Manchester City’s remarkable decline continued with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
Goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers at Villa Park marked the fourth time the four-time defending champions have lost in their last twelve matches, leaving them with only one victory during that stretch.
“We don’t have a defense for the results. They are not good,” Guardiola said.
Arsenal, currently in third place, narrowed the gap to league leaders Liverpool to three points with a 5-1 victory over Crystal Palace, although they have played two additional matches.
City has fallen to sixth in the table, now nine points behind Liverpool, also having played two more games.
“It’s about what I can do with my people to get the results back and continue,” Guardiola said. “If there is a moment that I cannot overthink, it is right now. Try to be simple, stick to my principles and give certainty to the team.”
After achieving six titles in seven years and an unprecedented four consecutive championships, City’s significant downturn shows no signs of abating. Guardiola acknowledged last week that he has not been effective in reversing his team’s fortunes.
City has not secured a victory in any of its last eight away matches across all competitions. While the prospect of clinching a fifth consecutive title appears slim, the team's position in the top four and subsequent Champions League qualification is also at risk, especially after Nottingham Forest, currently in fourth place, triumphed over Brentford with a score of 2-0, extending their lead over City to four points.
Under Guardiola, City has only once managed to win the title after suffering six league defeats, which occurred in 2021 when they lost two of their final three matches, despite having already been declared champions.
In the 2020 season, when Liverpool claimed the title, City experienced nine losses, with the sixth defeat not occurring until February. Guardiola's first season in English football, 2016-17, also saw City lose six times, resulting in a third-place finish.
The recent defeat could have been even more pronounced, as a dominant Villa ascended to fifth place.
Duran netted his sixth goal in as many starts in the 16th minute, assisted by Rogers. Duran had a goal ruled out for offside in the second half, and Rogers struck the post before extending Villa's lead in the 65th minute.
Phil Foden managed to score for City during stoppage time, but it was insufficient to ignite a late comeback.
“We have to stay positive, even though it’s difficult, and we have to keep working hard,” City striker Erling Haaland said.
Jesus streak
It’s five goals in a week for Gabriel Jesus against Crystal Palace.
After scoring a hat trick in Arsenal’s 3-2 comeback win against Palace in the English League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday, the Brazil striker hit another two goals when the teams met again on Saturday.
Going into Wednesday’s game, Jesus had only scored once for Arsenal since the end of January.
Jesus struck twice in a frantic start at Selhurst Park. He opened the scoring in the sixth, with Ismaila Sarr leveling five minutes later.
Jesus restored Arsenal’s lead in the 14th and was denied back-to-back hat tricks when hitting the post and then having another close range effort saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice also scored for Arsenal.
Forest flying high
If City’s demise is a surprise story of the season, so is Forest’s rise.
After battling relegation for much of last term, Forest is in contention to qualify for the Champions League and possibly more.
Facing a Brentford team that was unbeaten at home, goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga secured another statement win on the road for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, having already won at Anfield and Old Trafford this year.
Isak treble
Alexander Isak hit a hat trick in Newcastle’s 4-0 win at Ipswich.
The Sweden international, who has 10 goals in his last 11 games, wrapped up his treble inside 54 minutes at Portman Road, including one in the opening minute. Jacob Murphy also scored.
Brighton was 1-0 up at West Ham through Mats Wieffer, but Mohammed Kudus levelled for the draw. AP