Amad Diallo’s Late Heroics Deepen Manchester City’s Woes
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took full responsibility for his team’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United in Sunday’s heated derby at the Etihad Stadium, a result that extended City’s alarming slump to eight defeats in their last 11 matches.
Guardiola’s side, known for their dominance, have been a shadow of themselves this season, and the defeat leaves them nine points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Diallo Steals the Show
City had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Josko Gvardiol capitalized on United’s defensive lapse during a set-piece. However, they failed to build on their advantage in a lackluster contest where both teams struggled to create meaningful chances.
United’s persistence paid off in the dying moments. Amad Diallo, brought on by manager Ruben Amorim in a bold lineup that excluded Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, won a penalty in the 88th minute after a poor pass and reckless challenge by City’s Matheus Nunes. Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot to equalize.
Two minutes later, Diallo stunned the home crowd again, latching onto a loose ball and scoring from a tight angle to seal a dramatic victory for the visitors.
Guardiola Admits Fault
Post-match, Guardiola expressed frustration, admitting the team’s lack of composure and his own failure to find solutions.
“Not much to say. No defense, they were incredibly persistent,” Guardiola said. “I’m not good enough. I’m the manager; I have to find solutions, and so far, I haven’t.”
Guardiola also highlighted the need for improvement in decision-making, particularly after Nunes’ costly error. “In the box, you have to be careful. It’s not just about one player. We have to play better as a team,” he added.
City Players Echo Concerns
Midfielder Bernardo Silva shared Guardiola’s blunt assessment, calling out the team’s lack of discipline.
“At this level, it’s not about luck. It’s the decisions you make,” Silva said. “Today, we played like under-15s in the last minute and paid the price. It’s not the standards of Manchester City.”
Mounting Pressure on Guardiola’s Squad
The loss adds to a growing sense of crisis at City, who now sit fifth in the league and are teetering on the brink in the UEFA Champions League, just one point above the elimination zone.
City will look to steady the ship when they face sixth-placed Aston Villa on December 21. However, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions, the pressure on Guardiola and his squad continues to mount.
Meanwhile, United’s win provides a glimmer of hope in their turbulent season, as they prepare for a League Cup quarterfinal clash against Tottenham.
Similar Posts:
- Amad Diallo Seals Dramatic Win for United in Manchester Derby Thriller
- Pep Guardiola Admits Pressure Mounting Amid Manchester City’s Struggles
- Guardiola Praises Man City’s Relentless Mentality Amid Uncertain Future
- Pep Guardiola Confirms Ruben Dias Faces Month-Long Injury Layoff
- Pep Guardiola Frustrated by Rodri Questions After Man City’s 1-1 Draw with Newcastle
