Manchester City would have been hoping that they were sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table heading into the international break.
However, Liverpool’s remarkable start to the season coupled with Manchester City being bang out of form in recent weeks has meant there is a five-point gap between both sides.
Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City need the international break to clear their heads and have injured players return to full fitness again.
City will be delighted that despite their defeats to AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion, they firmly remain in the hunt to win the league title.
But with how Arne Slot’s side have played this season, the experienced heads at the Etihad Stadium will be confident that they cannot afford any more slip-ups.
Furthermore, Arsenal will also be looking to bounce back after being winless in their last four league games — something the Sky Blues will likely be taking into account.
Here are the winners and losers from Manchester City’s ongoing season.
Man City’s three biggest winners this season
Josko Gvardiol– The Croatian has a case for being Manchester City’s best player this season. After a promising debut campaign in a City shirt, Gvardiol has further upped his game.
Scoring three vital league goals for Manchester City while also being a rock at the back, the in-form centre-back’s consistency has been a joy to witness. At 22 years of age, the world is at the former RB Leipzig defender’s feet.
Gvardiol’s performances have made it a challenge for Nathan Ake to reclaim his place as the Premier League champions’ starting left-back by providing the perfect blend of influence in defence and in attack.
If Manchester City intend to win major silverware this campaign, the Zagreb-born colossus will have to maintain his excellent form until the end of the season.
Erling Haaland– Despite City’s recent struggles in terms of creating chances, Haaland has still managed to score 12 league goals and 15 across all competitions this season.
While Manchester City have faltered all too often in games that they have even won, the 24-year-old has remained consistently productive.
Sooner rather than later, Pep Guardiola’s men will have to find more ways to cater for the Norwegian, who has the ability to put them out of sight amidst their defensive woes in their forthcoming matches.
Savinho– The Brazilian international is not the finished article yet.
But at 20, not many players are and so far, Savinho has showcased that he has the makings of a world-class winger.
The youngster’s ability to weave past defenders as well as be able to put in an inviting cross with both feet are traits that make him a special talent.
In his debut season at City, Savinho has looked very bright and he should be encouraged by how he has fared so far.
Man City’s three biggest losers this season
Rodri– Through no fault of his own, Rodri has suffered a season-ending ACL injury after winning the European Championship with Spain.
The midfield maestro has had no choice but to watch Manchester City in action from the comfort of his own like the rest of the supporters.
Rodri was feeling “desperate” to play against Wolves, as he admitted after witnessing his side earn a last-gasp victory, thanks to a winner from John Stones.
Having won the Ballon d’Or as well, the Spanish international would have loved to play with a renewed sense of confidence after accomplishing a feat no player has in the club’s history.
Ilkay Gundogan– So far, Gundogan’s return to Manchester City has been rather underwhelming.
Jamie Carragher criticised Gundogan by claiming that he has not looked like “the same player” who left the club to sign for Barcelona in 2023.
In fairness to the German, Pep Guardiola has often experimented with his position — playing him across the midfield three — with him looking the most comfortable as a number eight against Brighton — a role that has always suited him the most.
But Gundogan has also looked quite sloppy in possession and leggy — despite being expected to emerge as an instant hit of a signing due to having played for City as recently as in 2022.
The five-time Premier League winner will have to improve his displays after the international break as Manchester City are especially reliant on him after Rodri’s injury.
Jack Grealish– Grealish will be disappointed with the season that he has had — despite looking the part when he has been on the pitch.
The 29-year-old’s campaign has been interrupted by injuries once again — stopping the former Aston Villa captain in his tracks from helping his side out who looked like they are in a bit of a crisis.
Pep Guardiola was seemingly upset with Grealish as well due to the fact that while he is far from fully fit, he has headed to international duty with England.
It seems like unless the three-time Premier League winner steps up to the plate after the international break, he could lose the faith he has from a majority of the Manchester City fanbase — having had only one impressive individual season at the club since his move in 2021.
