Manchester City, the reigning champions of the Premier League, finds itself grappling with unexpected struggles this season, significantly deviated from its previous dominance. Heading toward the festive period, the club has amassed only four points from its last eight league matches, leaving them languishing at seventh place in the standings.
This decline has sparked serious concerns, leading manager Pep Guardiola to contemplate the harsh reality of missing out on the UEFA Champions League for next season. "A team which has been consistently playing Champions League is Manchester City. Now we are threatened (to miss out on the Champions League). Absolutely threatened," Guardiola observed, reported by the BBC.
The once-mighty City, which has enjoyed remarkable success over the last few years, suffers particularly due to injuries and poor form, most prominently after midfielder Rodri was sidelined during a high-stakes game against Arsenal. This downturn is icing the team’s hopes of securing one of the coveted top four positions, which guarantee Champions League qualification. Currently, surprising contenders like Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth are occupying solid positions above City.
During the recent match against Everton, notable tactical shifts were at play as Guardiola opted to bench key player Kevin De Bruyne for the second consecutive match, attempting to shake off the negative vibes surrounding the team. Initially, City appeared to dominate the pitch. They kept Everton's defense pinned back, showcasing aggressive pressing and quick passing sequences, as the team looked to assert their authority.
City managed to take the lead through a stroke of luck. Jérémy Doku executed a clever run, assisting Bernardo Silva, whose cross became an own goal from Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite as he attempted to clear it off the line. Guardiola's side seemed set for more, eager to add to their tally.
But the tides turned sharply. City’s defense faltered, leading to Everton seizing on the opportunity for the equalizer with a masterful strike from Iliman Ndiaye after Manuel Akanji's failed clearance. The effort highlighted City’s inability to maintain composure at the back — a continuing theme of their recent matches.
The more damning moment came shortly after when City was awarded a penalty kick. Erling Haaland, the Norwegian superstar, stepped up but faced disappointment as his shot was easily saved by Jordan Pickford, bouncing back to him for what could have been a simple follow-up goal. Just as Haaland thought he had rectified his miss, VAR ruled him offside, denying City yet another potential lead.
After the unsuccessful penalty, the air of anxiety settled over the team, showcasing visible nerves among players. Guardiola was forced to introduce De Bruyne late, even though he had just recovered from illness and was not at peak strength. The introduction did little to shift the momentum, as the game ended 1-1, marking only one win for City from their last 13 outings across all competitions.
Guardiola admitted the intensely competitive nature of this season's Premier League, citing, “We have competitors (for Champions League spots). If we do not win matches, we will be left behind. And if we are out, it means we do not deserve to go because we were not prepared enough and did not solve our problems,” according to the BBC.
The challenges do not lessen, as City is set to face Leicester City and West Ham shortly—two teams who themselves are fighting to avoid relegation. These fixtures present opportunities for City to recover and improve their standings, yet the fragile mood surrounding the squad haunts their efforts to revert to winning ways.
Now sitting at seventh place, below teams like Aston Villa and facing pressure from Newcastle and Fulham, City must regain its form sharpish. The coming weeks hold the potential for redemption or continued disappointment.
Remarkably, City has been accustomed to Champions League football for 14 consecutive seasons, the longest streak among English clubs lately, following only by Arsenal and Manchester United. This legacy is now on the line, and the clock is ticking as the team battles to salvage their season.
Fans and analysts are left wondering: Can Manchester City reclaim their edge before it’s too late? The stakes have never been higher as they enter the next phase of their season, where each match could be pivotal.
