‘City are in a bit of a rut’

Statistically it’s hard to deny that City are in a bit of a rut. Statistics though often don’t tell the full picture. We are currently on a five-game-losing-streak and with tough fixtures coming up against Derby and then Manchester City concerns are afoot that the streak could go to seven in the coming week.

As mentioned above, statistics often don’t tell the full picture, and here’s why the defeats shouldn’t be too disheartening for City fans;

Home to Wolves – A narrow home loss to a team that are pretty much the leagues Champions elect holds no shame. If it wasn’t for Fielding’s rash challenge I believe we would have gone on to win the match.

Away to Villa – As many said at the time, this game was one too far for a set of players that had achieved so much in December.

Away to Watford – Nobody expected us to win this game given the fact so many first team players were rested and although our young players played well, a loss was always the most likely result.

Away to Manchester City – Firstly – we were only seconds away from getting a draw. Secondly – they are Manchester City.

Home to Norwich – Probably the most frustrating loss of the bad run. We didn’t play too badly but we were some way off our best and our midweek exploits appeared to have a bearing on the game.

When we look back at these results individually it is nowhere near as bad as the run we went on last season that saw us lose eight games in a row. So, if you are one of those fans preaching the doom across social media, relax. Please try and look at the bigger picture and assess the season as a whole, not just this run.

City look set to sign a right-sided defender in the not too distant future given a comment by Plymouth Argyle manager, Derek Adams, who said the loan signing of Zak Vyner was a result of us signing cover in the role. I would guess this will be another loan acquisition but let’s wait and see.

It was painfully obvious against Norwich that we lacked a focal point for our attack in the shape of a robust striker. The club are in an awkward position given the two players currently on staff that can play this role with aplomb, Diedhiou and Djuric, are out injured at the moment.

Woodrow has offered some cover in the role but he doesn’t look like a top-half Championship player, to be honest. So, do we wait for the players to return or dip into the transfer market? Your guess is as good as mine, to be honest, but if we were to strengthen this window further I guess it would be in that area.

After the tough trip to Derby we take on Pep Guardiola’s team for the second leg of the Caraboa Cup semi-final. This years cup run has provided us with so many memorable moments and hosting arguably the best club side in world football at the moment will no doubt be a wonderful occasion.

As to our chances of progression, even the most optimistic of fans would have to say they are pretty slim, that being said a stoic performance in the first leg has given us a chance, albeit a slim one. My prediction for the game is for us to lose by a goal-or-two after another strong display. If that is the way things pan out I don’t think I’ll be the only supporter who will be slightly relieved to be able to truly focus on the league.