What is happening to Manchester City? That’s the question being asked by the English media as well. Pep Guardiola's team suffered another defeat on Saturday, this time away to Aston Villa. "Even qualifying for the Champions League no longer seems guaranteed."
"It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid. Unless you're Manchester City, who in just a few months have transformed from England's most feared team into easy prey," wrote the Manchester Evening News, referencing the iconic Band Aid Christmas song.
For a team that has spent recent years at the pinnacle of English football, City's alarming slump is as unexpected as it is concerning. The piece highlights how Pep Guardiola's once-dominant side has suffered a dramatic drop in form, leaving fans and pundits questioning what has gone wrong at the Etihad. "City has fallen back at an alarming pace and endured yet another miserable day at the office," the paper lamented, summing up the mood surrounding the reigning Premier League champions.
The Guardian also reflected on City's struggles with a holiday-themed commentary, writing, "Merry Christmas, Pep. For City and Guardiola, this was another painful humiliation. An unimaginable defeat for a team that has shifted from formidable to fragile and lifeless." The description paints a stark picture of a team that has gone from invincible to vulnerable in a matter of months. Guardiola, described as "dressed in a long black coat and boots," was visibly dejected after their most recent defeat, walking towards the fans with an air of resignation before letting out a deep sigh. "These are tough times," the article added, capturing the growing pressure on the City boss.
The BBC took a more analytical approach, addressing City's structural issues on and off the pitch. "The struggle for City seems never-ending," the broadcaster concluded. "Where does the team go from here? Who can Guardiola trust on the pitch?" These are not questions typically associated with a Guardiola-led team, but they are becoming increasingly relevant as City's form continues to nosedive. The article highlighted the players' inability to meet the high standards set in previous seasons, noting that they "once again fell well below par" in their latest outing. "At no point did it feel like it would turn around," the BBC added, expressing doubt that the team will recover its dominant form anytime soon. "The manager finds himself in uncharted territory," it noted, emphasizing how unusual this situation is for a coach who has won nearly everything there is to win in the game.
Sky Sports offered a glimmer of hope for City, albeit with a caveat. "On paper, City’s schedule over the next few weeks seems slightly easier. Four of the next five matches are against teams in the lower part of the table, with the other against Brentford. But given their current form, success is far from guaranteed," the outlet warned. The reality is that even these supposedly favorable fixtures pose a challenge for a team that appears to have lost its confidence and identity. "Even Champions League qualification no longer seems a certainty," Sky Sports added, a stark reminder of how far City has fallen since lifting the treble just months ago.
City’s troubles are multifaceted. Injuries to key players, including midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne, have left a significant void in creativity and leadership. Meanwhile, the absence of the defensive solidity provided by Ruben Dias in several matches has exposed the team to vulnerabilities at the back. These absences, coupled with the departure of key players like Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez in the summer, have left Guardiola with a squad struggling to replicate its usual cohesion and effectiveness.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is Guardiola's experimental tactics this season, which have drawn criticism for failing to produce consistent results. His attempts to integrate new signings like Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic into the system have been met with mixed success, further disrupting the team's rhythm. Even Erling Haaland, last season’s record-breaking striker, has seen his goal-scoring form dip, with opponents seemingly figuring out how to neutralize his threat.
The pressure is mounting on Guardiola, who now faces the daunting task of reviving his side in the second half of the season. The Boxing Day fixture against Everton will be a crucial test, not just for the team's ability to respond under pressure but also for Guardiola's capacity to adapt and inspire. A home game against a struggling Everton side might seem like an ideal opportunity to turn the tide, but given City's current state, nothing can be taken for granted.
As the year draws to a close, Manchester City finds itself in an unfamiliar position vulnerable and uncertain. For a team accustomed to being the hunters, they are now the hunted, and the psychological toll is evident. With rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool finding form and consistency, City's path back to the top will require not just tactical adjustments but also a renewed sense of belief and unity within the squad.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Premier League resumes after the holiday break. Will Guardiola's side rediscover its spark, or is this the beginning of a more significant decline? One thing is clear: the next few weeks could define not just City's season but also its trajectory in the years to come. The stakes have rarely been higher for Guardiola and his team.
