5 reasons why Manchester City have started so well

Leicester City v Manchester City - Premier League
Guardiola away to Leicester City

#3 New signing Ederson

Manchester City v SSC Napoli - UEFA Champions League
Brazilian Ederson is the new number one

Last season City were unable to settle on a number one goalkeeper. The English goalkeeper and fan-favourite Joe Hart was an ever-present before the new manager had arrived.

Claudio Bravo was signed as a replacement for Hart in order to establish the new tactical system. A key to Tika-taka is that the goalkeeper acts as a sweeper that is able to find teammates with passes as well as any outfield player.

However, Bravo failed to impress and rotated with Willy Caballero for the keeper's jersey. Both would be awkward under high balls and often poor with the ball at their feet. Ederson's arrival has meant that the defence now has confidence in their goalkeeper.

Defenders Nicolás Otamendi and John Stones have excelled with Ederson behind them. They have the confidence to commit into challenges because they know a shot at goal can be saved. Now sitting on the bench, Bravo had an unwanted long run of conceding from every shot he faced.

Despite his Premier League career being in its infancy, Ederson looks assured with his feet and is a fine shot-stopper. He is vital in keeping out shots but also staring attacks.

He will be keen to continue his form with the World Cup 2018 in the summer as a starting place in the Brazil team is yet to be claimed.

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