Hopefully whoever snaffled Bernardo Silva’s shirt in the away end at Stamford Bridge owns a tumble dryer. The colouring had turned a deeper shade of blue by the time he threw the bouquet.
A kit drenched in sweat, a shift that epitomised Manchester City’s statement to the Premier League that they are still quite good after all.
Daunting trips to Chelsea and Liverpool left City supporters fearing the possibility of falling nine points behind in the title race by the next international break.
But here was a timely reminder they are ready for another defence of their crown, when it had been expected Chelsea would lay down another marker about their own credentials.