Manuel Pellegrini is introducing his new signings to the starting 11 in stages: the forwards at a later date with the midfield men first. Navas and Fernandinho had a transformative effect, representing a significant upgrade on the displaced pair of Samir Nasri and Gareth Barry.
The Brazilian brought power and an admirable passing range, while the Spaniard and his eager assistant Pablo Zabaleta subjected Newcastle's makeshift left back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to a torrid time. "Navas was running the whole match," said his manager, Pellegrini. More accurately, he was sprinting. Navas was City's own lightning Bolt, performing his impression of Jamaica's serial gold medallist.
The Brazilian brought power and an admirable passing range, while the Spaniard and his eager assistant Pablo Zabaleta subjected Newcastle's makeshift left back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to a torrid time. "Navas was running the whole match," said his manager, Pellegrini. More accurately, he was sprinting. Navas was City's own lightning Bolt, performing his impression of Jamaica's serial gold medallist.
Fernandinho is another with a quick turn of foot. Perhaps his most telling contribution was to set up a shot for Edin Dzeko by winning the ball 25 yards from the Newcastle goal; the dispossessed Fabricio Coloccini was caught unaware by the Brazilian's ability to press at pace. "Fernandinho has worked hard the whole game," added Pellegrini.
He has brought a change of tack and of tactics. The holding midfield role has been abolished; Fernandinho has too much energy to stand still. Despite the best efforts of Arsenal and Manchester United to spend more, Fernandinho represents the biggest buy in the Premier League this summer. Expenditure brought excellence.
He has brought a change of tack and of tactics. The holding midfield role has been abolished; Fernandinho has too much energy to stand still. Despite the best efforts of Arsenal and Manchester United to spend more, Fernandinho represents the biggest buy in the Premier League this summer. Expenditure brought excellence.
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