Manchester City’s performances in the second half of matches are raising concerns, potentially jeopardizing their bid for the Premier League title.
After Sunday’s disappointing draw against Tottenham, where they squandered a 2-0 lead, City has now failed to secure victory in three of their last four league encounters where they were ahead at halftime.
While their previous draws against Chelsea and Brighton this year didn’t feature the same severe decline in performance as seen against Spurs, City will likely reflect on missed opportunities that could have secured crucial points.
The shift in momentum at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was attributed to a rejuvenated Spurs side, featuring new players and a different tactical approach. In contrast, City appeared complacent.
Tactical adjustments played a role, as Tottenham effectively disrupted City’s rhythm by preventing them from playing through the lines as they had in the first half. However, the more significant factor in Spurs’ comeback was their heightened attitude and determination compared to City’s performance.
I firmly believe that if the team with superior talent matches the energy and resolve of the less skilled opponent, they will prevail or maintain their lead. City’s downfall wasn’t due to a sudden influx of quality from Spurs; instead, it stemmed from Tottenham’s greater desire in the second half.
This situation is particularly concerning for Pep Guardiola, especially as his team aims to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.
‘City Should Know Better’
There are two primary reasons for a team’s decline in performance in the second half: mental or physical fatigue.
Despite a packed January schedule, City boasts a large squad and Guardiola rotates players frequently, so physical fatigue is unlikely the issue. Instead, it seems more related to their mindset.
As a former player, I can relate to the complacency that arises when a team dominates in the first half. You expect to maintain that level of control and create chances, leading to a false sense of security.
Ironically, teams often perform better in the second half after a more evenly contested first half, as it heightens their focus. City being 2-0 up, and perhaps feeling they should have been further ahead, likely led to a lapse in concentration.
They should have avoided this lapse, given their collective experience. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first instance of such a decline in recent matches.
First Half: ‘City Were Dominant and Composed’
In the first half, City exhibited dominance, danger, and composure—exactly the type of performance I expected.
Guardiola’s decision to field Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland as a split front two and implement a fluid midfield proved effective, causing Spurs significant problems.
An astute tactical shift was how City pressed Spurs defensively. Silva moved from his position to join the forwards, contributing to the pressure that led to City’s opener.
Spurs, struck by injury and personnel issues, struggled with their defensive organization in the first half. It appeared to be a mere question of how many goals City would score, as I didn’t foresee any way back for Spurs—but I was mistaken.
Cristian Romero’s illness at halftime forced a tactical change from Spurs, shifting to a more conventional 4-4-1-1 formation. This adjustment consolidated their midfield and gradually shifted the balance of the game in their favor.
Spurs began to win second balls and regain possession higher up the pitch, putting City under pressure and exposing their vulnerability.
Second Half: ‘City Lost All Control’
City lost momentum and control, and if not for several impressive saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, they could have left empty-handed.
Typically, after dominating the first half, one might expect more opportunities to counterattack, but City failed to capitalize, largely due to Spurs’ improved diligence and their own front two’s lack of effectiveness.
The disparity in performance levels between City’s first and second halves was among the most severe I’ve seen from Guardiola’s side.
City has now only won once in their last six league fixtures, surprising many given their wealth of talent and experience.
The current reality of their performances doesn’t reflect the quality at their disposal. I can assert this because in the first half, City played like a team intent on chasing down Arsenal—one that believed “we’re coming for you.”
Part of their second-half decline was self-inflicted; they were careless with possession and didn’t win enough duels or second balls. This is atypical for them, as they are generally adept at managing games.
They’re not out of the title race yet—trailing by just six points and with a crucial match against Arsenal still to come at Etihad Stadium.
City remains capable of launching a long winning streak, which has carried them to victories in the past. However, the current situation reveals a mindset issue among certain players.
Some of them seem to believe that taking a lead equates to having the game won, which is not the mentality required to claim the title, nor is it reflective of the City we know.
Danny Murphy was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
[BBC]