Manchester City's midwinter slump is starting to worry fans, but what exactly is going wrong at the Etihad? While injuries have been a significant factor in their recent struggles, it's not just physical setbacks that are to blame. The team's form has dipped significantly since New Year's Day, with zero league wins in 2024 and a loss to Manchester United that will be remembered for its dullness.
Rodri, the midfielder who made his return from injury last week, was exposed during the defeat at Old Trafford. After declaring himself "ready to go," he struggled to make an impact, appearing one-paced and non-factor. His performances since returning have been lackluster, with a recent loss in Norway that saw him pick up two yellow cards in quick succession.
Haaland's goalscoring struggles are also starting to take their toll. The Norwegian striker has gone 20 games without scoring outside the penalty spot, with his only goal in eight games against Brighton coming from a set piece. His form has been so poor that even Exeter were given a thrashing in the FA Cup third round.
Guardiola is grasping for explanations after City's latest loss. While he acknowledges that injuries and absences have taken their toll on the team, his tone suggests that there are deeper issues at play. The manager pointed to his team's inability to take chances as a factor, but it's hard to see how this can be blamed on external factors when City have been out of sorts for so long.
The real concern is Foden, who has regressed significantly since his promising start to the season. His performance in Bodø was lackluster, and he didn't last the full game. This season, he's scored just 10 goals in 30 appearances and created four assists – a significant drop from his earlier form.
However, there is some good news: Marc Guéhi has finally arrived at City. The 25-year-old England defender has already made an impact for Crystal Palace, leading the club to last season's FA Cup win. With Guéhi in the building, Guardiola may have found a solution to his team's defensive woes. The new arrival brings pace and calmness to the backline, and could form a solid partnership with Abdukodir Khusanov.
With City missing key centre-backs Gvardiol and Dias, Guéhi and Khusanov offer a much-needed boost to the team. If they can perform as well in the Premier League as they have for their national teams, it's possible that Guardiola has found his answer. The question is: when will it click?
Rodri, the midfielder who made his return from injury last week, was exposed during the defeat at Old Trafford. After declaring himself "ready to go," he struggled to make an impact, appearing one-paced and non-factor. His performances since returning have been lackluster, with a recent loss in Norway that saw him pick up two yellow cards in quick succession.
Haaland's goalscoring struggles are also starting to take their toll. The Norwegian striker has gone 20 games without scoring outside the penalty spot, with his only goal in eight games against Brighton coming from a set piece. His form has been so poor that even Exeter were given a thrashing in the FA Cup third round.
Guardiola is grasping for explanations after City's latest loss. While he acknowledges that injuries and absences have taken their toll on the team, his tone suggests that there are deeper issues at play. The manager pointed to his team's inability to take chances as a factor, but it's hard to see how this can be blamed on external factors when City have been out of sorts for so long.
The real concern is Foden, who has regressed significantly since his promising start to the season. His performance in Bodø was lackluster, and he didn't last the full game. This season, he's scored just 10 goals in 30 appearances and created four assists – a significant drop from his earlier form.
However, there is some good news: Marc Guéhi has finally arrived at City. The 25-year-old England defender has already made an impact for Crystal Palace, leading the club to last season's FA Cup win. With Guéhi in the building, Guardiola may have found a solution to his team's defensive woes. The new arrival brings pace and calmness to the backline, and could form a solid partnership with Abdukodir Khusanov.
With City missing key centre-backs Gvardiol and Dias, Guéhi and Khusanov offer a much-needed boost to the team. If they can perform as well in the Premier League as they have for their national teams, it's possible that Guardiola has found his answer. The question is: when will it click?
! He looks like he could be the missing piece in their defense puzzle. It's all about finding that balance and getting back to their usual self. I'm not sure what's going on with Guardiola, but he needs to calm down and let his players work it out 
. Maybe they just need a little break from each other? 30 points is still there for them 
I think its because Rodri and Foden are not getting enough rest, like literally after a big game dey go straight to other team game dey lose 
️
. They're struggling to create chances and take them, which is a major issue. It's like they're playing tennis, waiting for the ball to come to them instead of taking control of the game. And Foden's regression is super worrying - he was one of their biggest playmakers last season! 
But with Guéhi and Khusanov on board, I think City might finally get that solid defence they've been missing. The question is when? 
! Their performance for England has been fire 
. They're gonna help City win some games, and maybe even challenge for the title 
!
they need to bounce back from this slump ASAP!! rodri and haaland just not performin like they should be... idk wut's goin on, maybe its just a midwinter blues or somethin 
but seriously, foden's regressed and thats a major worry 
fingers crossed they turn it around soon!!!
. Maybe he just needs a bit of a break or a change in his game plan?
... that guy's been on fire for Crystal Palace! He brings pace and calmness to the backline, and if he can replicate that with City, I think they'll be solid. It's all about finding that balance and making some adjustments, you know?
They're not just struggling with injuries, but their overall team performance is lacking too 
. It's like they've lost their mojo 
. Rodri and Haaland are having off days which is expected, but Foden's regression is a major concern 
. The guy's got pace and calmness, could be the missing piece to their puzzle 
. If they can get it together and make some smart signings, maybe Guardiola's got City back on track 
. They're not creating chances and it's showing on the pitch. I've been watching them play and it seems like they're just phoning it in, you know? Rodri's performances have been really disappointing too, he's supposed to be one of their best midfielders but he's just not delivering. And Haaland's goalscoring struggles are getting old, he needs to step up his game if City want to win anything. I'm hoping Guéhi can bring some much-needed stability to the backline, that guy's a solid defender 
. If they can get their heads together and sort out their weaknesses, maybe they'll turn it around... 
.