City’s Second-Half Struggles Raise Alarm in Title Chase

Manchester City’s recent performances in the second half have raised eyebrows and could jeopardize their ambitions in the Premier League title race. Following their disheartening draw against Tottenham, where they squandered a 2-0 lead to finish 2-2, City has now faltered to maintain their advantage in three out of their last four league fixtures when leading at halftime.

In previous matches this year against Chelsea and Brighton, although they also drew, the decline in performance was not as stark as what was witnessed against Spurs. Yet, in all three instances, City will reflect on missed opportunities to secure the points.

The turnaround at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was attributed to the contrasting energies displayed by both teams after the interval. Spurs emerged revitalized and aggressive, employing new strategies and personnel, while City appeared somewhat complacent.

Tactical Shift and Attitude

It is important to acknowledge the tactical adjustments made, as Tottenham effectively disrupted City’s flow, which had been dominant in the first half. More significantly, the attitude and determination of Spurs overshadowed that of City in the second half.

In any matchup, if a side with superior talent matches the intensity and effort of a less skilled opponent, they typically emerge victorious or manage to hold onto their lead. City’s decline wasn’t due to Spurs surpassing them in quality; rather, it stemmed from Tottenham’s greater hunger after the break.

Complacency Concerns for Guardiola

This situation poses a significant concern for Pep Guardiola, particularly as his team seeks to apply pressure on league leaders Arsenal. There are two primary reasons that could explain the drop in intensity during the second half: mental fatigue or physical exhaustion.

Despite a busy January schedule, City boasts a deep squad, and Guardiola often rotates his lineup, suggesting that fatigue shouldn’t be the main factor. The real issue seems to be a mental lapse.

What transpired against Spurs resembles an experience I had as a player; when a game feels overwhelmingly easy in the initial stages, a shock often follows. While teams are aware that opponents will attempt a comeback, the confidence from a commanding lead can lead to an unexpected downturn.

First Half Dominance

In the opening half, City showcased their strength, exhibiting a dangerous and composed style of play, which was precisely the performance one would expect. Guardiola’s decision to field Antoine Semenyo alongside Erling Haaland as a split front two and maintain a fluid midfield proved effective.

Throughout their buildup, Bernardo Silva often moved alongside Rodri, while Nico O’Reilly and Rayan Cherki would drift inward, mirroring the tactics used by Aston Villa, and this created numerous problems for Spurs.

Game Dynamics Shift

Another strategic adjustment by Guardiola, which I found astute, was the manner in which they pressured Tottenham when the latter had possession. Silva would leave his position, joining the front two to initiate the press, leading directly to City’s opening goal.

However, Spurs faced challenges due to their depleted squad, forcing players into unfamiliar positions and a system they rarely utilized. Consequently, they struggled to manage their defensive responsibilities, leading me to believe that it was merely a matter of how many goals City would score. I was mistaken.

With Cristian Romero sidelined at halftime due to illness, Thomas Frank shifted to a four-man defense, adopting a more conventional 4-4-1-1 formation, with Randal Kolo Muani joining Dominic Solanke in attack.

Spurs’ Resurgence

Almost immediately, Tottenham’s midfield compressed, limiting the space available to City. As Spurs began to retain possession, they gained confidence and gradually worked their way back into the encounter.

The battles I previously mentioned became pivotal; Spurs players started to anticipate second balls, winning key duels and regaining possession in advanced positions, which put City under pressure and left them looking anxious.

City’s Loss of Control

City lost their rhythm entirely, and were it not for a couple of outstanding saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, they might not have escaped with a draw. Typically, when a team dominates the first half, they might face increased pressure after the break but also benefit from additional space for counterattacks. This was not the case for City against Spurs.

Despite Frank opting for a two-on-two situation between Joao Palhinha and Radu Dragusin against Semenyo and Haaland, Spurs were much more alert, while City’s attacking duo struggled to hold the ball up or provide sufficient options.

Title Race Implications

In summary, the events that unfolded cannot solely be attributed to City’s failure or Spurs’ resurgence; it was a blend of both factors. Spurs improved significantly, while City dropped their performance levels dramatically. This stark contrast between their first and second-half displays is among the most extreme I have observed from Guardiola’s squad in quite some time.

City has now managed to secure only one victory in their last six league outings, leaving many astonished given their wealth of talent and experience. The reality is that their current form does not reflect the caliber expected from such a squad.

The observation that City played in the first half like a team intent on closing the gap with Arsenal is telling. The decline in the second half was largely self-inflicted, characterized by careless ball losses and failure to secure challenges. This is atypical for a team renowned for its game management.

Despite the current challenges, City is not yet out of the title race; the gap remains just six points, with Arsenal still needing to visit the Etihad Stadium. City retains the potential to embark on a winning streak that could restore their title hopes. Nevertheless, there appears to be a psychological hurdle affecting some players, who, perhaps mistakenly, assume that a lead guarantees victory. Such a mindset is not conducive to winning titles, nor is it reflective of the City we have come to know.