• For the first time since 2016, this is the worst run for the 10-time Premier League champions, not to mention Guardiola’s worst managerial run in his career.
  • This city’s faltering in the league has been reset back to the missing Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri.

Manchester City’s defeat over Tottenham in the League Cup started their hysteria form as they faced four defeats in eleven days. After a solid start to the season, the defeat to sporting Lisbon was just the tip of the iceberg before the hammering at the American Express stadium. This city’s faltering in the league has been reset back to the missing Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri.

For the first time since 2016, this is the worst run for the 10-time Premier League champions, not to mention Guardiola’s worst managerial run in his career. City’s lack of form in recent matches is attributed to the absence of Spain’s defensive midfielder Rodri. Spain's international defensive leadership and awareness situation were the engine of Guardiola’s tactics.

Last season, he was rated as the top player with more recoveries than any other player in the division. Rodri’s ability to drive the ball forward and link up with the attacking midfielders was what made an effective balance between the city’s midfield and attacking team.

“It is hard to replace the Ballon d’Or winner”, stated Jahseh in his x account. As the panic button is not yet about to be pressed, city are looking for ways to compensate for Rodri’s absence who is out for the rest of the season.

The citizen’s hopes to clinch the 5th premier league title in a row now rests on their star players Kevin de Bruyne who is yet to be back at his intelligent passing, and Haaland, whose firing cylinder is yet to be seen.

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Manchester City’s tactics of the high-pressing game were commonly achieved with the Ballon d’Or winner on the team sheet. With Kovacic, not a defensive midfielder, city is eyeing the January transfer window to find solutions. Guardiola’s decision to rely on young stars Rico Lewis and Simpson has not been received well.

Lack of depth can be witnessed with top players sidelined with injuries. Their fourth straight defeat comes after injuries to England internationals Jack Grealish, John Stones and the navigator’s Ruben Dias.

With Rodri being a missing key figure, city needs to fill his void before it’s too late. Their vulnerability to the defense is costly, with the debut to the 19-year-old Simpson not helping. The citizens next fixture is against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, November 23, 2024, and it is one of Guardiola’s most challenging fixtures as they look to avoid five straight defeats.