You could be forgiven for thinking the Premier League had never been away. Manchester City picked up where they left off at the end of their record-breaking season and, despite having tired legs and personnel that had missed most of preseason, took a comfortable victory at Arsenal. The shape of the team was different, but the outcome was the same -- and the signs are this could be another exciting campaign.
Positives
City looked rusty. But despite that, they were able to keep Arsenal at arm's length and, barring a 10-minute spell where the hosts got on top, the Champions never looked like giving up the points in their opening match of the season.