AFTER all the hysteria that has surrounded Kevin Keegan and Manchester City's return to the Premiership, it is time for Mighty Mouse to start flexing his muscles.

A 3-0 opening-day defeat at Leeds United hardly constitutes a crisis; neither would a loss against Newcastle United today.

But all the bravado that has oozed out of Maine Road in recent months only goes so far. Keegan must now deliver.

"I hate the word 'consolidate'. It should be banned. It's about people accepting mediocrity," he said.

"I have never used that word and I will not have people around me using it. We're aiming to finish in the top six this season."

Noble sentiments, but are such lofty ambitions with foundation?

Remember that Fulham weren't going to struggle last season, were they? But a chronic lack of goals left them looking anxiously over their shoulders until April.

City shouldn't be afflicted by such a problem, given the exciting array of attacking talent at Keegan's disposal.

But worryingly, they were criticising for "defending like a Keegan team" at Leeds last week.

They got away with such naivety in the Nationwide League purely because they scored 108 goals.

They'll concede that many this season if they continue to play in such a cavalier fashion.

Ali Benarbia and Eyal Berkovic are wonderful talents, capable of conjuring up a piece of magic that can turn a game. But can Keegan play them in the same team, especially away from home?

Newcastle's midfielders must be salivating at the prospect of facing them today.

Yes, they'll need to keep a wary eye on them when City have the ball. But when Newcastle get possession, they will have the freedom of Maine Road.

Keegan must be praised, of course, for staying true to his football principles. Fans of more successful clubs must envy City supporters for the entertaining football that they are privileged to watch each week.

But will his attacking philosophy reap rich rewards at Highbury? Or Anfield? Or, more pertinently to City fans, Old Trafford?

Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday might have sunk without trace in the face of a City barrage last season, but Arsenal won't be cowed as easily.

This is not the start of a 'Keegan Out' campaign. He transformed City - branded "the best pub team I ever played for" by one player after Joe Royle was sacked - into a vibrant side.

The signing of Sylvain Distin shows he was aware that he needed to strengthen his defence.

But the rest of the Premiership remain unconvinced by City and Keegan.

And many more performances such as last week's will leave everyone wondering what the hype was all about.