Manchester City's Fall Off This Season

Manchester City’s reign of dominance appears to be unraveling in a manner few could have predicted. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, the Sky Blues – once synonymous with relentless success and trophy-laden seasons – are now showing alarming signs of disarray.

A 3-2 defeat to an injury‐ravaged Real Madrid on their own turf exposed vulnerabilities, and it was soon followed by a shocking 5-0 loss at the Emirates to an Arsenal side struggling with its own injury woes.

For nearly a decade, City have been the benchmark of excellence in English football, winning 15 trophies in nine seasons. Yet, since November, their defensive record has plummeted, conceding 44 goals in just 23 games – a statistic that rivals even a chaotic Tottenham side.

❌ 2-1 loss against Spurs
❌ 2-1 loss against Bournemouth
❌ 4-1 loss against Sporting
❌ 2-1 loss against Brighton
❌ 4-0 loss against Spurs
❌ 3-3 draw against Feyenoord

Manchester City are now winless in SIX matches across all competitions. 😳 https://t.co/6C353btiQQ pic.twitter.com/o2nE7raBZJ

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 26, 2024

Rodri's Injury

The absence of key defensive midfielder Rodri has contributed, but the problems appear deeper and more systemic. Guardiola himself admitted, "Sometimes it happens that a team is better and the result doesn’t work. We have thrown away leads in many games." This remark reflects a disturbing trend of capitulating from commanding positions against top opposition such as Feyenoord, Sporting, and Brentford.

Currently, City languish in fifth place in the Premier League, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, and face a daunting challenge in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu. With 31.6% of their matches already lost – equaling losses from an entire season in previous years – this may well be the worst City team witnessed under Guardiola.

Other Issues

As well as Rodri, the likes of Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Jeremy Doku have all spent periods on the side lines, and players such as Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Ilkay Gundogan have seen their form dry up completely. Walker is now at AC Milan, while Foden and Gundogan are trying their hardest to recapture some form to secure top four football.

Handing The Baton To Liverpool

Liverpool have been good under Arne Slot this season, but part of their success is down to the poor performances from other teams in the league, namely the pre-season favourites Manchester City. The Reds are now well and truly in the driving seat for the title this season and City are in no position to stop them. It has been a horrible season for the Citizens, and it could get worse as Europe is not guarantee this year.

The Manchester City era appears to be over, but the Slot x Liverpool era is just beginning.