There was a moment in extra time at the Etihad Stadium when Phil Foden passed the ball out to Bernardo Silva. With a score of 1-1, it was Manchester City's last chance to win against Everton. However, Silva's pass was later rushed and panicked - something that had not happened to Man City before.
However, this is a new reality for the Etihad team. The spark that inspired four consecutive Premier League titles has disappeared in the past two months. A group of players who have achieved incredible excellence are now struggling with chronic lack of confidence.
Silva opened the scoring against Everton but also missed a great chance to make it 2-0. Only the Portuguese understands why he chose to use the outside of his foot and shoot for the first time instead of touching the ball more calmly. Once again, things were rushed and panicked, but Silva was not the only one to make mistakes.
Erling Haaland missed a penalty in the second half as Man City extended their disastrous run. The Citizens have now won just one of their last 13 games.
In stoppage time, Everton had four players break through two Man City defenders, with Jack Harrison's shot blocked before reaching goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Luck saved Man City from further confusion, but the final draw could not stop the welcomes from echoing throughout the Etihad at the end of the match.
"We are in a situation that is difficult to explain. Everton scored with their first attack. In fact, it was only towards the end of the match that we had to worry about conceding.
Of course, this result is something no one wants. We will continue to analyze to find out the cause and make efforts not to make mistakes like this again," Guardiola said after the draw with Everton.
Man City's invincible Harp was broken and replaced by the worry that infected almost everything. When Silva missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 midway through the first half, Foden turned around and screamed angrily.
On the touchline, Guardiola was also discouraged. Previously, these small failures did not mean much to them. Now it seems things are so difficult that Man City cannot miss those opportunities.
A return to form and a few new signings in January will help Man City. However, the bigger problem for Guardiola is how to boost the confidence of a squad that has been hit and struggled by this unprecedented run of results.
Chairman Sheikh Mansour's money will fill some gaps in the dressing room, but it is difficult to buy confidence.
