Worst Manchester United team in history?
No sooner had Ruben Amorim claimed the dubious honour for his current side than neighbours City hit a spectacular low of their own.
Of course, the Blues have been a lot worse than this, dropping into the English League’s third tier in 1998. But still a pitiful surrender to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on a chastening Champions League night will go down as a low of historic significance. It could also be potentially the most serious of their recent debacles.
Just when it seemed their tailspin had slowed and help was at hand, they collapsed again. And in even more spectacular fashion than against Feyenoord or Sporting or Manchester United – and in a more important game.
With one game to go, City are below the waterline or, as they call it, in the "elimination group" of this new 36-club format. They must beat Club Bruges, who are on dry land at 20th, next week at The Etihad to survive.
For a side that was among the three favourites when it began and were champions two years ago, this is humiliating enough. But even if they win, they’ll be among the unseeded playoff hopefuls facing the more highly placed seeded teams in the next round.
It was not meant to be like this in a competition that City’s Abu Dhabi owners, and Pep Guardiola, value more than any other. Still facing a possible fine and a points deduction if found guilty of cooking the books, the riches of the knockout stage will be more prized than usual.
The way the game unfolded is most troubling
Since they fell off a cliff in November, City have acquired the knack of surrendering leads and conceding goals in alarming bunches. They took the lead against Sporting before conceding three in eight minutes in a 4-1 defeat. Then the pain came in pairs, one after another like an assassin’s bullets.
A defence with the strength and resistance of tiramisu
Goals of such devastating frequency cannot be coincidental. Not across seven matches. It can only indicate a mental weakness, one of fear and dread of the inevitable once the first goes in. In other words, a defence with the strength and resistance of tiramisu.
Reinforcements are arriving
Besides the battle they have in Europe, City have a right old scrap to finish in the top four of the EPL to qualify for the Champions League next season. But reinforcements are arriving. Two young defenders and a striker are poised to join. They may well be pressed into service before the month is out.
Conclusion
Worst City side? They looked broken at the end. Probably the worst under Pep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this the worst City side in history?
- No, they have been a lot worse in the past.
- How did they manage to surrender to PSG?
- They took the lead but conceded two goals in four minutes and four in all.
- What’s the reason for their poor performance?
- Injuries, lack of possession, and mental weakness are contributing factors.
- Will they be able to bounce back?
- It’s unclear, but they are set to receive reinforcements and need to regroup.