The reigning Treble winners endure a winless streak of four matches, trailing six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Following a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, manager Pep Guardiola concedes that Manchester City is “struggling,” prompting former Arsenal defender Martin Keown to suggest they are in a “mini crisis.”
– Leon Bailey’s 74th-minute deflected shot secures Villa a deserved victory, pushing City to fourth place behind Villa, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
– Statistical indicators reveal City’s challenging situation, with four consecutive Premier League games without a win.
– City conceded 17 goals in their first 15 matches, attempting only two shots against Villa – the fewest ever by a Guardiola team in Europe’s top five leagues.
Despite their current struggles, it’s crucial to note that in the 2018-19 title-winning season under Guardiola, City overcame a 10-point deficit after 19 games to secure the Premier League title with 98 points.
Guardiola acknowledges the need for “solutions” after the disappointing defeat, emphasizing the team’s struggle in the final third. City’s four defeats this season have coincided with the absence of influential midfielder Rodri, highlighting the need to find ways to win without him.
– Critics, including former players and managers, describe City’s recent performance as one of the worst, lacking fluidity and energy.
– Observations on Guardiola’s side being outworked and outmaneuvered raise concerns about the team’s form and strategic approach.
Fan reactions point out City’s clear weaknesses, emphasizing the absence of Rodri as a key factor and expressing hope for improvement with the return of Kevin de Bruyne. Despite challenges, some fans maintain confidence in City’s ability to bounce back and secure the league title, albeit with a tighter competition this season.
“We struggled, especially in the first half and the second was completely different,” the City manager told Amazon Prime. “In the final third, the quality of the pass and the movement, we didn’t find it all game.
“We know what’s our level and as a manager we have to find a way to win games. We’re struggling a bit. I’m here to help them.”
City’s four defeats this season have come when influential midfielder Rodri has been out of the starting XI. The Spaniard missed the match with Villa through a one-match suspension.
With Rodri in the team, City are unbeaten in their past 43 matches and Guardiola added he has “to find a way to win without him”.
