Manchester City fans have seen it all under Pep Guardiola—domination, trophies, and moments of genius. But right now? They’re watching a team that looks lost.
Key Highlights
- “Confidence Shattered in Seconds” Khusanov’s goal completely flipped City’s mentality, showing their sudden vulnerability.
- “Where’s the Killer Instinct?” – City once punished mistakes, now they hesitate, allowing Brighton to dominate.
- “De Bruyne’s Absence Is Killing Them” – Without their midfield general, City lacks direction and belief under pressure.
A Game of Two Halves, A Team of Two Minds
City had this game in their pocket. Erling Haaland’s penalty? Easy as ever. Omar Marmoush’s goal? Sharp. Even Brighton’s free kick through Pervis Estupiñán? Not enough to rattle them. But then Khusanov’s own goal happened, and it was like City forgot who they were.
Brighton smelled blood and went for it. City? They wobbled. Ilkay Gündogan summed it up perfectly: “After the second goal, it felt like we lost our confidence and belief.” And when a player like Gündogan, who’s not exactly known for losing his head, says that? You know there’s a problem.
Where’s the Fight?
This isn’t just about one moment. City has won just two of their last six league games. The swagger? Gone. The fear factor? Fading. The sharp passing and press? Inconsistent. Even Pep looks more annoyed than usual on the touchline.
Mistakes happen in football—own goals, misjudged tackles, wasted chances. But top teams move on from them. Instead, City seemed to be rattled, allowing Brighton to dictate the pace in the second half. As Gündogan said, “We dropped a bit and gave away easy chances.” That’s not City.
What’s Missing?
City usually respond to setbacks with a vengeance. This time? They let Brighton take control. Confidence and belief shouldn’t disappear so quickly. Fatigue? Lack of leadership? Just a team stuck in a rut?
Kevin De Bruyne’s absence is glaring. When City needs composure, vision, and drive, he’s the one who provides it. Without him they lack that much-needed gear when things get tough; he works on control, but without someone dictating the game in midfield, the rhythm is off.
What’s Next?
They’ve got a week to regroup before Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarters. Let’s be honest—this might be their only chance at a trophy this season.
Guardiola needs to sort this out fast. A team of City’s quality can’t collapse over one mistake. The Premier League is slipping away, and unless they find their bite, more of these nights are ahead.
