Manchester City are facing a rare and startling crisis. Following a humiliating 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt in Norway and a 2-0 Manchester derby loss, Guardiola’s side have failed to win a single league match in 2026. This midwinter slump is the result of a “perfect storm”: a thin squad, struggling superstars, and a massive injury list.
Stars Searching for Form
The core of the team has hit a wall at the same time. Rodri, still working his way back after 18 months out with a serious knee injury, looked off the pace in Norway before being sent off for two yellow cards in two minutes.
The goal-scoring struggles of Erling Haaland are also a major worry. Excluding penalties, the Norwegian has not scored from open play in over a month. He even failed to score during City’s 10-1 FA Cup win over Exeter.
Meanwhile, Phil Foden looks like a shadow of the player who shone earlier in the season, going five weeks without a goal or an assist.
The Injury Crisis
Guardiola’s side is currently missing 11 senior players, including the defensive spine of Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones. The list of absentees also includes Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, and Jeremy Doku. This forced City to field an inexperienced team in Norway that was easily carved open.
Guehi provides hope
Among the bad news, the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for 20 million pounds is a huge boost. The England defender arrives at just the right time to steady a shaky backline.
Guehi’s calm style and pace are exactly what City need. If he can quickly build a partnership with 21-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov, Guardiola’s side may find the stability needed to save their season before the hunt for trophies slips away.
