As Manchester City collapsed late in yesterday’s Manchester derby to fall to a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, you were left with the sense of how it has gone so wrong. Pep Guardiola’s side had made a strong start to the 24/25 season. But 8 losses in their past 11 games have made that fast start feel like it was a lifetime ago. So what has gone so wrong for the world champions? Here is a list of factors that I have seen contribute to Manchester City’s recent slump.
The loss of Rodri to an ACL injury....TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT | TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT
The moment when Rodri went down with an ACL injury Manchester City’s 2-all draw with Arsenal in September could be seen as the turning point in Manchester City’s season. Although Rodri had barely featured this season his presence has been sorely missed. No one in the Manchester City squad can provide what the Ballon d’Or winner does. That has become apparent as Pep Guardiola’s side struggle without their midfield general.
Injuries have decimated the Manchester City squad.
Continuing with the injury theme Pep Guardiola’s squad has been decimated by injury this season. It has been a revolving door to the treatment table for the world champions. It all began when Oscar Bobb went down with a fractured leg on the eve of the season. From there City’s injury woes have continued. Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku and Mateo Kovacic have all missed games due to injury. That has had a flow effect across the Manchester City squad as players are forced to play every 3 days to cover the loss of their injured teammates.
City’s experienced players all appear to have fallen off their perch at the same time.
Another factor that has contributed to City’s slump has been the form of some of Manchester City’s warriors. A host of City’s senior players look to be struggling as age and a heavy schedule have caught up to them. Kyle Walker has been well below his usual high standards this season. Bernardo Silva hasn’t reached the heights we have become accustomed to. Ilkay Gundogan’s effort can’t be faulted but he doesn’t look to have the legs that he once did. Kevin De Bruyne also looks like age is beginning to catch up to him. Those are just four players who appear to be slowly losing their battle with Father Time. It’s unfortunate but that’s football. The effects of this are clear to see across Manchester City’s recent performances.
Mistakes have cost Manchester City at crucial times.
As we saw last night mistakes are crippling Pep Guardiola’s side. Matheus Nunes made two horrendous errors last night that turned the derby in Manchester United’s favour. He isn’t alone in having made critical errors this season. Josko Gvardiol has had his moments. As have Ederson and Kyle Walker just to name a few. But what these errors have done is sap Manchester City’s confidence. If Manchester City can rectify this issue they may turn the corner. But it needs to be rectified as soon as possible.
The entire City squad appears devoid of confidence.
As mentioned above the entire Manchester City squad appears devoid of confidence. That can be seen across the pitch. From City’s defence to midfield to up front the world champions aren’t playing with their usual confidence and swagger. That has been clear to see across Manchester City’s past 11 games. They have had their moments in games but the lack of confidence is clear to see. The only way it will return is if City can get back to winning ways and through working hard. Losing confidence can be an easy thing for a team to do. Even one as strong as Pep Guardiola’s side. Getting it back can be a tough battle as we are seeing currently.
Summary
Those are just several of the factors that have caused everything to go wrong for Manchester City. Each is a small factor, but when it all snowballs, it becomes a major issue. The effects of this all were on display at the Etihad Stadium last night. How Manchester City overcome these factors and more is now the story to watch for. If they do they may get their season back on track. But it has to happen sooner rather than later before it becomes terminal.
