‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.

Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa places the reigning champions joint-bottom of the form table over the past eight matches, alongside Southampton. Both teams have managed just four points during this dismal run, each securing a solitary win, one draw, and suffering six defeats.

If Southampton, who introduced new manager Ivan Juric on Saturday, secure at least a point against Fulham on Sunday, City will drop to the very bottom of the form table. Even Wolves, who recently replaced Gary O’Neil with Vitor Pereira, have amassed double City’s points in the same period despite playing one game fewer.

These statistics paint a grim picture for Pep Guardiola’s side, despite some mitigating factors. Injuries to key players like Ederson, Nathan Ake, and Ruben Dias, along with the long-term absence of midfield anchor Rodri, have undoubtedly affected their performances. Guardiola, however, expressed satisfaction with City’s display at Villa Park, even as the team slipped further out of the title race.

Despite some defensive gaps being filled by a half-fit Manuel Akanji and John Stones, errors remain a significant issue. Josko Gvardiol’s early mistake handed Jhon Duran a golden chance within 20 seconds, and Jack Grealish—City’s £100 million signing—continued to struggle for impact.

City’s decline is stark, especially for a team that seemed invincible as they cruised to their fourth consecutive Premier League title last season. Whether the cause lies in injuries, mental fatigue, or a natural end to this team’s dominant cycle, their current form—resembling a steep nosedive—is far removed from the lofty standards they set not long ago.

“The worrying thing is the number of goals conceded,” said ex-England captain Alan Shearer on BBC Match of the Day.

“The number of times they were opened up because of the lack of protection and legs in midfield was staggering. There are so many things that are wrong at this moment in time.”

Afterwards Guardiola was calm, so much so it was difficult to hear him in the news conference, a contrast to the frustrated figure he cut on the touchline.

He said: “It depends on us. The solution is bring the players back. We have just one central defender fit, that is difficult. We are going to try next game – another opportunity and we don’t think much further than that.

“Of course there are more reasons. We concede the goals we don’t concede in the past, we [don’t] score the goals we score in the past. Football is not just one reason. There are a lot of little factors.

“Last season we won the Premier League, but we came here and lost. We have to think positive and I have incredible trust in the guys. Some of them have incredible pride and desire to do it. We have to find a way, step by step, sooner or later to find a way back.”

Villa boss Unai Emery highlighted City’s frailties, saying he felt Villa could seize on the visitors’ lack of belief.

“Manchester City are a little bit under the confidence they have normally,” he said. “The second half was different, we dominated and we scored. Through those circumstances they were feeling worse than even in the first half.”