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Whichever way you choose to look at it, Manchester City are on a roll, a seemingly unstoppable one at that! City ground out a 1-0 victory at St James Park against a feisty and spirited Newcastle side.
They looked far from their efficient, free-flowing at best, but as is the hallmark of all great teams, they managed to get the job done. We're fast running out of superlatives to describe this awe-inspiring team and unsurprisingly the final result we've come to expect from this City side has provided for some delicious stats. Here is a handful of them.
The Pass Masters
At the moment, Manchester City are clearly portraying the symptoms of a team managed by Pep Guardiola. One of the most obvious ones include the domination of possession stats as clearly seen above. Man City have managed to dictate several games this season with their Guardiola-esque passing strategy and if their results are anything to go by, it's been well worth it.
The Eagle Eye
Kevin De Bruyne has transformed into a powerhouse of a midfielder since his £55 million move to the blue half of Manchester in 2015. The midfielder has been nothing short of instrumental to City's fortunes, contributing to a plethora of goals and assists, picking out his teammates with frightening accuracy and intelligence. When he is at his sensational best, there is no telling what City could be capable of.
The Match Winner
Another wonderful story in the making! Raheem Sterling burst onto the scene during Liverpool's failed title challenge during the 2013-14 season. Following his transfer to Manchester City in 2015, his performances have been largely underwhelming over the last two seasons.
The same cannot be said, however, for this season, as he seems to be a player reborn and refined under the watchful eye of Guardiola. Sterling has managed to produce the goods consistently for City, even popping up with crucial late winners on more than one occasion. Once again, the stats speak loud and clear.
Record Breakers
What more can we say about this phenomenal City team that hasn't already been said? The records seem to be tumbling of their own free will when City get going. Another day, another one in the bag.
The Big One
Eighteen consecutive victories?! In what is arguably the most competitive league in the world?! Along the way, they've brushed aside top drawer teams and done it with a sprinkling of their own flair and panache.
Guardiola's contribution to the team's potency and success can be underestimated. Manchester City are by far and away the best team in Europe at the moment and you'd be hard-pressed to come by anyone who can stop them from being so.
