A Rapidly Crumbling Edifice
The statistics look staggering. 9 losses in 12 games in all competitions for Manchester City the defending Champions in the English Premier League, is a telling statement on a rapidly crumbling edifice. The fans believed that City would turn the tide at Villa Park but that was not to be.
Duran, Rogers Score For Aston Villa
Two goals, one each, on either side of half- time was enough for Aston Villa to get past City on their home ground. The goals were not spectacular but efficiently executed. The type of goals which Manchester have been allowing these days. No wonder the defending champions have conceded 27 goals in their last 12 matches. Duran and Rogers ( A Manchester City bred player ) scored for Villa while Phil Foden got a consolation goal in stoppage time to only reduce the margin of defeat to 2-1.
Manchester City’s Dwindling Self Belief
Pep Guardiola could not hide his emotions during play as he threw a bottle on the turf in sheer disgust. A once all conquering team had turned into easy meet for the opposition. I had mentioned in one of my earlier posts when City’s losing streak had just begun, that the word was spreading and the fear of a rampaging City was slowly on the decline. This is exactly what has happened. Its a mental thing. The pendulum of self belief has shifted dramatically.
Erling Haaland’s Lack of Involvement
Erling Haaland’s form has completely nose dived and his involvement in play looks marginal and if he isn’t scoring then he is just on the field watching the match unfold.
City’s Ageing Fleet
Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker are ageing, which is not helping the Champions one bit. Jack Grealish and Phil Foden have scored just one goal amongst themselves in this season’s campaign which is a horrific statistic for players of their calibre. The players and the coach look down and out and the body language seems to be more detrimental than the confident opposition.
READ English Premier League : Where The Home Is
City Needs To Play Basic Solid Football
In my opinion, Manchester City need not be too harsh on themselves and focus on playing some solid football instead of thinking about winning or losing games. A more defensive approach would be better. The midfield looks soft and needs to be strengthened. A 4-4-2 strategy might just work for City. Erling Haaland may be given a break. He has played non-stop and being away from the game might help him come back with renewed energy and focus.
Boxing Day Matches Coming Up
With this loss Manchester City go out of the top 4 and are now placed 6th on the leaderboard and are slated to play Everton on Boxing Day. Villa climb to 5th and would be travelling to St.James’ Park to face a sublime Newcastle in Boxing Day.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
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This post too has the same effect.
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