Manchester City currently finds themselves in an unusual position, occupying the fourth spot in the table and enduring a four-match winless streak in the Premier League after draws with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur, followed by a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. This is a rare scenario for Pep Guardiola’s team, marking their longest winless stretch since 2017.
As they gear up to face Luton Town, let’s examine three key factors that Manchester City must address to break their recent winless run.
1. Beware of Set Pieces:
Despite being the favorites, Manchester City should be cautious of Luton Town’s set-piece prowess. Luton has displayed their attacking threat against top teams like Tottenham, Liverpool, and Arsenal, scoring three goals in a recent thrilling encounter. City, with their defensive height advantage, must remain vigilant as Luton has capitalized on set plays, scoring six goals from dead balls this season.
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2. Involve Erling Haaland:
Erling Haaland, City’s prolific striker, has gone two games without finding the net. To re-establish their goal-scoring prowess, City must find ways to involve Haaland more in the game. Whether through tactical adjustments or utilizing creative players like Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva to supply him, getting Haaland actively participating in the final third will be crucial for City’s success.
3. Avoid Overreacting to Recent Results:
Guardiola’s side may have faced disappointing results recently, but underlying statistics indicate that Manchester City remains one of the top-performing teams. With the joint most goals in the division and a robust defense, City’s expected points tally positions them at the top of the league. Guardiola should resist making drastic changes, understanding that the team is still producing strong performances, and a return to winning ways is within reach.
In summary, Manchester City’s recent struggles are seen as a temporary setback rather than a cause for concern. Guardiola’s ability to field a formidable lineup against Luton Town suggests that City has the tools to overcome this challenging phase and regain their winning momentum.