Manchester City’s defensive struggles have been a prominent feature of their recent campaigns, with the once-impenetrable fortress now looking vulnerable, fragile, and frail. The seismic changes in their defensive line, combined with the absence of key players and a shifting tactical approach, have contributed to a growing sense of concern for the reigning Premier League champions. This defensive fragility, which has reared its head in several high-profile matches, stands in stark contrast to the rock-solid unit that helped City dominate English and European football under Pep Guardiola in previous seasons.
Historically, Manchester City’s defense has been built on the back of elite talent and a well-drilled system. The likes of Vincent Kompany, who was a towering presence in both leadership and defending, and the steadying influence of players like John Stones and Aymeric Laporte, gave the team the foundation needed to win titles. Even more recently, Ruben Dias, with his commanding presence and communication skills, had bolstered their backline, providing an assurance that was often crucial in tight games. But now, with the departure of key figures and a series of injury setbacks, City’s defense has become more vulnerable.
One of the primary issues has been the absence of a reliable, constant presence at center-back. Ruben Dias, though still a central figure, has not been able to maintain his previous level of consistency due to injuries, leaving Guardiola to shuffle his defensive pairing more often than he would like. The situation worsened with the unexpected departure of veteran defensive stalwart Nathan Aké, and despite the arrival of fresh faces in defense, such as Josko Gvardiol, the integration process has not been seamless. Gvardiol’s lack of familiarity with the Premier League has been apparent in certain moments, while other options like Manuel Akanji have been forced into roles that are not entirely suited to their strengths.
Another critical concern has been the defensive balance in Guardiola’s tactical setup. City’s attacking ethos, while dynamic and thrilling, often leaves them exposed on the counter. The high line that Guardiola employs to compress space and dominate possession has left them vulnerable to fast breaks, particularly when one of the center-backs or full-backs is caught out of position. This was clearly evident in their recent clashes with top-flight teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, where quick transitions led to easy goals, exploiting the gaps in City’s defensive shape.
Moreover, City’s full-backs have become more attacking under Guardiola’s system, with the likes of João Cancelo, Kyle Walker, and now the emerging talent of Jérémy Doku providing width and attacking depth. While this has been a major strength in City’s forward play, it has also weakened their defensive solidity. Cancelo’s departure on loan to Bayern Munich, in particular, left a notable void, as the Portuguese defender offered both width in attack and a reliable defensive presence on the flank. With Walker aging and the newer additions not yet fully adapted, City’s wide areas have become increasingly exposed.
Perhaps most concerning for City is the mental aspect of their defensive woes. The confidence and composure that once characterized their defense have appeared to dissipate in recent months. Players who were once dependable in tight situations, such as Stones, have shown signs of hesitancy or lapses in concentration. These moments of weakness are capitalized on by the Premier League’s top attacking sides, and as a result, City has found themselves conceding goals in critical moments—something they had previously managed to avoid.
While Manchester City’s attacking prowess remains as potent as ever, their defensive vulnerability has left Guardiola with a new challenge. The question remains: can City fix the cracks in their defense before it begins to affect their pursuit of further silverware this season? If they are to continue their dominance domestically and in Europe, a return to defensive resilience will be key. But for now, the once-indomitable defensive unit of Manchester City appears, for the first time in years, fragile, frail, and weak.
