Manchester City’s torrid run of form continued with perhaps their most concerning result yet as they threw away a three-goal lead to draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League.
A shocking 4-0 defeat to Tottenham at the weekend saw Manchester City slump to a fifth defeat in a row, the first time Pep Guardiola has suffered such an incredulity in his managerial career.
That streak has finally come to an end but it doesn’t feel like it in the slightest.
Erling Haaland has bagged a brace either side of a deflected Ilkay Gundogan volley to put the Blues in cruise control but they still managed to draw the game.
A terrible mistake from Josko Gvardiol played Anis Hadj-Moussa in on goal to pull one back and a fragile City couldn’t withstand the pressure as Feyenoord scored two more through Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko.
A performance that once again looked like typical City dominance descended into the ugly new reality with a shell-shocked Guardiola unable to stop the collapse.
Good job it’s only Liverpool next.
Here’s how the players rated on another shocking night.
- Champions League 2024/25: New changes, league phase draw details, who Man City will face, full schedule
Ederson – 4
A quiet evening turned into a disaster. There was not much he could have done for the first two goals but his wild charge out of his box and mistimed header left the goal open for the leveller.
Rico Lewis – 7
Back where he belongs at right-back and all the better for it. City were much more secure and balanced with Rico Lewis moving into midfield rather than starting there and he was back to his assured best.
He was constantly on the ball and making intricate passes that helped the side completely dominate. Let down by his teammates.
Manuel Akanji – 6
Looked much more like himself for 70 minutes but offered no resistance to Feyenoord’s come back.
Nathan Ake – 7
Back in the starting XI after a lengthy absence and provided a dominating presence in the air at both ends of the pitch. Taken off just before the 70th minute so no blame for the collapse.
Josko Gvardiol – 4
It’s been a rough few weeks for Gvardiol and that managed to continue as an otherwise solid return to form was ruined by a terrible error that sparked the comeback.
The left-back had been rarely tested and attacked down the flank well but inexplicably lofted the ball back towards his goal late on to let Hadj-Moussa go through on goal and pull one back.
Guardiola was left in utter disbelief after the mistake and his place in the side might be on the line ahead of Anfield.
Things got worse as he then couldn’t get his head to a lofted cross as Feyenoord sneaked in the second.
Matheus Nunes – 8
Back in the team and proving he shouldn’t be dropped again for the foreseeable. Matheus Nunes was positive in yet another new position – operating on the right of a midfield three but often pushing up to cover the entire flank.
It was this high pressing up the pitch that saw him win the ball back in dangerous positions and exploit space on the wing, teeing up Haaland for his second goal after doing so.
When Feyenoord were given some hope by their goal, he moved back into midfield and got stuck in to help alleviate the pressure but there was little he could do.
Ilkay Gundogan – 7.5
A nicely-struck volley that deflected its way into the goal will come as a nice boost for the German who has come in for some criticism this week.
He wasn’t particularly tested in the defensive midfield role but moved the ball around nicely. Removed before Feyenoord scored.
Phil Foden – 6
In contrast to his excellent performances in Europe so far this season, it was a quiet night for Phil Foden.
There were some flashes of brilliance – a lovely turn and shot, some rapid link-up play with Haaland, a nice back-heel – but they were few and far between and it wasn’t his most effective night. Removed in the 78th minute.
Bernardo Silva – 6
Bernardo Silva set the tempo with his bright and energetic start down the right but his performance ended up being very selfless. Though positioned on the right wing, he would often drop deep to allow the pacier Nunes to advance forward to great effect.
However, his good work was undone by being one of the most experienced player yet not helping the team come to their senses when the going got tough.
Erling Haaland – 8
Denied early on by a sprawling save and made good runs before breaking the deadlock with an expertly dispatched penalty. Haaland then notched goal No.17 for the season as he poked home Nunes’ tee-up and was involved throughout with some thrilling link-up play. Has the right to be furious with his teammates.
Jack Grealish – 5
A quiet return to the starting XI, which is hardly surprising after two months off, but it’s no surprise City were much better in possession and controlling a game with Jack Grealish in the side. Until it all went wrong.
Substitutes
Kevin De Bruyne – 6
Still not fit enough to start or really assert himself when coming on, especially when a game is all but done, but even in a brief cameo Kevin De Bruyne just exudes so much class.
Every sublime touch on the ball and little pass just shows what City have been missing these last few weeks and further explains their recent struggles.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – 5
Didn’t cover himself in glory positionally for the Feyenoord goal but the blame remains with Gvardiol. City’s defensive solidity did disappear when he came on, though.
James McAtee – 5.5
Tried getting in some good areas but what should have been the chance to impress ended up being a frantic final few minutes as City threw it away.
