Back
Samuel - November 30, 2024
Manchester City season has taken a shocking downturn, with the club experiencing one of their worst runs in years.
Pep Guardiola team, which was unbeaten in the first thirteen games across all competitions has now failed to win a single game in their previous six clashes, which is regarded the worst run in Guardiola’s professional career.
Manchester City’s slump began with a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup, and have since gone five matches without a win, including a shocking collapse against Feyenoord in the Champions League, where they blew a 3-0 lead to settle for a 3-3 tie.
With their previous victory coming in October, City is still looking for a breakthrough as they travel to Anfield to make a statement in their next League matchup, as of the time this piece was written.
However, their losing streak has had little influence on their quest for silverware, as they remain second in the League and are currently in the Champions League playoffs spot, with the only impact being their elimination from the League Cup.
Meanwhile, if a turning point is not reached in the early stages, significant damage may have been done that is beyond repair in the long run.
As a result, we will analyze elements driving Manchester City’s recent troubles and how they can turn things around.
City’s struggles primarily reside in their defense, with the team managing only five clean sheets in nineteen games across all competitions so far.
Their lack of defensive awareness has been apparent since the second game of the season, and they are only outscoring their opponents.
Several clubs are starting to utilize a low-block tactic and launch City on a counterattack, taking advantage of their defense’s vulnerabilities.
Pep Guardiola has failed to establish an ideal defensive combination since Ruben Dias’ injury against Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup, and it’s no surprise surprise that City has conceded fifteen goals since his absence.
Despite having abundance of defensive talents, Guardiola defenders are struggling to find form, showing signs of fatigue.
He attempted to make a tactical change by introducing academy graduate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to the backline, but the problem lingers as they continue to concede cheap goals.
On the other hand, City has lost its midfield balance since Rodri suffered a likely out-of-season injury against Arsenal.
Guardiola has struggled to fill Rodri’s vacuum, notably defensively, as he lacks a natural defensive midfielder besides the Spaniard.
He has made use of Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis, but the duo cannot provide the necessary defensive cover because they are readily exposed in transition.
Pep Guardiola has repeatedly complained about how his vital players’ injuries have impacted his team’s overall performance.
Rodri’s absence due to injury has had a great influence on the team’s midfield balance, as it is presently in disarray and provides easy passage for opponent’s attacks.
Meanwhile, Ruben Dias, City’s key defensive coordinator has been injured for the previous five games, during which they have conceded fifteen goals.
Furthermore, Mateo Kovacic who was deployed as a replacement for Rodri is now injured, forcing Gundogan to play defensive midfield.
They also experienced injury crisis in the attacking position, with Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku missing a number of games before returning, which is now a positive for the team.
Similarly, the ten-game absence of playmaker Kevin De Bruyne had an influence on the team’s offense, as Erling Haaland has battled with lack of service, affecting their overall attacking performance.
Most teams face difficulties in the League, but it is dedication and consistency that defines a comeback.
One of the most important thing Pep Guardiola should look for in the upcoming transfer window is a defensive midfielder who can fill in for Rodri.
The team’s lack of defensive midfield cover is apparent and opponents are exploiting this weakness. A defensive midfielder would provide the needed balance, while also allowing the team to transition more effectively.
The return of Guardiola’s key players from injury is extremely positive news. Kevin De Bruyne has featured in the last four games but has not completed a full match due to fitness concerns.
With De Bruyne nearing full-match fitness, there is little doubt that his presence will bolster City’s attack, enabling them to rediscover their goal- scoring form.
In the same vein, with John Stones’ return to injury, Pep Guardiola must identify the perfect defensive pairing that will result in fewer errors and improved communication.
Manchester City’s quality has been proven over the years by their dominance in the Premier League and we expect an experienced coach like Pep Guardiola to turn the tie around as quickly as possible. The League is still very much alive and an immediate change can return the squad to its winning ways.
