New Delhi: The defending champions Manchester City are finding themselves in an unprecedented slump with a clash against Aston Villa epitomizing their struggles. A season that began with high expectations has devolved into a campaign of defensive frailty, misfiring attackers and uncharacteristic lapses in concentration.
City’s woes were on full display at Villa Park when Jhon Duran’s composed finish put the home side ahead within 15 minutes, marking the ninth time this season that Pep Guardiola’s men have conceded the opening goal in a Premier League game. A distinction only surpassed by the bottom spot holders Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, and Leicester City.
🚨🔻 Manchester City have conceded the opening goal in 9 Premier League games this season – only Wolves, Southampton and Leicester have done so more times. pic.twitter.com/F1U4ccE4bl
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 21, 2024
Manchester City’s inability to hold on to leads has become a glaring issue this season. In their most recent Manchester derby against Man United, they surrendered a 1-0 lead as they succumbed to Amad Diallo’s sensational 90th-minute winner. The 2-1 defeat at the Etihad marked their eighth loss in 11 matches which is unimaginable for a Guardiola-led side in recent years.
The defensive lapses have bled into their European performances. Their conversion rate is another concern. Despite taking more shots than any other Premier League team this season, their conversion rate of 9.9% is their worst since the 2006-07 campaign. So far in the match they have made 337 passes.
A title race in jeopardy
Currently fifth in the table, Manchester City find themselves nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, having played an extra game. With such a huge gap, Guardiola’s side can ill afford further slip-ups if they hope to launch a late surge back into contention.
As injuries ruin their aging midfield and defensive structure the challenges for City are mounting with an attack missing fire. A turnaround is possible but it will require an immediate response and a return to the relentless standards that have defined their success under Guardiola.
As the festive period approaches, City’s fixtures provide little solace. Encounters against relegation candidates Everton and Leicester might have once seemed like routine wins but recent form suggests otherwise. Well, the results of these two matches will determine if City can reignite their season or if the slide toward mid-table mediocrity continues.
Man City slump continues with a shocking display against Villa, highlighting defensive woes, misfiring attackers, and title race jeopardy. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
