Man City's failure to address recurring problem could cost them dear

Manchester City have never had a problem with scoring goals during the trophy-laden reign of Pep Guardiola.

Even when the Blues did not have a recognised striker in the 2020/21 season, Fernandinho ended up lifting the Premier League trophy. City are currently the division’s top scorers with 36, having hit six against Bournemouth, five against Fulham and four against Chelsea.

Erling Haaland has smashed in 14 goals in as many league matches this season and grabbed one in Sunday’s clash with Tottenham. However, he might feel aggrieved at what happened at the other end during the 3-3 draw. City have kept just five clean sheets in their 18 matches so far this season, including four in 14 Premier League fixtures.

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There has never been too much worry about clean sheets in the past due to their immense fire power being able to compensate. However, this season has been a touch more concerning. In the Champions League, Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys both managed to find openers or levellers while Chelsea and Tottenham fired home four and three times apiece.

A number have been preventable and City have dropped points as a result. The defeat to Wolves in September not only highlighted the absent Rodri’s impact but showed that the Treble winners are not indestructible and are not a perfect team. The champions have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight Premier League matches.

Back in March when City thumped Josko Gvardiol’s RB Leipzig 7-0 in the Champions League knockouts, Guardiola was more happy with the clean sheet. "Always, we have scored goals here in the Champions League," he said. "The problem is not the feeling that we