Manchester City’s long-established reputation as the Premier League’s benchmark is beginning to look fragile, according to one of English football’s most respected voices.
After years of dominance under Pep Guardiola, the Cityzens are now being spoken of in a very different light, with questions mounting about their form, identity, and ability to maintain the standards that once made them untouchable.
Their latest setback — a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United — has intensified scrutiny surrounding the squad.
Once known for overwhelming control, relentless pressing, and a seemingly endless supply of match-winners, City have stumbled uncharacteristically across the opening months of the campaign.
The loss at St James’ Park marked their fourth defeat in 12 league fixtures, following earlier reverses to Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa.
For a club that has collected Premier League titles with robotic consistency and made excellence look routine, these mounting stumbles suggest that something fundamental has shifted.
And no one captured that feeling better than a Newcastle legend. Alan Shearer spoke on Manchester City defeat and did not hold back in his assessment after witnessing his former side inflict more misery on the Sky Blues.
“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 said according to Mirror, reflecting on the decline many supporters have quietly feared.
“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.”
His words carried the weight of someone who has watched Manchester City redefine domestic football, revolutionise tactical expectations, and dominate with both style and substance.
To hear such a figure suggest that their peak may already be a thing of the past is a jarring moment not only for City fans, but for the Premier League as a whole.
Rodri’s absence and defensive concerns
Though Guardiola has navigated injury crises and squad transitions before, this season’s struggles appear more deeply rooted.
Much of the conversation has centred around the absence of Rodri — a player Shearer singled out as irreplaceable in the current side.
“They are certainly not the same team without the brilliant Rodri and the protection he gives them in that team,” he said.
“I’m not sure they’ve replaced him as yet. Whether they can find someone as good, probably not.”
Rodri’s influence has grown significantly over the years, becoming the heartbeat of City’s midfield.
His ability to shield the defence, dictate tempo, and maintain structure has often gone under-appreciated. Yet his absence has brutally exposed how reliant the team has become on his stability.
Without him, City have looked more vulnerable, more open, and far less assured in the key moments that once defined their superiority.
Although, Alan Shearer spoke on Manchester City defeat, he focused on their defence — an area that once set Guardiola’s side apart with its remarkable organisation and discipline.
“But the concern would be for me defensively,” he added. “They are always going to score goals, particularly with Haaland up front, but defensively they certainly aren’t as sharp as they used to be.”
This is perhaps the most alarming aspect of City’s recent performances. While Erling Haaland continues to provide certainty in attack, the back line has been uncharacteristically shaky.
Opponents who previously struggled to create clear openings are now finding space, exploiting loose marking, and capitalising on lapses in concentration.
The ruthlessness that powered City to domestic and European glory some seasons ago has faded, replaced by inconsistencies that opponents have not hesitated to punish.
With the fixtures piling up and pressure intensifying, Guardiola now faces the challenge of recalibrating a side that appears mentally and tactically stretched.
The smooth, efficient patterns of play that once made City resemble a machine are sputtering, and even the simplest phases of play now seem harder to execute.
Champions League focus as City seek reset
Despite the growing concerns, Manchester City must move quickly to restore confidence and regain their rhythm.
There will be little time for dwelling on league frustrations as they switch attention to their mid-week UEFA Champions League engagement against Bayer Leverkusen.
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The competition has often served as both a pressure-release valve and a stage where City rediscover their swagger. Yet this season’s group-phase format and intensity offer no room for complacency.
Guardiola’s men will enter the fixture hoping to put their domestic disappointment behind them and climb the league-phase standings to secure a more favourable knockout route.
