Manchester City’s struggles continued as they squandered a winning position against Manchester United, succumbing to a dramatic 2-1 defeat in the derby. The match was marked by a lackluster performance from both teams, with City taking the lead just before halftime through Josko Gvardiol’s header.
However, City’s late collapse was astonishing. An error by Matheus Nunes allowed Bruno Fernandes to equalize from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, and Amad Diallo scored the winner just two minutes later.
The City players’ reactions at the end of the game were telling. Some hastily departed the pitch, while others lingered, seemingly unable to comprehend the collapse. Gvardiol and Erling Haaland were the last to leave, acknowledging the sparse crowd of City fans who remained.
The defeat has left City looking like a broken team. Haaland appeared ashen-faced, and the squad’s body language suggested a deep sense of frustration and despair. The team’s recent form has been alarming, and this latest setback will only exacerbate concerns.
In an intriguing aside, Pep Guardiola was seen having an animated conversation with Jeremy Doku during a break in play. Guardiola’s frustrations with Doku’s decision-making were evident, and the winger’s inconsistent performance was a microcosm of City’s overall struggles.
Meanwhile, Haaland appeared to be taking on a more prominent leadership role within the team. He was vocal during the pre-match huddle, and his interactions with his teammates suggested a growing sense of authority.
In the directors’ box, there were friendly exchanges between United and City officials, including a cordial chat between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Khaldoon Al Mubarak. The City team bus arrived slightly later than usual, sparking speculation that Guardiola is trying to shake things up in an effort to reverse the team’s fortunes.