Why Man City's season is imploding - and why Liverpool will be champing at the bit to play them

Manchester City’s rise to dominance in English and European football over the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable. Under Pep Guardiola, the club has won numerous Premier League titles, domestic cups, and even the coveted UEFA Champions League.

However, despite their success, City have recently encountered a series of struggles that have raised questions about their ability to maintain their dominance. From tactical adjustments to squad depth, here are some key factors contributing to Manchester City’s recent challenges.

Pep Guardiola’s tactical system is often hailed as one of the most sophisticated in modern football. However, even the best systems can face limitations or become predictable over time. Guardiola’s reliance on possession-based football and positional play has been widely imitated by teams across Europe, making it harder for City to break down well-organised defences.

Teams have adapted to City’s style by sitting deep, pressing at the right moments, and exploiting their defensive vulnerabilities on the counter. Guardiola has tried to tweak his formation and playing style to counteract these issues, but at times, the team’s attacking fluidity has seemed disjointed. Erling Haaland has missed big chances and appeared frustrated more than ever before.

Additionally, Guardiola’s penchant for overloading certain areas of the pitch has sometimes led to a lack of width and unpredictability in attack. As a result, when City come up against teams with a solid defensive structure and pace on the counter, they can struggle to find the space they once thrived in.

While City have one of the deepest squads in the Premier League, injuries to key players have taken their toll. Erling Haaland, their star striker, has been central to their offensive play, but his consistency in front of goal can sometimes be affected by injuries or a lack of service from the midfield.

Likewise, injuries to key midfielders such as Kevin De Bruyne have disrupted the team’s rhythm and creativity. De Bruyne’s absence, in particular, has been felt in build-up play and in unlocking defences, as his vision and passing range are unrivalled in the Premier League.

While City still boast an impressive array of talent, a few injuries to pivotal players have highlighted the fragility of their squad. The reliance on aging or injury-prone players in certain positions, such as defence and midfield, has contributed to the team’s struggles in maintaining the same level of consistency they enjoyed in previous seasons.

Historically, City have been known for their attacking prowess, but their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed in recent times. Ruben Dias and John Stones have been key figures in central defence, but when either is unavailable or out of form, City have struggled to maintain the same level of solidity.

The full-back positions have also been a point of concern. Joao Cancelo’s departure left a gap in the attacking full-back role, and although City brought in new faces, consistency at the back has been lacking.

This represents the biggest challenge Guardiola has faced since taking over at City, though that is to be expected after nearly 10 years in charge. The question now is: how will he solve a problem he’s never encountered before?

This weekend’s game against Liverpool will be a crucial test, revealing just how far Guardiola can fight back with the team’s confidence at an all-time low.