Rodri Returns but Man City Sink to Worst Start Since 2005

Rodri Returns but Man City Sink to Worst Start Since 2005

Manchester City’s season is spiraling faster than anyone expected. Despite Rodri’s long-awaited return and Erling Haaland rediscovering his scoring touch, City’s 2-1 loss to Brighton marks their worst Premier League start since 2004-05, leaving serious questions about their title aspirations.

Title Slips Away Despite £330M Spent

Following a trophyless 2024, Pep Guardiola spent £330 million on new signings in hopes of rejuvenating his side. Yet, familiar cracks remain. Injuries, tactical inconsistencies, and defensive lapses have left City reeling early in the campaign.

Sunday’s loss to Brighton, following a defeat to Spurs, means no team from City’s current position has ever gone on to win the title in a 38-game season.

Rodri’s Return Brings Hope—But Not Solutions

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri returned from an 8-month layoff, but was clear about his role:

“I’m not Messi… I need to recover my best level. This is a collective issue.”

Rodri’s presence ended a 49-game unbeaten streak in Premier League matches he started, dating back to February 2023. But his performance couldn’t mask a team riddled with structural issues.

Guardiola: “We Forgot How to Play”

Guardiola praised his side’s opening hour against Brighton, but admitted they crumbled after conceding:

“We stopped playing. We were thinking of the consequences.”

City’s pressing system—usually a strength—is now being exploited down the flanks, as seen in both the Spurs and Brighton goals. Wide defenders like Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis are being pulled into unfamiliar territory, leaving gaps between stretched center-backs.

Guardiola’s Tactical Dilemma

City’s hallmark pressing philosophy is faltering. Opponents are bypassing the high press by targeting the space vacated by advanced full-backs, creating favorable 1v1s against out-of-position defenders. Until Guardiola adapts, the defensive fragility may continue.

Haaland: A Lone Bright Spot

On his 100th Premier League appearance, Erling Haaland scored his 88th league goal for City. With three goals in three games, the Norwegian is looking sharp, but cannot carry the burden alone—especially with Rayan Cherki ruled out for two months.

What’s Next?

City now prepare for the Manchester Derby on 14 September trailing rivals United—an unimaginable prospect at season’s start. Pressure mounts on Guardiola, with analysts already calling this his biggest crisis yet at the club.