Manchester City are now seven points behind league leaders Arsenal after the disappointing 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford against rivals Manchester United.
The Citizens’ defeat was catastrophic because they would have closed the gap on the leaders, who drew goalless at Nottingham Forest, to just four points had they won.
The manner in which Manchester United dominated Manchester City in the derby was disturbing, even though they had three of their preferred back four out injured.
Centre-backs Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Diaz missed the trip to Old Trafford as right back Matheus Nunes was also injured, hence forcing Pep to start with Khodir Khusanov and youngster Max Alleyne in the heart of his defence. Rico Lewis started at right, where he was exposed by Manchester United’s athletic winger Patrick Dorgu.
After the game, Pep admitted his side is not ready to win the Premier League, based on what he saw at Old Trafford.
“If you analyse the results, yeah, we are not ready,” he said when quizzed about the club’s chances now.
“But performances I have been satisfied with. I could sit here and say the opposite. Today was not enough, but in the previous games, we were enough”, he continued.
The defeat ended Manchester City’s eleven-game unbeaten run. With just seven points adrift of the top of the table, the club still has a chance, albeit it is a slim one.
Manchester City have agreed a 20 million pound deal with Crystal Palace for the 25-year-old English centre back, Marc Guehi, who is expected to undergo a medical examination on Sunday. The defender is expected to bolster the club’s weak defence.
Pep Guardiola’s side has already signed Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo in a deal worth 65 million pounds from Bournemouth, making them the highest spenders in the current transfer window.
Man City returns to action on Tuesday night with a Champions League fixture against Bodo/Glimt in Norway, where they will hope to return to winning ways.
