Manchester City’s difficult run continued with a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the derby. The match was disappointing overall, with both teams underperforming, but City initially took the lead just before halftime thanks to a header from Josko Gvardiol.
However, City’s late collapse was nothing short of shocking. In the 88th minute, a mistake by Matheus Nunes allowed Bruno Fernandes to score from the penalty spot, leveling the score. Then, just two minutes later, Amad Diallo delivered the winner for United, sealing an astonishing turnaround. This sudden shift in momentum left City players in disbelief, and their reactions at the final whistle were telling.
Some players left the pitch quickly, while others stayed behind, struggling to process the unexpected defeat. Gvardiol and Erling Haaland were among the last to exit, and they took a moment to acknowledge the few City supporters who remained in the stands. The defeat left City looking disjointed, with Haaland appearing frustrated and the team’s body language reflecting a sense of deep disappointment.
Pep Guardiola’s visible frustration was evident throughout the match, particularly during an intense exchange with Jeremy Doku at one point. Guardiola’s clear dissatisfaction with Doku’s decision-making seemed to mirror the team’s broader struggles. Doku’s inconsistent performance was symbolic of the issues affecting City as a whole, highlighting their inability to capitalize on key moments.
Meanwhile, Haaland seemed to take on a more prominent leadership role, being vocal during the pre-match huddle and engaging with his teammates throughout the game. Despite his attempts to galvanize the team, however, City’s overall performance fell short, and the defeat will only increase concerns about the team’s current form.
In the directors’ box, United and City officials exchanged pleasantries, including a friendly conversation between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Khaldoon Al Mubarak. The City team bus arrived later than usual, leading to speculation that Guardiola may be attempting to make changes in order to turn the team’s fortunes around. As City struggles with consistency, Guardiola is likely to face growing pressure to address the team’s issues and get them back on track.
