Manchester City crisis: three defeats in a row

Manchester City crisis: three defeats in a row

About what’s going on

Manchester City is facing a difficult period after the injury of its key midfielder Rodri. In a short period of time, the team has suffered three painful defeats in different tournaments: the League Cup, the Champions League and the APL. Despite this, ‘City’ holds the second position in the championship of England, but the competitors are already breathing down their necks.

Chronology of defeats

• Manchester City’ 1:2 “Tottenham” (League Cup). The team took to the pitch in an optimistic mood, but conceded two goals from Spurs. Despite Holland’s early goal, Rhodri’s absence affected the structure of the game: the midfield failed to close down areas, allowing the opponents to create decisive chances;
• Sporting 4:1 Manchester City (Champions League). In the Champions League group stage, City were unprepared for the Portuguese side’s pressure. ‘Sporting‘ dominated the center of the field, taking advantage of the absence of Rodri, who usually destroys the opponents’ attacks and controls the tempo of the game. The only goal of the match was scored by Holland, but against the backdrop of four conceded goals it didn’t matter;
• Manchester City 0:4 Tottenham (APL). The second meeting with Tottenham ended for City with a crushing defeat. ‘Spurs’ played on the counterattack, time after time opening the defense of the hosts. Without Rodri, the team looked vulnerable in both defense and attack, which led to one of the biggest defeats under Guardiola.

Standings

Despite the series of defeats, Manchester City retains the second place in the APL, but the gap from the leader, Liverpool, has increased to 6 points. In addition, competitors – actively gaining points and approaching ‘City’ in the standings. In the Champions League, the situation is becoming critical. ‘City’ risks not getting out of the group if it does not gain points in the remaining matches.