New recruits bring 'perfect balance'

When Manchester City were first linked with Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi in January, there were the usual critics hitting out at the supposed greed and financial muscle. Some claimed sporting director Hugo Viana's business and approach to the market was unnecessary.

Into their third month at the club, and both Semenyo and Guehi are not only proving to be worth every penny, but also highlighting why they very well could be the ultimate difference-makers in the Premier League title race.

At Elland Road on Saturday, there were nerves from some City supporters when it emerged Erling Haaland would miss out entirely with an injury sustained in training. But in Semenyo, they have one of the most tactically versatile attacking players in the division - a physically imposing forward with an eye for goal.

And at the other end of the pitch, when riding the storm of a fierce Elland Road atmosphere and an intense Daniel Farke outfit looking to be brave and impose themselves in transition and on set-pieces, Guehi stood tall and outlined why he is more than just a graceful, ball-playing centre-back

The former Palace captain was rough, tough and determined to put his body on the line for the cause. He seems adored by the likes of Ruben Dias and Gianluigi Donnarumma alongside him.

With their two most recent recruits, City are finding the perfect balance of winning games in a tight manner in terms of scoreline, while also imposing their controlled game-play and slick passing system. They're doing it all while being willing to fight for every cause in defensive areas.

Viana and Manchester City had to get it right in January, and the victory at Leeds highlighted more than ever that they did just that.

This wasn't a recruitment drive just about denying Premier League rivals the opportunity to sign two of the very best operators in the division, but more about identifying and bringing in names that seem like they have been Etihad Stadium stars for the past decade.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra