Despite Landon Donovan’s “Title Race Is Over” Stance, USMNT Legend Optimistic About Manchester City’s Comeback Under Pep Guardiola

To the man who holds the record as the only manager to win the continental treble twice and the record for the most consecutive league games won in La Liga, Bundesliga, and the Premier League, for the first time in his managerial career, he has suffered five consecutive losses. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are currently struggling due to a string of injuries to key players, but soccer icon Tim Howard urges everyone not to count them out just yet. 

While this may be Pep’s worst run in his managerial career, we must not forget the six Premier League titles in the last seven years and have overcome even tougher odds. The Citizens currently sit 2nd in the Premier League table, behind leaders Liverpool, who they face next at Anfield. With the Arne Slot test to be the toughest one ahead, former Everton player Tim Howard believes it’s too early to call dibs on the trophy. 

“Manchester City have given us no reason to suggest they won’t come good. If they win at Liverpool, they can still do the old Pedro Martinez- like, who’s your daddy? Cause we’re at our worst in the last five years and we still beat ya” said Howard on the latest episode of ‘UnfilteredSoccer’. However, the last time Manchester City beat the Reds at Anfield was back in 2001, so the odds are stacked against them. 

With Arne Slot’s side recording a historic win over current Champions League holders Real Madrid, their home record at Anfield looks solid, having lost only once all season. The in-form Mohammed Salah has 17 goal contributions (11 goals, 6 assists) in the 21 times he has faced Manchester City, so the Egyptian is likely to find his name on the scoresheet again. 

With key players like Rodri, Kovačić, and Rúben Dias injured, Pep’s backline has been vulnerable. In the recent Champions League fixture, his side blew a 3-0 lead to Feyenoord, conceding 3 goals in the final minutes of the game. The draw left Pep Guardiola scratching his head, quite literally. 

Pep Guardiola laughs about his scratchy situation- “I want to harm myself”

Yes, those were the Spaniard’s words during a post-match conference following the 3-3 draw. To provide more context, Pep was seen scratching his face and head on the touchline, with the scratch marks on his forehead becoming quite visible by the time the referee blew his whistle. And he was asked by the press about a mark on his nose. Making a scratching motion, he casually explained, “With my finger, my nail. I want to harm myself,” before breaking into laughter and making a quick exit. Pep later released a statement on Instagram, stating he did not ‘intend to make light’ of self-harm. 

To add to the misery, Feyenoord fans were heard singing ‘Arne Slot, La La La La’ after full-time, a popular chant started by Jürgen Klopp when he left Anfield. With fixtures against Juventus, Aston Villa, and a Manchester derby all in December, Manchester City’s position in the Premier League table could be significantly impacted.

For hardcore football purists, it’s almost a given that by the time December finishes, City will find their rhythm and embark on an unbeaten run which results in them topping the table. So will it be a 7th title for Pep Guardiola or will Arne Slot win it in his very first season, with either one of them entering the Premier League Hall of Fame?