MANCHESTER, England (REUTERS) - Manchester City's surprise run of three defeats in four games, the latest in Wednesday's (Dec 26) 2-1 defeat at Leicester City, has been widely attributed to one simple cause - the absence of defensive midfielder Fernandinho.
Yet, while the Brazilian's injury has clearly dented their Premier League title defence, given the absence of any effective replacement to shield their defence, City's woes run deeper than the loss of just one individual, however influential.
The defeats at Chelsea and Leicester and at home to Crystal Palace, with only a home win against Everton limiting the damage, have seen Pep Guardiola's champions fall from being clear favourites and leaders to third place.
They are now a point behind Spurs and seven behind top side Liverpool, who visit the Etihad on Jan 3.
Last season's record-breaking title win was built on remarkable consistency, in results of course but also in terms of the starting line-up and approach.
Yet while the inevitable injuries picked up through a season did little to knock City off course last term, this season Guardiola has had to deal with not just the recent loss of Fernandinho but also of several key players at the same time.
David Silva missed City's last five games before returning at Leicester and his importance to the team's trademark style was certainly highlighted in the recent losses.
For what Fernandinho provides in solidity, defensive protection and the ability to stop counter-attacks and opposition momentum, Silva matches as the essential link in the short, quick passing game which makes City so hard to defend against.
Silva not only provides goals and assists, but brings out the best in those around him, particularly wide players Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, who have both been out of sorts in recent performances.
Sane and Sterling know that when Silva has the ball, the Spaniard, with his supreme reading of angles and timing, will find them if they make a move.
Without Silva, they have too often received the ball when stationary, allowing defenders time to set up and nullify them instead of finding themselves on the back foot being attacked with momentum and impetus.
Kevin De Bruyne is another to have only recently returned from long-term injury and, while City initially coped with the absence of the Belgian central midfielder, they have missed his ability to swiftly turn defence into attack with a surging run or sweeping pass.
Much of the focus on City's improvement last season was placed on the full back positions but with Benjamin Mendy injured, Fabian Delph has, of late, rarely looked much more than an adequate replacement.
Worse, England defender Kyle Walker's form has been shaky and he paid the price for a poor performance in the 3-2 home defeat to Palace by losing his place at Leicester with Danilo preferred at right-back.
The defence is no longer as solid, the midfield has missed key elements and the forward line is not operating anywhere near full effectiveness.
"What we have to do is try and change the dynamic to winning games. We are able to do that but I have to reflect myself, think about what the team needs and try to help them," said Guardiola.
"That is what will concern me for the next few days. Good results are miracles for the mind and I have to help the players come back, change something and try to win again."
A trip to Southampton is next on Sunday and, with Spurs and Liverpool in full flow, City can ill-afford another stumble if they are to avoid a poor December becoming an irretrievable slump.
For more details kindly check website
Over the last 23 years, Chelsea have consistently signed big-name players on their way to four Premier League titles. Sportsmail looks at the 10 best and 10 worst of a big-spending era in blue.
Neymar banned for three Champions League matches over ref rant. Neymar was found guilty of "insulting/molesting acts against match official", European football´s governing body announced in a
Neymar banned for three Champions League matches over ref
Football: My players must want the ball, says new Lions coach Tatsuma Yoshida Monday, June 3 - 10:43 AM Singapore Straits Times - David Lee - SINGAPORE He envisions a pacy and attacking brand of football for the Lions, and new national coach Tatsuma Yoshida was quick to emphasise this philosophy to his players during his first training session
Lions' new coach Tatsuma Yoshida wants more intensity
But Chelsea have been incensed at the lengths Bayern are going to court their academy product, who has been handed successive starts in their last two games against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus eye Chelsea teen Hudson-Odoi
South Korea's victorious under-18 team were stripped of the Panda Cup on Thursday after they infuriated hosts China with their celebrations. The Koreans had already apologised to "all the people
China strips South Korea of football trophy for 'indecent
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said his team must win their seven remaining Premier League games, to pip Liverpool to the title. City have the slight advantage in the title race, sitting top by a point after the 2-0 win at Fulham, having played the same number of games as Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola reveals what his Man City side MUST do to beat
Barca put one hand on title after edging past Sociedad Barcelona closed in on the La Liga title on Saturday after earning a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Sociedad at the Nou Camp, with goals
Barcelona put one hand on La Liga title after edging past
Football 'Emotional breakdown' as Japan stun imploding Iran at Asian Cup — Japan cashed in on a defensive mix-up and a controversial penalty as they stunned favourites Iran 3-0 in the Asian
'Emotional breakdown' as Japan stun imploding Iran at Asian Cup
Tottenham vs West Ham: Michail Antonio scores winner as Spurs lose in new stadium a month ago 11648 views by Nomso Obiajuru West Ham forward Michail Antonio scored the first away goal in Tottenham's new stadium to hand the hammers all three points in a Premier League fixture played on Saturday, April 27.
Football: Spurs beaten for first time in new stadium
Neymar was found guilty of "insulting/molesting acts against a match official LAUSANNE (AFP) - Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain s shock exit from this season s tournament to Manchester
0 comments:
Post a Comment