Manchester City’s Premier League season has hit a rough patch, with Pep Guardiola’s team suffering their fourth straight league defeat in a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah sealed the win for the Reds, leaving City nine points adrift of league leaders Arsenal and slipping to fifth place behind Arsenal, Chelsea, and Brighton.
Carragher’s Verdict: A “Mini Crisis” at Manchester City
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher didn’t mince words when discussing City’s predicament.
He likened their current struggles to Liverpool’s midfield crisis two years ago, warning that Guardiola’s side may struggle to secure a top-four spot unless they address glaring midfield issues in the January transfer window.
“I think it’s almost a mini-crisis for Man City,” Carragher said. “They’re lacking energy in midfield, and no matter how good a manager you are, you can’t fix that without the right players.”
Carragher pointed to the absences of key players like Rodri, who is out for the season with a serious knee injury, and Mateo Kovačić, currently sidelined, as critical factors.
Comparisons to Past Liverpool Struggles
Carragher drew parallels between City’s current woes and Liverpool’s 2020-21 season, where an aging midfield of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho struggled to cope.
“It was the end of that Liverpool midfield, and Guardiola is facing a similar situation. Without energy and the right personnel, City look vulnerable.”
Midfield Shortcomings Exposed Against Liverpool
City’s midfield was overrun at Anfield, where Guardiola deployed a trio of Ilkay Gündogan, Bernardo Silva, and Rico Lewis. Carragher was blunt in his assessment:
“In the second half, City had Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis in central midfield. That’s nowhere near enough to challenge for the title or even finish above Arsenal and Chelsea.”
January Reinforcements Needed
Carragher emphasized the urgency for City to bolster their midfield in January if they are to salvage their season. Without reinforcements, he predicted more losses ahead.
“Right now, I could see Manchester City losing another four or five games between now and the end of the season. They won’t finish above Arsenal or Chelsea if they don’t act fast.”
A Critical Turning Point for Guardiola’s City
With the Premier League’s demanding schedule and an ongoing injury crisis, Guardiola faces one of his toughest challenges yet. As Carragher suggests, January could be a make-or-break moment for Manchester City’s aspirations this season.
The road to recovery starts now, but it remains to be seen whether City can find the solutions they desperately need.