Defending champions Manchester City registered their first points in the 2021/22 Premier League season with a dominating 5-0 win over Norwich City. Playing at home, the Sky Blues saw four different players, including their £100 million buy Jack Grealish find the back of the net. Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul opened City’s account in the seventh minute with an own goal. 

Krul’s goal and Grealish’s deflection gave Manchester City a 2-0 lead at half-time. Defender Aymeric Laporte justified his selection over a seasoned Stones with a low stunner in the 64th minute that was followed by Raheem Sterling getting his name on the book 10 minutes after getting off the bench. Riyad Mahrez’s well-timed touch in the 84th minute sealed the game. Forward Gabriel Jesus also received a pat on his back for assisting two goals. 

Also read: Liverpool beat Burnley 2-0 before full house at Anfield

Pep Guardiola had made five changes from the starting 11 that lost 1-0 to Tottenham last weekend. Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus were brought in for Nathan Ake, Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez. Stones and De Bruyne weren’t included on the bench. 

It remains to be seen where Guardiola sees Grealish’s best position but his versatility will certainly come in handy, especially if City doesn’t manage to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham in this transfer window.

City has two players best suited to playing as a center forward — Ferran Torres and Jesus — and both started at Etihad Stadium, with Torres as the striker and Jesus on the right.

Manchester City play Arsenal, Leicester, Chelsea and Liverpool amoung their next five fixtures.