Manchester City fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday night courtesy of a brace from Harvey Barnes and Alan Shearer has concerns over the former champions
Manchester City fell to a bruising defeat at Newcastle
Manchester City fell to a bruising defeat at Newcastle
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Manchester City have been warned their shaky defence could derail their title bid by Alan Shearer, who has questioned if the former Premier League champions will ever be able to replicate their previous dominance.
Pep Guardiola's side have been the top dog domestically pretty much since he joined the club and even made history by winning four consecutive titles prior to their shock collapse last year, which opened the door for Liverpool to steal the Premier League crown. City have rebuilt and now look best-placed to challenge Arsenal at the summit but they dropped crucial points in the title race on Saturday evening against Newcastle.
The Magpies' 2-1 triumph at St James' Park means Arsenal have the chance to open up a six-point lead at the top of the table in the north London derby on Sunday.
And while it would be incredibly brave - or foolish - to rule City out of the title race at this point, Shearer believes there is a chance Guardiola and Co will be unable to re-establish themselves as the dominant force they once were in the Premier League.
"They are certainly not as good as they were, and we might never see them as good as what they were when they were on that unbelievable run," Shearer told Premier League Productions.
"I mean, the standards that they set in terms of winning trophies, goals and all of those things, they were brilliant and I’m not sure we’ll see them get to that again.
"They are certainly not the same team without the brilliant Rodri and the protection he gives them in that team. I’m not sure they’ve replaced him as yet. Whether they can find someone as good, probably not.
Pep Guardiola
Alan Shearer has warned that Pep Guardiola's side may never be as good as they were in their pomp
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"But the concern would be for me defensively. They are always going to socre goals, particularly with Haaland up front, but defensively they certainly aren’t as sharp as they used to be."
While City have only conceded 10 goals from their 12 games so far - the third best record in the Premier League - Shearer pointed out that Newcastle cut them open at will, particularly during the second half.
He added: "I understand [Guardiola's frustration because his team have been beaten and well-beaten in that second half. They didn’t create a lot. He’s raw just after the game, he’s seen his team beaten in a really tough game, but for me the concern would be how many chances they are giving up, not any refereeing decisions or bad luck.
"If Newcastle had their shooting boots on, they should have scored six or seven – they issed four absolute sitters. The way they carved City open would be a bigger concern for me."
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