Edin Dzeko has started the season in red hot form, scoring seven goals in four matches. The latest of those came when Dzeko scored four times in a match for the second time in his career on August 28, as he helped put Tottenham to the sword in a 5-1 thrashing at White Hart Lane.
After a tough start to life in the Barclays English Premier League, Edin Dzeko insists he is now starting to repay the faith shown in him by the Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina striker has started the season in red hot form, scoring seven goals in four matches. The latest of those came when Dzeko scored four times in a match for the second time in his career on August 28, as he helped put Tottenham to the sword in a 5-1 thrashing at White Hart Lane.
In doing so, he has topped the Barclays English Premier League scoring chart and has already equalled his goal-scoring tally from last season.
But it has not been all plain sailing for the 25-year-old.
Dzeko arrived in England in January from Wolfsburg with a reputation for being one of the continent's most clinical goal-scorers, but was quickly written off as an expensive flop after struggling to make an impact. The GBP 27m striker seemed to be struggling under the burden of that big price tag, although he has proved his worth quickly this year. And now he is keen to keep repaying Mancini for the remainder of the season by staying at the top of the scoring table.
“I am happy that he kept faith in me because I think that's the most important thing in football — that the coach and the players around you believe in you,” Dzeko said.
“The beginning was hard for me, but I wanted to have a full pre-season with the team. Now I have had that and I know the league better. I feel much stronger than last season.
“Thinking about the Golden Boot is too far ahead. I don't think about that. I think every striker's dream is that but it's not the priority for me.”
City were criticised last season for not playing attacking football but they have now racked up 12 goals in three matches, thanks in no small part to the Bosnian's scoring feats.
Another complaint aimed at Roberto Mancini's men was that his squad were only at the Etihad Stadium to boost their bank balances, but Dzeko disagrees.
“Everyone when they speak about Manchester City only talks about how we spend money,” Dzeko said. “Of course, we spend but other teams spend as well.
“I think we showed what we can do. When you play football like that, it is amazing and everyone wants to play football like that.”
Dzeko's performances, and the arrival of Sergio Aguero, have meant that City have barely been affected by Carlos Tevez's pleas to leave the club.
The Argentina striker was a spectator at White Hart Lane that Sunday, where the former Manchester United hit-man did not even come off the bench.
With Tevez and Mario Balotelli among City's forward line, Dzeko is wary about resting on his laurels.
“I think nobody is guaranteed a start,” Dzeko added. “That's why we are very strong. We have a lot more than 11 good players. We have 22 or even more.
“Scoring seven goals is something amazing for me though. Every striker is there to score goals.”
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