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Man City Defensively Sound but Lack Offensive Prowess

By Mark Temnycky

Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola reacts during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on December 15, 2020. (Photo by Martin Rickett / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MARTIN RICKETT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola reacts during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on December 15, 2020. (Photo by Martin Rickett / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MARTIN RICKETT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Following the departure of Vincent Kompany in the summer of 2019, and the unforeseen injuries to Aymeric Laporte during the 2019/20 season, Manchester City struggled defensively.

Manchester City lost nine English Premier League matches, many of which were against lower opposition, and they conceded 35 goals in 38 EPL matches, more than their 2017/18 and 2018/19 title-winning seasons. City were badly beaten by Liverpool for the title, and the City board made it a priority to address City’s defensive woes for the upcoming 2020/21 season.

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The Mancunian club wisely used the 2020 summer transfer window to strengthen their defense. The Sky Blues acquired Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké to bolster their defense, and these players have had a strong start to the 2020/21 season. Manchester City have played 21 games in all competitions thus far, and they have earned 12 clean sheets. They also boast the best defensive record in the EPL thus far, where they have only conceded 12 goals in 13 matches. Outside of the EPL, the Sky Blues only conceded one goal in six UEFA Champions League group stage matches. Simply put, Manchester City have turned things around defensively.

They have lost their offensive edge, however. While the Sky Blues have only conceded 12 goals in 13 EPL matches, they have only won six of these games. Five of these matches resulted in draws, and while draws still lead to the acquisition of points, many of these situations will be seen as dropped points. With the exception of their hard-fought draws with Manchester United and Liverpool, Manchester City dominated the games against Leeds United, West Ham United, and West Bromwich Albion. In all three instances, City were not clinical enough in front of goal, and the lack of chances resulted in dropped points against these three teams.

The absence of Sergio Agüero has really hurt Manchester City this season. The Argentine has been plagued with injuries throughout the 2020 calendar year, and Manchester City have been missing their clinical striker.  Agüero has averaged roughly 30 goals in all competitions each season since arriving at the club in 2011, thus he has been deeply missed.

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Gabriel Jesus has also struggled with some injury problems at the start of this season. The absence of both strikers has forced City manager Pep Guardiola to play a false-9 formation in many of City’s matches, but they have failed to convert their chances in the league. To emphasize this point, Raheem Sterling is City’s current top-scorer in the EPL league. The Englishman, however, has only scored four goals in 12 EPL matches. This illustrates the severity of City’s problem in front of goal.

Manchester City, like the rest of England, will now enter the most hectic and festive period of the season. Over the span of three weeks, the Sky Blues will play five matches. City already earned a narrow victory over a rejuvenated Southampton side, but City will play Arsenal, Newcastle United, Everton, and Chelsea during this stretch. This is hardly an easy run by any means, and it will certainly test City.

As the season progresses, it is becoming more evident that the Mancunian club will need to purchase a new striker. Agüero’s constant injuries are a concern, and Jesus is struggling for form. Guardiola has already suggested that his team may test the 2021 January Transfer Market, but this is traditionally a difficult time to do business.

Overall, City seem to have addressed their defensive issues from last season. They have only conceded 13 goals in 19 games across the EPL and Champions League, and they have kept an impressive 12 clean sheets from 21 games. But their lack of goals upfront has become a cause for concern. Will City purchase a much-needed striker or some other offensive talent during the 2021 January Transfer Window?

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