Manchester City created a new record in Premier League by winning 18 matches in a row. They broke the previous record of 14 wins held by Arsenal though a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace meant they fell short of equalling Bayern Munich’s 19-game run. The German football club achieved the record for major European leagues during the 2013-14 season. Nevertheless, Man City’s playing style is catching the fancy of football fans across the globe.

One man that must be credited with the success of the team is their manager, Pep Guardiola under whom Bayern had achieved the feat.

When the owners of Manchester City handed the reins of the team to Barcelona and Bayern Munich’s ex-coach, he has a vision in his mind. It is not as if City had not been champions before, but Guardiola style of play was certainly not part of those triumphs. Last season it started well for Pep and co but fell apart soon, only to never recover.

So, what sets the class of 2017 apart. Well the addition of German player, Leroy Sane has completed the attacking trio along with Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling. It is as if the missing part of his saw was found. The trio has been tearing apart teams. The three players have been scoring and assisting at will. They along with old warhorse David Silva have most of the goals for the team.

Not only the attack has been sorted out by super Pep, but he has also reinforced the side’s defence. It is here in enter Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mandy in the picture. Walkers enormous fee is being pointed out by many critics, but he has looked every penny the player Pep was looking at. Goalkeeper Ederson has been second only to the magical David de Gea this season in terms of performance, custodian so commanding in the box.

So, is Pep's galacticos the best? This debate was stirred when Everton striker Wayne Rooney calling his former team Manchester United the best English side. The 2008 team of Red Devils won a double of the league as well as European titles. Rooney put the onus on City to win titles to prove their greatness. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger too joined the debate claiming his Invincibles of 2003 were the best. His theory revolved around financial might of City and how back in 2003 he with limited resources lead a team to the title undefeated.

Well, it is too early to declare a side as the all-time best when we are midway into the season, but in terms of sheer gameplay, the Manchester City have set a standard. But like the great Manchester United and Arsenal sides, they have created a new set of fans, a new brand of football which is here to stay for years.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2018 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).