Manchester City fans didn’t hold back on social media after a disappointing first half against Liverpool, with veteran defender Kyle Walker bearing the brunt of their frustrations.
Liverpool entered the match with momentum, under new manager Arne Slot, and were eager to extend their lead over City to 11 points.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side, in uncharacteristic form, has struggled in recent matches. Sitting fourth in the league, City went into the game off a six-match winless streak, including a dramatic collapse against Feyenoord in midweek Champions League action.
Walker’s Performance Under Fire
Kyle Walker, the 34-year-old England international, came under heavy criticism for his perceived lack of defensive awareness. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) voiced their discontent, with some questioning his continued role in the squad and his position as captain:
Lack of Awareness: One fan wrote, “Kyle Walker’s awareness of what is around him gets worse, and worse, and worse with every passing week.”
Calls for Replacement: Another said, “Kyle Walker is literally a pain to watch… how does he continuously start games, and why is he still the captain… come on man sell this guy.”
Defensive Errors: Criticism continued with, “Kyle Walker once again, losing [Cody] Gakpo at the back post. Beggars belief how he’s not been dropped.”
Harsh Comparisons: One particularly scathing remark read, “The brains of people who still rate Kyle Walker need to be studied in labs like chimps.”
Overall Performance: Another tweet claimed, “Kyle Walker [has] got to be one of the worst players in the Premier League. Absolutely abysmal.”
Context to City’s Struggles
City’s decline in form this season has been attributed to several factors, including:
Rodri’s Absence: Rodri, City’s midfield anchor has missed significant time due to injury, leaving gaps in City’s defensive structure.
Haaland’s Inconsistency: Erling Haaland’s erratic performances in front of goal have also contributed to the team’s lack of cutting edge.
Squad Fatigue: With key players aging, including Walker, the once-dominant squad faces questions about its depth and readiness to compete at the highest level.
A Difficult Road Ahead
Guardiola faces mounting pressure to arrest City’s slump. While Walker remains a vital part of the team, the backlash highlights fan frustration as the defending champions attempt to regain their footing in the title race.
The second half against Liverpool—and the matches to come—will be critical in determining both Walker’s role and City’s trajectory this season.
