having a glimpse at the statistics compels people to compare them to Wenger's Invincibles.

Albeit they are being touted to equal the feat, similar things happened to them last season when their performances dwindled unexpectedly in the second half of the season. And, Guardiola is well aware of it.

December is the most crucial month in the Premier League, owing to the number of matches being played before Christmas. One who survives the challenge has the highest chances of winning the league.

Chelsea and Liverpool have failed in halting City. But, they are yet to face Manchester United and Tottenham in December. While that is way far to think about, the Cityzens travel to Emirates next week to face Arsenal. It remains to be seen whether Wenger succeeds in neutralizing Guardiola's threat to his famous feat.