NEW DELHI: Manchester City, the dominant force in English football for the past six years, have suffered what BBC Radio 5 Live commentator John Murray described as “a new low” after a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Arsenal.
With the loss, City now sit 15 points behind league leaders Liverpool, virtually ending any hopes of defending their title.
For the first time in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career, his team has conceded four or more goals in four different games in a single season. City have now shipped 53 goals in just 36 games, nearly matching last season’s total of 54 goals conceded across 59 matches.
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Micah Richards, former City defender and Sky Sports pundit, expressed his concerns: “I wouldn’t say it’s the end of an era, but the fall-off has been so dramatic.”
The latest collapse against Arsenal began with an early error, allowing Martin Ødegaard to open the scoring in the second minute. Though Erling Haaland equalized with a brilliant header in the 55th minute, City’s defensive frailties resurfaced almost immediately.
Arsenal responded just 105 seconds later through Thomas Partey before teenage sensations Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, along with Kai Havertz, completed the rout.
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Despite their historic Treble win just 18 months ago, City have endured a torrid season. Key low points include:
- A 4-1 loss to Sporting CP
- A 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham
- A 2-1 Manchester derby loss
- A dramatic 3-3 collapse against Feyenoord after leading 3-0
Additionally, looming concerns over their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League rules add further uncertainty to their future.
Despite the heavy loss, Guardiola remained defiant: “I only regret the last 25 minutes. Before that, we played a really good game.”
However, fans and pundits alike question whether City can salvage their season.
With just 41 points after 24 games City’s worst tally since 2008/09, they face an uphill battle not just to challenge for titles but to even secure a Champions League spot.