Overview

• Manchester City has lost five consecutive matches across all competitions, including a 0-4 home defeat to Tottenham, its worst home loss under Pep Guardiola.
• The absence of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, sidelined with a knee injury since September, has exposed weaknesses in City's midfield structure and defensive stability.
• Erling Haaland's recent goal drought and the lack of contributions from other key players, such as Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, have compounded the team's struggles.
• Guardiola's side is now eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, with a pivotal match against them at Anfield looming next weekend.
• The club faces additional pressure from an ongoing legal dispute with the Premier League, which could lead to severe penalties, further destabilizing the team.