Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has sounded the alarm for Manchester City, claiming the reigning Premier League champions are “not as good” as they once were. This assessment comes as Arsenal and Liverpool aim to dethrone City from their top spot.
Hasselbaink pointed to City’s diminished dominance, particularly in their pressing game, which he believes has been compromised by Erling Haaland’s lack of defensive work rate. “I don’t think they’re as good as some of the City teams we’ve seen in previous seasons,” Hasselbaink stated.
The Dutch football pundit cited City’s recent match against Fulham as evidence, where the opposition enjoyed prolonged periods of possession. “When Man City were on top and destroying teams, when they lost the ball, they used to get it back really quickly… Their press used to be so good,” Hasselbaink recalled.
Despite City’s current position at the top of the Premier League table, Hasselbaink remains convinced that this season presents a prime opportunity for Arsenal or Liverpool to seize the title. He warned, “They haven’t played Liverpool yet. They haven’t played Tottenham. They haven’t played Villa, and they haven’t played Manchester United yet. City have some tough games to come.”
City manager Pep Guardiola faces a challenging task in maintaining his team’s momentum, particularly with the absence of injured midfielder Rodri for the remainder of the season. However, Guardiola’s proven track record and City’s unbeaten run suggest they will remain formidable opponents.
As the Premier League season unfolds, City’s next match against Bournemouth on Saturday will be closely watched. With Haaland’s work rate under scrutiny and tough fixtures on the horizon, the pressure is mounting on Guardiola’s team to prove their mettle.
Will Arsenal or Liverpool capitalise on City’s perceived vulnerabilities, or will the Citizens demonstrate their resilience and secure a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title? Only time will tell.
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