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Manchester City's struggles continued on Saturday, December 21st, as they suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa. This latest setback has raised serious questions about the defending Premier League champions' form and their ambitions for the remainder of the season.
City, who have now won just one of their last 12 games across all competitions, were outplayed by a vibrant Villa side at Villa Park. Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers put the hosts two goals ahead before Phil Foden scored a late consolation goal for the visitors.
The defeat leaves City languishing in mid-table and facing a daunting task to reclaim their place at the top of the league. Their recent struggles have been a stark contrast to their dominant performances of previous seasons, and many are questioning whether they can turn things around.
What's Gone Wrong for City?
Several factors have contributed to City's recent slump. Injuries have played a significant role, with key players such as Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne sidelined for extended periods. The team has also struggled to find consistency in their performances, often looking disjointed and lacking creativity in attack
Furthermore, the emergence of other teams as title contenders has added another layer of complexity to City's challenges. Arsenal and Newcastle United, in particular, have been impressive this season and are pushing City hard for a top-four finish.
Can City Still Challenge for the Title?
While the title race is far from over, City face a monumental task to reclaim their place at the top of the table. They will need to quickly address their defensive frailties and rediscover their attacking flair.
The January transfer window could also play a crucial role in determining City's fate. The club may look to strengthen their squad with key signings to bolster their challenge for the title.
The Future of Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola's future at City has also been the subject of much speculation. The Catalan manager has achieved remarkable success during his time at the club, but his current contract expires at the end of the season.
If City fail to improve their form, Guardiola may be tempted to seek a new challenge elsewhere. However, the club will be desperate to keep hold of their highly-rated manager, who has transformed them into one of the most dominant forces in English football.
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