This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Published on September 2, 2019, by AFP
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, David Silva, and Kevin de Bruyne were in fine form as they cruised to a 4-0 victory over Brighton, but the win came at a cost. Defender Aymeric Laporte suffered a nasty knee injury late in the first half, which could have a significant impact on the title race.
City's centre-back position is a concern, with Laporte being the team's standout player in this area. Despite the departure of Vincent Kompany at the end of last season, City decided not to sign more cover for this position.
Guardiola will be forced to rely on Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones, or move holding midfielder Fernandinho into defence if Laporte is sidelined for a long period.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rued missed chances as his side failed to win for the third straight game in a 1-1 draw against 10-man Southampton.
United have now won just one of their last 10 matches, and they look ill-equipped to deal with the rigours of a long campaign. Solskjaer insisted he is happy for Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to carry the goal-scoring burden, but with Martial out injured, Rashford had to bear that responsibility alone.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are blessed with attacking talent, with Nicolas Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starting together for the first time in Sunday's thrilling 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
