Manchester City still in crisis. Pep Guardiola’s men can no longer win despite their domination. A missed Haaland penalty deprived them of victory against Everton. What is happening with the English champions?
The season promised to be triumphant for Manchester City and its offensive armada. But for several weeks, the Sky Blues have been accumulating frustrating poor performances despite clear domination in the game. Even the Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland seems seized up. This worrying trend was confirmed this Saturday during Boxing Day.
Manchester City fell back into their mistakes against Everton
In front of an unusually calm Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s players once again came up against a united and united block. Despite an overwhelming 75% of possession and countless crosses, Manchester City was only able to score once, through Bernardo Silva shortly after the quarter of an hour of play.
But as is often the case recently, the Citizens lacked sharpness in the last move and were punished on the counterattack. On one of Everton’s rare forays, Demarai Gray got past several defenders before blasting Ederson with an unstoppable strike in the 36th minute. A cruel and recurring scenario reminiscent of premature eliminations in the Champions League.
Erling Haaland, symbol of Manchester City’s ills
Recruited this summer for more than 60 million euros, the Norwegian Cyborg was expected to be the missing link to allow the Sky Blues to take a step forward. After a thunderous start to the season, Erling Haaland has been unrecognizable for several weeks, as evidenced by this completely missed penalty in the second half.
According to a source close to the locker room, the Scandinavian giant would be plagued by major doubts and would feel guilty for weighing down his team. A deep unease which says a lot about the current situation of Manchester City, light years from its crazy rides at the start of the season. The star striker, lacking confidence, alone symbolizes the crisis of results that the Mancunian club is going through.
Pep Guardiola faces a huge challenge
Accustomed to outrageously dominating the Premier League since his arrival on the bench, the Catalan technician is perhaps experiencing the most delicate period of his mandate. Despite a five-star squad, Manchester City seems to have lost its flamboyant football and its ability to excel in major events. A worrying observation at the dawn of the decisive deadlines of the season.
We must question ourselves and find our DNA. It’s a huge challenge but I believe in my players. We will fight until the end.
– Pep Guardiola in post-match press conference
Manchester City now no longer has the right to make mistakes if they want to stay in the title race. Currently 3rd, 6 points behind leader Arsenal, the Cityzens must return to victory in the next match to avoid a deep crisis with disastrous consequences. The challenge is immense for Pep Guardiola who is playing big in the coming weeks.
Reasons to believe in a Sky Blues rebound
Despite this slump, it would be premature to bury this Manchester City team. The talent is there, as is the experience of major events. With executives like De Bruyne, Gündogan and Dias, this group has the mental resources to raise their heads. The quality of the bench and the tactical options can also make a difference over the duration of a season.
- A workforce among the most talented in Europe
- The experience of major events
- The tactical science of Pep Guardiola
- Individuals capable of changing a match
Manchester City have proven their ability to weather storms in the past. There is no doubt that the Sky Blues will do everything to rediscover their flamboyant football and erase this slump from collective memory. Response in the coming weeks for a club condemned to react to avoid shipwreck. The talent is there, all that remains is to add success and confidence.
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