They won the Premier League title last year and had their hopes set on retaining it. They were level on points at the top with Chelsea at the start of the year, but they could not maintain their momentum, and now find themselves in fourth place. What has happened to Manchester City?
Manchester City’s Champions League journey was just as disappointing this year as it was last. Bar the phenomenal 3-2 win over Bayern Munich – all three goals courtesy of Sergio Aguero – City’s time in Europe was short lived and uninteresting. The Sky Blues were knocked out in the round of 16 by Barcelona – the exact same fate they faced last year. Manchester City’s exit from Europe once again highlighted the weaknesses of the side: if they want to be a big club, they have to be able to perform in Europe.
Their current form is a mere shadow of that they showed last season. Since the turn of the new year City have struggled massively. They were knocked out of the Champions League, and Middlesbrough knocked them out of the FA Cup. In the Premier League, Arsenal managed to take three points from Manuel Pellegrini’s side at home, and Hull City managed a draw at the Etihad. Liverpool, Burnley and Crystal Palace have all beaten City away from home in March.
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Manchester City have been hit with injuries this season. James Milner has picked up a few, Yaya Toure has missed games, and even Sergio Aguero had to be sidelined due to a knee injury. Their most recent injury has struck January signing Wilfried Bony. Since Bony joined from Swansea, he hasn’t made a big impact on his new side. And now, he is set to miss City’s biggest match before the close of the season – the Manchester Derby.
Having taken the title last year, Manchester City are now in the battle for fourth place. They’re one point behind rivals Manchester United: something no one could have expected this year and their disappointing season could mark the end of Manuel Pellegrini’s tenure. How have they managed to drop their standards so much in the last few weeks? They have just eight weeks to try and turn it around, but honestly, do not be surprised if they cannot move above fourth. Especially if they cannot claim the city as theirs at Old Trafford.
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