It’s clear that something is off. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City no longer operates like the well-oiled machine it once was. The trademark style of play and unmatched offensive dominance have evaporated, leaving the team in uncharted territory. The numbers tell the story: nine defeats in their last 12 games across all competitions, including a shocking five-game losing streak between October 30 and November 23.
In the Premier League, City has suffered six losses in their last eight matches, marking nearly two months of sustained crisis. They’ve stumbled in key fixtures, losing to Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United in the league, as well as to Sporting Lisbon and Juventus in the Champions League. A dramatic 3-3 draw against Feyenoord only added to the frustration. A 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium offered brief hope, but it was followed by four winless outings, culminating in a defeat at Aston Villa, who leapfrogged City in the standings.
The Citizens now sit seventh with 27 points, their record showing 8 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses. Their attacking and defensive stats paint a worrying picture: 29 goals scored and 25 conceded—far behind leaders Liverpool (37 scored, 16 conceded), Chelsea (37 scored, 19 conceded), and Arsenal (34 scored, 16 conceded).
Premier League, Forest holds Liverpool as City and Chelsea falter
15 Jan - 11:55 •
2' min
Having lifted the Premier League trophy five times in the last six seasons, City finds themselves outside the top five. They trail league leaders Liverpool by 12 points, with the Reds still having a game in hand (the Merseyside derby against Everton). Even a top-four finish seems elusive, with Nottingham Forest, currently fourth, sitting four points ahead. The team’s decline is compounded by key injuries, including long-term absentee Rodri and Ruben Dias, who is sidelined for another three to four weeks.
Then there’s the case of Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker is a shadow of his former self, far from the record-breaking 38 goals of last season. Often isolated and ineffective, Haaland struggles to deliver the lethal impact that once defined him, mirroring the broader issues within the squad.
Despite the unexpected downturn since November, Guardiola remains steadfast, urging patience and expressing unwavering confidence in his team’s ability to recover. But with the gap to the top widening and performances faltering, the pressure is mounting on the reigning champions.
