Manchester City’s Reign as Kings of England Under Threat as They Compete in FIFA Club World Cup
Manchester City has arrived in Saudi Arabia with hopes of adding the FIFA Club World Cup to their impressive collection of trophies. However, their dominance in the English Premier League is being challenged this season. While history suggests that Pep Guardiola’s team should win the tournament, their performance in the league has been inconsistent, giving their opponents in Jeddah, including Fluminense from South America, a glimmer of hope.
City’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Manchester City is known for their stability and lack of wobbles compared to other teams. Despite facing questions, they have excelled in the group stage of the Champions League with a perfect record of six wins. However, their performance in the Premier League has been different. They have already dropped points in seven games, slipping behind Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa in the table. This season, they have experienced blips, including three defeats in four games in September and October, and one win in five in November and December.
City’s recent draw with Crystal Palace before their trip to Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about their vulnerability. While they face Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in the Club World Cup semifinal, their focus is divided as they struggle to maintain their position in the Premier League.
Guardiola’s Challenges
Pep Guardiola faces challenges at home as City’s performance in the Premier League has been subpar. This season, they have accumulated fewer points after 17 games than ever before. Conceding late goals has become a recurring issue, with leads slipping against Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace. Guardiola acknowledges that these setbacks are not due to bad luck but rather deserved.
City’s opponents have been more successful against them this season, as indicated by various statistical metrics. Their possession percentage has decreased, shots faced per game have increased, and opponents’ Expected Goals (xG) have risen. Additionally, City has developed a habit of conceding the opening goal in matches.
Guardiola’s midfield has also been affected by the absence of key players. Ilkay Gündogan joined Barcelona in the summer, while Kevin De Bruyne has been out since the opening weekend due to injury. Rodri, the remaining treble-winning midfielder, has already served two suspensions, and City has suffered defeats in all four games he missed.
City’s Prospects in the Club World Cup
Despite their struggles in the Premier League, Manchester City remains the favorite in the Club World Cup. European teams have dominated the tournament in recent years, winning the past 10 editions. Guardiola and his players have history on their side, even if their current form is not as strong.
As City competes in the Club World Cup, they must address their weaknesses if they want to continue their quest for a record fourth consecutive Premier League title. The question remains whether their competition in Saudi Arabia will be able to exploit these vulnerabilities.