Neither Erling Haaland, nor Kevin De Bruyne, nor Bernardo Silva, nor Phil Foden, nor anyone else is performing at a recognizable individual level in Manchester City, which is also far from feeling good as a team. 

Guardiola faces unfamiliar challenges

In Pep Guardiola's 500th match as manager of Manchester City, the coach celebrated his 355th victory. Since his arrival in 2016, he has won 18 titles —more than anyone else in the club's history—, including four consecutive 'Premier League' titles, a record points tally in a single season (100 in the 2017-18 campaign), and a Champions League. However, his current situation exposes him to an unfamiliar and unimaginable scenario.

Until their visit to King Power Stadium on Sunday, the crisis for the sky-blue team was evident: one win in their last thirteen matches, one victory in the past nine 'Premier' rounds, five consecutive away games without a win, and four straight matches without a goal from Erling Haaland, who had only scored once in the previous seven matches. An unheard-of scenario for the reigning champions.

Win raises more questions than answers

Manchester City needed to beat the third-to-last team in the standings, and they did. However, beyond the scoreline, the team's performance left many doubts. The defense conceded too many chances, and although they started with possession close to 85%, it dropped to 45% by the end of the match. Gone are the dominant displays that once defined this team.

Despite having stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland in the lineup, the absence of Rodri was deeply felt. The Spaniard, crucial for the team's balance, is missed for his ability to manage every rebound, counterattack, and defensive transition.

The first goal of the match came from Savinho, who scored off a rebound from goalkeeper Stolarczyk after a previous shot by Foden. The second goal, which sealed the result, was a header by Erling Haaland following a cross from Savinho. However, the standout player of the match was goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who saved the team on multiple occasions, including a header by Buonanotte that was deflected by the post.

Uncertainty looms over City's future

Despite the victory, Manchester City's performance raises doubts about its ability to face greater challenges. With an upcoming visit to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and the fight to stay in the top spots of the 'Premier,' Guardiola's team remains on high alert. In this form, it does not seem sufficient to compete for the title, which already appears to be an impossible goal.

On the other hand, this defeat marked the fourth consecutive loss for Ruud Van Nistelrooy as manager of Leicester City, which remains stuck at the bottom of the standings.