On Wednesday, Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen looked uncomfortably like the early-season slump that cost them last term. Without Rodri’s controlling presence, City were vulnerable to the fast breaks that produced both goals, and Leverkusen should have added more. City’s attack could not compensate for those defensive frailties.
This was not a full-strength City: Erling Haaland did not start and Pep Guardiola made nine changes to the XI, admitting afterwards that “maybe ten changes was too much.” Guardiola’s rotation used to be a strength — being able to rest stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, John Stones and Ilkay Gundogan without losing quality — but this team did not resemble that benchmark. Even with many regular internationals in the side, the players on the bench and in reserve failed to maintain City’s usual standards.
The Haaland-dependence criticism gained more traction. City’s best spell came in the 25 minutes after Haaland entered; his personal xG of 0.62 was the highest on the pitch despite limited minutes. Yet relying on him to rescue games is not a sustainable model when the squad beyond the starting XI cannot consistently perform in a congested calendar.
Guardiola may now be forced into prioritising competitions. The ten changes against Leverkusen suggested Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leeds — in a season where Arsenal lead by seven points — was the focus. But losing at home to Leverkusen means the Champions League may have to become the primary concern soon, especially with a difficult trip to Real Madrid and the risk of losing a direct knockout spot.
The wider problem is fixture congestion and injuries: every club is being tested and City’s depth looks insufficient to maintain high levels across midweek and weekend games. Failure to secure direct qualification would add more midweek matches in February and increase the strain.
There is also a contrast with Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. The last time City lost at home in a Champions League group match was in September 2018, when Arteta briefly took charge of City; now he leads an Arsenal squad that appears better stocked across positions. Where Guardiola used Lewis as a backup to Phil Foden, Arteta can rotate between Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard. Emerging talents such as Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki offer cover while Arsenal field Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke; left-back depth also looks healthier at Arsenal.
Arteta’s squad seems able to handle multiple competitions and setbacks in a way Pep’s currently does not. Guardiola’s selection choices this week — and the result against Leverkusen — underline a growing concern: City’s elite XI remains formidable, but the supporting cast may not be deep enough to sustain that level across a packed season.