This was so due to the nature of the Blues’ struggling season which continued further after a shocking 2-1 defeat by Juventus in a Champions League match played on Tuesday at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. This match revealed the defending premier league champions going further into a crippling condition, not only in terms of performance on the field but also or organizational management.
Juventus got off to a good start when their fans buoyed them as they took the lead in the 27th minute, authority Dusan Vlahovic made a blunder from the City defense to shoot a powerful shot past Ederson. In the first half, Manchester City equalized with a correct shot by Phil Foden right before the half-time whistle. Juventus on taking control in the second half only extended their lead and Federico Chiesa put the final nail in the coffin in the 73rd minute, leaving no room for Pep Guardiola’s side to attempt a comeback.
In retrospect, this is asking for the impossible because Guardiola conceded in the post-match press conference, “It’s a hard moment for us.” We are not performing to the expectations required for such competition. We make errors, and teams like Juventus make sure they capitalize on that.
The defeat positions the city in a very volatile stage in their group as they require wins in all their remaining games in order to proceed to the knockout stage. This has been a sophomore-tough season for a team that was celebrating the Champions League trophy not more than two seasons ago.
City’s troubles are therefore not confined to Europe. At home, they have been inconsistent in the premier league, with rather strange anomalies in the defense, as well as unconvincing attack making fans doubt their team’s ability to retain the championship. A problem that has been common with the team is a spate of injuries particularly to top-talent players such as Kevin De Bruyne threatening to compromise the team’s success.
Juve did celebrate a vital victory that offered them some belief to proceed further with the cup. Manager Massimiliano Allegri was delighted when speaking to the press after the match and said, “We were good in character and took our opportunities.” This victory is good news that will put us in the next level.
Now more pressure on City to get their season back uptick for them because they have a tricky fixture against Arsenal in the coming leagues ahead and besides there is a crucial Champions League match on the horizon, it appears that City is slowly exhibiting the frailties which were hitherto unseen in what would have thought to be Guardiola’s invincible reign.
This latest setback underscores the urgent need for solutions, as the club’s ambitions for European and domestic glory hang in the balance.
