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PEP Guardiola gave his players a three-day respite, asking them to set aside football thoughts at the start of the week.
Nevertheless, Manchester City’s underperforming team either misinterpreted their manager’s instructions or are grappling with acute forgetfulness.
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It’s obvious they struggled to remember how to perform during their visit to Villa Park, as their season’s downturn hit alarming levels.
This was their NINTH defeat in just 12 matches – an outcome that would have seemed ludicrous merely two months ago – and EIGHT consecutive losses on the road.
The manager, who once basked in the title of the world’s best, now claims that he falls short.
They’ve secured fewer points than at any time in the past 15 years, with their form over the last eight games trailing behind all but the struggling bottom-placed team Southampton in the Premier League.
It’s no wonder Guardiola has mentioned challenges with his sleep and diet.
But these issues hardly compare to their ongoing struggles with victories.
To add to their woes, the standout player at Villa Park was one who began his journey wearing a City jersey.
Morgan Rogers never transitioned to the first team, joining the lengthy roster of young talents who had to carve out their success elsewhere, and he’s certainly making his mark!
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Rogers was undeniably standout against his former team.
He cut through their defense with precision.
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He assisted Jhon Duran for the opening goal and added the second himself with an accurate finish.
So much for that rejuvenating break Guardiola envisioned.
Actually, City could have fallen behind within just 20 seconds.
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Josko Gvardiol’s back pass to keeper Stefan Ortega, who filled in for the injured Ederson, barely made it to its intended target.
Instead, Duran seized the opportunity like a ravenous dog eyeing a feast, seizing the open path ahead.
His sixth goal in six starts appeared assured until Ortega deflected it away. A close call for City, indeed.
But failing to respond to a near miss did not shake them from their sluggishness, unfortunately.
Lucas Digne sent a corner kick into play, and Ezri Konsa flicked a header at the near post that Ortega managed to claw away from impending danger.
Replays confirmed most of the ball had crossed the line…but crucially, not all of it. Villa found another way to score with certainty.
In reality, City practically guided them to their goal as if delivering a map marked “this way to the net.”
Just three swift, incisive passes were needed before Ortega was retrieving the ball from the back of the net.
The play began with keeper Emi Martinez passing to Youri Tielemans, who then sent a perfectly timed ball through the middle.
Rogers found himself in the clear and, with the goal in sight, squared the ball to Duran, who tapped it into an empty net.
It’s doubtful the Colombian would reciprocate if their roles were flipped, yet Villa was certainly thankful Rogers provided him an easy opportunity.
Even with City holding possession for the bulk of the match, it was undeniable that Unai Emery’s team earned their advantage.
Possession is meaningless if not translated into action…and Pep’s squad failed to capitalize consistently. However, Villa posed a threat with every attack.
Duran had another goal ruled out for a very marginal offside decision, and Ortega made another commendable low save to thwart Rogers.
Once again, Rogers quickly rectified that missed opportunity.
This time, the ever-dangerous captain John McGinn expertly weaved through the champions’ defense, bobbing and weaving before seeming to prepare for a shot.
Instead, he opted for a pass to Rogers, who let it run across his body before firing it into the net against Ortega.
City’s highlights? A low shot from Phil Foden in the first half, skillfully pushed aside by Martinez.
Then there was a typically late-arriving run from Gvardiol, who couldn’t quite connect with Jack Grealish’s cross, only managing to flick it over the bar.
And we can’t forget Foden’s injury-time goal which marked his first of the season, offering a flicker of hope for City.
Alas, that hope was fleeting, and it was easy to expect the eventual outcome, confirming a well-deserved home victory.
Pep, as per usual, faced the City supporters as the home fans chanted taunts about him being sacked in the morning.
Even amidst this crisis, one would typically dismiss such taunts as ridiculous…but the fact that this possibility is creeping into reality suggests just how critical the situation has become.
