Pep Guardiola must be seething. A 2-2 draw with Brighton has given his Manchester City side two stats he never wanted: 40 league goals conceded in a season and his lowest ever points total. If that doesn’t hurt, what will?
Key Highlights
- City’s Defense is in Shambles! Once a fortress, now a crumbling wall—City have conceded 40 goals for the first time under Guardiola. What went wrong?
- Worst Points Total Ever? Even if City wins every remaining match, Pep Guardiola will set an unwanted career low in points. The dominance is fading.
- Champions League at Risk! Newcastle’s breathing down their necks. Could City actually miss out on Europe’s elite competition? It’s more possible than ever.
City’s Defensive Problems: A Broken Arm
City used to be a solid defense. Now they’re leaking goals like a sieve. Abdukodir Khusanov’s own goal against Brighton was the 40th of the season—something Pep Guardiola has never experienced before. That’s not bad. That’s bloody awful for a manager who demands control in every area of the game.
Where’s the compact press? Where’s the defensive discipline? It’s like watching an artist lose his touch. Guardiola built a machine that dominated England. Now that machine looks wobbly.
The Lowest Points Total of Pep’s Career?
Even if City wins their remaining nine games, Guardiola will end with his worst-ever points tally. No more two points per game magic. For a man who has defined football dominance in Spain, Germany and England, this is new territory.
Newcastle are right behind them and could push City out of the Champions League places. Imagine that. A City team built to win everything, fighting to stay in Europe’s top competition.
Pep’s Response: A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite all the setbacks, Pep Guardiola still remains positive. “I am always confident. I have moments where I can have doubt, but I find the way,” he said. Classic Pep. Always believing, always moving forward.
City fans will hope that turns into results. With an FA Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth and a crucial Premier League game against Leicester coming up, there’s no room for more mistakes.
What Next?
City has been in the Champions League 14 seasons in a row. But history doesn’t win matches—performances do. If they don’t fix their defensive issues soon, that streak could end and Pep could have his toughest summer yet.
