Man City have to do these three things before next international break

Dust off the cobwebs because we're back in business baby. There's nothing quite like that buzz immediately after an international break and, for good reason, there's a spring in the Manchester City step.

Seven matches came and went for the Blues between the September and October international breaks, with City going unbeaten across all seven. A solid return, not least considering the stuttering start to the campaign, which saw Pep Guardiola's side lose two of their opening three league matches.

The five wins and two draws against Manchester United, Napoli, Arsenal, Huddersfield Town, Burnley, Monaco and Brentford, should be considered a step in the right direction. But, it wasn't perfect, and between now and the next time domestic football pauses for international competition, with a bit of luck we'd have seen City do these three things.

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Consistent performances across 90 minutes

Oh, how the last couple of weeks could've been much different had City slipped up in the final minutes of their win over Brentford. After a stellar first-half showing, the 2023 Treble winners were unable to keep their foot on the gas, and had their backs up against the wall for a portion of the second period.

That's fine, of course, as this City team are still learning. There are plenty of new faces in the squad and after the horror show of last season, building up that muscle memory of how to see matches out will be key to any long-term success.

Regardless, playing well for 45 minutes and hanging on for the second half isn't conducive to success. It's time for a solid, consistent and uneventful 90 minutes of match-winning football.

Goals, goals, goals

'It's been 84 yearsssss'... at least that's how long it feels since a player not named Erling Haaland scored a goal for City. In truth, Matheus Nunes' strike against Burnley was only three matches and three weeks ago.

But still, the point (somewhat) stands: City need more goals from players not named Erling Haaland.

The striker's form is definitely something to behold and City's attacking play is certainly geared towards servicing Haaland as much as possible, yet it can't just be down to him. Be that from the wingers, midfielders or defenders, it's time to chip in more.

Purple patch becomes regular

And finally, how good would it be if Jeremy Doku's September form blossomed into something City could rely on throughout the season and beyond? The Belgian was arguably the best player on the pitch in four of City's last seven matches, with Doku enjoying his best month in a blue shirt.

It's not that he hasn't shown signs of brilliance in the past, because he has. But there have also been plenty of frustrating periods too. Something has changed for the mesmerising winger and it's got all City fans licking their lips.

Doku's time is now, and if he can step into the role that City's attack is crying out for, he'll be on course for a spot in the Premier League Team of the Season.