'Didn't look comfortable': BBC pundit believes £180k-a-week Man City was all over the place in Villa defeat. - soocer442
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‘Didn’t look comfortable’: BBC pundit believes £180k-a-week Man City was all over the place in Villa defeat.

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“Did not appear comfortable,” according to a BBC analyst earning £180,000 per week. Man City was disorganized in their loss to Villa.Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 1-0, marking one of the club’s worst performances since Pep Guardiola assumed leadership.

City supporters had high hopes that their team would return to winning ways in the Midlands following three consecutive draws against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur.However, when City arrived at Villa Park, they were thoroughly outplayed.

 


Unai Emery’s squad dominated the entire field, and Pep Guardiola was helpless in response. Leon Bailey was a tormenting opponent for Josko Gvardiol, and City simply never had a firm grasp on the game and were unable to break Villa down.

 

As the analysis of yesterday’s performance and outcome gains momentum, certain individuals have attributed City’s difficulties to the midfield configuration.

 

Manuel Akanji, according to Martin Keown, did not appear at ease against Aston Villa.Rodri’s suspension for the visitors for last night’s match proved to be a very costly decision.

 

City never maintained any sort of control throughout the encounter, as Manuel Akanji joined John Stones in holding midfield.

 

Akanji has been utilized in this capacity on multiple occasions this season, and the Switzerland international’s performance has been rather uneven.

 

However, he was disorganized last night, as Keown noted on Match of the Day: “Akanji in midfield appeared uneasy. “Don’t you want him in the backfield, then?”They must have lost that magical sprinkle, wouldn’t you say? Do you know the location where they used to simply dominate games and simply defeated you no matter what you hurled at them? They appear vulnerable at the moment, having gone four games without a victory, when you consider their performance in prior seasons. You might even call this a “mini-crisis for Pep.”

 

Still uncertain is whether Manuel Akanji will play midfield.

Last night was a complete disaster for City, as not a single player could claim to have delivered a satisfactory performance.

 

Although Akanji encountered difficulty, the rest of his teammates also labored.

 

Since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to City in the summer of 2022, the £180,000-per-week player has been an absolute sensation, but the verdict is still very much out on whether he can play this hybrid role.Although he lacks the technical prowess of Stones, his movement is not as refined.

 

However, he is an exceptional ball-playing defender; it is uncertain how much longer he can continue to earn minutes while playing higher up.

 







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