Crazy as it sounds, I believe Manchester City could still win two trophies and finish in the top four this season. And how’s that for a crisis?. I expect City to beat Bruges on Wednesday night, advance to the Champions League knockout phase - and nobody will want to draw them in the play-off round.
There have been several factors behind their sudden decline this season, notably Rodri’s absence with a long-term knee injury, but it’s not just been a case of taking a Ballon d’Or winner out of their midfield and the milk turning sour. Phil Foden had a slow start to the season - he didn’t score his first Premier League goal until December 21 - but he’s back on song now with six in his last seven games. Kevin De Bruyne was another injury absentee for two months, but his passing range and supply of assists is now just about back to full throttle.
Kyle Walker has been a phenomenal servant for City but he struggled during their pre-Christmas slump, and his loan move to AC Milan was probably best for all concerned. And Jack Grealish has found himself in the margins, often left on the bench at the expense of Jeremy Doku or Savinho. There’s still magic in Grealish, but the days when he would occupy two or three defenders - creating space for other team-mates - have become fewer and further between.
