Manchester City spent €90 million to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig to the summer transfer window last year. At that time, Gvardiol was considered the best young centre-back in the world with the potential to become a big star. However, Pep Guardiola does not seem to need more central defenders in the squad. The proof is that Gvardiol has mainly played as a defender in the post-season.
Man City's next big signing is Matheus Nunes for 62 million Euros from Wolves. Expected to be a worthy replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, Nunes has never had much influence in the Premier League beyond his ball possession. Nunes' passing stats are average poor and it was not until the end of the season that the midfielder was more active.
Mateo Kovacic is another Newspaper signing from Man City in hopes of filling Gundogan's void. In fact, Man City's 29.1 million-dollar contract has always done a good job by dropping deep and pulling the ball up. However, what Guardiola needs is a midfielder who can create more space. In addition, Kovacic is 29 years old and certainly not a long-term choice.
Man City's final signing is Jeremy Doku for €60 million from Stade Rennais. There were times when Doku's speed, technique and ability to stir up the penalty area were really impressive. The Belgian has dragged the ball into the box 117 times this season, while no one in Europe's top leagues has done it more than 73 times.
Doku has also played more games than any other New Man City player (72.4% of the minutes), but his results have been unimpressive. Looking at Doku now, many Man City fans remember Jack Grealish when he first joined the Etihad. Unlike Ryad Mahrez who left, both Doku and Grealish were uncomfortable on the right wing. And above all, the effectiveness that both bring is incomparable to Mahrez.
Therefore, the decline of The Citizens is due. Recruiting Gvardiol is a risk, Nunes with limited contributions while Kovacic is preparing to turn 30. For Doku, this winger is no longer as effective and explosive as at the beginning of the season.
Now, Gvardiol has struggled at left-back and is not a first choice. The same fate fate fate fate fate fate Nunes and Kovacic in midfield. Doku is a bit more optimistic, but if we compete with Grealish, it is a different story.
In that context, let's look at Arsenal and Liverpool. The Gunners played better with David Raya, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz on the pitch. Liverpool also played better with Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and perhaps even Endo.
Even their two "failed" contracts still have a lot of potential in the future. Arsenal versatile defender Jurrien Timber is only 22 years old, while Ryan Gravenberch for Liverpool is only 21. Timber has been absent since the start of the season due to injury, while Gravenberch (32.4% of the minutes) has mainly played as a reserve. The Dutch midfielder is still immature, but handles the ball quite effectively when on the field.
Of course, it is all relative. Man City can still win the Premier League, even the Champions League. The season is still out of reach for Guardiola. But unlike most of the previous seasons where the tactician has led a top team, Man City are clearly no longer themselves.
Premier League sides no longer need a crazy performance to beat Man City. Simply put, at the moment, Man City is only one of the three strongest teams in the Premier League.
