Manchester City’s summer outlay was significant. It was an attempt by club chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, at righting some of the wrongs that undid Manuel Pellegrini’s side last season.
The squad desperately needed pace, and the average age needed reducing. City had looked stale and insipid too often in 2014/15 as Chelsea swept to the title almost unchallenged.
In came Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Fabian Delph, Nicolas Otamendi and Patrick Roberts.
So how have they fared? City have been far from perfect this season, but they remain in the hunt for four trophies and have played with more vigour than they did at any stage last season.