December 27, 2024

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has insisted that the club will not resort to short-term solutions in the January transfer window, even as their alarming form continued with a 1-1 draw against Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.

The result extends City’s dismal run to just one win in their last 13 games across all competitions, leaving them provisionally sixth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand.

Despite dominating the match with 24 shots to Everton’s eight, City failed to capitalize on their chances.

Bernardo Silva’s 14th-minute goal, courtesy of a deflected strike after a clever assist from Jérémy Doku, gave City an early lead.

However, the joy was short-lived as Everton equalized in the 36th minute when Iliman Ndiaye punished Manuel Akanji’s defensive lapse with a clinical shot into the top corner.

Erling Haaland, the Premier League’s top scorer in the past two seasons, had a golden opportunity to restore City’s lead in the second half from the penalty spot. But Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford guessed correctly, diving to his left to save Haaland’s effort.

Erling Haaland misses a penalty; Pickford saves

Haaland’s attempt to redeem himself with a header from the rebound was ruled offside, summing up a frustrating afternoon for the Norwegian, who has now scored just four goals in his last 14 league games.

City came agonizingly close to grabbing a winner, with Josko Gvardiol’s header striking the post early on and Rico Lewis blasting over the crossbar in injury time.

However, Everton’s resolute defending and Pickford’s heroics ensured the Toffees left Manchester with a vital point.

Pep Guardiola’s Response

Speaking after the game, Guardiola confirmed the team’s struggles and the growing importance of the January transfer window but made it clear that City would not make hasty decisions.

“The transfer window in the winter is not easy. Even the players know that we have to add some new players. But after, when these players come and play in their positions, they are unhappy.”

 

“It’s about bringing a player for the next four or five years, and we’ll have to see. Sometimes it is not easy. We have to try because this is sustained for a long time.”

Pep Guardiola admitted that injuries have compounded City’s difficulties but req the need for patience as the team works through their slump.

“Football is about winning, scoring goals, and not conceding, and we’ve always done it until the last month and a half. We’re not able to do it.”

A Season in Crisis?

City’s current run is one of their worst under Guardiola, with only one win in their last nine league games.

With 28 points from 18 matches, the defending champions could drop as low as eighth by the end of the Boxing Day fixtures.

The slump has seen uncharacteristic performances from key players, including Haaland, whose form has dipped significantly.

Everton, meanwhile, celebrated a hard-earned point that keeps them five points above the relegation zone.

The visitors, buoyed by Pickford’s heroics and Ndiaye’s goal, were cheered off the pitch by their fans, who chanted “England’s number one” in honor of their goalkeeper.

What’s Next for Manchester City?

Guardiola’s side faces mounting pressure to turn their season around. While injuries have played a role, the lack of clinical finishing and defensive lapses have raised questions about the team’s depth and adaptability.

The January transfer window presents an opportunity to address these concerns, but Guardiola’s insistence on long-term planning suggests that City’s revival may take time.

For now, the champions will need to rediscover their winning formula quickly if they are to remain in the title race and avoid further slipping down the table.

As Pep Guardiola put it, “Everything takes more time to make it work,” but time is a luxury City may not have in this high-stakes season.