Manchester City’s dismal run continued on Sunday, the first day of December and the beginning of a new month, with a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, marking their sixth loss in seven games across all competitions.
Amidst the turmoil, Ederson Moraes, City’s first-choice goalkeeper, found himself dropped by Pep Guardiola in favor of Stefan Ortega. The decision added a fresh layer of intrigue to a side already struggling to maintain their dominance in English football.
Ederson, 31, had started City’s previous six fixtures domestically and in Europe, during which the team conceded a staggering 19 goals. This alarming figure accounts for over half of the 38 goals they allowed across the entirety of their last Premier League campaign. Guardiola’s decision to bench the Brazilian highlighted City’s growing defensive fragility and the need for urgent changes.
Stefan Ortega, the 32-year-old backup keeper, was handed the gloves at Anfield. Despite conceding two goals against a rampant Liverpool side, Ortega had shown mixed form in his limited opportunities this season. Across his four appearances in the League Cup and Champions League, he kept two clean sheets but also conceded four goals in 360 minutes of action. However, the gamble to start Ortega over Ederson ultimately failed, as City fell further behind in the title race.
The defeat leaves Guardiola’s men trailing 11 points behind Liverpool and outside the Premier League’s top four—a scenario unprecedented in the Spaniard’s managerial career. The normally composed Guardiola faces mounting pressure, with his tactical decisions and the team’s performances under intense scrutiny.
Manchester City now holds the worst defensive record among the Premier League’s traditional ‘top six.’ With Ederson conceding 17 goals in 12 league matches and keeping just two clean sheets, City’s defensive issues are becoming a glaring weakness. The Brazilian has logged 1080 minutes this season but will need to fight to regain his starting spot after Guardiola’s latest selection shake-up.
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Despite the on-field challenges, Ederson broke his silence on social media—not with a statement about his team or performance, but to wish his wife, Lais, a happy birthday. Sharing a heartfelt Instagram story, he wrote, “Happy birthday, my love. You deserve all the happiness in the world. Thank you for always looking after our family. You are an incredible woman. I love you.” While personal moments are cherished, fans are likely more eager to see a public response to his benching and City’s current plight.
Guardiola and his team have little time to dwell on the Anfield loss, with a tough midweek clash against an in-form Nottingham Forest looming on Wednesday, December 4. As City looks to recover from their slump, the festive fixture list presents further challenges, including high-stakes matches against Juventus, Manchester United, and Aston Villa.
The decision to drop Ederson underscores Guardiola’s willingness to take risks in the pursuit of answers to City’s defensive woes. Yet, with results faltering and the pressure mounting, every decision will come under the microscope. Will Ederson reclaim his place, or is Ortega set for an extended run between the sticks?
City’s decline has not only put their title defense in jeopardy but also exposed cracks in a once-unstoppable machine. Guardiola’s ability to navigate this period and reinvigorate his squad will define their season and potentially his legacy at the Etihad.
As fans debate Guardiola’s tactics and question the squad’s mentality, City must find a way to turn the tide. A resolute performance against Nottingham Forest could provide the spark they desperately need, but with confidence at an all-time low, the task ahead appears daunting.
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