Elliot Anderson opens up on his early days at Man City after Crystal Palace test
By Luke Oluoch, August 29, 2026Manchester City’s Elliot Anderson has opened up on his early days at the club, describing how he is improving with every training session and match alongside his new teammates.
The former Nottingham Forest midfielder was the marquee addition of Man City’s summer transfer window, commanding a club-record fee, and he admits that his price tag brings extra pressure as he begins life with the Sky Blues.
The England international joined City’s midfield for a second consecutive game as Enzo Maresca’s side cruised to a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Friday night, August 28, 2026, moving them to the top of the Premier League standings with six points.
Speaking after the match on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Anderson reflected on his adaptation to the team during this transitional period following Pep Guardiola’s historic decade-long tenure.
“I enjoyed it today. I have had a few more sessions, and I feel like I am getting better. I am always nervous when I step onto the pitch, but my first start at the Etihad was pretty special. It is a big price tag, which everyone is talking about, but I am just trying to do my best and learn on the job. An era has come to an end at City, and a new one is beginning now,” the England ace said.
He also lauded the quality across the former Premier League champions’ squad, singling out Phil Foden and match-winner Rayan Cherki, who bagged a brace alongside Erling Haaland’s two-goal performance:
“Watching Cherki and Foden, I am just so happy to be playing with them rather than against them. The talent is scary,” he added.
Meanwhile, speaking of the encounter, Maresca hailed his charges’ commitment during the rout.
Maresca placed particular emphasis on the dedication shown by his players when they did not have possession of the ball.
Difficult start
City endured a difficult opening spell as their initial pressing approach failed to work as intended. The team subsequently made adjustments and gained greater control of proceedings.
“I think the performance overall was good. We struggled for the first five or ten minutes because we were pressing in the wrong way, and then we adjusted something.
“We were in control. We scored four and could probably have scored more, and we didn’t concede chances.
“Especially I liked the sacrifice and the desire off the ball.
“If we are able to match the desire and intensity of different opponents, I think with the quality that we have, we can do something important.”