Manchester City’s clash with Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow could be a defining moment in their season.
After a demoralising 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s side must quickly refocus on the Premier League, where their top-four hopes are hanging in the balance.
City have now lost five games from winning positions this season – matching their total from the previous four campaigns combined.
Their collapse against Madrid was the latest example of a worrying trend that has seen them lose control of matches in crucial moments. Guardiola admitted his team has been struggling.
“We have always been so comfortable with the ball, and now we are not so,” he said. “You then have to rely on a physical presence, and our physicality is not like other teams.”
That vulnerability was brutally exposed in their last league game – a 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal. The defeat left City in fifth place, 18 points behind Liverpool and two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Their record against Newcastle suggests a response is likely. They have beaten the Magpies in 15 consecutive home league matches and have lost just once in their last 34 Premier League meetings.
However, Newcastle have won their last four league games on the road, including at Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Guardiola is under no illusions about the threat they pose. “They always have been [a difficult side] since Eddie Howe took over,” he added. “They have good form and unbelievable pace. It’s a credit to them.”
City’s defensive issues are deepening. Manuel Akanji has been ruled out for up to ten weeks after suffering an abductor injury, further limiting Guardiola’s options at the back.
Jack Grealish is also a doubt after limping off against Real Madrid.
City’s problems are mounting, and Newcastle’s confidence is soaring. If they fail to impose themselves, another setback could leave them in serious trouble.
