Manchester City’s struggles continued with another disappointing performance, as Juventus secured a vital victory in the Champions League. The defeat marked a troubling trend for a team that was once a paragon of dominance, with this loss being their seventh in ten games. For a side of City’s pedigree, this decline is both shocking and surreal.
City’s current slump has left observers puzzled. Losing streaks happen in football, but for a team that has set such high standards under Pep Guardiola, this persistent lack of form feels extraordinary. Despite naming a strong starting XI, Guardiola’s side seemed to lack their usual flair and composure. The team’s solitary win in recent weeks underscores their inability to recover momentum.
Juventus capitalized on City’s vulnerabilities with a clinical display. Dusan Vlahovic opened the scoring with a precise header in the 53rd minute, and Timothy Weah set up Weston McKennie for a thunderous volley that sealed the win. The goals came from players introduced by Thiago Motta, showcasing the effectiveness of his substitutions. In contrast, Guardiola’s reluctance to make changes further highlighted the sense of stagnation engulfing his team.
At the outset, both teams were level on points, making this a crucial encounter for their European campaigns. Yet, while Juventus rose to the occasion, City faltered. The defensive frailties that have plagued them in recent matches were evident again, with Rico Lewis struggling on the left flank. His vulnerability was exposed by Francisco Conceição, who outmuscled him to win a corner. Mistakes in passing compounded City’s woes, with misplaced balls from Josko Gvardiol and Ilkay Gündogan frustrating Guardiola on the sidelines.
City’s trademark quick transitions and incisive play were only visible in fleeting moments. One such instance saw Jérémy Doku burst infield and combine with Kevin De Bruyne, resulting in a dangerous cross that Juventus scrambled to clear. However, these glimpses of promise were overshadowed by a general lack of precision and confidence.
The absence of cohesion extended to City’s attacking unit. Erling Haaland, typically so clinical, squandered a golden opportunity when a deft pass from De Bruyne put him through on goal. His poor touch and inability to convert epitomized City’s struggles in front of goal. Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva attempted to create openings, but Juventus defended resolutely to keep City at bay.
The second half brought more frustration for City. Gvardiol’s botched clearance allowed Juventus to gain possession, leading to Vlahovic’s goal. Although Ederson managed to get a hand to the ball, his failure to hold onto it saw it trickle into the net. The second goal was equally preventable, with City’s defense failing to track McKennie’s run as he volleyed home Weah’s cross.
City’s decline is particularly puzzling given their dominance in recent seasons. The team that once played with unshakable confidence now appears uncertain and error-prone. Even Guardiola, usually a master motivator, has seemed increasingly isolated and frustrated on the touchline. His visible exasperation during misplaced passes and missed chances reflected the growing sense of disarray within the squad.
The defeat leaves City in a precarious position in their Champions League group, sitting just one point above the bottom-placed team. With a challenging trip to Paris on the horizon, their path to the knockout stages is far from secure. Domestically, the team’s recent form also raises concerns about their ability to retain the Premier League title.
For City to turn their season around, they need to rediscover their identity. The crisp passing, relentless pressing, and clinical finishing that have defined their success in recent years are conspicuously absent. Whether through tactical adjustments, renewed focus, or simply a return to basics, the team must find a way to arrest their slide. Guardiola’s belief in his players remains steadfast, but their performances must begin to reflect that confidence if they are to salvage their season.
