New Delhi:
Pep Guardiola is facing his biggest challenge at Manchester City since his first season when he was in transition at the new club. The match was placed in favour of City for most of the game, with Erling Haaland scoring in the 23rd minute. Yet Guardiola didn’t look confident as Brighton and Hove Albion started to fight back with Joao Pedro’s equaliser in the 77th minute.
After losing 2-1 against Brighton, Guardiola is now on the worst spell in his entire career as a manager, having never experienced four consecutive losses across the competition. The 53-year-old took over as City’s manager in 2016 and has guided the side to six title wins in the Premier League and even a Champions League title.
Brighton players, especially Matt O’Riley, during the closing minutes, exposed City’s weak defence. Man City’s recent performance, of course, doesn’t speak about the form of their performance in the top-tier of English football in the past. However, the performance does show that the team has an uphill task to make a comeback after four losses in a row.
Manchester City’s stats in the season
Man City haven’t been performing well at either end of the field as their average goal this season has gone down to two per game from 2.53, though they have more shots on the goal. Haaland has become the person City are most dependent on as their conversion this season has averaged 29.8%.
Unfortunately, City’s conceding has gone up to 1.17 goals per game from last season’s 0.92 and they are becoming more vulnerable to shot attempts on their goal. These stats obviously point to their inability to control the game and being too dependent on some players. When these players are out of form or on the sidelines, the club is crumbling.
This season, the opposition have found the weak spots in Man City’s tactical plans. Brighton were at one point trying with City’s defence and could be breached very easily. In the second half, City’s midfield looked troubled with Kyle Walker being troubled with Kaoru Mitoma followed by substitute Joao Pedro.
A tactical pattern from Man City’s opposition?
🔵 Pep Guardiola: “Maybe after seven years winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserves it”.
“But we will not give up”. pic.twitter.com/7KnSX2PbfO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2024
City’s right flank was the target of Seagulls, with a 44.9% target directed towards that wing. In the entire season, 38.7% of the attacks have been on City’s right flank, while the left flank had an attack rate of 36%. With Walker absent for the most part of this season, Rico Lewis was given the responsibility. However, he often roams into the midfield, which lets the opposition easily attack the space.
What is, of course, clear this season is that Rodri’s absence has affected City badly. The 28-year-old is currently recovering from an ACL injury he suffered against Arsenal in September. In the 53 games he played for the English club, the team only lost once, winning 39 times and playing 13 draws.
The Ballon d’Or winner has been the centre of City’s defence fortress. In the 24 games they have played without him, they have lost eight, won 14, and drawn twice. These statistics are alarming and show how much value Rodri brings to the side. The contrast in numbers could be an answer to City’s current form. Experts believe that Rodri’s presence helps City press, which is one of the pivotal reasons City lost recently.
While many would point out why the injury of one player is causing such big trouble, Rodri has been one of the most important players in the mix. Aside that Kevin de Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake have also missed games.
This is a crucial year for Guardiola, whose contract ends next June with City’s club Director of football, Tixki Begiristain, leaving the side next year. Guardiola has already had two extensions in his contract with the side, but he has yet to hint about his future, with reports of approaches from around the world surfacing.
Can Guardiola solve the recurring issues at City?
🔵⚠️ Pep Guardiola on four defeats in a row for the first time in his career: “Well… welcome! There is always time for a first in life”. pic.twitter.com/wy3oV2KCCt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 9, 2024
Last evening after the match, his biggest issue at hand was taking the team out of pits and he felt that the international break was coming at a good time. The team had a chance to regroup and start afresh from the setbacks. Despite having a successful reign with the side, including two FA Cups, four league Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, many are questioning if this is the end of Guardiola and City’s dominating reign.
Guardiola acknowledged that dominance cannot be constant and they will lose. However, the Catalonian manager knows they need to stop the decline immediately as Liverpool looks to capitalise on City’s loss and firm their hold on the top of the table. Guardiola will demand energy from every player, as was clear from his statement.
Guardiola has been in this situation and has proved that writing him and his side off is always a big mistake. Despite being five points behind Liverpool, they are capable of winning from this situation. Two years ago, City won after an eight-point deficit against Arsenal at the start of April. So Liverpool will be equally concerned about City when they face them in December.
Manchester City’s 2-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion marks their fourth loss in a row across competitions. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
