Magical David Silva set for starring role in Man City title hopes

A cloudy West Midlands was the setting for Manchester City’s opening Premier League clash, contesting what looked like being a defiant West Bromwich Albion side set up by Tony Pulis at The Hawthorns.

Although, on Monday night, the Baggies succumbed to the immense attacking talents of potent playmaker David Silva, with the Spain international providing City with an uncontainable creative spark in a comfortable 3-0 triumph.

Three points took Manuel Pellegrini’s men top of the table after the opening weekend, a position they will hope to maintain, with the Sky Blues becoming 7/4 favourites to recapture the title with Coral after such a superb showing.

Star of the dominant Baggies triumph was little Spaniard Silva, who completely controlled proceedings, effortlessly releasing his fellow attackers and eye-catchingly linking-up with new signing Raheem Sterling.

Pellegrini was full of praise for his star attacker, admitting Silva’s performance was unbelievable at The Hawthorns.

“I enjoy seeing technical players play well. David [Silva] really played well, especially in the first-half. It was an unbelievable performance. He did not make any mistakes,” declared the Chilean coach, who recently extended his stay at the Etihad.

One man whose alarm bells will have been ringing after City’s dazzling performance, easily the most emphatic of the opening weekend, is Jose Mourinho, with The Hawthorns masterclass possibly making the Chelsea boss rethink his lack of transfer activity.

City have strengthened their ranks, and boosted their credibility with the homegrown quota, by capturing Sterling, Fabian Delph and Patrick Roberts this summer, but much speculation has surrounded Wolfsburg’s Kevin De Bruyne.

The former Stamford Bridge misfit flourished in the Bundesliga last term, also captivating the Europa League, becoming one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders across the top divisions, with City circling for his services.

It will take a huge offer to prize the Belgium international away from the Volkswagen Arena, but even if the former Chelsea flop does arrive, Silva will still maintain his key influence on the team, meaning Jesus Navas is possibly the one to lose his starting place.

An attacking trio consisting of Sterling, Silva and De Bruyne, featuring behind Sergio Aguero or Wilfried Bony, could ultimately sway the balance of domestic success in City’s favour this term, with Europe also a target (16/1 to win Champions League).

With France set to host Euro 2016 next summer, Spaniard Silva will undoubtedly have the competition in his thinking as it draws closer, having been bizarrely overlooked in the past at international level.

The combination of Silva and Sterling in little pockets of space during the Baggies victory was both graceful and damaging to their opposition, as the pair look set to enjoy a successful combination in City’s attack this term.

Yaya Toure’s power and strength from a deep midfield position is also a perfect complement to the slick passing and freeflowing creativeness of Silva, proving City have every aspect covered in their search of regaining the title from Chelsea.

Whatever progress the club have enjoyed since their historic Premier League victory in 2012, Silva has been instrumental, and the sensational Spaniard looks set to be the pivotal player in City’s next stab at silverware success.