City showing togetherness from opening day - Allen | OneFootball

City showed the togetherness in the victory over Chelsea that has brought us so much success in recent years, according to former striker Clive Allen.

After winning the Premier League in the previous four seasons, Pep Guardiola’s side began our challenge for a fifth crown with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

Erling Haaland marked his 100th appearance for the Club with his 91st goal before Mateo Kovacic’s superb second wrapped up the three points.

But despite some impressive individual performances, Allen says it’s the team ethic that stands out and will make Pep Guardiola delighted with our start to the campaign.

WATCH: Brief highlights: Chelsea 0-2 City

“It's a start of the season where you see that united group, that group that's so together, working for each other,” the former City man said on Matchday Live. “Whether you're come on or come out, everyone's playing their part.

“They understand that, they feel that and that real connection with the supporters is so important, really in contrast to Chelsea.

“City were outstanding. It was a test for them, we didn’t know what we were going to get with Chelsea but what we saw is what City are all about, so consistent.

“The manager has a smile on his face, he’s happy with that start.”

With a busy summer much of our squad following the European Championship, preparations for the new campaign have not been ideal.

Spain and England reached the final of EURO 2024 and of the four players that featured in the final, only Phil Foden played any minutes against Chelsea, and that was only as a second half substitute.

Rico Lewis was outstanding at full-back and Allen says the 19-year-old is a huge asset to the squad after breaking through from the Academy.

“Not only in the role of right-back, we know he can play in many positions, he’s a massive asset to the squad,” he added.

“I think you can see the manager appreciates not only her performance, but what he’s giving the team and giving the squad.

“He’s young, he’s energetic, he’s hugely talented and he showed that.”

Matchday Live will be back on Saturday at 13:45 (UK) as Ipswich come to the Etihad Stadium for our first home game of the season.

Guardiola is always wary of the threat of newly-promoted sides, particularly early in the campaign.

Kieran McKenna’s side kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool and Allen says they are capable of causing Premier League teams plenty of problems.

“They will have learned a great deal from the Liverpool game,” he said. “They were bold, they were brave, almost going man-for-man in the early stages but Liverpool eventually wore them down with some quality play.

“It’s whether they can maintain that over 90 minutes in every game.

“Kieran’s a very bright young manager, I’m sure he’s going to analyse it, the things they did well and the things they will need to tweak.

“It’s the most difficult of starts, Liverpool at home then City away in the first two, but I think they’ll surprise a few teams in the Premier League.”