We've had a very good season so far, and those close games where we had to grind out results against weaker opposition always happened. The thing is that now, compared to last season, we are able to turn them into victories not draws. The wonderfully amazing City have had plenty of these games this season too - Bournemouth, West Ham, Southampton etc. were all beaten by a scruff of the neck.
Obviously we would prefer to play more entertaining football but it's kind of clear that us being able to play at a better pace and with more creativity is largely dependent on Pogba. We will get better when he comes back, and we will further strengthen the team in the upcoming transfer windows to make it come competitive.
I can't really bring myself to complain about a season in which we have 41 points from 18 games. We will very likely finish with over 80 points which is great. I don't think City have become a benchmark, what they are doing this season is way out of ordinary and cannot be matched at the minute.