Manchester City’s defensive and attacking frailties were exposed in a shocking 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, resulting in four City players making the Premier League Worst XI of the week. The inclusion of key players such as Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, and Phil Foden reflects a team struggling to cope with form and balance in the absence of injured and suspended midfield stars like Rodri.
What to Expect 🙂
The Unfortunate Worst XI
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno (Fulham) – 5.16
While Leno’s Fulham conceded four goals to Wolves, he narrowly avoided City’s Ederson taking his spot, as Wolves’ attack exposed his lack of command in goal.
Right Back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City) – 5.90
Walker, usually reliable, appeared off the pace against Spurs. He was involved in errors during Spurs’ buildup for the fourth goal, highlighting a worrying decline in his sharpness, particularly without midfield support to screen the backline.
Centre Back: Marcos Senesi (AFC Bournemouth) – 5.70
Senesi’s inability to keep possession or handle Brighton’s attackers made him a clear candidate for this lineup after Bournemouth’s defeat.
Centre Back: Manuel Akanji (Manchester City) – 5.88
Akanji’s struggles have been evident, and this performance against Spurs raised questions about his fitness. His sluggishness left City vulnerable to Tottenham’s dynamic forward line.
Left Back: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) – 5.92
Gvardiol had a nightmare outing, failing to contain Dejan Kulusevski and contributing to Spurs’ second goal with a misplaced pass. For a player with a hefty price tag, this was a day to forget.
Central Midfielder: Christian Norgaard (Brentford) – 5.47
Norgaard’s dismissal against Everton following a VAR review for a tackle on Jordan Pickford saw him included here, despite some sympathy from pundits who deemed the call harsh.
Central Midfielder: Carlos Baleba (Brighton) – 5.46
Brighton’s Baleba made the list after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession, leaving his side with ten men in a challenging match.
Right Winger: Phil Foden (Manchester City) – 5.71
Foden’s inclusion stems from his inability to impact the game against Tottenham. With no goals or assists in nine league matches this season, his form has become a concern as City increasingly rely on Erling Haaland for goals.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth) – 6.12
Kluivert’s quiet display against Brighton saw him subbed early, as he struggled to influence play for Bournemouth.
Left Winger: Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest) – 6.25
Hudson-Odoi’s lackluster form continued with a disappointing performance in Forest’s loss to Arsenal, where he failed to convert chances or create danger.
Striker: Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) – 5.84
At 37, Vardy’s diminishing influence was evident in Leicester’s defeat to Chelsea, as he failed to register a single shot on target.
Manchester City’s Worrying Trends
City’s fifth consecutive defeat in all competitions highlights growing concerns. Alan Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day, pointed out key issues:
“They are not right all over the park… too open, no presence, no protection, and far too easy to play against.”
Next weekend, City face league leaders Liverpool at Anfield, a clash that now feels like a must-win for Pep Guardiola’s side to remain in the title race.
