Man City had a relatively easy first half against Tottenham. They did not need to strain themselves too much but still controlled Spurs, scored 2 goals and seemed to have one hand on the victory. The problem is that City could not maintain that pace for the rest of the match.
A common point that is repeating in coach Pep Guardiola's team this season is the decline in the second half, especially after leading 2-0. Against Wolves, Joao Gomes and Jorgen Strand Larsen both had opportunities to narrow the gap but missed.
In the middle of last week against Galatasaray in the Champions League, Victor Osimhen could also score one, even 2 goals. Against Spurs, that decline exceeded the limit of endurance when City let the match slip out of their hands in a way that reminds people of 2 goals conceded after halftime in the Manchester derby.
Guardiola believes The Citizens were mentally hurt by Dominic Solanke's decision to recognize the first goal, stemming from a collision with Marc Guehi. He also complained about many disputes being ignored, especially on the two wings with the role of full-backs. And what he said partly reflected on the 2-2 equalizer, when Nico O'Reilly and Nico Gonzalez were confused and made coordination errors, causing City to pay the price.
Then familiar excuses reappeared. Blaming the situation between Guehi and Solanke continued the previous series of complaints. Man City once talked about the penalty not being awarded in the Wolves match, or the fact that the opponent should have received a red card in the Manchester derby. But in general, the problem still lies with them. The Etihad home team continuously lost momentum at the decisive moment, losing the ability to finish the match - which was once the instinct of the top Man City versions.
It's interesting what's happening in the Premier League. The Premier League organizers explained the decision that Solanke touched the ball first, so the goal was scored for the Tottenham striker. It's interesting" - Guardiola said about the collision between Guehi and Solanke.
Is this a story of fitness when injuries worn down the squad? Or is it a consequence of too many new players joining in the past year causing the structure not to stabilize yet? Regardless of the reason, the draw against Spurs is like a reminder that City is no longer the machine of the peak years. Before, they could quickly finish the match and then calmly control everything.
Guardiola does not have much time left to turn the tide. Man City's next Premier League match is the away match to Anfield against Liverpool. If the disease of decline in the second half is not cured immediately, the gap with Arsenal may be widened in a very difficult way to save.
There are still 14 matches ahead. When there is still an opportunity, there is still hope. The players are gradually returning from injury and I see a very positive fighting spirit" - Guardiola affirmed.
