City's form is poor due to a combination of physical and mental issues. Players are not in form, the team is disjointed, and there are tactical and defensive problems. The squad lacks depth, and injuries have compounded the issues, leaving the team vulnerable and lacking cohesion.
Haaland is not the primary issue, but his lack of service has limited his impact. He is often asked to wait for the ball in goal-scoring positions, but the team's inability to create chances has left him isolated. His struggles reflect broader problems in the team's attacking play.
Villa exposed City's defensive vulnerabilities, cutting through them easily and scoring with minimal effort. City's inability to create chances and their defensive lapses were evident, showing how far they have fallen in terms of performance and tactical execution.
Potential solutions include integrating younger players to bring fresh energy, addressing tactical flaws, and possibly making signings in the January transfer window. However, Guardiola is currently relying on injured players returning to improve the team's form.
The sale of academy players like Morgan Rogers and Romeo Lavia has left City short in key areas. While these players needed game time, their departures have highlighted City's lack of depth, making it harder to cope with injuries and poor form.
City's upcoming fixtures, including Everton at home, are winnable but challenging. Everton's defensive resilience and City's current form make it uncertain whether they can turn their fortunes around. The team needs to focus on winning individual matches to rebuild confidence.
The January transfer window is crucial for City to address their squad issues. While they are unlikely to sign players like Bruno Guimaraes or Martin Zouamendi, they may need to make signings to bolster their midfield and defense, especially given their current struggles.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices)