Pep Guardiola made it crystal clear after Manchester City's 4-1 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League last weekend that his Citizens side are "absolutely not" back to their best just yet.
However, there were a few positives to be taken from City's opening win of 2025, most notably the performance of Brazilian winger Savinho.
"He was brilliant. He is one of the few that is fresh. There were glimpses of brilliance," Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day after beating West Ham. "I'm really, really happy for the work ethic - it's unbelievable for all of us."
Man City have had to wait patiently for Savinho to put his stamp on matches since his summer arrival, and after showing glimpses of his quality earlier this season, the 20-year-old scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 win at Leicester City in their final fixture of 2024.
Savinho also assisted Erling Haaland in that match, before going on to contribute to Man City's first three goals in the victory against West Ham, putting in an eye-catching man-of-the-match display much to the delight of Guardiola and the Etihad Stadium faithful.
Man City's No.26 has previously admitted that he favours playing on the right wing, but it was on the left flank where he excelled on loan at Girona last season - scoring nine goals and assisting 10 in 37 La Liga games - and he has been a shining light in City's last two matches occupying that same space.
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"Relentlessly positive" Savinho set to "lock down" left wing role?
Savinho's starting spot on the left side of Man City's attack is now his to lose in the eyes of Citizens expert Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany, potentially forcing "predictable" duo Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku to continue watching on from the sidelines.
"I think City probably need him on the left right now. He seems very comfortable out there," McInerney told Sports Mole. "Obviously he played there for Girona a lot (last season) and he was very good at hitting the cross into, [Artem] Dovbyk. Now it's Haaland and I think [the left-wing role is] going to be a role he'll lock down.
"He's a really good crosser. I loved the cross for Haaland for the header (his first goal vs. West Ham). It was brilliant. I loved the way that he hit the cross so early and it's something that City do not do unless you're Kevin De Bruyne.
Most of City's team take too many touches, they slow it down...Savinho was a genius to take it first time and trust his ability to find Haaland at the back post.
"I think he'll play on the left for now. I think it works. I think Guardiola's quotes on [Jack] Grealish are incredibly brutal if I'm being honest. I think they're very telling right now and Guardiola essentially said after the game that Savinho's in the team because he's the best option, and he deserves to be there.
"Given that he's saying that after a couple of performances on the left, I don't see that changing. I think Savinho's going to stay there for a while."
Press play on the video at the top of this article to hear the full discussion.
Oliver Thomas
