Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are experiencing their toughest period since the Catalan manager took over in 2016. On Saturday, the Sky Blues squandered a late lead and suffered a 1-2 defeat to Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium, deepening a slump that has seen them win just one of their last ten matches.

Collapse at the Etihad

City seemed to have the match under control following a 28th-minute header by Josko Gvardiol, assisted by a pinpoint cross from Kevin De Bruyne. However, two late defensive errors sealed their fate:

• 88th minute: Matheus Nunes conceded an unnecessary penalty on Amad Diallo. Bruno Fernandes converted it to level the score.
• In injury time: Diallo capitalized on a defensive lapse, rounding Ederson to complete the comeback after a brilliant assist from Lisandro Martínez.

Despite their poor form, City fans displayed unwavering support for Guardiola with an imposing tifo that read: "Guardiola, més que un entrenador." This tribute, inspired by Guardiola’s Barcelona legacy and his recent successes at City, highlighted the fans' belief in their manager.

However, the goodwill in the stands was not enough to prevent another crushing loss, leaving City fifth in the Premier League table with 27 points, trailing leaders Liverpool by 12 if the Reds win their game in hand against Everton.

Guardiola Under Growing Pressure

The loss to United marks Guardiola’s third defeat against the Red Devils since joining City, and their eighth loss in the last eleven matches across all competitions. The result also leaves City one point behind Nottingham Forest, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.

Guardiola, visibly relieved after Gvardiol's opening goal, appeared crestfallen after Diallo’s decisive strike, embodying the frustration of a manager struggling to find solutions for his team’s alarming dip in form.

With a defense showing critical vulnerabilities and an attack failing to capitalize on key moments, Manchester City faces mounting pressure. While Guardiola still enjoys strong support from the fans, questions are beginning to arise about his ability to turn things around.