Manchester City's recent stumble in the Premier League has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. With three consecutive games without a win, the question on everyone's mind is: Can Pep Guardiola turn things around? But here's where it gets controversial—is this just a minor blip, or are deeper issues at play?
When asked about their position in the title race after a draw with Brighton, Pep Guardiola responded, 'When we don't win, we can't focus on these things. We simply couldn't score, and scoring is part of the job.' 2026 hasn't been kind to Pep, who is still searching for his first win of the year. City has dropped points in their last three matches, including nine from winning positions. Their title bid, once so promising, now seems to be faltering.
And this is the part most people miss: If City falls further behind—a five-point gap that could widen to eight when Arsenal faces Liverpool—the Gunners might find themselves without a serious challenger for the Premier League title. So, what are the biggest issues Guardiola needs to address, and where should his focus lie for the rest of January?
Defensive Woes
Guardiola had finally found a solid defensive lineup this season, starting the same back four in 12 out of 21 games. Of those 12, 10 ended in victory, with the only loss coming against Newcastle. With Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias anchoring the defense, flanked by Nico O'Reilly and Matheus Nunes, City had the perfect mix of athleticism, energy, and stability.
But injuries have shattered this strength. Dias is out until at least March, Gvardiol is unlikely to return this season, John Stones remains sidelined, and Nathan Ake can't play more than one game a week. This leaves a gaping hole in City's defense—a critical issue since strong defenses win titles. Is it time for Guardiola to accelerate summer plans and sign a defender now?
Missed Opportunities
Ironically, the Premier League's top-scoring team is struggling to find the back of the net. Since the start of the year, City has looked sluggish, a result of fixture congestion and an inability to rotate due to injuries. In their last three games, they've scored just two goals from an expected goals (xG) value of 5.61—one of which was a penalty.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: If City creates more big chances than any other team but misses more of them (45 this season), is it a problem of finishing or over-reliance on certain players? Even Erling Haaland, despite his eight attempts against Brighton, couldn't score from open play. Could incoming Antoine Semenyo be the solution to sharing the goal-scoring burden?
Strong Starts, Weak Finishes
City is known for their aggressive starts, a hallmark of Pep's philosophy. They dominate from the first whistle, which is why they've only conceded once in the opening 20 minutes all season. But the latter stages of games are becoming their Achilles' heel. Pep's high-energy, high-risk style demands constant pressure, but when legs tire, mistakes happen. A staggering 68% of the 19 goals City has conceded this season have come in the second half, with 32% in the final 20 minutes.
Is this a recurring issue from last season? While injuries have caused instability, three consecutive draws don't necessarily signal a meltdown. However, with Arsenal consistently winning, City can't afford to drop points. Guardiola points out that their expected goals are higher this season, thanks to a more vertical, direct style of play. But this approach sacrifices some control, which becomes problematic in tight games.
Brighton, for instance, exploited City's openness on Wednesday, and the Seagulls have taken five points from Guardiola's side this season. For City to remain a viable contender, they need to score more goals to offset the inevitable increase in goals conceded.
What’s Next?
City faces six more games across four competitions in January, including the Manchester derby. Their recent downturn coincides with Haaland's goal drought from open play. While he's capable of shouldering the scoring burden, he can't do it alone. Is it time for players like Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Rayan Cherki to step up?
What do you think? Are City's issues fixable, or is this the beginning of a larger decline? Let us know in the comments—we'd love to hear your take!
