October 17, 2026
Manchester City lived through a turbulent week during which the team was put under exceptional pressure after being convicted of serious financial violations, presenting in just three days two completely contradictory images on the green rectangle.
The team began its week with a major victory outside its home base over Liverpool, 3-0, in the stronghold of Anfield, strengthening its lead in the English Premier League to a full mark after six rounds. However, a careful reading of the match indicates that the numerical difference did not accurately reflect its course; City possessed 65% of the ball, but ended the first half scoreless, and the resistance was not broken until the expulsion of Liverpool player Ryan Grafenberg in the 62nd minute. The three goals were scored in just 13 minutes against a deficient team, while Liverpool outnumbered the number of shots on goal by five shots compared to City’s four, which highlights that control over the course of the game was possession, not danger.
Only a few days had passed before Manchester City lost at home to Paris Saint-Germain by four goals to two in the second round of the Champions League, in a match that revealed clear defensive fragility after conceding three early goals in the 13th, 15th and 32nd minutes, two of which came within an interval of no more than 99 seconds. Desiree Doue opened the scoring with a long-shot before setting up a goal for Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha added the third goal, taking advantage of the quick transitions and vast spaces behind an advanced midfield and exposed defence. Although City scored 23 shots compared to its guest’s 13, most of this pressure came after the result was decided, which forced the coach to make three substitutions at once between halftime in an attempt to correct the failure of the original plan. Although Erling Haaland succeeded in scoring two goals, raising his tally to 61 goals in the tournament, Akliush’s fourth goal in the 62nd minute ended hopes of a comeback, handing City its first defeat in which it conceded four goals at home in Europe in its history.
This week summarizes Manchester City’s tactical dilemma. The long possession style gives him a clear advantage against declining local competitors, but it turns into a fatal loophole against the European elite clubs that enjoy speed and accuracy in exploiting cut balls, especially against the defending champion, who has maintained a losing record in ten consecutive matches against English clubs in the Champions League.
The question remains about the technical staff’s ability to develop a second tactical version for the team that balances possession and skill in protecting the goal during the upcoming European matches.
