After a 100 per cent start, which included that fantastic derby win, can Manchester City fans really dream of a title shot? Sven-Goran Eriksson has worked the kind of magic England fans yearned for and has already become a hero at Eastlands.

Opening wins against West Ham and Derby were good, solid performances, but they upped their game to take maximum points against arch-rivals United. Three points and top spot in the table – it doesn't get much better for City fans!

The signs are there that Sven has a group of players who are punching above their weight, giving their all to push forward the revolution in the blue half of the city. In Micah Richards, they have an inspirational defender who appears to have a great future, and thousands of the faithful will be hoping he continues his career at their beloved club. The way he flung himself into every tackle, every header with such vigour and precision was a joy to watch.

‘This season may be a touch to soon for the Champions League dream, but the future looks bright for City’


City follow up this win with tricky trips to Ewood Park and the Emirates, and should they remain unbeaten then maybe the dream of a title challenge can continue that little bit longer. It would be unwise to get too carried away with the wave of jubilation, but at the same time after such a long period in the wilderness you cannot begrudge City supporters their moment in the sun.

Do they have the resources and staying power to mount a serious assault on the top four? Well, this season may be a touch to soon for the Champions League dream, but the future looks bright – as long as the cash keeps coming in, albeit from a disreputable source and one that could, in theory, stop instantly.

Let’s hope Sven is there for the long term. He will at least be pleasantly surprised to find himself as a saviour in the English game as opposed to the pounding he got during his reign as national coach. He is clearly more suited to the club game and is undoubtedly the calibre of manager that many top sides would have been interested in snaring. But City got their man, and his name and reputation have helped secure signings who wouldn’t have considered a move to the club before he arrived.

If you look at the way the big four have started their campaigns, they appear unconvincing at best and shaky at worst. Chelsea are leaking goals, Arsenal are sturdy but unspectacular, Manchester United are experiencing their worst start for many years and Liverpool are still not running at full power despite the win at Aston Villa and being robbed on Sunday. So, maybe a new side can catch one of these teams off their game and sneak into the coveted Champions League spot. Spurs were favourites to do it this time around, but their challenge has barely materialised after two defeats followed by that 4-0 thumping of Derby.

Martin Jol’s men are not out of the picture, but I expect Everton and City to be more likely contenders to threaten the recent monopoly at the head of the table. I expect Tottenham to drastically improve on their current form, especially when Ledley King and Aaron Lennon return from injury, but they may find themselves with a mountain to climb by then. But, for now, it's Eriksson surprising everyone – not least City's own fans.