Pep Guardiola would be hoping for an upturn in Manchester City’s performances as the season progresses.
For a majority of Guardiola’s spell at Manchester City, they have made a habit of growing into campaigns.
Pep Guardiola’s side unintentionally hand their Premier League title rivals a ray of hope in the first few months of the season as they look like they might have well and truly declined.
But when crunch time arrives, City display a degree of inevitability as they reserve their best football for the most vital part of the campaign.
In Manchester City’s late 2-1 win against Wolves, they were far from their vintage best.
However, John Stones’ last-gasp headed goal meant the Sky Blues set a club record of 31 unbeaten league games — exemplifying the elite mentality within this group of players.
Pep Guardiola admits he did not “recognise” his Man City side vs Fulham
But with the 2024/2025 season just 11 games in, there is plenty of time left before a final verdict can be reached about any team in world football.
Especially a City side who are tackling the herculean task of winning five successive league titles.
However, in his latest press conference, Pep Guardiola admitted that he did not “recognise” his Manchester City team in the last 30 minutes of their 3-2 victory against Fulham.
Guardiola initially stated via HaytersTV: “You have to understand for the fact, what we have done in the past. We didn’t play 11 months at our level but I would like to play the game I played against Wolves every single game.”
“They make four or five touches in our box and we create a lot, a lot, being there [in the final third] many, many times knowing it’s not easy. We need a little bit of composure in the final third but when 10, 11 players are inside the 18-yard box, it’s not easy for anyone.”
“We concede a goal in a brilliant action from them, we were not good in our transition but the rest, I’m pleased, I’m delighted.”
“Last 30 minutes against Fulham, I didn’t recognise my team in many things but always, I give credit to Fulham.”
“The rest of the games, I know that some upsets are important, I know the effort that the guys are doing.”
Pep Guardiola preferred City’s latest showing against Wolves over their narrow triumph against Fulham.
A brace from Mateo Kovacic followed by a stunner from Jeremy Doku meant Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz’s goal were rendered futile at the Etihad Stadium.
Man City stats vs Fulham prove Guardiola right
In both of City’s last two league games, they have had to grind results out.
However, the Premier League winners have found ways to get over the line.
A look at the statistics from Manchester City’s win against Fulham showcase that the visitors could consider themselves unfortunate not to have even taken home a point.
STATS MAN CITY FULHAM
POSSESSION 58% 42%
EXPECTED GOALS (xG) 1.57 2.6
BIG CHANCES 1 5
TOTAL SHOTS 20 11
GOALKEEPER SAVES 2 4
Via Sofascore
Based on the statistics, Manchester City had fortune on their side as they beat Marco Silva’s side.
As a result, Pep Guardiola’s point stands as City even looked like they could throw the game away after Muniz’s late goal meant they had to hold on until the referee blew the final whistle.
While City did not create many noteworthy chances against Wolves, they were far more exposed defensively against Fulham and relied on the individual brilliance of Kovacic and Doku to get them out of trouble.
Furthermore, Manchester City were also playing at home against the Cottagers unlike at the Molineux Stadium — which would have added to Guardiola’s list of complaints in the last 30 minutes of the clash.
