NEW REIJN OF TERROR

Pep's midfield maestro ready to lead fresh era of success

- By Nick Pattison

IT might have been - shock, horror - a trophyless return for Pep Guardiola last season but there was nothing to suggest that lightning will strike twice.

Yes, it was an uncharacteristic fall from grace as a campaign of much promise collapsed around them at the Etihad.

But this one certainly started out on the right foot as the sun kissed 3,000 fans in the bottom of the Steve Bull stand crowed about being back on top of the Premier League.

Two goals from Erling Haaland sandwiched between one from the excellent Tijjani Reijnders and a late effort from Rayan Cherki rounded off a more than satisfactory outing in the Black Country, where late former star Diogo Jota was saluted.

The rest of the country has been busy writing off the chances of Guardiola returning to his lofty perch.

The bookies have seen prices drifting as Liverpool and Arsenal grabbed the punters' attention.