Manchester City collapses in 15 minutes against Feyenoord

In the recent UEFA Champions League match, Manchester City faced Feyenoord in a shocking turn of events that saw City squander a 3-0 lead. This match took place in the Netherlands, and it marked a historic moment as it became the first time in Champions League history that a team leading by such a significant margin late in the game failed to win. The collapse occurred over a mere 15 minutes, where City allowed Feyenoord to score three goals, resulting in a 3-3 draw. This event highlighted serious defensive issues within the Manchester City squad. Leading up to this match, Manchester City had only conceded 10 goals across their first 13 matches in the current season. However, their defensive efforts have faltered significantly, with 17 goals allowed in just the previous six matches. The mounting pressure appeared to result in a lack of organization at the back, as evident from their performance against Feyenoord, where the team's defensive line was caught out of position multiple times. The goals scored by Feyenoord not only illustrated the vulnerability of Manchester City’s defense but also showcased the clinical finishing of the Dutch side. Key moments from the match included a defensive error from Josko Gvardiol, leading to Feyenoord's first goal, and a chaotic sequence of plays that left City's defense scrambling. The rapid succession of goals, including two strikes in just seven minutes against Tottenham and earlier lapses against Brighton & Hove Albion, suggested a pervasive issue with maintaining composure under pressure. Josep Guardiola's squad has been heavily impacted by injuries, prompting the manager to use seven different center-backs in their 12 Premier League games this season. This inconsistency has contributed to the formation of four different defensive pairings in their Champions League campaign. The pressing strategy employed by Manchester City, which aimed to push the opponent back, has increasingly exposed their defense, compelling the team to adopt a high line, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks as Feyenoord successfully demonstrated. As Manchester City continues its campaign in both domestic and European competitions, the need for a solid and reliable defensive structure becomes paramount. The current reliance on individual brilliance, such as that of striker Erling Haaland, places added pressure on the team to capitalize on chances while also ensuring that defensive collapses do not become a recurring theme. Given the current trends in their play, Manchester City must address these vulnerabilities swiftly to protect their aspirations in the ongoing season.