Manchester City’s unexpected problem

Manchester City have a list of mounting problems this season. An ageing squad, critical injuries and underperforming individuals appear to be the main cracks. But Pep Guardiola has an unexpected problem to solve this season – his wingers. They’re not showing up.

City currently sit third in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Liverpool. Since an EPL defeat to Tottenham, which saw them knocked out of the Carabao cup, the English Champions have been winless in six games. The last three Premier league games for City have ended in a sour defeat. The side only managed to score two goals in three games and conceded eight. Haaland registered one goal, and the assist came from deep lying midfielder, Mateo Kovacic. The last three Premier league games have seen wingers and attacking midfielders contribute one assist. Only six players have scored a PL goal this season for City. Only Everton and Newcastle have had less of a goalscoring variety than the Champions – with five different scorers.

Ten goals have been scored by City in the Premier League, by players other than Haaland. Five have been scored by defenders, three for Josko Gvardiol and two for John Stones. Midfielders Mateo Kovatic and Kevin De Bruyne made up for four goals. Jeremy Doku is the only winger to register a goal for City in the Premier League this season. Players such as Grealish, Foden, Silva, Savinho and Nunes have a combined nine assists this season, despite playing a minimum of eight games each. Phil Foden, last year’s Premier League player of the season, has one assist in nine appearances. Foden’s contributions are sorely missed – because when Haaland doesn’t show up, no other player can make up for his disappearance.

Last Premier league season, Foden registered a whopping 19 goals and eight assists – having a massive impact on City’s win. This season; he’s absent. Over 12 games, he’s started five and played 561 minutes. He has an xG of 1.38; but of 20 shots, only two have been on target. Considered to be one of the most creative players in the league, Bernardo Silva has been another player that has been significantly underperforming this season. He’s managed three assists in 12 games. Last season, he contributed six goals and nine assists in 33 matches. His absence is being noticed. With Rodri absent, and Kevin De Bruyne struggling with injury, many assumed Silva would pick up the baton and run. To the disappointment of City fans, Silva has tripped and fallen.

Of all the issues City have found this season, losing the killer instinct of their wingers was likely not on the list. Until City’s wingers show up, they will struggle to put up numbers against Premier league sides that have all attacking players contributing.