Seven months ago, Manchester City was flying high. Pep Guardiola’s squad had just secured their sixth Premier League title in seven years, securing their status as one of the best teams in league history. They kicked off this season aiming for a fifth consecutive title. However, things have taken a dramatic turn. On Saturday, a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa extended what has become City’s toughest run in 18 years.
Pep Guardiola is guiding Manchester City through a rough patch of performance. The team has managed just one win in their last 11 games and already has six Premier League defeats this season. Currently sitting seventh in the table, they lag behind leaders Liverpool by 12 points, with Liverpool still having a game in hand. To make matters worse, City’s Champions League hopes are on shaky grounds, with only two wins in six group-stage matches.
“We don’t have a defense for the results. They’re not good,” Guardiola admitted, according to the Associated Press. “It’s about what I can do with my team to turn this around. Right now, I need to keep things simple and give the players some clarity.”
At first, the losses seemed like rare missteps for a team as dominant as City. But as defeats continued, the situation turned into a full-blown crisis. Injuries have played a huge role. Key defenders Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Nathan Ake are sidelined, and midfielder Rodri, fresh off a Ballon d’Or win, is out for most of the season with a knee injury. To make matters worse, star defender Rúben Dias is now out for three to four weeks.
“We don’t have the players,” Guardiola told TNT Sports when asked about City’s title chances. “It’s harder now. I don’t feel like we can think about big goals right now. We have to take it step by step.”
This slump is something Guardiola has never faced before. Until now, he had never lost four consecutive league matches in his managerial career. The last time City had a similar streak was back in 2006.
Even with injuries, City still has a team full of top players. But their attack hasn’t been sharp, scoring only 10 goals in their last nine league games. Against Villa, star striker Erling Haaland had just one touch in the opponent’s penalty area, and that was in the 89th minute.
Years of relentless success seem to have taken a toll on the squad’s confidence. “Of course, confidence isn’t at its best,” Haaland admitted to TNT Sports. “It affects everyone. But we have to stay positive and keep working hard, even though it’s tough.”
Age is another factor catching up with City’s core players. Kyle Walker, known for his speed and defensive sharpness, is now 34 and has shown signs of slowing down. Kevin De Bruyne, 33, faces an uncertain future with his contract expiring soon. İlkay Gündoğan, 34, struggled to hold his own in midfield against Villa.
Despite the challenges, Haaland insists the team still trusts Guardiola. The road ahead doesn’t get easier, but with a string of less challenging games starting against Everton on December 26, City may have a chance to rediscover their form and get back on track.
