Manchester City’s dominance in English football might be coming to an end. After winning four consecutive Premier League titles, Pep Guardiola now faces a challenge he hasn’t encountered in years — fighting to secure a top-four finish.
With only one win in their last 12 matches, City sits far behind title contenders Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Guardiola, known for his confidence, struck a more cautious tone this week. The Premier League title might be the one to forgot for City this season as Guardiola opens up on doubts if the champions can even land inside the top 4.
He acknowledged City’s struggles and the real risk of missing out on Champions League qualification.
“When I said before that qualifying for the Champions League is a success, people laughed,” Guardiola said. “But now, we are at risk. If we don’t qualify, it’s because we didn’t deserve it.”
Can Man City secure a top 4 finish in Premier League this season?
City’s form has shocked fans and pundits alike. Once a team others feared, they now struggle to compete.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Chelsea have cemented their places in the top four. Unexpectedly, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have also emerged as surprise contenders.
For City, the Boxing Day fixtures will be crucial. They must regain their winning mentality to stay in the hunt for European football.
Guardiola remains focused but realistic: “There are many contenders. Every club fights for this [top 4], and if we’re not winning games, we won’t make it.”
The manager’s concerns highlight a deeper issue. City’s current form suggests they could finish outside the Champions League spots for the first time in 15 years.
For a club that has dominated English football, this marks an unprecedented challenge.
