Manchester City’s reign as English champions is facing its toughest test yet, as Pep Guardiola’s side suffered their fourth consecutive defeat on Saturday, November 9.
Brighton’s 2-1 comeback victory in the Premier League has left City five points adrift of leaders Liverpool, sparking concerns about the team’s title defense.
City took the lead through Erling Haaland’s league-leading 12th goal, but Brighton fought back, with Joao Pedro equalizing in the 78th minute and setting up Matt O’Riley for the winner in the 83rd on his Premier League debut.
Pep Guardiola Admit His Ever Worst Run
The Spanish manager is enduring the worst statistical run of his illustrious career, with City’s losing streak marking the first time he has lost four straight games as a manager.
This unprecedented slump has raised questions about the team’s ability to cope with injuries and maintain their dominance.
Meanwhile, City’s woes are compounded by a lengthy injury list, including star centre-midfielder Rodri, this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, who is out for the season with an ACL injury.
Guardiola is also without his best four center-backs – Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake, while playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is struggling to regain fitness.
When asked if this marked the end of an era, Guardiola retorted, “It’s what the people want, right? That’s normal – we won a lot.”
“I would just like to have all the squad [available].”
The manager acknowledged Manchester City’s dominance in the first half but lamented their inability to sustain it.
Guardiola added: “When we play bad, I am the first to say, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t like it.’ But I don’t have that feeling.”
Manchester City Losing Streak
The Sky Blue’s losing run began with a defeat at Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, followed by a 2-1 loss at Bournemouth in the league, their first Premier League defeat in 11 months, and the 4-1 loss at Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, it’s obvious that the pressure is mounting on Guardiola to reverse this trend.
Guardiola reveals City squad struggling with injuries amid busy fixture schedule
With a busy schedule of upcoming fixtures, Guardiola’s team is facing a challenging hurdle as they work to overcome their injury crisis.
Guardiola urged, emphasizing the need for his players to return: “We cannot do it every three days, three days, four days, three days with the [injury] situation we have.”
Man City boss Guardiola admits title bid could be OVER after slipping five points adrift
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the possibility of relinquishing their dominance in the Premier League.
After their recent defeat to Brighton, Guardiola expressed humility by acknowledging that another team may deserve the title this season, hinting at a potential shift in power in English football.
The Spanish boss said: “Maybe after seven years winning six Premier Leagues, maybe one year another team deserves it.”
What’s next for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola?
Guardiola will hope to end his losing streak when City hosts Tottenham on Saturday, November 23, at Etihad Stadium, with kickoff set at 18:30 GMT.
What are your thoughts on Pep Guardiola’s recent losing streak and City’s title defense? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section.
