This latest loss at Villa Park marks the fourth time in just twelve matches that the reigning champions have faced defeat, leaving them with a meager one win during that troubling run. Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers condemned Pep Guardiola’s side to an uncharacteristic slump.
City striker Erling Haaland attempted to rally spirits, stating, “We have to stay positive, even though it’s difficult, and we have to keep working hard.” Unfortunately for the Sky Blues, Phil Foden’s late effort in stoppage time simply wasn’t enough to ignite a comeback.
The defeat sees Manchester City drop to sixth place in the table, nine points adrift of league leaders , despite having played two matches more. , on the other hand, climbed to a commend
Guardiola’s admission last week about failing to improve his team’s performances now weighs heavy, with City enduring a staggering eight consecutive away matches without a win across all competitions. Once favorites to secure a fifth consecutive league title, the prospect of finishing in the top four and securing Champions League football is now under serious threat.
“We concede goals now that we never used to and we don’t score in the same fashion either,” Guardiola reflected after the match. “We must maintain a positive mindset, and I have unwavering faith in my players. Some exhibit tremendous pride and determination—we just need to embark on a journey, step by step, to rediscover our form.”
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Historically under Guardiola, City has only managed to clinch the title once when enduring six league defeats, in the 2020-21 season. During that campaign, they lost two of their final three games even after being confirmed champions.
In another past season, when Liverpool claimed the title in 2019-20, City fell to nine defeats, but it wasn’t until February that they recorded their sixth loss. Guardiola also faced six league defeats during his first season in charge in 2016-17, finishing in third place at the end of the season.
This latest defeat could have been far more damaging, as a dominant Villa side was on top form. Duran opened the scoring with his sixth goal in six starts, netting in the 16th minute from a Rogers assist. An earlier goal from Duran was ruled out for offside in the second half, while Rogers struck the woodwork before doubling Villa’s lead in the 65th minute.
Foden’s goal at the start of stoppage time came too late to affect the result, leaving City fans concerned for what lies ahead.
