Manchester City’s problems continue as they became the first team in Champions League history to fail to win a match after leading by three goals or more in the 75th minute in their 3-3 draw against Dutch side Feyenoord. Coach Pep Guardiola could be seen visibly frustrated from the moment the first goal scored and beyond when Feyenoord found the equalizer. The City manager had his hands on his head, almost scratching his scalp in disbelief.
Scratches and bruises could be seen on his head during his post-match media availability. City may have broken their five-match losing streak with this result, but this could be the most frustrating game of the streak. He, somehow, explained how it happened.
“My finger here. With my nail,” Guardiola said, and then added jokingly: “I want to hurt myself. Good night.”
Considering the results, it is understandable that Guardiola is not in a good mood after this latest draw despite having recently extended his contract for another season. Chasing an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title, Guardiola’s streak without a win is historic.
“We have lost a lot of games lately because we are fragile and we need a victory. The game was good for confidence. We were playing at a good level,” Guardiola said after the game. “I don’t know if it’s a mental problem, their first goal can’t happen and neither can the second, and then we’re desperate to win, desperate to do well. We do well but we don’t win games.”
City’s winless streak
- Tottenham 2, Manchester City 1 (EFL Cup)
- Bournemouth 2, Manchester City 1 (Premier League)
- Sporting CP 4, Manchester City 1 (Champions League)
- Brighton 2, Manchester City 1 (Premier League)
- Manchester City 0, Tottenham 4 (Premier League)
- Manchester City 3, Feyenoord 3 (Premier League)
While some of the problems can be attributed to the loss of defensive midfielder Rodri to a season-ending injury, There is more for City at the moment. Their defenders and Ederson have not done well enough and at times the struggle to close down a ball faster than their opponents has diminished. In fact, City lost the xG battle 2.13 to 2.11 against Feyenoord, which is unheard of, especially when City only allowed one shot on goal with 0.16 of that xG in the first half of the game . He needs to improve quickly, but this is a spiral City must get out of before it becomes a fatalistic spiral that cannot be broken. With Liverpool as their next rival, they will have to work harder to achieve this. But not with nails.
