OMAR MARMOUSH often pulled out a Halloween mask after scoring goals for Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Egyptian was dared to wear it by one of his old team-mates – and it should fit in nicely with Manchester City's horror show in recent months.
The question is, can the arrival of the new £64million striker mask the obvious problems in Pep Guardiola's squad in the coming weeks?
That first became clear when City lost nine of 12 games in an astonishing collapse in the final two months of last year.
And despite a mini-revival since Christmas, the old issues were exposed again on Wednesday evening by a rampant Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
City have spent around £127 million on three new signings this week, with two young defenders arriving ahead of Marmoush.
Abdukodir Khusanov, 20, arrived on Monday for £33.5 million and was quickly followed by 19-year-old Brazilian Vitor Reis for £29.5 million.
The club hopes that all three players will sign for the long term and not just for the here and now.
But most fans are clamoring for a new defensive midfielder who can fill the huge gap left by Ballon D'Or winner Rodri.
Some would also say that right-back was an area that needed to be addressed. But so far, with only eleven days to go, there is no sign of either.
Marmoush is the most eye-catching new signing yet and one of the standout stars of the German league this season.
He has scored 37 goals and 20 assists since joining Frankfurt on a free transfer 18 months ago and every time City have sent scouts to watch him he has made a difference.
His versatility is also crucial if they want to replace Julian Alvarez, who left for Atletico Madrid in August.
The 25-year-old can play in all front positions and also as a number 10 – so should give Erling Haaland – who has played almost every game this season – more of a breather.
They also have Norwegian player Oscar Bobb – who Pep had such high hopes for this season – who is set to return after a broken leg.
Before long, Guardiola could be embarrassed by wealth in the forward positions.
But scoring goals hasn't been a big problem for his team in recent weeks; they have scored 24 in their last six games.
It was the concern of keeping them out on the other side. A creaking defense that is plagued by injuries and receives little protection from a midfield that also looks old.
PSG had 26 goals on target on Wednesday night, the most Guardiola's City have conceded in this competition in his nine seasons.
Captain Kyle Walker's return came sooner than expected, but neither Rico Lewis nor makeshift full-back Matheus Nunes have been convincing replacements.
Ruben Dias, Nathan Aké and John Stones have all struggled with injuries – some will inevitably say so after the number of games they have played in recent seasons.
Khusanov and Reis will help ease the pressure on them, but both are inexperienced and will need time to settle in.
The midfield has not given the defense the protection they are used to when Rodri is there.
Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva have largely shared the duties, but are all now over 30 and have struggled against the top sides.
On his team's shortcomings in Paris, Pep said: “PSG were better, they were faster, quicker, they won the duels with the ball, had one more in the middle.
“We couldn't handle that.”
They are looking for a new midfielder, but Pep is also willing to use Stones or Manuel Akanji in that role if the summer is a better time to buy one.
Meanwhile, Kevin De Bruyne continues to produce moments of magic but has been slowed by injuries in recent years and there is a sense that his ten-year reign as City's top man is coming to an end.
Guardiola admits he ignored the advice of the Etihad hierarchy as he showed loyalty to the players who achieved so much before him.
In recent months, this has seemed like a big mistake, one that could be brought into even sharper focus before the March international break.
Matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham are all looming – as well as the Champions League rescue mission against Bruges.
After winning four Prem titles in a row – and the treble 19 months ago – there were questions about the squad's motivation.
Striker Erling Haaland said last week that despite everything he has achieved over the past nine years, boss Guardiola appears to be as hungry as ever.
But he has also faced problems off the field, with the end of his 30-year marriage to his wife Cristina coming to light earlier this month.
And some have wondered whether the playing staff will be affected by the looming verdict in the 115 allegations of financial misconduct leveled against them by the Premier League.
The lengthy hearing ended in December and the report is currently being compiled.
Although City are confident, the consequences if they are found guilty would be enormous for everyone at Etihad.
Until the outcome is known, a dark cloud will hang over them.
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