Manchester City has set their sights on adding the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to their already impressive collection of honors. However, their reign as English champions is under threat for the first time in recent memory. Despite their past dominance, City’s performance in the Premier League has faltered, giving hope to their competitors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, including South American champions Fluminense. This article examines the challenges that City faces and the doubts surrounding their ability to secure victory in the Club World Cup.
A Tale of Two Competitions
City has demonstrated their prowess in the UEFA Champions League, breezing through the group stage with an impeccable record of six wins out of six matches. However, their performance in the Premier League has been a different story. They have already dropped points in seven games, falling behind Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa in the table. Despite brief periods of stability, City has experienced inconsistencies, including a series of defeats in September and October, as well as a poor run of results in November and December.
The recent draw against Crystal Palace exemplifies City’s struggles in the Premier League. The team squandered a 2-0 lead, conceding two goals in the final 14 minutes, including a 95th-minute penalty. Guardiola, the City manager, refused to make excuses, admitting that the draw was deserved. Late goals have become a recurring issue for City, with previous leads slipping away against top teams such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham. Guardiola acknowledged that failure to close out games has cost them victories.
Loss of Control
City’s opponents this season have demonstrated an increased ability to challenge their dominance. The team’s possession percentage has dropped from 64.9% to 61.3% in Premier League games. Additionally, they are facing more shots per game and conceding higher Expected Goals (xG) compared to the previous season. The team has shown a vulnerability to falling behind, conceding the opening goal in six games—more than they did throughout the entirety of last season. The absence of key midfielders, Ilkay Gündogan and Kevin De Bruyne, has further weakened City’s control and stability in matches.
As City prepares to face Urawa Red Diamonds in the Club World Cup semifinal, Guardiola faces the challenge of balancing the squad amid a crowded Christmas fixture list. The team’s recent poor results have coincided with the absence of midfielder Rodri, who has already served two suspensions this season. In Rodri’s absence, City has suffered defeat in all four matches. Guardiola will likely include Rodri in the starting lineup to rectify the team’s shortcomings.
Despite Manchester City’s domestic struggles, they still enter the Club World Cup as heavy favorites. European teams have dominated the tournament since its inception, winning the past ten consecutive editions. The weight of history favors Guardiola and his players, even if their current form does not. Whether their opponents in the Club World Cup can capitalize on City’s vulnerabilities, however, remains uncertain.
Manchester City faces significant challenges as they aim for success in the FIFA Club World Cup. Their underwhelming performances in the Premier League and susceptibility to conceding late goals are causes for concern. The absence of key players and the team’s struggle to maintain control further compound the difficulties they must overcome. Despite their vulnerabilities, City remains the favorite in the tournament. Only time will tell if their competitors can expose their weaknesses and unexpectedly seize victory in Jeddah.