Manchester City got off to a winning start in the Premier League on Sunday, beating Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Despite only welcoming back some players at the start of last week, Pep Guardiola oversaw a good victory in west London, with Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic getting the goals for the visitors.
It was a good response from Manchester City to Arsenal, who had beaten Wolves on Saturday.
Arsenal are being tipped to win the league this season having twice run City close.
But the win over Chelsea was just a reminder that City will be going full steam ahead for a fifth straight league title.
There were a number of strong performances for City, and one man who has been coming in for a lot of praise since the game is Rico Lewis.
Shay Given blown away by how good Rico Lewis was for Man City against Chelsea
Pep decided to start Rico Lewis at right-back against Chelsea, with Walker one of the players only just returning last week.
Walker had, of course, been heavily involved at Euro 2024 with England, and this first game came just a bit too soon for him, Phil Foden – who replaced the injured Savinho at half-time – and John Stones.
So Lewis got the nod – and he did not let his manager down. He never does.
Lewis was superb inverting into midfield and rarely gave the ball away. and he made one brilliant clearance at the back post to prevent Pedro Neto scoring on his debut for Chelsea.
After the game, Pep lauded Lewis and insisted that he ‘does everything good’, calling him ‘a top, top player’.
The praise continued for Lewis on Match of the Day 2, with Shay Given left seriously impressed by his performance.
The former City goalkeeper said: “Pep mentioned him after the game. He was so special today, he really was. I know Kyle Walker is a fantastic right-back as well, but Rico gives you something different.
“He is really comfortable when he goes inside and picks up them pockets, his awareness. He’s just really easy on the eye, he’s always scanning. He’s always aware of what’s around him.”
On the clearance at the back post to stop Neto scoring, Given added: “Now you’re asking, can he defender. You can see him scanning. Can you defend that back post? Too right he can. He’s aware of where Neto is.”
Lewis is special
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It is brilliant to see Lewis getting so much praise since Sunday’s game, because he 100% deserves it.
The youngster was superb in pre-season and it was right that he got to start against Chelsea – and many fans will now hope he keeps his place in the side.
Walker was not at his best last season, and he should now have to earn the shirt back off Lewis.
Lewis, still only 19, has shown that he is capable of being a regular starter in this City side and he truly has the potential to become world-class if given the appropriate game time.
Between him and Savinho, and with Oscar Bobb to come back later on in the season, that right side for City is in a very healthy spot.
