Club Brugge 1-5 Manchester City: 5 talking points as Sky Blues deliver five-star performance | UEFA Champions League 2021-22

#3 Club Brugge lose defensive resolve after the break

Club Brugge faded after the break.

Club Brugge, despite falling 2-0 behind, had a good first half against Manchester City. They defended with all their might, closing down spaces in and around the area while also marking every white shirt closely.

However, in the second half, the hosts appeared to have lost some of that defensive momentum. They opened up more easily than before, and Manchester City cut a swathe through them with a series of quick and crisp passes.

The wide men, like Sterling and Walker, were completely unmarked, and both made use of the space in behind to make rampaging runs. Both also contributed directly goal-wise. Sterling drove up a few yards before setting up a cross for Palmer after Walker had stealthily got in behind the Brugge defence to score City's third.

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#2 Cole Palmer - remember the name

Palmer scored his first goal in Europe on the night.

Among the latest group of young colts to break into the Manchester City side is Cole Palmer. He made his debut last year, announcing himself with a goal in the EFL Cup in September.

On the night, the 19-year-old opened his account in Europe too, rounding off a fine pass from Sterling with a powerful finish through the middle.

Confident, accurate and perfectly-weighted, the goal was everything Palmer is. Minutes later, he returned the favour by setting one up for Sterling, who dragged his effort narrowly wide, though.

Nevertheless, nothing takes away from a sublime cameo from Palmer, whose talent was there for everyone to see. He highlighted that once again with a lively attacking performance. He's a star in the making.

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#1 Manchester City put up a vintage performance

Manchester City hit all the right notes on the night.

This was vintage Manchester City. Following their disappointing loss to PSG on matchday two, this win was very much needed to reaffirm their status as one of the competition's contenders this season.

The Sky Blues were rampant on the night. With a little more cutting edge in the final third, especially from Sterling, the scoreline could've been much bigger.

Yet, Pep Guardiola's juggernaut put up a fine performance, sort of what champions usually do. Even though they still have to go a long way before realising their European dream, this result could go a long way in boosting their confidence for the coming matches.