Man City: 5 Key Points From Newcastle Victory

Manuel Pellegrini's reign at Manchester City began with a resounding 4-0 triumph over Newcastle United on Monday night, resulting in a flurry of praise being heaped on the former Champions from all directions. From that performance, it's fair to say that the team looks to be refreshed and charged under the new manager, but what are the key points that we can take from the game?

5. Edin Dzeko

Very much an enigma last season, the Bosnian striker seems to be a new man under Pellegrini's stewardship. Often berated for his first touch and passing abilities over his two and a half years at City, on Monday night he proved that he can do everything that a target man should do €“ His link-up play was sublime and he held the ball up brilliantly, all that he was missing was a goal. Perhaps if he had bagged one early on, he would have gone on to convert a couple more of the chances he was handed. However, it seemed as though he just became more and more frustrated as the game progressed. It was interesting to see Pellegrini's reaction too. Perhaps Mancini would have brought him off with around 20 minutes to go, with Negredo on the bench and no doubt itching to make his debut. However, the Chilean decided to give him the full 90 minutes, maybe to allow him as much chance as possible to notch the goal he so desperately craved? It's this patience and confidence which is aiding Dzeko's resurgence.