Manchester City’s rough patch continued on Saturday as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa.
The loss extended a dismal run of form for Pep Guardiola’s side, who have managed just one victory in their last 12 matches across all competitions. It’s been a sobering stretch for the reigning champions, highlighted by a troubling trend of conceding multiple goals in four consecutive games. To put it into perspective, City have only mustered four points from their last eight league outings, leaving the four-time defending Premier League winners outside the top six as Christmas approaches—a stark contrast to their usual dominance.
Pep Guardiola is now tasked with reigniting his side’s spark as they prepare to face Everton on Boxing Day. On paper, this encounter could offer the perfect opportunity for City to regroup, given their formidable record against the Toffees. They remain unbeaten in their last 15 meetings, including 13 wins, and have shown defensive resilience in these fixtures, with three clean sheets across the past four home clashes. However, last week’s 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United marked a rare slip at the Etihad, and a second consecutive home loss in the league would be their first since May 2021—a record Guardiola will be desperate to avoid.
Everton, meanwhile, arrive with a reputation for frustrating the league’s elite, having recently held Arsenal and Chelsea to goalless draws. Defensive solidity has been their foundation, boasting five clean sheets in their last six league matches. While these results have lifted Sean Dyche’s side four points clear of the relegation zone, their attacking struggles remain a pressing concern. With just 14 goals scored in the league this season, only Southampton have managed fewer—a statistic that underscores Everton’s reliance on their defensive discipline to grind out results.
For Everton, turning those hard-fought draws into victories is the next challenge. Their lack of success on the road is particularly glaring, as they’ve managed only one away league win in over a year. Dyche, along with the club’s new ownership, will undoubtedly be eyeing an improvement in this area, especially as they look to solidify their position in the table and steer further clear of relegation danger.
As for the players to watch, all eyes will be on Erling Haaland, who, by his own exceptional standards, has been experiencing a lean period. The prolific striker has found the net just once in his last six outings. However, Haaland has a strong track record against Everton, having scored four goals in three previous meetings, including three strikes at the Etihad. On the visitors’ side, Idrissa Gana Gueye will be pivotal. Fresh off his 200th Premier League start, Gueye’s influence in midfield remains critical, and Everton fans will remember his assist for their last goal at the Etihad back in 2022.
Interestingly, December clashes between these two sides often bring goals. Six of their last eight December meetings have seen both teams find the back of the net, suggesting this festive fixture could deliver its fair share of drama. While City will be aiming to rediscover their winning touch, Everton’s recent form suggests they won’t make it easy. With both sides eager to set the tone heading into the new year, the stage is set for an intriguing showdown at the Etihad.
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