The frustration of Pep Guardiola seems to be growing as Premier League matchdays pass by. Manchester City look a shadow of their former self in the 2023/24 Premier League season. The team is playing dismal soccer and dropping points that they should have won.
🔵 Man City have just 1 win in last 6 Premier League games.
Pep: “It's not bad luck, it's deserved. We give away two points”.
“We are not able to win games”.
“It happened here against Liverpool, it happened here against Spurs, and we cannot take points”. pic.twitter.com/FlI45UG8VG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2023
In another poor performance, Manchester City drew 2-2 with a Crystal Palace side that has struggled a lot in the 22/23 Premier League season. ‘The Cityzens’ were leading 2-0 with just fifteen minutes to go when Crystal Palce did the unthinkable.
Two late strikes from Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise completed Crystal Palace’s one of the most memorable comebacks. These two strikes were surprisingly the only two shots from Crystal Palace that were on target.
Earlier on, Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis scored the two goals for the home side. Both goals were special as it was Rico’s first-ever Premier League goal for his club. While it was the first time in Jack Grealish’s career, that the English forward has scored goals in three consecutive games.
Three goals in three league games now for @JackGrealish! 👏 pic.twitter.com/VzVcan9Ao2
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 16, 2023
While the achievements of the individuals are remarkable nonetheless, the team’s performances have been questionable. The team let in a very easy goal when Mateta scored an easy tap-in due to some poor defending by ‘The Cityzens’. While a clumsy piece of defending gave Michael Olise a chance to equalize.
Speaking at a press conference after the game versus Crystal Place, Pep Guardiola could be seen as a very frustrated figure. The Spaniard said, “It’s not bad luck, it’s deserved. We give away two points”. “We are not able to win games”. “It happened here against Liverpool, it happened here against Spurs, and we cannot take points.”
Manchester City currently sits in fourth position at the end of matchday 17. The reigning English Champions are 3 points off league leaders Liverpool, who have played one game in hand to play.
Manchester City has had a very uncharacteristic start to the season
Manchester City’s start to the season has been shocking nonetheless. It would have been difficult for the team to repeat the treble-winning season of 22/23. But, such a drop in performances, is beyond every fan’s wildest imagination.
3 – Manchester City have fallen 1-0 behind in three successive Premier League games for the first time since November 2019 – which was during the last season they failed to win the title. Concern. pic.twitter.com/0MyyxU0xNq
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 10, 2023
The team from the city of Manchester has only 1 win from their last 6 games. The draw with Crystal Palace highlighted City’s biggest problem in the 23/24 season. City looks like a failing team who cannot hold on to leads. The nine-time Premier League champions have often crumbled under pressure. The games against Tottenham, Liverpool, and now Crystal Palace indicate the same.
The draw with Crystal Palace meant that City have failed to win for the fourth time in their last games where they have been winning. City’s dismal start to the season has resulted in a very frustrated Pep Guardiola in press conferences. City’s next test is going to be against Urawa Red Dragons in the FIFA Club World Cup 2023. The tournament which is to be held in Saudi Arabia, should give Pep’s men a chance to regain their touch.