In the past week, Manchester City had two games that felt like a ‘walk in the park‘. Last Wednesday’s match ended in a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, leaving the Premier League Champions winless in four games. It was a tough evening for the team as they seemed outplayed and outclassed. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, seemed lost for answers, admitting he needed time to figure things out. Injuries and shaky form added to their woes, leaving City and their manager looking unusually vulnerable.
But then came a change. Despite Erling Haaland’s absence due to injury, Manchester City turned things around at Kenilworth Road, rallying from being a goal down to securing a 2-1 victory against Luton. The win, coupled with Arsenal’s loss, hinted at a tighter title race where every point matters. This victory injected a needed boost, placing them just four points away from new leaders Liverpool.
Manchester City slowly regaining their form
The mood shifted again as Manchester City traveled to Belgrade for a Champions League clash. With nine changes in the lineup, they clinched a 3-2 win over Crvena Zvezda, securing a perfect 18 points in the group stage. Positives overflowed where they were once absent. While this doesn’t mean an instant transformation, the vast change in mood within a week suggests there’s not much fundamentally wrong. Manchester City may not be at their peak, but the path to improvement is clearer now. Guardiola rightly pointed out that winning breeds more winning, and recent victories have boosted their morale.
Looking ahead, Manchester City face Crystal Palace, aiming to navigate a potential challenge before heading to Saudi Arabia for a shot at The FIFA Club World Cup. The year wraps up with games against Everton and Sheffield United, no easy tasks but seemingly more manageable after their recent strides.
Each win rebuilds Manchester City’s confidence. As the players respond to challenges, it diminishes the idea that there was a lot wrong in the first place. The resilience shown in this rollercoaster week paints a promising picture for Manchester City’s journey forward.
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