Five things that have gone wrong for Manchester City

London (AFP) – English champions Manchester City slumped to a third shock defeat in four Premier League games at Leicester on Boxing Day to slip to third in the table and seven points adrift of unbeaten leaders Liverpool.

Just a few weeks ago City seemed unstoppable as they started their title defence with a 15-game unbeaten run.

However, a 2-0 reverse at Chelsea has sparked a run of three defeats in 18 days as Crystal Palace and Leicester both came from behind to hand Liverpool a huge advantage in the title race ahead of their trip to face City on January 3.

Here, AFP Sports looks at what has caused City’s sudden collapse:

Fernandinho irreplaceable

City coped admirably in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence for most of the campaign through injury thanks to an array of creative midfielders, but have badly missed Fernandinho’s ability to play the more destructive role in midfield in the last two games.

The 33-year-old Brazilian had started every league game until Palace’s visit on Saturday and is the one player in City’s squad without a natural replacement.

Centre-back John Stones deputised at the weekend, while the more attack-minded Ilkay Gundogan was deployed at the base of the midfield in Leicester.

“We have to try and find solutions. Ferna was not able to play because he’s injured. We have to overcome this problem,” said coach Pep Guardiola, who tried to sign Chelsea midfielder Jorginho from Napoli in the summer as cover for Fernandinho.

“You have to think about how to solve it when you don’t have players in a position.”

Four competitions take their toll

Even for a squad as deep as City’s, English football’s unique combination of a packed festive period and an extra cup competition can stretch resources.

Just eight days ago a strong City side beat a much-changed Leicester to reach the League Cup semi-finals and stay alive in four competitions.

Leicester boss Claude Puel claimed victory on Wednesday was vindication for his criticised team selection in the cup tie with the Foxes fresh to spring surprises over both Chelsea and City in the past five days.

As well as De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero didn’t start against Chelsea or Palace due to injury, while David Silva has also been sidelined by injury in recent weeks.

Missing Mendy

Left-back has also been a problem position, even as City enjoyed great success last season, due to Benjamin Mendy’s knee troubles.

from World Soccer Talk http://bit.ly/2BGp6gn