Dzeko can be City’s main man and inspire title retention

Against Newcastle, Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko, 20/1 to be Premier League top scorer this season, exhibited signs that he can compete to become the number one striker at the Etihad, despite Sergio Aguero’s best efforts in injury time.

His link-up play with David Silva delighted City fans, as exemplified with their first goal. The improvised back-heel into the on-rushing Spaniard was nothing short of inspired. Showing deft touches, and clever movement all game, Dzeko was a constant thorn in the side of the Magpies, and his assist for City’s first goal clearly clipped their wings.

There, reportedly, were worries for City this season, and there could still be against top teams. However, they seemed to pick up where they left off at the end of last campaign in their first match at St James’ Park.

Dzeko netted 16 times in the Premier League as City won the title in manager Manuel Pellegrini’s maiden campaign in England, and displayed evidence that he can certainly build on that going forward. The 28-year-old is approaching the peak of his career, and it is very rare for a striker to have players of the quality of Silva, Samir Nasri, and Yaya Toure supporting you.

Against Newcastle, Dzeko was partnered up front with Stevan Jovetic, who has had an impressive pre-season for City, having been injured for the best part of last campaign. Sergio Aguero, however, who is recovering from injury, came off the bench to show he is still as his instinctive best, as he dispatched at the second attempt, turning in after goalkeeper Tim Krul parried his first effort straight at him.

There had been doubts about the Argentine’s frame of mind going into the new season, with question marks hovering over whether he was mentally exhausted, after a toiling last 12 months, including a World Cup.

Knowing Alvaro Negredo has injured his metatarsal, and not due back until mid-autumn, and Aguero still recovering from injury, Dzeko has a serious chance to become the main man at City, who are 9/4 to retain the league this season.