DE BRUYNE AND STERLING START THE CITY BUS

THERE are many reasons why Pep Guardiola’s champions in waiting are thrilling the Premier League.

Serial man-of-thematch performances underline the fact Kevin De Bruyne (above) is one of the best midfielders in the world. If not the best.

The statistics behind Raheem Sterling’s goals and assists rival not just the best in England, but top European leagues.

Then there’s the way Manchester City play under Guardiola.

We simply have not been treated to such a brave, gung-ho, cavalier attacking style since Arsenal’s Invincibles of 2003-04 and Manchester United’s 1998–99 Treble winners.

While Guardiola’s side set out to win by entertaining, other teams are happy just to park the bus, sit deep, allow the opposition to dominate possession, and then attempt to play on the counter-attack.

City aside, the Premier League – usually so dramatic, competitive and unpredictable – has become too predictable.

Game after game, teams set out to defend – even at home.

Set out not to lose and anything else is a bonus.

That is why City are so good, so refreshing and such a breath of fresh air. Because they are so different. There are notable exceptions, of course.

Liverpool’s Fab Four go out to win. Mohamed Salah, Philippe Coutinho (below), Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane could never be boring.

Arsenal still try to entertain under Arsene Wenger, a manager who is committed to the beautiful game.

But who else? There are not enough teams really going for it. And it is in danger of making the Premier League worryingly drab. De Bruyne has been reinvigorated.

Never given a chance at Chelsea, he came back at Wolfsburg and is now reinvented at the Etihad. It is fabulous and a reminder that a player is not just dependant on ability – it’s also about opportunity and timing.

Sterling was not sure of his future at the start of the season.

But he fought and now his stats this season are comparable with the likes of Lionel Messi at Barcelona, and the rest.

Supporters ultimately demand more. Wenger has warned that football will become a turn-off unless the playing style changes.

And he’s right. City are the team, however, that are keeping us all entertained.