Manchester City’s struggles persisted as they squandered a lead to suffer a dramatic 2-1 defeat against Manchester United in the derby.
Despite an underwhelming performance from both sides, City went ahead just before halftime with Josko Gvardiol’s header.
The late-game collapse, however, was stunning. A mistake by Matheus Nunes gifted Bruno Fernandes an equalizer from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, and just two minutes later, Amad Diallo secured the victory for United with a decisive goal.
The reactions from City’s players told the story. Some left the pitch quickly, while others lingered in disbelief at their collapse.
Gvardiol and Erling Haaland were among the last to exit, acknowledging the few City fans who stayed to witness the defeat.
This loss highlights a troubling pattern for City, with the team now appearing disjointed and frustrated.
Haaland, visibly dejected, embodied the team’s despair, while the overall body language suggested a squad grappling with their struggles. The defeat only adds to growing concerns over City’s recent form.
An intriguing moment came when Pep Guardiola was seen animatedly discussing with Jeremy Doku during a break in play, frustrated by the winger’s decision-making. Doku’s inconsistent performance seemed to mirror City’s broader issues.
Meanwhile, Haaland appeared to embrace a more vocal leadership role, taking charge in the pre-match huddle and engaging actively with his teammates throughout the game.
Off the pitch, there was a display of cordiality in the directors’ box, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Khaldoon Al Mubarak sharing a friendly exchange.
Interestingly, City’s team bus arrived later than usual, sparking speculation that Guardiola may be experimenting with new routines to reverse the team’s poor form.
