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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has explained why Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Ederson were left out of their matchday squad against Everton on Thursday, December 26. The defending champions dropped points in the Premier League yet again as they could only manage a 1-1 draw at home against the Toffees.
Bernardo Silva broke the deadlock for City after 14 minutes, but Iliman Ndiaye equalized for the visitors soon after. Erling Haaland had a golden chance to restore their lead in the second half from the penalty spot, but saw his attempt saved by Jordan Pickford.
With that, City drew for the fourth time this season. This was the 10th time that the holders failed to win in the Premier League in 18 matches this season. Having accrued only 28 points, the Sky Blues are now in seventh place, but could drop further depending on other results today.
The four-time defending English champions also had their task cut out without a few key players, as Walker, Ederson and Grealish were all missing. After the game, Guardiola explained the reason for each player's absence.
For Walker, it was the flu while Grealish was nursing a muscular problem. For the latter, the Spanish tactician just said (via City Xtra on X):
"I don't know the reason why [he has a muscular problem]."
As for their goalkeeper Ederson, Guardiola merely said the goalkeeper "doesn't feel good."
Manchester City return to action on Sunday, December 29, against Leicester City for their last top-flight match of the year.
Manchester City's title defense in tatters
By now, Manchester City's title defense is all but over. Unless Liverpool and Chelsea implode spectacularly, while City reconjure their best and mount a devastating run next year, the Cityzens are out of the title race.
The Sky Blues may find their feet sooner or later, but the damage appears to have already been done. They sit 11 points behind the Reds, who have two games in hand and are approaching a second top-flight crown.
While there's no talk of a sack yet, Guardiola is potentially treading a fine line here. For all his achievements at the club over the last seven years, the Spaniard deserves a chance, but the prospect of a trophyless campaign coupled with no European football next season, could incur heavy losses that may force the management's hand.
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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava