Written by 
Samuel – November 14, 2024
Manchester City enjoyed a solid start to the 2024/25 season in its maiden nine League matches, winning seven and drew two against Newcastle and Arsenal.
However, despite the decent run, the Cityzens have struggled to claim maximum points in these matches as they are now more exposed defensively, conceding cheap goals.
These issues persisted, resulting in back-to-back League defeats against Bournemouth and Brighton ahead of the international break. They have also lost their last four games across all competitions, the most notable of which being a 4-1 humiliating defeat to Sporting CP in the Champions League.
Moving on, following the successive League defeats, they are now five points behind League leaders Liverpool and four points ahead of third-placed Chelsea, with their next fixture after the international break against Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester City’s slump in form has hampered their performance across all competitions, particularly in the League, prompting concerns about the end of their four-year dynasty.
As a result, we will examine the factors behind Manchester City’s decline in form and the prospects of retaining the League title in the face of Liverpool’s impressive form.
Manchester City’s Feeble Defense and Rodri’s Absence
Manchester City’s problems this season stem from their fragile defense. They have only kept one clean sheet since their League opener against Chelsea, conceding thirteen goals in eleven matches.
Pep Guardiola has struggled to establish the perfect Centre back pairing, with the majority of his defenders presently out of form, which is one of the primary causes for their defensive woes this season.
However, he made a tactical change by introducing academy graduate Jahmai Simpson-Pusey into the backline in the last two matches, but it appears to have failed as he lost both games, conceding six goals.
Meanwhile, Rodri’s injury since the game against Arsenal has left Manchester City’s midfield in disarray, as Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis has failed to fill Rodri’s void and provide the defensive cover that is needed, and it’s no surprise that Manchester City is now open in transition and vulnerable to any potential counter attack from the opponent.
Going forward, Pep Guardiola needs to hunt for a defensive midfielder in the January transfer window to replace Rodri’s before he returns from his long-term injury.
The City’s boss stopgap measures to cover for Rodri’s absence have not been effective, and a new defensive midfielder must be signed to provide the necessary defensive duties in the midfield.
Can Liverpool stop City’s title streak?
Liverpool has established itself as a credible title contender under new manger Arne Slot, and they are on course to end Manchester City’s four-year dominance.
Arne Slot has continued Jurgen Klopp’s incredible run at Liverpool, establishing in the squad a winning mindset and a decent attacking style of play.
Liverpool, led by Arne Slot, has only lost one League match this season and is presently leading the Premier League standing with twenty-eight points after eleven games.
The Reds have taken advantage of Manchester City’s slump in form, and they are now five points clear at the top of the log with City in second place.
Furthermore, Arne Slot has found his ideal Centre back combo with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, with the duo conceding only six League goals thus far, making Liverpool the least conceding team.
Although, the League is still in the early stages with many surprises to come, Liverpool has demonstrated their resilience as a title contender, as well as their willingness to battle and end Manchester City’s dominance at the end of the season.
Verdict
Manchester City still have the chance to flip the trend after the international break and return to winning ways before Liverpool cement their title lead. With only four points separating the two teams, the Cityzens are still in the title race but may face disaster if they fail to get back on track in the early stages.