Seven months ago, Manchester City was basking in the glory of securing its sixth Premier League title in seven years. Under Pep Guardiola’s leadership, the club had established itself as one of the league’s greatest teams, with hopes high for a fifth consecutive title this season. However, the reigning champions have since plunged into their worst run of form in 18 years, including a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
City has managed just one win in its last 11 games, suffering six losses in the Premier League so far. Currently in seventh place, the club finds itself 12 points behind leaders Liverpool and is in danger of missing out on the Champions League knockout stages with just two wins from six group matches.
“We don’t have a defense for the results. They are not good,” Guardiola admitted. “It’s about what I can do with my people to get the results back and continue.” While initially, City’s defeats seemed like isolated incidents, the defeats have now stacked up, leading to a full-blown crisis.
Injuries to key players have played a significant role in the slump. City’s defense has been devastated by the absences of Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and now Rúben Dias, who will be out for several weeks. In addition, midfielder Rodri, recently named Ballon d’Or winner, is sidelined for most of the season with a knee injury.
The mounting injuries have left Guardiola frustrated. “We don’t have the players,” he said, acknowledging that City’s chances of defending their title now seem more difficult. “It’s more difficult. I don’t have the feeling now. Maybe it’s going to happen, who knows? But I have the feeling that, now, we have to think in the short term.”
For the first time in his managerial career, Guardiola is facing an extended period of poor form. Prior to this month, he had never lost four consecutive league matches with any of his teams, and City had not suffered such a streak since 2006.
Despite the injury crisis, City’s once-potent attack has faltered, scoring just 10 goals in their last nine league matches. Star striker Erling Haaland has struggled, even going unnoticed in the 89th minute against Villa, with just one touch in the penalty area.
The team’s confidence has also taken a hit, with Haaland acknowledging that morale is low. “We know how important confidence is and you can see that it affects every human being,” he said. “We have to continue and stay positive even though it is difficult, and we have to keep working hard.”
Key players from City’s dominant squad are also aging. Kyle Walker, 34, has shown signs of decline, while Kevin De Bruyne’s future at the club is uncertain with his contract expiring this year. İlkay Gündoğan, 34, struggled in midfield during the defeat to Villa.
Despite the challenges, Haaland emphasized that the team continues to believe in Guardiola. City will hope for a turn in fortunes when they face Everton on December 26, with an easier stretch of games ahead that could offer a chance to regain momentum.
