What's Wrong at Man City Now That Rodri Is Back?

Manchester City are facing an uncharacteristically rocky start to their Premier League campaign, having lost two of their first three matches for the first time under Pep Guardiola. Following a trophyless season last year, the club had hoped to bounce back strongly after significant investment in the squad, but early performances suggest that the road to recovery may be more complex than anticipated.

Last updated: 14 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Manchester City have lost two of their first three league matches, marking a notable downturn in form.
• Rodri's return from injury is crucial, yet he needs time to regain match fitness and form.
• Defensive vulnerabilities have emerged, particularly in high-press situations, leaving City exposed.
• Erling Haaland is demonstrating a return to form, scoring three goals in the opening matches.
• The upcoming Manchester derby will be pivotal for City to regain momentum.

Manchester City's Unsettling Start

Manchester City’s inconsistent beginning to the season has raised eyebrows, particularly given their recent dominance in English football. After winning the Premier League six times in the last seven years, last season's lack of silverware was often attributed to multiple factors, including injuries and off-field uncertainties. However, with significant investment of approximately £330 million in player acquisitions during the summer, expectations were high for a renewed title challenge.

Comparative Context: City’s History of Recovery

Historically, the Premier League has seen teams recover from poor starts, but the odds are stacked against City this time. The last team to overcome a similar setback — losing two of their first three games — was Manchester United in the 1992-1993 season, which was part of a 42-game campaign. In the current 38-game format, no team has managed to rebound from such a deficit to win the title. This adds significant pressure on Guardiola as the season unfolds.

Early Signs of Inconsistency

City’s performance has been marked by a troubling inconsistency. After a promising 4-0 victory over Wolves in their opening match, the subsequent loss against Brighton highlighted a familiar pattern of lapses that plagued them last season. Despite controlling the first half against Brighton, City conceded two goals in quick succession, revealing vulnerabilities that need urgent addressing.

Guardiola’s Tactical Dilemma

Guardiola’s teams are typically known for their control and incisive attacking play. However, the recent matches have shown a lack of cohesion, particularly in their defensive structure. Guardiola noted, “After the goal we forgot to play,” indicating a psychological barrier that his players need to overcome. The tactical high press, which has been a hallmark of Guardiola's strategy, has been exploited effectively by opponents, leading to defensive breakdowns.

The Importance of Rodri

Rodri's absence due to injury last season significantly impacted City’s performance. As a key midfielder, his role is pivotal in maintaining balance and control in the game. Recently crowned the best player in the world at the 2024 Ballon d'Or awards, Rodri's return is a welcome boost. However, he acknowledged the team needs collective improvement rather than relying solely on his presence: “For sure I need to recover my best level... we have to look to all of ourselves.”

Defensive Issues: A Cause for Concern

City’s defensive frailties have been laid bare in recent fixtures. Both the goals conceded against Tottenham and Brighton resulted from tactical missteps during high-press situations. The full-backs often find themselves isolated, leading to mismatches in one-on-one situations that opposing teams exploit. This exposes City’s centre-backs to more direct challenges, creating gaps that can be easily attacked.

Erling Haaland: A Bright Spot

On a more positive note, Erling Haaland has begun the season strongly, scoring three goals in his first three league appearances. After a somewhat underwhelming previous season by his standards, Haaland’s form could be crucial for City as they navigate through their early-season challenges. Guardiola’s challenge will be to maintain Haaland's momentum while ensuring the team’s overall performance improves.

The Upcoming Manchester Derby

City's next significant test comes in the form of the Manchester derby against United on 14 September. Given their current standing behind their rivals, this match is critical for City to regain confidence and rectify their early-season struggles. A victory in this high-stakes match could provide the boost they need to turn their season around.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for City?

The road ahead for Manchester City is fraught with challenges, yet there remains a sense of cautious optimism. With key players like Rodri returning and Haaland in form, the potential for a turnaround exists. However, Guardiola must address the tactical issues that have surfaced and ensure that his players can perform consistently. The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining whether City can re-enter the title race.

Conclusion

As Manchester City confronts an unexpected start to the season, the coming weeks will be critical. The integration of Rodri back into the team and the continued goal-scoring form of Haaland will be essential. Guardiola's ability to rectify the defensive vulnerabilities and instil a sense of unity within the squad will ultimately define their campaign. Can City regain their title-winning form, or will the inconsistencies continue to haunt them?

FAQs

What has caused Manchester City's poor start to the season?

Manchester City's poor start can be attributed to tactical inconsistencies, defensive vulnerabilities, and a lack of cohesion among players, despite significant summer investments.

How significant is Rodri's return to the team?

Rodri's return is crucial as he is a key player in maintaining the team’s balance and control. However, he will need time to regain full match fitness after his injury.

What can Manchester City do to turn their season around?

To turn their season around, City must address their defensive issues, improve their consistency, and build on the attacking momentum provided by players like Erling Haaland.

What does history say about teams recovering from a poor start in the Premier League?

Historically, teams that lose two of their first three matches have struggled to recover, with Manchester United in the 1992-1993 season being the only exception in a 42-game format.

What is at stake in the upcoming Manchester derby?

The upcoming Manchester derby is critical for City as a win could help restore confidence and momentum in their season, especially against a rival club.