Manchester City, the reigning Premier League champions, are facing a crisis unlike any other under Pep Guardiola. After suffering a humiliating 2-1 defeat to Brighton, Guardiola was confronted with a question that echoed the growing concerns surrounding his team: Is this the biggest challenge he has faced at the Etihad?
His response, a wry reference to City’s remarkable turnaround in the 2017-18 season, hinted at a sense of familiarity with adversity. But this time, the situation feels different. While City were able to overcome a slow start in that campaign, the current predicament goes beyond a blip. The team’s performances have regressed significantly, leaving them five points adrift of the league leaders.
The stark reality is that this is no longer a team playing well despite the results. The problems are deeply rooted, with weaknesses surfacing across the pitch. The four-game losing streak has laid bare the team’s vulnerabilities, particularly in defense, where the absence of Rodri has proven to be a critical factor.
Since the Spanish midfielder’s injury, City have become alarmingly susceptible to counter-attacks. They have conceded a staggering 26 shots from fast breaks this season, more than any other Premier League team. With Rodri out, City struggle to control the midfield, leaving them vulnerable to quick transitions. The impact was evident in the Brighton game, where the Seagulls missed six big chances before finding the net.
The lack of Rodri’s presence is felt throughout the team. His defensive responsibility has been dispersed amongst other players, with Mateo Kovacic struggling to fill the void. Even Kyle Walker, known for his blistering pace, was unable to contain Brighton’s skillful wingers, Kaoru Mitoma and Pervis Estupinan. It was no surprise that Brighton’s equalizer came down Walker’s side.
The defensive frailties are compounded by a lack of attacking fluidity. While Erling Haaland has been a goal-scoring machine, City’s reliance on him is evident. His spectacular attacking numbers are starting to regress, reflecting the team’s overall decline. After Haaland, City’s next highest goalscorer in the Premier League has only three goals. The lack of firepower was evident in the second half against Brighton, where City managed to generate just 0.25 xG, with only 0.07 of it on target.
Injuries are further exacerbating the situation. Guardiola was missing key defenders, Ruben Dias and John Stones, against Brighton. Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji were not fully fit, leaving Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to fill in at the back. Upfront, Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish are also sidelined.
Despite the setbacks, Guardiola maintains his belief in his team. He acknowledges the need for improvement, but remains confident that the team will find their way back. He emphasizes the need for consistency and aggression, qualities that have been absent in recent performances. He points out that City will be bolstered by the return of key players, and their individual qualities will be vital in reviving the team’s fortunes.
However, the road to redemption is unlikely to be easy. While City’s financial might is undeniable, other teams are also dealing with injury issues. Liverpool have been without Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota for extended periods, while Arsenal have been missing Martin Odegaard.
Guardiola recognizes that injuries are a universal challenge, but the intensity of the situation at City is amplified by the lack of Rodri and the team’s overall inconsistency. This season, more than ever, the ability to overcome setbacks will be crucial.
Even with the challenges they face, City still possess a formidable squad. They have Haaland, Ederson, Walker, and Phil Foden, last season’s Premier League Player of the Year. Despite these assets, the team’s performance has fallen short of expectations.
Guardiola, a master tactician, has a history of turning around difficult situations. He remains determined to lead City back to the top, but this challenge feels different. He has never had to fight back from such a significant deficit, particularly without Rodri, the anchor of his midfield. The task ahead is monumental, but Guardiola is known for his resilience and unwavering belief in his team. Only time will tell if he can overcome this unprecedented crisis and guide City to another successful season.
