Gael Clichy promises Manchester City will play attractive football 'from today to the last game'

Manuel Pellegrini's side began the season with a 4-0 win over Newcastle

Gael Clichy (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City defender Gael Clichy believes the team met their expectations in terms of style and substance in their season-opening win over Newcastle.

City thrashed the 10-man Magpies 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Monday to get their Barclays Premier League campaign off to a flying start.

It was also a perfect first game for new manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has been told his task is not only to win silverware at City, but to do so in style.

Clichy feels they impressed on both required fronts as they overran Newcastle from the outset to win with slick attacking football.

The Frenchman said: "When you play for a team like City you always want the three points.

"The ideal game is to play attractive football, score goals and create chances but at the end of the day the most important thing is three points.

"On Monday night we did that, with the way we played as well. We can be happy with the result.

"It was a good performance defensively and offensively and hopefully we can carry on like this. It was a great game.

"Away from home it will be more difficult but it is a good way of starting the season.

"We are going to play like this (in approach) from today to the last game."

City's performance evoked memories of when they launched their title-winning 2011-12 campaign with a 4-0 win over Swansea.

They went on to win 12 and draw two of their first 14 games to lay the foundation for a memorable season.

Last year the story was different as they never truly shook off a sluggish start and were unable to mount a strong defence of their title.

Clichy, 28, said: "Last season was last season - it has gone.

"There is nothing we can do about it but it is always nice to start the season they way we did, in front of the fans as well.

"It was a great performance from the strikers to the defenders and we cannot ask for more."

PA