Let’s paint a picture. It’s September or early October. Man City are playing… well, anyone – the name of the rival did not matter back then – and they are 1-0 up in the dying minutes. What happens? They defend it and take the win. Whether two minutes or two days are left on the clock, they’ll defend the lead. Perhaps even extend it, but never blow it.Well, the new Man City – or the old one, for those who have watched English football before 2010 – managed to do what had been unimaginable only several weeks ago and allow a quick comeback. And to none other than their city rivals.88 – Manchester City were leading until the 88th minute against Manchester United, but ended up losing 2-1 – the latest into a game that a reigning champion has led in the Premier League and lost. Astonishing. pic.twitter.com/9vwTcocgLw— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 15, 2024 Pep Guardiola claimed after the game that he failed to find a solution, but he highlighted the root of the issue pretty well: confidence – or, better said, the lack of it.”Football is about emotion. We’re more anxious with and without the ball. The worst thing is not to have composure and calm. What does it give you? Momentum and confidence. I said many times, relax,” said Pep.The Cityzens are currently facing an unprecedented crisis, something they did not feel for years. It hit them hard and found their soft spot – it hit their confidence. And Guardiola was 100% right. After all, how else can one call Matheus Nunes’ terrible pass for Ederson if not a glaring example of anxiety since the Portuguese sent the ball back as if it was a ticking bomb ready to explode and then rushed back to fix his mistake at all costs, unaware of the risks he was taking.Guardiola after the derby loss: ‘I’m the boss and I’m not good enough’And just like that, the team that was a synonym for discipline, self-esteem, boldness, cojones, if you wish, became a chain with numerous rusty links ready to break. Yesterday, that link was Nunes, but the names are irrelevant. The problem stays. And Guardiola still struggles to solve it.Amorim’s miracle! United’s sensational late comeback seals the win against CityWins will help, but how to achieve one? Especially now when the Cityzens’ weaknesses and vulnerability have been exposed and everyone wants to “kick them while they’re on the ground.” Aston Villa won’t hesitate to do it next Saturday either because no one is afraid anymore. Will anyone be frightened ever again? Guardiola believes so, and we have to trust him.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 16SaturdayArsenal – Everton 0-0Liverpool – Fulham 2-2 (0-1)/Gakpo 47, Jota 86 – Pereira 11, Muniz 76/Newcastle – Leicester 4-0 (1-0)/Murphy 30,60, Bruno 48, Isak 50/Wolverhampton – Ipswich 1-2 (0-1)/Cunha 72 – Doherty 15 og, Taylor 90+3/Nott. Forest – Aston Villa 2-1 (0-0)/Milenkovic 87, Elanga, 90+3 – Duran 63/SundayBrighton – Crystal Palace 1-3 (0-2)/Guehi 87 og – Chalobah 27, Sarr 33, 82/Manchester City – Manchester United 1-2 (1-0)/Gvardiol 36 – Bruno 88 pen, Diallo 90/Chelsea – Brentford 2-1 (1-0)/Cucurella 43, Jackson 80 – Mbeumo 90/Southampton – Tottenham 0-5 (0-5)/Maddison 1,45+4, Son 12, Kulusevski 14, Sarr 25/Monday23:00: (1.75) Bournemouth (3.70) West Ham (4.70)***odds are subject to change***
