Man City are coping well with one problem – but Gary Neville has pointed out another

Man City are coping well with one problem – but Gary Neville has pointed out another

City have injuries in defence but their record at the back stands up to scrutiny. It’s in attack where answers are needed

Erling Haaland of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between City and Arsenal

City are not as freescoring as they have been in past seasons

Pep Guardiola has had to juggle defensive personnel around recently with John Stones and Kyle Walker both injured on international duty. Nathan Ake hobbling off injured against title rivals Arsenal at the weekend added another body to a treatment room that also includes goalkeeper Ederson.

 

 

But the Blues kept out Arsenal at the weekend and now sit with nine clean sheets this season, bettered only by the Gunners’ 12. Given City have had to cope without John Stone at times as well this campaign, it hasn’t hampered their ability to stifle their opponents.

 

Josko Gvardiol impressed against Arsenal while Rico Lewis has deputised impeccably when called upon. Guardiola has players tuned in to what he wants, which is versatility. Ake has played across the backline this season, Stones has been part of a three at the back and has also stepped into midfield with aplomb. Manuel Akanji has demonstrated that he can play at right-back or in the heart of defence.

 

There’s no defensive headache for Guardiola, and the numbers should quash any suggestion that there is. But one of the concerns City will need to address f they’re to retain the Premier League title is killing teams off.

 

Only once in the last six league games have City scored more than one goal, in the 3-1 derby day victory over United. Guardiola’s side only scored one each against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Brentford in a seven-point haul but it’s a stark contrast to how ruthless City usually are against mid-table opposition.

 

When discussing the stalemate against Arsenal, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said: “I’ve never seen a team make it so difficult for Manchester City in the final third, there didn’t seem to be any spaces.”

 

City have drawn seven games this season, which is the most since Guardiola’s first campaign in charge (nine). It could hamper them in what is a titanic title battle – find that forward thrust and City could be top of the pile again come the season’s end.