Manchester City finds itself in a troubling streak reminiscent of relegation form, with few indications that this downturn will soon come to a close.
In a disappointing turn of events, Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa has positioned the team at the bottom of the form table for the last eight matches, sharing this unenviable spot with Southampton.
The Saints currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, sharing four points over their last eight matches. Their record includes one victory, one draw, and six defeats, mirroring the struggles of the reigning champions, City.
Having appointed Ivan Juric as their new manager on Saturday, Southampton could put Manchester City in a precarious position. If Southampton secures at least a point against Fulham on Sunday, City will endure the worst run in the division.
Wolves, who dismissed manager Gary O’Neil last Sunday and appointed Vitor Pereira as his successor, have accumulated twice the number of points in the same timeframe despite having played one match less.
The statistics present a challenging picture for Pep Guardiola, particularly in light of the injuries to key players such as Ederson, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias, who were absent during the defeat at Villa Park. Additionally, the long-term absence of midfield stalwart Rodri further complicates the situation.
Despite the defeat in Birmingham, Guardiola expressed satisfaction with Saturday’s performance. However, the reality of slipping further out of the title race offers little comfort.
Despite relying on a partially fit Manuel Akanji and John Stones at Villa Park, Manchester City appeared to be a mere reflection of their previous prowess.
The mistake made by Josko Gvardiol, which allowed Jhon Duran a prime opportunity within the opening 20 seconds, cannot be excused. Similarly, Jack Grealish, who carries a £100m price tag, once again struggled to impact the match significantly.
City’s recent decline could be attributed to various factors, including injuries, mental fatigue, or the natural conclusion of a team’s lifecycle. However, the dramatic drop in their form is striking, especially when contrasted with their seamless journey to a fourth consecutive title last season.
“The concerning aspect is the tally of goals allowed,” remarked former England captain Alan Shearer during BBC Match of the Day.
“The frequency with which they were exposed due to inadequate protection and support in midfield was remarkable.” Numerous issues are currently at play during this period.
Following the match, Guardiola exhibited a surprising calmness during the news conference, making it challenging to catch his words, starkly contrasting his frustrated demeanor on the touchline.
He stated, “The outcome relies on our actions.” The answer lies in reinstating the players. The team faces a challenging situation, as only one central defender is available for selection. The team is set to approach the next game as another opportunity, focusing solely on the immediate challenge ahead without looking beyond it.
There are indeed additional factors to consider. We allow the goals that we previously did not concede, and we fail to score the goals that we once did. Football encompasses more than a single reason. Numerous small factors come into play.
“In the previous season, we secured the Premier League title but faced defeat in this match.” Maintaining a positive outlook is essential, and I have immense confidence in the team. A remarkable sense of pride and determination drives many of them to pursue their goals. It is essential to explore a methodical approach, gradually working towards a solution that will ultimately lead us back.
Unai Emery, the manager of Villa, pointed out the weaknesses of City, expressing his belief that Villa could capitalize on the visitors’ diminished confidence.
“Manchester City are currently experiencing a dip in the confidence they typically exhibit,” he remarked. The second half showcased a stark contrast as we took control and found the back of the net. The situation left them feeling worse than they had in the first half.
