Manchester City currently trails Liverpool by five points in the Premier League title race, a situation pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher finds noteworthy. Carragher argues that City are now facing “challenges unlike any they have encountered” during Pep Guardiola’s tenure, pointing to the team’s four-game losing streak—an unprecedented low for Guardiola. This streak was furthered by a 2-1 defeat to Brighton, where City initially led through Erling Haaland’s goal, only for Brighton to respond with goals from Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley.
City’s form has been impacted by a spate of injuries, notably to Rodri, who recently won the Ballon d’Or. Key players like Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, Oscar Bobb, and John Stones also missed the Brighton match due to injury. Carragher believes these difficulties present “more than one glimmer of hope” for rivals like Liverpool. He emphasizes that City has overcome injury-related setbacks in the past, often rebounding in the second half of the season. However, he notes that this season presents “significant differences,” with several issues cropping up simultaneously.
One of the major setbacks is Rodri’s absence, which Carragher believes will have a substantial impact. Last season, City remained unbeaten in all 34 matches Rodri played, losing three out of four games when he was sidelined. Carragher speculates that City might seek reinforcements, like Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, in the upcoming transfer window, a player Liverpool attempted to sign over the summer.
Carragher also mentions a potential hurdle in signing new players, as City faces an investigation with 115 charges. “Any player approached by City between now and the end of the season will want to wait for the outcome of the case,” he suggests, adding that prospective players may prefer to see the case resolved before committing.
