City defensive shocker was coming – now Guardiola must find a solution
Even amid Manchester City's spectacular start to the season, which saw them win six straight games and score 18 goals, it was pointed out that their defence needed some work.
In trying to find a fault in what looked like a sensational team set to romp to the title, defence was the most obvious starting point.
Just a run through the personnel at Pep Guardiola’s disposal would give you doubts.
The three main centre-backs – John Stones, the next big defensive thing in English football, is still just 22 with one full season of league football behind him.
Vincent Kompany was one of the best defenders in the world but injuries have taken over.
Nicolas Otamendi has all the attributes to be a top-class defender but has yet to find consistency.
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And then an array of full-backs with no standout player – none of whom you would think Guardiola would target to sign if they were on other teams.
It was a surprise that Guardiola ditched keeper Joe Hart and brought in Claudio Bravo from Barcelona. It is debatable whether Bravo is a better shot stopper than Hart, even if he is more comfortable with his feet.
It was a surprise that Guardiola brought in so many forward players yet did not invest at full-back, a key position in his best previous teams.
But it wasn’t really a surprise that City have struggled at the back – a fact which culminated in Saturday’s surprise 4-2 defeat at Leicester. It was a weak point last season and Guardiola has not been able to find consistency there – either with his formation or his selection.
So what is the solution? City’s Spanish manager has shown during his career that he does not consider defence to be a priority, or rather he does not see defenders in the way most other managers do.
He plays midfielders and full-backs at centre-back, he wants his keeper to be a sweeper ... but history has shown you can’t win titles simply by trying to outscore your opponent. Kevin Keegan’s 1995/96 Newcastle team was an example of that.
If the defence isn’t fixed, City almost certainly won’t win the title.
Guardiola must surely be considering reverting to a back four and sticking to it. It suited him at Barcelona and at Bayern Munich.
Yes it is less innovative, but at least it provides stability from which City can work to improve. Their defensive players would be more comfortable in that formation.
On Saturday, he played three at the back, two of them full-backs and a right-back in central midfield. It’s fair to say the defence was all over the place.
He will probably look at recalling Eliaquim Mangala, the fourth most expensive defender of all time, from his loan spell at Valencia. The Frenchman doesn’t have the ball skills of Stones or Otamendi, but he has the potential to become a rock at the back.
And maybe Guardiola should look at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has improved his side by playing midfielder James Milner at left-back.
Until Guardiola can dip into the transfer market again in January, he has the likes of Leroy Sane or Jesus Navas who could have the same impact as Milner on this City team. An attacking move that also adds more defensive solidity. Both have the engines to run up and down the flank for 90 minutes.
With an encounter against Arsenal approaching, Guardiola needs a solution.
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