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.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has revealed that no one from Barcelona has contacted him over a move for Antoine Griezmann. The France World Cup winner will call time on his five-year
Antoine Griezmann admits move away from Atletico Madrid is
LONDON (AFP) - Pep Guardiola hailed his "incredible" Manchester City stars as they swept back to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday (March 30).. Read more at
Guardiola salutes 'incredible' Manchester City - Daily Nation
Madrid plans 'robust' security for all-English Champions League final Madrid, Spain: Madrid will deploy an unprecedented number of police and security personnel for Saturday's all-English Champions League final, and use a drone for the first time to monitor fan activity.
Madrid plans 'robust' security for all-English Champions
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/05/30/madrid-plans-robust-security-for-all-english-champions-league-final/
Madrid plans 'robust' security for all-English Champions League final AFP May 30, 2019 AFP No Comments Madrid (AFP) - Madrid will deploy an unprecedented number of police and security personnel for Saturday's all-English Champions League final, and use a drone for the first time to monitor fan activity.
Madrid Plans 'robust' Security For All-English Champions
Warnock hails Cardiff's heart as Bluebirds win again for Sala Neil Warnock praised his Cardiff players for paying tribute to the late Emiliano Sala with their vital 2-1 victory at Southampton.
Warnock hails Cardiff's heart as Bluebirds win again for Sala
Mar 08, 2019 · United States women's national team stars Mallory Pugh (L), Megan Rapinoe (C) and Alex Morgan (R) and Tobin Heath are among the 28 players suing the U.S. Soccer Federation for gender discrimination.
US women's team sues US Soccer over 'institutionalized gender
Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Pep Guardiola wants the pain of Manchester City's gut-wrenching Champions League elimination at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur to inspire a charge for an unprecedented domestic treble. Guardiola's side take on Spurs at the Etihad Stadium again on Saturday after
Football: Guardiola hopes Champions League pain spurs on
Benno is making a late run for "defender of the year" in my totally personal and made-up end-of-season awards do. A clean sheet against some toothless Terriers always goes down well here. Cesar Azpilicueta, 2 points
Bottom at Christmas but it's not goal-shy strikers fault
Jamie Carragher says Virgil van Dijk is the best centre-back in the world - but Lionel Messi remains his prediction for the Ballon d'Or. Van Dijk is among the favourites for the award and
Reds get back fear factor, says Van Dijk - msn.com
Football: Sevilla put pressure on Spanish La Liga leaders
Madrid plans 'robust' security for all-English Champions
Football: Mauricio Pochettino plans to ruin old pal Pep
LONDON (AFP) - Eden Hazard got here to Maurizio Sarri's rescue as the Chelsea megastar's superb late strike earned a 1-1 draw against Wolves on Sunday (March 10). Sarri's facet were seconds clear of another harmful defeat after Raul Jimenez positioned Wolves ahead at Stamford Bridge.
Hazard late show rescues Chelsea in Wolves draw - Khaleej Times
Tottenham's Harry Kane is fouled by Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga resulting in a penalty during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, at Wembley Stadium, in London, Britain, on January 8, 2019.
Kane penalty kick gives Tottenham edge over Chelsea in League
0 comments:
Post a Comment