Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are currently enduring their worst form since the Spanish manager took over in 2016.
The Citizens are winless in six matches, and they wasted a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord in the Champions League last night. However, despite their dreadful form, there are still strong reasons why Pep Guardiola’s side should still be considered favorites to win the Premier League and challenge for the UEFA Champions League trophy.
Manchester City have not won a single game since a shaky 1-0 victory over Southampton in late October. During this period, they have suffered defeats against Tottenham twice, Bournemouth, Sporting Lisbon, and Brighton. Blowing a three-goal lead last night marks a new low for the English champions.
Despite these struggles, Manchester City’s problems are clear and solvable. Injuries have affected Guardiola’s squad this season. Key players like Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Jeremy Doku, Rúben Dias, and Mateo Kovacic have all spent time on the sidelines, significantly weakening the core of Guardiola’s side.
With their injury woes and poor form, City find themselves in familiar territory early in the campaign. It is that time of the season when critics doubt Manchester City’s chances of winning the EPL due to their performances but over the years, this has never stopped them from defying the odds and winning the league.
Familiar Territory For Pep and Manchester City
In the 2020/21 season, Manchester City were 9th on the league table, eight points off the top. They still managed to win the title after embarking on a stunning 15-match winning streak.
City’s current struggles stem from missing their core players, which has left the team looking unrecognizable. However, no team in the Premier League understands how to win a title better than this group of players, who have lifted the trophy four times in a row.
As soon as Pep Guardiola restores stability and injured players return to the team, City have the ability to go on another legendary winning run to secure the league title.
