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Gundogan’s Struggles in Midfield
Ilkay Gundogan faced heavy criticism for his lacklustre performance in the first half of Manchester City’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The veteran midfielder, starting in the absence of Rodri and Mateo Kovacic, was accused by pundit Jamie Redknapp of neglecting fundamental midfield responsibilities.
Spurs Capitalise on City’s Defensive Lapses
The match took a turn for the worse for City in the 13th minute when Dejan Kulusevski exploited Josko Gvardiol’s sluggishness, delivering an inch-perfect cross to James Maddison. Unmarked, Maddison slotted home the opener, a goal that highlighted Gundogan’s failure to track his man. Redknapp was quick to point out the oversight, stating, “This for me, you’ve obviously got no Rodri, no Kovacic. What Gundogan does here is really basic. It’s so wrong.”
Redknapp’s Scathing Assessment
Redknapp continued, criticising Gundogan’s inability to match Maddison’s run. “You can’t afford to do that, just go and match the run,” he insisted, questioning whether the Ballon d’Or winner’s experience should have made a difference. “Well anyone would, you don’t have to be Rodri to do it. That is part of the detail of being a central midfielder player,” he added, further emphasising Gundogan’s shortcomings in a high-pressure match.
A Season of Disappointment for Gundogan
Since returning to Manchester City on a free transfer from Barcelona, Gundogan has struggled to find his form. Despite an impressive record of 61 goals and 39 assists in 319 appearances, his current tally stands at just one goal and one assist in 15 matches this season. Alarmingly, he has yet to score in the Premier League and has not created a single ‘big chance’ for his teammates.
City‘s Struggles in Front of Goal
Gundogan’s lack of offensive contribution is particularly concerning for City, who have struggled to score more than one goal in their last three league matches. The team’s attacking woes are compounded by his apparent deficiencies in defensive responsibilities, raising questions about his place in the starting lineup moving forward.
Broader Implications for Manchester City
Gundogan’s failure to track Maddison might appear to be a small mistake, but it reflects a larger issue within the squad. The absence of key players like Rodri and Kovacic certainly plays a part, but the team’s collective dip in form cannot be solely attributed to injuries. The mental sharpness, fluidity, and dominance that once defined Guardiola’s side seem to be waning, leaving them vulnerable at critical moments.
Five Consecutive Losses Raise Alarm Bells
The defeat against Spurs marks Manchester City’s fifth consecutive loss, leaving them languishing five points behind league leaders Liverpool. Alarm bells are ringing at The Etihad as the team grapples with its identity and performance levels. The pressure is mounting on Guardiola and his squad to rediscover their winning ways before the situation deteriorates further.
Leeds Eyeing Man City Talent
In a separate development, Leeds United have reportedly made an ambitious bid to secure one of Manchester City’s rising stars. The potential transfer adds another layer of intrigue as City looks to regroup and refocus amidst their current struggles.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Gundogan and Manchester City to see if they can turn their fortunes around and regain their status as title contenders.