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Manchester City Faces Turmoil After PSG Defeat
Manchester City experienced a significant setback in their recent match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), enduring a barrage of 26 shots, marking the highest total faced since their 2012 encounter with Real Madrid.
The unusual positioning of Matheus Nunes, an attacking player, in a defensive role at right-back highlighted the operational confusion within City’s lineup, particularly with Kyle Walker nearing a transfer to AC Milan. This situation reflects the broader challenges and missteps that have characterized Guardiola’s tactical approach this season, which now requires urgent reassessment.
During the match, Nunes and fellow substitute Rico Lewis struggled defensively as PSG exploited the flanks with ease. The trio of Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele created significant problems for City’s backline, leaving a wake of disarray in their path.
This defeat emphasized a collective failure from both the management and players, as City appeared on the brink of a breakdown before ultimately conceding four goals. This marked the first time they had allowed four goals in a match since a stunning 5-2 loss to Leicester City in September 2020.
Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, City lacked the composure needed to maintain control of the game. Guardiola, who often emphasizes possession as crucial to success, faced what could be described as a tactical blunder. The crucial moment came just three minutes after Haaland’s second goal when Dembele found the net, shifting the momentum decisively in PSG’s favor.
On the sidelines, a soaked and astonished Guardiola appeared powerless to alter the course of the match, confronting the reality that the rebuilding process for his squad is likely more extensive than previously anticipated.
Veteran players Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Kovacic, all entering their 30s, displayed signs of fatigue as they struggled to keep pace with PSG’s relentless energy. Both De Bruyne and Kovacic were substituted after 70 minutes, showcasing a troubling decline in performance levels as they drew prolonged attention to City’s vulnerabilities throughout the match.
The statistics paint a dismal picture for Guardiola’s men, as they have now failed to win after taking the lead in nine matches across all competitions this season, with four losses and five draws—the highest for any Premier League club this season.
Furthermore, City has now lost their last three Champions League away matches, marking a worrying trend that echoes their previous streak of four consecutive losses from late 2011 to late 2012 under Roberto Mancini.
Notably, this match also marked the first occasion City has lost a match after establishing a two-goal lead since their inexplicable 3-2 defeat to Brighton in May 2021.
Source
www.bbc.com