Manchester City suffered another painful setback in the Premier League after falling 2-1 to Brighton at the Amex Stadium last Sunday. The defeat not only marked their second consecutive league loss but also deepened concerns about Pep Guardiola’s side, who now sit a disappointing 12th in the standings.
For a team widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in European football, this poor start has raised doubts about their ability to sustain their usual high standards. Spanish midfielder Rodri did not hold back in voicing his frustration, describing the team’s performance as riddled with “basic errors unworthy of Manchester City.”
A Bitter Evening at the Amex
The Citizens actually began the match in control. Erling Haaland gave them the lead in the 34th minute with a typically clinical finish, and City appeared on course to bounce back from their previous defeat.
But as the second half unfolded, the rhythm changed completely. Brighton grew in confidence, exploiting City’s lapses in concentration. Matheus Nunes committed a costly handball inside the box, handing former City veteran James Milner the opportunity to equalize from the spot in the 67th minute.
Disaster struck again just before full-time. City’s defensive line crumbled under pressure, allowing Georginio Rutter, Kaoru Mitoma, and Brajan Gruda to combine brilliantly for Brighton’s winning goal in the 89th minute.
The late collapse summed up City’s early-season struggles: flashes of brilliance undone by avoidable, schoolboy-level mistakes.
Rodri’s Stinging Criticism
Speaking to the media afterward, Rodri did not mince his words. The 28-year-old midfield general expressed deep disappointment at the lack of focus shown by his teammates.
“Wе аrе Manchester Cіtу, and we соmе іntо every gаmе tо wіn. But thіѕ іѕ thе rеаlіtу—wе are nоt аt thе lеvеl wе ѕhоuld be,” Rodri аdmіttеd.
He highlighted the need for collective accountability, insisting that the squad cannot continue relying on excuses.
“Thе оnlу wау forward is tо lооk аt ourselves. We started the gаmе wеll, but in thе ѕесоnd hаlf wе ѕwіtсhеd off. Twо mіѕtаkеѕ cost uѕ the gаmе,” he said.
Rodri dismissed suggestions that new signings still adapting to Guardiola’s system were the reason behind the dip in performance. In his view, the issue lies more in mentality than in tactics.
Guardiola’s Transfer Gamble Backfiring?
This summer, City invested over £150 million in new talent, bringing in Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, and goalkeeper James Trafford. While the arrivals were meant to strengthen the squad and add depth, the overhaul seems to have disrupted team chemistry instead.
Rodri acknowledged that bedding in new players always takes time, but he stressed that standards must remain high.
“Of course, when you change a lot, it’s difficult to find the rhythm. But this is not the way to achieve success. We’ve lost our level, and we need to get it back quickly,” he explained.
Tough Road Ahead for City
The pressure is now mounting on Pep Guardiola to stabilize his team before the season spirals further. After the international break, City face a huge test in the Manchester Derby against United on September 14, 2025.
That clash could prove pivotal—not just in restoring confidence within the squad but also in reassuring fans that City remain genuine contenders for the Premier League title.
For now, the reigning champions look uncharacteristically vulnerable. With Rodri calling for self-reflection and Guardiola scrambling to rediscover balance in his squad, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this early slump is just a minor blip or the start of a deeper crisis.
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